Chapter 8

Minato and Kariya had been walking for some time now.

Kariya was carrying Sakura's sleeping body in his arms. And Minato was helping Kariya walk in turn. The man had refused to allow Minato to attempt to heal him of the worms within his body. First, was because Kariya wanted to get away from the Matou house as fast as he could. The second was because the worms within Kariya's body were what gave him the Prana to actually use and keep Berserker.

Minato understood so he did not pry and quietly walked according to Kariya's directions. Kariya was apparently leading them to Sakura's grandparents' house where her mother also resided. It was out of the city, not too far, but still a fair distance away from the Matou household.

Minato considered summoning a winged Persona only to bring them to the house, but from using Astraea, the Trumpeter, and several others had given Minato a minor headache. Manifestations of thought brought forth by his own power from the Sea of Souls that they reside in they may be, but it still required some form of mental energy to take them forth and use their power. And considering the afternoon daylight it would be almost impossible to hide his Persona if he chose to summon one.

But, Minato didn't. So the time was spent in a silence that was only interrupted by the light breathing of the little girl in Kariya's arms.

Astraea had seen the horrors inflicted on the child, do in turn Minato had seen them as well. Minato could see why Kariya did not wish to tell him what he knew. It was sickening, it was wrong, it was cruel to do all that and more to someone let alone a child. Minato was saddened by it, that it had happened, but there was little he could do about the past. Minato was able to give the girl a choice for a better future; the rest was up to her.

"We're almost there," Kariya said, still limping and trying hard not to fall with Sakura in tow. "It'll be the next road to the right," he grunted.

Minato nodded and continued to walk.

"What will you do once we arrive?" Minato asked.

Kariya looked away from Minato. Anger and confusion was rolling off the man's form.

"We need to get Sakura to her mother. Aoi needs to know what happened to her daughter. After that," Kariya's eyes put off a dangerous light. "Then I'm going after that bastard Tokiomi."

Minato frowned.

"Why?" Minato asked. He caught an angry glance from Kariya, who almost looked like he was going to start shouting. But Kariya stopped himself and took a deep breath.

"He did this to her." Kariya looked at Sakura. "He's the reason all of this happened."

"You said he gave his daughter to your father, correct?" Minato asked, trying to understand the situation.

Kariya nodded. "Yeah, some insane reason to let Rin and Sakura become Magus' but not being able to teach them both."

Minato nodded. "He was trying to make it so that both of his children would be able to learn magecraft. I believe it has to do an inheritance of some sort?"

Kariya nodded again, still struggling to walk. "Yeah, only one child can inherit the family magecraft or some other bull, I never actually paid attention when my father tried to teach me."

"Then I think you should try and talk to the man before you attack him," Minato said, eliciting a shocked look from Kariya.

"You can't be serious! After all that's happened to Sakura, you would actually suggest I talk to him!?" Kariya yelled, forgetting about the sleeping child in his arms. But she did not wake.

Minato shook his head, Kariya's anger had clouded his judgment. Minato would not fault him for that.

"I'm saying that you may not have the full story. From what you've told me, his actions have been that of a father trying to give both of his daughters a bright future. He was willing to send her away so there would not be any resentment between Sakura and her sister. That doesn't sound like a man who would wish for his daughter to be abused as she was."

Kariya looked at Minato with a surprised frown. Then he looked back at Sakura's sleeping form.

"He had to know," Kariya shuddered. "How could he have not known?"

"From what I understand. Magus' in this world are very secretive about their respective mage crafts. It's entirely possible that Tokiomi had no idea what was to befell his daughter. Only that she would become a magus."

Minato attempted to reason with the man. There was a large well of anger within the man. Kariya's anger would get him killed if he was not careful. Minato had no doubt that Kariya was a good person, a decent man at heart. Anyone who would willingly subjugate themselves to this much suffering in order to save another had to be.

But the man's pain. Kariya's anger and resentment were beginning to run rampant. The Master of Berserker was still looking for justice, no for vengeance. He wanted to punish the ones who had harmed Sakura; he wasn't thinking.

"And he shouldn't be punished for it?" Kariya seethed. "He gave her up, his daughter!"

Minato looked back at the sleeping child and back at Kariya.

"She has been through so much," Minato whispered, an inkling of sadness creeping into his speech. "After all of this, you would take away her father?"

They turned and headed towards the house in the distance.

"I-I don't know?" Kariya admitted. The anger had given way to confusion in his voice and face. "He has to answer for what he did to her, but… Sakura."

"Talk to him, to them," Minato offered. "Tell them the truth, of what happened to her, what was taken from her. Then see their reactions, see what they truly knew."

They had almost reached the house; it was several yards away now.

"She deserves justice," Kariya whispered.

"As does everyone wronged by the world," Minato admitted. "But, she is safe now. What Sakura needs now is not justice. She needs her family."

Kariya was silent and they reached the door. Minato knocked three times and waited.

[Break]

"So Bluebeard," Ryuunosuke started while he put away his tools. Human skulls could be such good place holders, especially when it was a family, they all just sort of fit. "What'cha up to?"

Caster had been gathering up some of their victims. The ones that looked alike or had similarities with each other. He placed half of the people he gathered on opposite sides of one another. The first was two kids, brown hair, around the same height and age, nice looking girls all around.

He had been planning on an unbirthing piece, both of them would've been perfect for it. Oh well, there was still the family blender he'd thought up, that would be cool.

"An experiment dear Ryuunosuke," Caster answered. "One that will bring my sweet, dear, Jaune back to me."

He had finished writing the circles. It was a mess of symbols and circles, a lot more complicated than what Ryuunosuke had used to summon Caster, that's for sure.

Caster stepped away from the circles and brought out his book. It was a cool book, with words that Ryuunosuke didn't understand, but it had a screaming face on it so…

Ryuunosuke lost his train of thought when he saw Caster snap his fingers. At once the two kids who had been in a drug like trance were suddenly free of the magic. Both of them screamed, probably from the nails through their feet that kept them from running away.

Ryuunosuke enjoyed the show as the two tried their best to remove the nails from their feet, screaming for their parents or anyone to help. Ryuunosuke wondered if their parents had come to get them as well. Well, they had a lot of people here, it was easy to forget a few.

Caster raised his hands into the air, the book open and spoke the incantation.

"Rmm'sul chwkri Fm U's Nar Bre fo sh swrujh!" Caster yelled activating the incantation.

The circles glowed beneath the two kids. A bright line connected the two circles and created its own, smaller, glowing circle, but with more complicated runes and symbols Ryuunosuke didn't understand. The two girls stopped trying to remove the spikes and stared at the magic taking place beneath their feet.

Then they moved.

The two girls were being pulled towards one another; both tried to fight it, but it was hopeless. They screamed at their feet were torn and broken by the spikes as they were pulled away from the metal restraints. Their hands were growing closer and closer together as they screamed and tried to run.

When their hand finally touched, it did something Ryuunosuke was not expecting. He was thinking like a small explosion, maybe crumbling them into a small ball of gore and flesh, or maybe human impalement. Instead, their hands merged into one another.

Apparently it was painful because the two girls began to screech even louder. The flesh fused together, bones seemed to reshape and reform to accommodate for its new form. It was almost like they were melting into each other as more and more of their bodies became one. When their hips met, the skin fused like it always did, and the bones morphed around one another cauding them to twist and turn.

Ryuunosuke noted that the bones were merging as well, doing the same melting thing that their flesh had been doing. Their broken feet came together and writhed against each other, even the blood was fusing itself, as it twisted and morphed into one foot each. Their feet now looked like the mouth of some creepy fairy tale monster with toes instead of teeth; the blood was all the same though.

Finally, their faces touched one another, the pain and agony breaking their minds and their voices. Eyes twisted and imploded on themselves, two of them popping to make way for the extra. Teeth gnawing into their faces growing inside of their head rather than the outside, a monstrous tongue doubling in length, but looking swollen and white as though it was filled with pus. The result of that was a warped face that looked like someone put a mask into a washing machine and it came out all swirled and gnarled.

The new one girl now stood in the middle of the third circle. Its legs and arms were unnaturally long, with one of both sides looking much larger and fatter compared to its other side. Feet that were twisted into the side with ten toes on each foot replicating a maw covered in blood. Hands and fingers fused into a shapeless lump with stubs and a mass of blocked up blood gathering in the lump. Two small and adolescent breast became disfigured and drooping with the stomach becoming enlarged and bloated.

It was shaking and barely standing. From what eh just saw, seeing what that Caster was before him, the monstrosity he had created. Ryuunosuke could think of one thing to say.

"COOOOL!"

Ryuunosuke laughed and rushed to Caster and the fusion.

"That. Was. So. COOL!" Ryuunosuke yelled as he started to poke and prod the creature, smiling when it moaned in pain. "How'd you do that?"

Caster's large eyes focused on Ryuunosuke and smiled. "Dear Ryuunosuke, using the Prelati's Spellbook: Text of the sunken spiral city, I have access to some of the greatest of magecrafts. One of them being," He motioned to the creature and raised his voice. "To fuse the very lives of others!"

"That's so awesome," Ryuunosuke whispered, his voice shaking in pleasure. "What made you think of this Bluebeard?"

"My dear sweet Jaune," Bluebeard answered, a reverence and love so insane even Ryuunosuke was moved by his voice. "God in his cruelty has punished her, more so than I believed. He took my beautiful maiden, his most stalwart of champions and broke her, betrayed her!" Caster thrusted out his hand and one of the kids on the side was ripped apart by tentacles. "Her body was taken and changed into something she wasn't, and her soul was imprisoned within a boy."

Caster motioned to the creature and the circles.

"But with this, I will be able to bring back my beautiful Jaune! By fusing the soul and body of the Maid of Orleans, I will defy God and bring her back to me!"

Suddenly the creature exploded. An explosion of bone and gore gilled the room with some of it getting on Ryuunosuke and Caster.

"Aw ma, sorry Bluebeard guess it didn't work out." Ryuunosuke sighed, he was planning on doing some cool torture on that thing.

"It's fine Ryuunosuke. I had expected that to happen after all." Caster admitted. "While the two I used were very similar in body type, their souls were still two very different beings. Their death was inevitable but necessary to make sure I could succeed."

"Oh, well that's great!" Ryuunosuke smiled, happy that his partner's plans would succeed. "Hey if you have a second you wanna see my new art piece?"

"Ohh, what have you made this time Ryuunosuke?" Caster asked, his voice happy and interested.

"You're gonna love it. See I took one of the families and got the dad right. I ripped his ribs out of his body, sharpened them on both sides, and then impaled him with his ribs. But I positioned them so that it would look like an S with three on his chest and the other three pierced in his back."

"That's quite inventive Ryuunosuke," Caster turned to the tools, "Ah! You even took my advice to use their heads as tool holders!"

"Of course man," Ryuunosuke patted Caster's back. "Y'know if you use the heads from the same families they fit a lot better."

"Yes, yes, of course!" Caster slammed his fist into his hand in a moment of eureka. "Why didn't I ever think of that? Truly you are a real artist Ryuunosuke!"

"You haven't even seen what else I did, look," Ryuunosuke pointed to his newest piece of art.

The father he had mentioned before was impaled from behind by a large pole that was constantly rotating. His ribs that were sharpened and serrated were turning with him. Strapped to two other poles were an older woman and a young boy and girl. Their stomachs and insides had been slashed open by the bone. Intestines, blood, and skin were being dragged by the spinning corpse. The three on the poles died a while ago, but their faces still held the memory of pain and grief. Trails of tears still lingered on their faces.

"It's a human blender!" Ryuunosuke announced. "Saw one of the new models on my way back and just couldn't get the idea out of my head."

"Incredible Ryuunosuke!" Caster cheered, his eyes mad with delight "How long did they last?"

"Only about 10 minutes," Ryuunosuke answered. "Surprised you didn't hear there screaming, but you were busy, so it wasn't a big deal."

"True art must be appreciated when it is in motion Ryuunosuke, but I thank you for your understanding," Caster admitted and moved towards the crystal ball in the room.

His hands roamed over the glass ball's surface. The clear ball was now glowing and showing forms within its light.

"Soon Ryuunosuke soon all will be right and my justice against God shall be complete." Caster chuckled while gazing at the figures in the ball.

"Cool, hey you wanna check out this other idea I had," Ryuunosuke picked up a butcher knife and a book. "I wanna see how long kids will survive as I carve the alphabet in their skin and teeth, wanna watch?"

Caster turned to stare at Ryuunosuke, a manic glee on his face. "That sounds like it shall be wonderful to behold! I am truly lucky to have been granted you as a Master, Ryuunosuke."

"Me too man, you're the coolest guy ever," Ryuunosuke rubbed his head embarrassingly. "And hey, sorry about breaking that armband you gave me, little shit blindsided me."

"It's no worries Ryuunosuke," Caster waved off picking up his knife and leading a child to their table. "Besides…"

The girl was lifted out of her daze, confused as to why she was on the table. Only to begin screaming as Caster impaled her limbs to the table with the blood stained knives.

Caster smiled, enjoying the screams like the most beautiful of musics. "It only means our guest will arrive that much sooner.

[Break]

Waver believed he was going to die in the next few minutes.

Since he entered that war, and since Minato entered the scene, that had been the norm. He'd been high strung and extremely careful in his actions. Making sure always to watch his back, because his boisterous Servant wouldn't even entertain the idea of a sneak attack.

So why in all that was good and holy did he allow Saber and her Master in the house.

Well, that wasn't entirely accurate. Waver hadn't let them in the house, he was actually in the process of overcoming shock, fear, bowel movements, and was about to yell his response. Which was a very large no, followed by a scream, and maybe a broken window to escape with Rider. Instead, what had happened was that Rider gave them a stupid laugh and welcomed them in, and before Waver could even protest Rider's decision the Mackenzie's had already agreed to it and began to set the table for their guest.

So, naturally, Waver had no choice but to blame all of his misfortune on Rider.

Now there were two incredibly beautiful women in their living room. Both who could probably easily kill Waver faster than he could run out of the door.

Waver knew very little of the Master and Servant duo in front of him. He knew that the Einzbern's were a powerful and ancient magus family, but that was about it. The older Magus families became more and more secretive and secluded the longer the lineage, which explained on his lack of knowledge in their area. But, Waver did recall that they had an excellent grasp of alchemy, one of his specialties, so there was no telling what she could concoct up in a moment, like weapons or animals made of wire or something.

Then there was Saber. Saber was just as beautiful as her Master, maybe a little more so, and was easily the second or third most dangerous Servant in the Grail War. The Saber class was, in Waver's opinion, the best class to have for a Magus. The up close fighter that the Magus could provide backup for, the ideal Servant. It was also that stat wise Saber was the most well rounded of the Servants in terms of physical abilities, and that wasn't even mentioning her Noble Phantasm. The most renowned sword in the world, Excalibur.

Saber was apparently King Arthur, or was it Queen Arthur? So a historical legend from Waver's own homeland was wrong about the gender of their most famous mythological, well technically not fictitious anymore, ruler. Waver was sure there was an incredibly profound and tragic story behind her gender, maybe connecting to the fall of Camelot in some way, but that wasn't what Waver could focus on.

Besides the fact that Saber could kill him within a second at worst, Waver was confused as to how anyone thought this was a male? From her face, body, even her hair and armor. Nothing about it looked… well masculine. Everything spoke of a female knight who was regal, powerful, beautiful, and stern.

Waver had to assume that his ancestors from that time were blind or stupid.

Or both, both worked.

"Here you go ladies," Mr. Mackenzie entered the living room to give Saber and Irisviel two cups of tea. "I hope you like it; it's not often we get visitors as beautiful as yourselves."

Waver saw Saber and Irisviel give the old man smiles. Saber's Master was blushing from the praise.

"Now, now don't you go and scare off these two cute girls," Mrs. Mackenzie chided at her husband. "These two came to see our Grandson and his friend, not an old man trying to flirt."

Mr. Mackenzie laughed, used to the barbs of his wife. "You're right," he turned to the table, "I'll leave you all alone now, please you two stay as long as you like, and Waver."

Waver turned to the old man, "Yeah gramps?"

"I'd suggest going for Irisviel over here, Saber's a bit scary," Mr. Mackenzie chuckled and left the room.

Waver blushed from embarrassment. What a perfect time to be embarrassed right in front of the enemy. He became even redder when Irisviel chuckled, and Saber scoffed. Whether it was out of annoyance or humor, he couldn't tell.

"You have very kind grandparents Waver," Irisviel said, her voice was sweet and had an innocent quality to it. She took a sip of the tea. "And their tea is excellent, I must thank you for the hospitality you have granted us."

"Indeed," Saber nodded her head in agreement. "However…"

The Servant turned to Waver and gave him a disapproving look.

"I sense a magical influence around them. Have you by any chance enthralled or manipulated the minds of those two."

Waver nearly buckled under the gaze of the frightening woman. He should've known that one of them would have noticed what he did. Not that he did anything of real harm, just manipulated their memories with some hypnotism and suggestion magecraft into believing that he was their grandson.

Waver looked down, unable to meet the Servants gaze, "I used some suggestion magecraft to convince them I was their grandson. But, I promise there should be no lasting damage to their minds!"

Waver didn't know why he was trying to defend his actions to an enemy Master and Servant. Maybe it was the overwhelming fear that they would start a fight and wreck his free place to stay.

And accidently get the Mackenzie's involved in the Grail War, that too.

"So, do they know about the Grail War?" Irisviel asked a worried look on her face.

"Of course not," Waver said immediately, hoping they don't get the wrong idea. "They just think I'm visiting for some time; I'm doing my best to make sure they don't find out about it."

Waver found himself looking at Rider and frowning.

"Which would be easier if someone hadn't invited an enemy Master and Servant into the house!"

Waver glared at his Servant who proceeded to chuckle at Waver's misfortune and ignore him in the same breath.

"They came to us to speak and discuss matters of alliance and war," Rider turned towards the two across the table. "Did you not?"

Two nods agreed with his statement.

"Then it is good that we allowed them in boy. As the King of Conquerors, it would be shameful of me not to listen to the prospects of alliances." Rider motioned to the two women, "And these two would make excellent allies in this war."

"I thought you didn't like Saber?" Waver asked, wondering why his Servant would accept an alliance with her.

"As a king? No. She is a naïve and foolish little girl who led her country on ideals instead of law and reason. A king who regrets her life does not deserve the title in my opinion."

Waver inched away from the table as he saw Saber shaking in anger. Waver believed that she was unable to respond, perhaps at the behest of her Master to be diplomatic, and all she could do was grind her teeth in anger.

Waver didn't agree with his Servant here. To Waver, King Arthur is one of the greatest literary figures in all of fiction. He took the sword from the stone which selected him as king, after all. Apparently, that was from God or Merlin. But knowing the once and future king's history gave Waver a little bit of bias.

Well, the history that was true after all.

King Arthur was a king; he remembered what Minato had said about them last night. She was a king that was different from the others like all kings were. Waver didn't see it as being that bad.

"But as a knight," Rider continued staring down the King of Knights. "She wields great skill and power; it would be foolish to deny the chance to gain an ally such as this."

The compliment seemed to calm Saber, albeit very little, but the Servant of the sword no longer looked like she was about to draw the legendary blade and bisect the two men across the table.

"Please Saber," Irisviel whispered to her Servant. The Einzbern's voice calmed the Servant of the Sword, and the woman's calm face appeared once more. Then Irisviel turned towards Rider, a hardness in her eyes Waver was surprised to see.

"Honorable King of Conqueror's," Irisviel bowed slightly. "I thank you for considering an alliance with us, but know that if we do ally ourselves with one another, you will treat Saber the respect she deserves. Whether or not your personal feelings differ from that."

Rider stared back down at the Master, then gave a nod of respect with a smile adorning his face.

"My apologies Lady Irisviel, it has been some time since others have approached me regarding alliance. My teacher would berate me for my lack of tact in this matter. I will be sure to conduct myself in a more professional matter at this time.

Irisviel nodded. "See that you do, and thank you."

"Now then!" Rider bellowed and picked up his drink, "You have come to us under the laws of hospitality and alliance! For what is the purpose of this alliance and the conditions that shall be met during and upon completion!"

Waver buried his face in his hands from embarrassment. Why did his Servant have to make a spectacle out of everything? It was like he was an actor or something instead of a king in his past life.

"King of Conqueror's," Irisviel began, "We have come to you for aid concerning two issues. The first being Caster and his Master."

"Hmmm, I see," Rider rubbed his chin in contemplation. "You wish for our aid in finding him or killing him?"

"While either would be accurate Rider," Saber spoke. "We seek your help in stopping him as first and foremost in this alliance. From what we've been able to find out, Caster and his Master have abducted several dozen families most of them being children."

Waver could hear and almost feel the anger and rage in the Servant's voice.

"Yes, stopping him should be the first concern here," Rider agreed to nod solemnly. "But if that's the case and we do end up killing the Servant and Master, then who shall gain the extra Command Seal?"

That was a good question, Waver thought. The whole reason Waver considered even going after Caster was that of the new Command Seal. The more he had then, the more opportunities Waver could have to turn a bad situation into a good one.

"It's fairly simple," Saber answered. "The one who fells Caster first gains the Command Seal."

"Aha! So a race!" Rider asked with a gleam in his eye.

"This isn't a game Rider!" Saber yelled, anger marring her beautiful face. "We have come to you because you hold some sense of honor. Do not make light out of this as innocent people die at the hands of a madman!"

Rider sighed. "Right, right, my apologies. But that is what you are offering, an alliance between us with a race to kill Caster first correct?"

Saber seemed to calm down after Irisviel patted the King of Knight's back.

"Yes, if it aids your understanding of our alliance then yes."

"I see, then we should no problem in supporting you in this endeavor. Do we boy!" Rider turned to his smaller Master.

Waver looked between Rider and his guest. It would be smart to gain an ally, especially at gaining an ally from the Saber class. And it didn't seem like either of them would plan to backstab him and Rider if they joined forces.

"Uh, yeah sure. We can work together." Waver agreed lamely.

"Now then, you said there was a second reason for this alliance?" Rider asked, his joy replaced with a serious expression.

Irisviel nodded. "The second reason is that after Caster is dealt with, we continue to pool our resources and initiate an attack on Archer."

Waver's hearts fell into his chest and threatened to run away screaming.

They had wanted to go after Archer right after Caster. Archer who had dozens of Noble Phantasms that he could shoot like arrows. Who had enough firepower to rip apart Rider's chariot and Waver along with it as if they were nothing. And that wasn't even the worst part.

Archer was Gilgamesh the King of Heroes. Waver knew little to nothing about the Epic of Gilgamesh, only that it was an ancient Sumerian epic created several thousand years ago. And that it was the first written story.

Heroes from the Age of the Gods, and every older hero, were powerful even by Servant standards. And he was the oldest; he was the first hero, someone so powerful that even though hardly anyone remembered his legend, he was still ingrained into history, so his power remained.

Waver still had no idea how he had so many weapons. But it was needless to say that Archer was the most dangerous Servant in this war. And needless to say terrified the absolute hell out of Waver.

"A collaboration to take out the stronger enemy," Rider summarized and looked back to his two guests. "I was wondering why you came to us for aid, and I believe I have an answer. It would have made more sense if you had gone to Lancer for support, despite his Master's annoying tendencies. Against Caster neither both of you, I would assume, could make quick work of him."

"But against Archer, that would be a different story," Rider continued. "Both of you would have difficulty even reaching him let alone attacking him, so you needed someone who could aid you in finding Caster quickly and be able to reach Archer in battle. Am I right?"

If Irisviel or Saber were surprised by Rider's deduction, they didn't show it. Irisviel just nodded in agreement.

"That is correct, as of right now Archer is the most dangerous Servant in this war. An alliance between us would be the best chance at defeating him and Caster in the most efficient and quickest way possible."

"Oh I see," Waver said deciding to chip in, "If we team up we can hit Caster and Archer the same way and still be effective. Sort of like a hit and run tactic. Hit them hard and fast, and keeping up the pressure until they break."

Waver saw some looks of approval from the two woman. For that to be ruined by the giant hand slapping him in the back.

"Good! I was afraid you would be lost in our talks of alliances." Rider bellowed and laughed. "It's comforting to learn that my Master is capable of learning."

"I should be saying that to you; you pain in the ass!" Waver yelled unable to stop himself.

Irisviel giggled, trying to cover her smile with her hands. Saber had a small smirk of her own. No doubt finding some satisfaction in Waver's misery with Rider.

"Now then," Rider said to continue the alliance talks. "Say we defeat Caster and Archer and say we are both still alive after this. What then?"

It was Saber that answered him as she faced her fellow Servant.

"If we are successful, then we can both go our separate ways and become enemies once more. Or we can continue to keep our alliance until the end when only the two of us are left and decide the victor after."

"So not a situational alliance but an endgame alliance," Rider noted while scratching his chin.

"Yes," Irisviel nodded. "Even without Archer and Caster that still leaves Lancer and Berserker. Both of whom have proven to be rather strong."

"However," Saber interrupted. "If we do continue to ally ourselves after the defeat of Caster and Archer, I will not accept your help in dealing with Lancer."

"I remember," Rider nodded. "You still have an unfinished duel with Lancer. Very well, if we agree to your terms, then I will agree not to interfere with your duel. I'd dare not dishonor a fight between heroes and knights."

Saber nodded. Whether out of agreement or respect, Waver wasn't sure.

"Then how would we proceed with Berserker?" Rider asked the Servant of the sword.

"Together if possible," Saber answered. "The Mad Servant is merely a beast that is needed to be put down. It is our duty to strike him down."

"I agree, Berserker is a dangerous foe, but with our combined might it should be simple enough to take him down." Rider crossed his arms and smiled.

"Then… do we have an agreement?" Irisviel asked, her voice displaying some nervousness.

Rider laughed, it was joyous and full.

"Of course we do! With our combined might there will not be a single foe in this Grail War that can stand to us! We will face the kidnapper of innocents and the King of Heroes in glorious combat and break them beneath our heel! Then, in the end, we shall meet one another on the battlefield in honorable combat as heroes should!"

The very air seemed to still and listen to Rider's words. The force, the energy, the passion to which he laid out his declaration was almost a being in of itself. What Waver heard wasn't something of an inspirational speech some gave at seminars. This was a war cry, a declaration of conquest given to followers of a grand army. Waver felt braver, stronger, and ready to go out into the world screaming in triumph daring all who would face him and his king.

Which made Waver falter.

Why did he just think of Rider as his king?

Was that the power of A-Rank charisma? To naturally wish to follow this man, to claim him to be one's king? Waver admitted that the man was inspiring, as much as he hated to admit it in the first place. His Servant was a loud and boisterous buffoon who would get them killed because he didn't think things through.

But was that true? Sure Waver saw how Rider acted normally, but his unwavering courage, calling our fellow kings on their ideologies, debating between other Servants, and giving a speech so small but held so much that it almost overflowed.

Waver wondered if he did get lucky with his Servant.

Waver was a little happy to see that he wasn't the only one affected by his Servant's speech. Irisviel's eyes shone, and determination he had not seen in her eyes glinted like stars. Even Saber seemed to be smiling, this time respect and even traces of surprise showing on her face.

It didn't have the same reverence that Irisviel, or himself Waver suspected, but it was better than animosity at any rate.

"So… now what?" Waver asked finding his voice.

"Oh! Yes, I'm sorry," Irisviel said. The surprise of Rider's speech now gone. "Well I was hoping we could come up with a plan on how to find Caster. As of right now Saber and I know very little regarding to where they could be hiding."

"Well then, it's a good thing you showed when you did! Isn't that right boy!" Rider laughed and clapped Waver on the back again.

"Oh yeah, that's right!"

Waver got up and rushed to his room upstairs to get his vials and notes. He came down a moment later holding said objects and making sure they didn't fall to the ground. He placed them on the living room table and presented it to their new allies.

"Before you came here I was working on trying to find Caster," Waver said picking up the vials. "I tested the water for magical residue because some of the last kidnappings were near the river."

"And the higher the residue of mana in the river, the closer you are to finding Caster!" Irisviel said, her voice intense. "An ingenious way of using alchemy Mr. Velvet, well done!"

Saber nodded in agreement and picked up the black vial.

"If these vials are accurate as well as your alchemic knowledge being sound, then we may be closer to finding Caster than I originally thought. Are you confident that you can use the vials as a way to find Caster?"

Waver bristled a bit at the question. But a combination of knowledge that she was an ally for the time being and some pride at being questioned gave him the will to respond.

"Of course it will. I am a genius, after all, I even specialized in alchemy at the Tower." Waver's voice carried a hint of smugness fueled by his accomplishment and his pride. "No doubt we will find Caster in the sewers, most likely towards the middle of the city where they could have a lot of open space and disappear right after they kidnap someone."

"Well then boy, where should we start looking?" Rider asked.

"Umm…"

This is where Waver had hit a snag. He wasn't entirely sure where to start. The sewer system in Fuyuki city was complex and large. If they just went in gung-ho, then there would be a good chance that they would run into Caster's traps well before they found the Heroic Spirit. And with Rider being Rider and Saber being Saber, it was probably safe to assume that quiet and sneaky went against their nature.

"I have a suggestion." Irisviel raised her hand and motioned to the group

"Yes, Irisviel?" Saber asked.

Irisviel brought out her hand, and a mass of silver blue lines appeared. Waver realized several seconds later that this was alchemy. Alchemy at a level so far ahead of his own it looked like something else entirely. Alchemy was the manipulation of matter. This was more similar to the type of alchemy that utilizes the creation of matter.

The same creation that could be used to make Homunculi. Waver knew that the Einzbern's were a big deal in the alchemic schools of magecraft, but he never really put two and two together when it came to how big that was.

"I could use my wire to track down the density of mana residue in the waters of the sewers," Irisviel said as the strands fluctuated in her hand. "If we start at the harbor and follow the trail of residue, it should be able to lead us right to Caster's lair."

"Can those strands do that?" Waver asked before he could stop himself, his inner student wanting to learn more about the strands.

Irisviel nodded with a smile on her face.

"Of course, I simply need to recreate the process you used to find the mana residue and apply it to my homunculi strings. After that, it just needs to take a form suitable for tracking, a dog or regale maybe, and follow the trail."

Waver didn't know what was better. The fact that they had an actual plan to reach Caster and not just to go gung-ho into the wind. Or that there was a master of alchemy sitting right across from him. Now Waver wasn't foolish enough to think that he could get, or even convince, a member of a long time family to teach him their secrets of alchemy.

But simply seeing it, and it not being used to kill him, was a gift unto itself. It was almost as impressive as his old teachers Mystic Code.

The man liked to show off his power to demonstrate his superiority Waver believed.

Rider chuckled and stood up. His civilian clothes changed to the Grecian armor he wore when going to battle and Waver could hear the faint sounds of hooves and wheels outside of the door.

"Then let us be off!" Rider yelled. "We shall take my chariot to the docks. With it, we should arrive there in minutes."

Waver almost sighed until he saw Saber shaking her head.

"No Rider," Waver said getting up herself. "You and your Master may take the chariot, but Irisviel and I shall ride in the vehicle we arrived in."

"With all due respect Saber my chariot would arrive at the docks much faster than your car," Rider argued.

"Be that as it may, we have just joined in an alliance," Saber reasoned. "While I do… believe you are a man of honor, I would feel much safer if Irisviel and I rode together for the time being. There could always be a chance that you two are misleading us and using our proposition as a way to eliminate Irisviel and me."

"Saber," Irisviel pouted.

Rider sighed.

"Very well. I understand that trust is not freely given whether or not others have joined in an alliance. Trust must be earned from both parties. We shall meet you at the docks then, let's move boy!"

Rider picked up Waver and walked out the door to the bull drawn chariot.

"H-hey don't just pick me up whenever you feel like it Rider!" Waver wailed at the indignity.

He was going to continue to complain until he saw what was parked outside the house.

It was a car. A superb looking, expensive car. Like the kind of car, you would expect millionaire's to have. Waver groaned about life being unfair as he had to travel with a crazy driver in the sky while their new allies stayed safely on the ground.

"Oh-oh Saber, can I drive this time?" Irisviel asked almost bouncing up and down.

"O-oh, um… well, you see Irisviel I don't think that would be…" Saber stammered if Waver didn't know any better. It almost sounded like she was afraid.

"Pleeeeaaase, I haven't gotten to drive since we left the docks two nights ago. This might be one of the last times I'm able to." She pouted at her Servant who looked increasingly scared and somewhat ashamed.

"W-well, I suppose if you don't do anything unnecessary then we could," Saber began, no doubt losing the battle of wills with her Master.

"Yay!"

Irisviel cheered and rushed into the driver seat beckoning Saber to join her in the car. For a moment Waver could swear she was considering on going to Rider's chariot instead.

What the heck could make the King of Knights so scared Waver wondered?

Saber took a deep breath and went into the passenger's seat of the car.

"Now let us be off, HYA!" Rider yelled as Saber entered the car. Waver and his Servant leaped into the sky in a boom of thunder and hooves as the car that was next to them started up.

It was going to be a long night Waver admitted.

[Break]

"Hmm," Kayneth mused as he looked across the alleyway.

Lancer, Sola-Ui, and he had been planning on how to proceed with the Grail War now that Sola-Ui had become Lancer's Master. Kayneth first suggested to finding Waver Velvet and killing the fool once and for all.

Kayneth would admit that a large part of it was due to the want of vengeance. First, a student, who had seemed to grasp and understand the concepts of magecraft, sent him an idiotic paper that questioned the value of family lineages. As if he had the nerve considering that the boy's family wasn't even in its fifth generation.

Then after scolding him on his presumptuous theory and appropriately shaming him in class. Waver Velvet had decided to steal from Kayneth and his rightful Servant. Kayneth had to pull so many strings and sever so many connections that he had made in the tower to get the relic of Diarmuid simply.

The second reason was that of how dangerous Rider was. There was a reason Kayneth had tried to get Alexander the Great as his Servant for the Holy Grail War. The older the Heroic Spirit, then the greater their legend and power. Especially considering the impact that they had on the world while they were alive. Alexander would have been perfect in all categories. Then there was the nature of his Noble Phantasm.

Kayneth did as much research as he could on Noble Phantasm's and from what he was able to ascertain was that the Noble Phantasm is almost or made the hero in question famous itself. So what made Alexander the Great a famous figure?

It was his army. It stood to reason that Alexander the Great's Noble Phantasm would be the great leader's army, not just some simple weapon or ability.

To have a Servant and an army. The war would have been over on that first night in the docks.

But, sadly that was no longer the option. Now he was stuck with a Lancer that was more concerned with honor and chivalry than winning the war. At least he had Sola-Ui, she had been more agreeable as of late.

But now there was a separate problem besides the other Masters.

The young man Kayneth had vowed not to hinder was a viable force in the Grail War currently. Kayneth had not made his argument during the dialogue, but he hadn't had a choice. Kayneth had assumed that the boy was a Sorcerer and as such feared for the life of himself and Sola-Ui.

He had vowed to take no action against the boy from another world. And as a Magus, especially one from the Archibald family line, he would uphold his word. He did not sign a geis, so he was not magically bound to do what he promised, but his honor demanded so.

The boy, however, had admitted to wanting to end the Holy Grail War because of the potential consequences. The boy believed that the chance that a deranged individual would win the grail outweighed that of a respectful and intelligent Magus, such as himself, winning it. Kayneth would admit that some… unfortunate incidents have occurred during the Grail War. But it was a system made that had heroes from ancient times with the Magus of the current times fighting for a wish. There was some collateral damage, that was unavoidable, but the reward surely justified the risk.

Which was why he gave his command seals to Sola-Ui. While before she acted as a secondary reserve for Lancer in this war, the roles were now reversed regarding supplying power. Lancer still claimed to obey him, which Kayneth barely believed, and Kayneth still directed their group on what to do. Sola-Ui even seemed more at ease. Perhaps bearing the responsibility of being Lancer's Master has given her some clarity, Kayneth was unsure, but the woman he loved looked happier, and that was welcome in this war.

But realizing the inherent danger with allowing Caster to run rampant and give way to the public discovering the war could be disastrous. So now the three of them were in a dimly lit alleyway, covered in garbage in the middle of the day.

Volumen Hydragyrum, Kayneth's very own Mystic Code of moving mercury spread around the alleyway in search of magical residue.

"Have you found anything Kayneth?" Sola-Ui asked, standing beside Lancer.

"Yes," Kayneth scratched his chin in contemplation. "It seems a low-level hypnosis spell was used around here; I recognize the magical residue from the spell that Volumen Hydragyrum detected. Most likely used with a gem of some sorts, probably only required contact but it's very faint."

"This is quite the impressive Mystic Code, Master Kayneth," Lancer admitted watching the mercury slither around the alleyway. "We will be able to locate Caster with this will we not?" he asked.

"Of course we will," Kayneth answered, pride seeping into his voice. "I simply need to focus on the magical signature and then trace it back to its source. After that, it's simply finding Caster and killing the Servant and his Master."

Sola-Ui sighed and looked at Kayneth, exasperation clear on her face.

"I still don't understand why we're doing this, let the other Master and Servant go after Caster. I don't see why we're going out ourselves. It's putting us in needless danger."

Kayneth scrunched up his face in dissatisfaction but remembered who was talking to him and reigned in. "Sola-Ui be reasonable. At first, I was thinking the same of simply staying in our hotel room fortified by our defenses. But I reasoned that another Command Seal could be crucial to winning this war. Also, this Caster and his Master have begun to garner attention. It would be disastrous if the Magus Association found out and leveled the entire city. No, it is wiser to end this fool before things get out of hand."

Then Lancer spoke up. His voice filled with respect and calm.

"Mistress Sola-ui, please see reason on this. Caster and his Master have been allowed to prey upon the innocent of this city in a war between Heroes and Magus. It is our responsibility to end their evil and continue this war. I do not doubt that Saber, Rider, or even Archer would be searching to bring Caster to justice. Reward or not this is the right thing to do, especially if it means protecting the innocent."

While Kayneth agreed with the need to end Caster, he never would have put such idealistic dribble onto it. Kayneth and the other Magus were doing this because Caster needed to die for them to win, and for the reward of an extra Command Seal. Yes kidnapping children was reprehensible, but not unheard of.

Kayneth looked and saw Sola-Ui slightly blush, most likely from embarrassment. It wasn't her fault she simply didn't choose to think ahead.

"Of course Lancer, please forgive my thoughtlessness," She bowed her head in apology then turned to Kayneth. "Are we almost ready to go?"

Kayneth nodded.

"Yes, it should take me another minute or two, after that, I should have enough residue to find-"

Kayneth never got to finish his statement as Lancer rushed in front of him, faster than Kayneth could even realize, and blocked two thrown projectiles that were aimed right at Kayneth.

"What the-?" Kayneth began but was lifted off of his feet as Lancer picked up his former Master and raced towards Sola-Ui.

Blades began appearing out of nowhere. Spinning curved blades, pointed daggers, darts, and needles of some sorts began flying out of the shadows at speeds faster than Kayneth could comprehend.

Lancer deflected every single one.

Kayneth was only able to see the blades as they fell from Lancer's red spear. Dozens of blades littered the ground every second. After several seconds Lancer was able to drag Kayneth and Sola-Ui into the end of the alleyway, cutting off any form of escape.

Kayneth was about to yell at his Servant's idiotic choice until he saw the faint shimmer of knives again and summoned Volumen Hydragyrum to build a liquid metal shield between him and Sola-Ui.

Kayneth knew that his Mystic Code, no matter how impressive, would never be able to match the abilities of a Servant. If the one attacking them had the strength of even B-strength, then the knives would shred through his makeshift shield like paper.

Several loud clangs signaled the impact of the blades on Volumen Hydragyrum, and there was both good news and bad news.

The good news was that the wall held, and the knives did not pierce through it, but they had chipped it slightly. The bad news was that they were now trapped in an alleyway with no way out.

"What's happening!? Who's attacking us?" Sola-Ui shouted over the noise of Lancer deflecting more thrown blades.

Kayneth shook his head and knelt closer to Sola-Ui.

"I don't know! Lancer who's attacking us? Is it Archer?"

The blades that came out of nowhere to kill them fit Archer's profile. The King of Heroes didn't use bows and arrows, though Kayneth didn't doubt that he could, but instead used weapons as makeshift missiles

"No Master!" Lancer yelled back. The constant clanging of knives stopped, and Kayneth saw a dark figure appear from above and attack Lancer.

It was unmistakable. The dark skin, the skull mask, but the body was different. Instead of the lithe muscle figure of the one that died at the hand of Archer, it was shorter and wider with muscle and body mass. The mask was wider and bulkier, covering the entire face rather than just the eyes and mouth. There was also a hooded cloak that covered most of its body seeming to suck all of the light in the alleyway into it.

"That's impossible!" Kayneth found himself screaming. "Assassin died days ago, I saw it myself!"

"Well, obviously you saw wrong!" Sola-Ui yelled over the battle right before them.

Speed and grace were the only way the fight could be described between the two Servants. Strikes from the knives made to kill swiftly and silently. Techniques and moves only meant for a master of the class used to efficiently, so smoothly, that it was like watching a dancer.

But it was no match for Lancer.

As fast as Assassin was, Lancer was faster. Blows that would have killed and crippled any normal man turned aside with lightning fast speed. Feints that would have ended the fight were caught and deterred.

Kayneth watched as Assassin jumped into the air and spun with his knives dodging Lancers Gae Dearg and aimed for his Servant's neck. Lancer was just as fast and dodged the blade with almost contemptuous ease and spun himself to knock aside Assassin with his spear.

Assassin recovered from the blow with almost snake-like grace and jumped away from Lancer. Without missing a beat, Assassin threw both his knives, one aimed at the heart and the other at the head of Lancer. But faster than the knives Assassin rushed towards Lancer from the side to flank him.

Kayneth understood what Assassin was doing and willed Volumen Hydragyrum to move forward and block the knives, but he didn't need to.

Lancer brought out Gae Buidhe and knocked away the two knives before turning just as fast to impale Assassin with Gae Dearg straight through the heart. Assassin sputtered in pain and grabbed at the spear now impaling him and staining the ground with his blood. Lancer pulled the lance out of Assassin which flung the dying Servant to the ground.

Kayneth brought down Volumen Hydragyrum to stare at the defeated Servant with Sola-Ui.

Assassin couldn't win this fight. He had never had a chance. The second Lancer had discovered the enemy Servant and engaged him in battle he had lost.

So why had he stayed? Kayneth couldn't understand why a Servant so outclassed in fighting would willingly stay and fight.

Unless…

Unless that had been its purpose to stay. To distract them.

Kayneth realized this and looked up and around, hoping to see a secondary danger. Lancer noticed his Master looking around and realized too late before several flashes of steel reeled past him.

Kayneth had already been prepared, but that didn't mean he was fast enough.

He had brought up Volumen Hydragyrum once more to protect himself and Sola-Ui. But he was too slow. Kayneth had reached for Sola-UI at the last moment to shield her from the blades with his Mystic Code, but several knives seeped in before he could close it and the knives impaled him through his left arm and back.

Kayneth howled and writhed in pain. The blades had sunk deep, and the jagged edges had ripped his muscles, skin, and some bone. His concentration lost from the pain Volumen Hydragyrum dispersed into a useless puddle on the floor.

"Kayneth!" Sola-Ui cried reaching for him as he writhed in pain and stared at Lancer with fear in her eyes.

Another Assassin, this one over 7ft tall and wielding huge daggers to compensate, engaged Lancer. The new Assassin was just as fast as the first one, but held greater strength and reach which was able to push Lancer back, but only slightly.

Unlike before where Lancer had met the Assassin on equal grounds, this fight was much less dignified. Lancer leaped and flipped over Assassin, while their agility was close Lancer was still the greater fighter. This Assassin had lost the first strike when he was his most dangerous, so now he was up against Lancer.

The huge Assassin tried to stab Lancer with his giant daggers. Only for Lancer to dodge the attack, impale Assassin's outstretched arm with Gae Dearg and then slashed at his midsection with Gae Buidhe.

Assassin clutched his bleeding abdomen in pain and stared at the enemy Servant in horror. Lancer gave his foe no quarter and pierced the huge Servant through the neck and beheaded him in one quick motion. Then Lancer quickly turned back to his Master.

He had been too late.

"Lancer!" Sola-Ui cried out as Lancer turned and saw a third Assassin, this one thin and lanky like he was made of thin trees but still well-toned in muscle. He had raised his blade in the air and was already beginning to strike before Lancer could move.

Kayneth in a fumbling and desperate attempt tried to shield Sola-Ui with his right arm. The Assassin severed his arm with the knife seemingly stopping the Assassin from killing Sola-Ui. Assassin then jumped away from the sideways swipe from Lancers Gae Dearg and landed on the window above, holding onto it with a cat like grace and inhuman balance.

Then just as quickly it disappeared, chuckling in a dark and evil voice.

Kayneth was writhing before, but now the pain was too much, and he started to pass out. He could barely make out Sola-Ui and Lancer's voices as his consciousness drifted away. Kayneth felt a warm glow that felt vaguely familiar and a red light shined indicating some power being used.

And then there was only darkness and easing pain.

[Break]

"I don't believe you," Aoi Tohsaka said to Kariya.

They had arrived at the house several hours ago. The woman before them, Aoi Tohsaka, had been on her grandparents phone calling the police about the whereabouts of her daughter who hadn't return home last night. Minato and Kariya's interruption and bringing in an unconscious Sakura had captured her attention.

She was a beautiful woman. It was a calm and motherly beauty that one would associate with mothers. She had light brown hair, a smooth pale face with deep brown eyes, and a body though shapely was beautiful in its simplicity.

Her eyes had been slightly red with worry when they had entered the room. That worry had been replaced by incredulous surprise and denial.

When they had entered the house Kariya had placed Sakura in one of the spare rooms. Aoi had seen her daughter's sleeping form in Kariya's arm and had instantly gone from worrying over the girl. Minato had informed her that she was alright in the physical sense and simply needed some sleep.

After that they returned to the living room. It was a small house. A couch and a loveseat, a kitchen connected to the living room, a fireplace with several photos surrounding it of what seemed to be Aoi in her younger years. A grandfather clock to the back wall that separated two hallways of bedrooms.

Aoi sat herself on the loveseat across from the couch while Kariya sat across from her with Minato standing on the side. Minato also noticed that Kariya was hiding the hand that held the Command Seals in his sleeves.

Kariya had told her everything. What had happened since Sakura had become a member of the Matou house. What she had gone through to learn the magecraft of the household. How her body had been abused and defiled for the last two years. What Kariya had done for the last year in order to save her from that hell. And how Minato had saved the girl hours before.

Which made it all the more incredible when Aoi claimed her disbelief of Kariya's story.

"W-What? Aoi how can you possibly!" Kariya began to raise his voice before Aoi cut him off.

"I understand that you disagreed with giving Sakura to your father." Aoi said, her voice surprisingly cold. "But this was a decision that Tokiomi and I agreed to with approval from your father. You had no right to interfere or kidnap Sakura because of your own opinions on the matter."

Kariya gaped at the woman in front of him, and Minato saw a pain separate from the physical that raked his body.

"You… you think I'm lying?" Kariya whispered.

Aoi sighed.

"I think you've deluded yourself based off of your own personal feelings against your father." Aoi said calmly. "Kariya, please, look at yourself. I have very little knowledge of magic and even I can see that whatever you did is tearing you apart. Please, as my friend, go home and apologize to your father and tell him I will return Sakura after she wakes up."

"Why don't you believe me!?" Kariya shouted his face pained and confused. "You have no idea of what she was subjected to! I saw as she was drowned in those damned worms for months! She had been warped into a lifeless doll and you would send her back there!"

Aoi stood up, meeting her old friend head on in his anger.

"And how am I supposed to believe you!? She shouted. "You claim Zouken changed her but she looked exactly the same as the day I last saw her! Then you come to my parents home looking like you're about to die telling me my daughter was abused by him? Tokiomi promised me she would be safe. That she would be happy! And then you tell me this stranger," she pointed to Minato, "killed him and you kidnapped her!"

"It was all a LIE!" Kariya screamed his voice sounding strained. "That bastard husband of yours had no-."

"Don't you dare," Aoi whispered, a voice so cold and angry Minato felt it didn't belong to her. "Insult Tokiomi, Kariya. I don't care about your feelings on this matter, and I hoped that our friendship would be enough. But apparently it was a mistake to tell you about personal family matters."

"Aoi," Kariya gasped. Tears began streaming down the Master of Berserkers' face.

It was at that moment Minato decided to intervene.

"Excuse me," Minato said and walked in between the two of them. He stared at both of them. Minato wasn't normally a confrontational person. But in matters of seriousness, where cool heads needed to reign over the proceedings, he would be acknowledged.

Kariya sat down, his eyes now red, but said nothing and looked down. Aoi frowned but sat down as well.

"There is a young girl in the other room who has just been put through a great ordeal. I believe it would be best to control ourselves so that we do not disturb her rest, please."

Minato looked at the two for their reactions. Both of them nodded which signaled him to continue.

"Mrs. Tohsaka, my name is Minato Arisato" Minato addressed the mother. "What Kariya says is true, I was able to reverse the damage that Zouken Matou was able to inflict on her over the last two years. If you truly wish to know if we speak the truth then the smartest course of action would be to ask her when she wakes up. But you should be aware that though physically she is well, her mind is in a very vulnerable state."

"And how am I supposed to believe you?" she began, her voice much lower in consideration for Sakura.

At this Minato shrugged. "You have no reason to believe me, and I have no reason to lie to you. Kariya came to me seeking to save an innocent child, I accepted and here we are. But what you need to know is that as far as I know Zouken Matou is dead. If you wish to send her back there will be no home to return to."

Aoi frowned and sighed. She buried her head in her hands. Minato couldn't blame her. Rin was apparently missing and now she was told Sakura was went through hell. The stress was getting to her and Minato could understand the situation she was in. She ass confused and didn't know what to do.

"Get out," she whispered. "Just get out."

"Aoi… please." Kariya begged.

She picked her head up and stared at Kariya, eyes filled with pain and confusion.

"I told you to get-." She began before the front door was thrust open.

Rin Tohsaka rushed inside and went straight to her mother. The little girl leaped into her mother's arms and held onto her as if it was the only thing that mattered.

"Rin! Oh thank god!" Aoi spoke as she embraced her daughter the surprise making her forget about the other two in the room. Her relief turned to anger just as quickly. "Where in the world have you been? Your grandparents are searching town right now and I've been worried sick! You know what's going on right now with your father don't you?"

Rin looked up to her mother and nodded, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"Kotone disappeared mama. I thought I could use magecraft to find her and bring her home. But the man that took them almost got me. I-I-I'm sorry mama."

She shoved her face into her mother's chest again and began to cry softly. Aoi embraced her daughter, the anger born from worry fading away for concern.

"Oh Rin," Aoi whispered. "I'm just glad you're safe."

Minato smiled at the affection, at the love. He had wondered about the character of a woman who could so easily give away her child. But this put those thoughts to rest. This woman loved her children if anything that was true.

He was distracted from the scene by a slight tugging on his ear. Minato turned and saw the small flying form of Pixie hovering around his head.

Minato smiled and nodded to the smaller smiling form in front of him.

"Thank you for keeping an eye on her Pixie," Minato said in earnest. He hadn't known where his Persona had gone when he sent the lesser Persona to look after Rin.

"Of course Big Bro!" The Pixie said. "Only really had to help when they sent these real creepy tentacle monsters after her."

"Tentacle monsters?" Minato asked not sure what Pixie was talking about.

"Oh! Right! Sorry about that Big Bro." Pixie pointed to the small girl still in arms of her mother. "Rin here was able to find the guy who's been kidnapping people."

"What the hell?"

Minato turned to Kariya who was torn between looking at Rin and staring at Minato talk to Pixie.

Minato motioned to Pixie.

"This is Pixie, another one of my Personas," said Persona gave Kariya a peace sign. "I sent her to look after Rin the other day when she told me she was looking for the kidnapper."

Minato turned to Pixie.

"Pixie, this is Kariya. I was helping him save his niece."

Pixie flew over to Kariya who shirked away from the small creature. She put one hand on her hip and another on her chin, most likely contemplating what to think of the man. She flew back and landed on Minato's shoulder nodding her head.

"He looks like crap Big Bro." Pixie said without any tact whatsoever.

Minato sighed and looked apologetically to Kariya who simply frowned at the statement.

"Well, she isn't wrong," he muttered then gave Minato a pained smile. "So you sent that thing to look after Rin, huh? Guess I owe you even more."

"I'm not a thing, jerk." Pixie crossed her arms and turned away.

"Oh… sorry," Kariya apologized quietly.

Minato waved it off and turned to Pixie.

"Did you learn anything?" he asked in his calm voice.

Pixie scrunched up her face and put her tiny fist on her chin. Suddenly she perked up and smiled.

"Yeah I did!" She said her voice unnaturally high and enthusiastic. "I was able to put some dust on the creep that tried to brainwash Rin and those other kids. If you follow me you should be able to find him."

Minato nodded and turned to Kariya.

"I have to go," Minato said eliciting a wide eyed expression from Kariya.

"You can't just leave now!" Kariya almost yelled surprised. "What about Sakura? What about all of this?" he asked spreading his arms at the situation.

"Sakura is already safe," Minato answered and turned to the mother and daughter still embracing one another. "And I believe all of you need to be here when she wakes up. Please Kariya, you need to stay calm,"

Kariya hung his head again and shook it up and down.

"You're right. But what if Aoi doesn't want me to stay, what if she forces me to leave?" He asked, pain sill in his voice.

"Then ask to be here until she wakes up," Minato shrugged trying to answer correctly. "But if that isn't possible then leave knowing she doesn't have to go back to your father. Isn't that enough?"

Kariya didn't answer which made Minato assume that it wasn't enough. But he said nothing and turned away from Minato.

Minato turned to leave with Pixie and headed towards the front door.

"Oh, wait!" Rin yelped as she removed herself from her mother's arms. Rin rushed up to Minato and looked up at him. She gave an embarrassed blush and bowed her head slightly.

"Thank you for sending Ms. Pixie to help me," She thanked him. Minato could see a faint blush on her face, but he assumed that it was more of embarrassment than anything else. She seemed to be a prideful child from what Minato learned of their first encounter and being saved by a stranger must have chipped it slightly.

"Awww you're so sweet!" Pixie hummed and patted Rin on her head.

Rin brushed her away and looked at Minato with a fierce determined look in her eyes, something that Minato had only seen once in a child so young.

"Ms. Pixie said you could save Kotone," her arms shook with barely contained fury and her eyes began to tear up slightly again. "Please," she bowed her head again, "Save my friend!"

Minato gave the child a small smile and patted her head.

"I'll do my best Rin, I promise." Minato got up and went to walk out the door.

"Excuse me… Mr. Arisato?" Aoi Tohsaka asked, her voice much softer and kind which had Minato turn to face the woman. "I… I don't really understand the complexities of magecraft, but from what I understand you're… familiar, saved my daughter and brought her back home."

She bowed, deeply unlike her daughter, and rose again with a smile.

"Please forgive my actions from earlier. Everything is so dangerous right now and with this," she waved to Kariya and the room Sakura was in, "It's all very confusing."

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "But if you helped Rin then I will assume you must have helped Sakura… I will listen to what she has to say when she wakes up."

Minato shook his head, there was no need for thanks, but he assumed it was more for her than it was for him so he nodded in affirmation. He was just glad to see the mother apply her reason when it came to her children's safety.

"I wasn't offended, but please speak to Kariya. You both need to talk about what's happened, yelling at each other won't accomplish anything." Minato asked her.

Rin gave them both a confused look and then brightened up with a childlike delight.

"Uncle Kariya and Sakura are here! Where is he-." She turned and saw her uncle on the couch. The man was trying his best to hide his appearance from the girl, but it was for naught as the girl was still able to see his face.

"U-Uncle… Kariya?" She whispered shocked by what she saw. She rushed over to him and peered at his deformed features. "What happened to you?"

"Rin, sweetie," Aoi said in a patient voice going over to her frantic daughter. "You've been out all night. You need to take a bath and go to bed."

"B-but momma, Uncle Kariya… he looks so…" Rin stammered unable to find the words.

"It's alright Rin," Kariya said in a soft voice and walked over to the little girl. He patted her head affectionately and gave her a comforting smile. "I'm just a little sick that's all. Your mom and I," he looked at Aoi, "Were just talking about Sakura, she's back right now. So get clean and get some rest alright. We'll all talk later when you wake up, I promise."

Rin frowned but rubbed her eyes that Minato now noticed had bangs under them. She nodded once and walked into one of the hallways.

Minato turned to the tow adults left in the room.

"I need to go now, but please talk amongst yourselves," He turned to Aoi. "Inform Tokiomi of what you've been told. And when she wakes up, if you need more proof of what happened then ask her." Minato turned to Kariya. "Remind yourself of what's important, think of what's right."

Minato saw the both of them nod and left the room following pixie. He was able to see a small and faint glitter in the air creating a sort of breadcrumb trail. Pixie smiled at him and returned to the Sea of Souls her purpose fulfilled. Minato turned back to the trail and began walking, hoping to end one more tragedy before the day was done.

[Break]

Tokiomi was incredibly concerned

Kirei had just received a support that the Assassin eh sent to tail after Minato had found a trail to Caster. It turns out one of his Persona, a pixie from the description, had encountered one of the abominations of Caster and had left a sort of trail behind on Caster's Master.

Normally this would be fine, even great considering the situation. A pathway to Caster and a chance to take an extra command seal without any foul play on his part, well mostly. But it wasn't where Minato was going that disturbed him.

It was where he was coming from.

Apparently Minato had traveled to Aoi's parent's house outside of the city. If that wasn't bad enough he was traveling with the Master of Berserker, Kariya Matou the estranged son of Zouken.

Tokiomi had no ill will towards the man, in fact he held little feeling at all for him. He had forsaken his family due to disagreements about magecraft, normally that wasn't something Tokiomi would judge, but when coming from such a long lineage and one as important as one of the founding families of the Heaven's Feel. Tokiomi didn't understand it, he didn't understand the man. But as far as he knew the two never really interacted much and there was no animosity on either side.

A positive that Tokiomi could attribute to the man was his friendship with Aoi. Kariya and Aoi had been friends for years, and that friendship extended to Rin and hopefully to Sakura now that they were part of his family. But after last year he had reacted badly to what they decided to do for Sakura, at least from what Aoi had told him. But Master of Berserker or not, Tokiomi never would assume that Kariya would ever go after Aoi.

But not only has that happened, but they were carrying Sakura.

Tokiomi knew that she was no longer a Tohsaka. He had made it so in order to give both of his daughters an equal future. But as her father eh still held love for her as any father would.

So Tokiomi was wracked with rushing to his wife and thinking carefully.

Logic eventually won and they dismissed the female Assassin to continue the watch on Minato.

Tokiomi was wondering what was going on and why. Could Minato have made an alliance with Kariya? But that made no sense, the man had joined the war despite his misgivings about magic. What reason would he have to ally himself with one who wanted to end it entirely? And if that was the case why were Sakura and Aoi involved?

There too many questions and not enough answers. He needed to go to them. Tokiomi turned to Gilgamesh who had been relaxing with, sigh, another bottle of his wine. His civilian, he would could call it that, clothing making him look more relaxed.

"Master Tokiomi, are you well?" Kirei asked, noticing his teacher's silence.

Tokiomi sighed and nodded.

"Yes Kirei, I simply became lost in my thoughts." Tokiomi raised from his chair and knelt in front of Gilgamesh. "My king," he began and waited for Gilgamesh to allow him to continue.

"You may speak Tokiomi," Gilgamesh waved, his expression bored.

"It appears that my loved ones may be in a dire state as of now," Tokiomi said. "With your leave I would wish to go to them, and if you wish it if you can accompany me to ensure their safety." Tokiomi asked, he knew there was little chance of Gilgamesh aiding him, but against Berserker there weren't many choices to be made.

"Hmm," Gilgamesh mused. "Normally I would reject your invitation and deny you from leaving," Gilgamesh said not a trace of malice in his voice. "As annoying as it is for a King such as myself there is a small requirement I need from you." Gilgamesh gave him a smirk filled with a pride so deep one could drown in it. "But as it happens luck smiles upon you today Tokiomi. But more important than that I am bored, and the mad dog would be sure to give some small measure of entertainment."

Tokiomi sighed in relief and thanked whatever force had decided to grace him in this moment.

"I thank you my lord, shall we leave at once or shall I wait for you to get ready?" Tokiomi asked, hiding the relief in his voice.

"We will leave after I finish," Gilgamesh took another sip of his wine. "Inferior as these brews may be, this particular one has an enjoyable aftertaste. A pity the others were so inferior before I found this particular vintage, such is the trials of the King."

That vintage had actually been borrowed from Kirei. Tokiomi would have to thank the young man later and find exactly where he got his wine.

"Thank you my king," Tokiomi bowed once more then rose and turned to Kirei.

"Is there anything else to report Kirei?" Tokiomi asked.

"Yes there is,"

Everyone in the room turned to the swirling shadow that just appeared in the room. The form that came from the shadow was another Assassin. This one thinner than most and reminded Tokiomi of what would happen if human limbs could truly become branches they were so thin. In Assassin's hand was a severed arm, still dripping blood, which held a blue sleeve and a white glove.

"Assassin," Kirei said. "Were you able to kill Lord El-Melloi?"

Assassin shook his head and began to speak again. His voice raspier than the others and higher pitched.

"Unfortunately no. Lancer was able to kill two of our number and his Mystic Code was strong enough to defend himself from our initial attacks. However…" Assassin lifted the arm.

"I did receive the next best thing." And threw the severed arm on the table.

"So instead of losing an enemy we gained an ally," Tokiomi mused. "Well done Assassin, I imagine it must have been difficult to take his arm with Lancer there?"

Assassin nodded. "The Servant of the Lance is strong, but having him as an ally would end the war much quicker don't you agree?" He asked looking across the room.

Tokiomi smiled at the good news, Gilgamesh looked bored and uninterested, and Kirei went to retrieve the hand.

Kirei frowned and removed the glove over the hand, only to reveal clear skin.

Assassin looked shocked, well as shocked as he could have with the mask, and even Tokiomi was surprised by the lack of Command Seals.

"Assassin," Kirei said confused. "This is El-Melloi's hadn is it not?"

"Yes of course!" Assassin raged his anger almost a physical thing. "I ripped it off the man myself, it's even the correct hand I'm sure of it!"

Tokiomi mused over the issue. He was sure Lord El-Melloi was the Master of Lancer, he had seen so last night. But maybe that was no longer the case. The man had agreed to not hinder Minato in his quest to end the war, but his fiancé had not.

Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri, Tokiomi believed there should be a rule about overly long names, but that was a thought for later. Id the fiancé of Lord El-Melloi, so in order to not betray his word and still participate in the war would be to naturally entrust his Servant to her. It was quite clever Tokiomi would admit, and apparently it worked out due to their still control over Lancer.

Tokiomi said as much after his revelation.

"Damn!" Assassin said cursing himself. "Forgive me Master, I promise it will not happen a sec-."

Was all Assassin was able to get through after a golden sword flew out of nowhere and impaled the Servant through his skull. Splattering his head over the wall next to the stairs in a picture of gore.

The blade, surprisingly, was still clean. Even in the middle of the mess not a single drop of blood stained the immaculate blade. Then a golden portal opened and retrieved the blade to return it to the Gate of Babylon.

Kirei and Tokiomi frowned at the King of Heroes who still looked bored as ever.

"Was that really necessary?" Kirei asked, his voice neutral but looking annoyed, albeit marginally, all the same.

"He failed in a fairly simple mission," Gilgamesh scoffed. "Not only that, but he had the audacity to come here and proclaim victory when he neither brought the right arm nor the death of Lancer's Master,"

Gilgamesh shrugged and took another sip.

"A needless mongrel is one thing, but a useless one is something I will not stomach." Gilgamesh turned his red eyes to Kirei. "In fact you should be thanking me. From the way I see it I have just so graciously relieved you of an incompetent burden."

Gilgamesh stared at Tokiomi's student as if expecting Kirei to actually thank him. Tokiomi was about to signal Kirei to do just that until Kirei spoke for himself.

"Of course," Kirei nodded, no hint of shame or discontent on his face. "Thank you my king, I will seek to make sure that the other Assassins learn from this example."

"Make sure you do," Gilgamesh said finishing the wine and rising up from his seat. "I have already slain two of them, it would be annoying if I would have to kill a third to get my point across."

A dark leather jacket materialized on Gilgamesh. And began to walk towards the exit which was now covered with blood.

"Come now Tokiomi, let us depart," Gilgamesh glanced at the blood, the now dead Servant dematerialized and gone, and turned to Kirei. "I would suggest cleaning this mess before I return, it's unsightly."

Tokiomi sighed, picked up his cane, and followed behind Gilgamesh. He stopped to give his student a reassuring pat, Kirei did not react but simply nodded in understanding. Convinced his student was well, Tokiomi joined Gilgamesh and headed towards Aoi. Worry still fresh in his mind.

[Break]

For the first time in his life Waver was glad he wasn't in the expensive car with two beautiful women.

In Rider's chariot flying through the sky and surrounded by lightning, it was not what one could call 'safe'. The sky was cold and the wind harsh up in the air, There were constant ups and downs which caused Waver to scream and Rider to laugh.

But he felt much safer riding in the Chariot hundreds of feet up in the air than in the car.

Well, car wasn't the right word. Waver felt that screaming metal deathtrap would be more apt to name it as of now.

Waver had wondered why Saber was afraid of letting Irisviel drive. Now he knew the reason, and it terrified him.

The woman was an absolute monster on the road. She ran over red lights, stop signs, and even oncoming traffic. She swerved and slid when an opening presented itself and caused a fair amount of wrecks where she avoided them. He car never stopped and Waver could only assume that it was going around the 90-100 mph marker as it never lost track of Rider's chariot.

The car had just rushed through a 4-way intersection without even glancing the other cars and proceeded to go onto the opposite lane to follow Waver and Rider.

Rider whistled.

"If that woman ever becomes a Servant, I think that the Rider class would suit her. Don't you think boy!" Rider yelled over the wind above and the noise below.

"How is she even doing that!?" Waver yelled to Rider. "Is she trying to kill herself before we even get there!?"

Rider laughed.

"Come now boy! Enjoy the show and look forward to the horizon. We're almost there!" Rider bellowed causing Waver to look at the docks.

He was surprised that it was empty. It was mid-afternoon and Waver assumed that there would at least be some personnel or workers on the docks at this time. It was a dock after all, people needed to place those crates there somehow.

Waver was confused until they flew over the docks. A good portion of the docks were wrecked. Small craters littered a good portion of the docks. Several crates were slashed open and some even looked like they were impaled. Several great gashes in the ground also marred the area.

Waver realized that the fight from two nights ago hadn't been fixed. Waver was surprised by this as it was in blatant disregard for the secrecy of the Grail War. How were they supposed to keep a secret war secret if they didn't clean up their messes?

Waver knew that he hadn't cleaned up when he and Rider had left, but they had left before some of them. Had everyone been in such a hurry to leave that no one even thought of cleaning up?

Rider landed near the canal opening by the docks that led to the sewer systems of Fuyuki city. Waver got out of the chariot as fast as he could, praising the solid and still ground he walked on. The chariot may have been a great way to get around, but flying in the sky with the equivalent of a madman was frightening on a whole different level.

Waver looked around just to make sure that no one was around and prepared himself summoning the power from the magic circuits necessary to fix the docks. At least he could show some semblance of responsibility in this war if nothing else.

He was interrupted by a roaring engine and screeching tires. Waver turned only to see a car coming straight at him.

Waver barely had time to scream before the car swerved around him, drifted across from Rider's chariot, and parked a few feet away leaving skid marks on the already ruined ground.

Waver was too shocked by the equally skillful and reckless driving that he could only star in amazement before coming to his senses. The woman had almost run him over. A part of him wanted to get mad and yell at her, but remembering what she could do and who her Servant was that anger quickly turned into a respectful fear and he kept his mouth shut.

The passenger door opened as soon as the car parked, almost too quickly. Saber almost leaped from the car and leaned over, her hands on her knees. Waver could swear she was breathing deeply and appeared to be on the verge of a mental breakdown. But that was clearly an illusion because just as quickly the King of Knights righted herself up and looked just as prim and respectable as she had when Waver saw her at the house.

Saber walked over to the driver's side and opened the door allowing Irisviel to walk out.

The woman had an almost childish smile on her face. Waver couldn't believe that such a calm and kind girl could drive like that. Nevertheless have the skills of a professional racecar driver.

"That was quite the impressive driving skills Lady Irisviel," Rider complimented and grinned at the other master. Rider hadn't moved from his chariot, obviously wishing to use the Noble Phantasm to traverse through the sewer.

Irisviel gave Rider a giddy smile and turned to Saber.

"See Saber, I told you my driving was fine!" She smiled and nodded as if proud of herself. "If a hero from the Rider class praises my driving then it has to be true."

Waver saw Saber sigh and some sweat gleamed on her face.

"Irisviel… I meant no disrespect, but might I suggest that you follow the laws concerning the roads the next time we drive?" Saber asked, her voice almost, but not quite, pleading.

Irisviel sighed and turned to Saber, her arms crossed over her chest.

"But if we did that then it would have taken longer to get here. Isn't the fastest way the best way?" Irisviel asked, in what Waver could tell was pure honesty.

"Well… yes, but you see when it involves things such as cars," Saber continued.

"As much as I am sure this will be a most enlightening conversation," Rider interrupted staring at the three of them. "We are here for a purpose are we not? Wouldn't it be prudent of us to serve the purpose of this alliance?"

Saber immidiatealy turned serious and nodded.

"Right," She turned her attention to Rider. "Will there be enough room in your chariot for the four of us?" Saber asked, her tone serious once again.

Rider scratched his chin and nodded.

"If you all squeeze in there should be no trouble." Rider turned to Waver and Irisviel. "Lady Irisviel, if you could please begin the alchemy magecraft that will allow us to find Caster that would be most helpful. And Waver, you were in the midst of preparing something?" Rider asked his Master.

Waver nodded and turned to the ruined docks.

"I'm going to fix this up before too many people start asking questions, someone should have already anyway," Waver said and mumbled the last part.

Rider nodded in approval. "Well then get to it boy. After you finish we shall simply wait for Lady Irisviel and we shall be on our way."

Waver and Irisviel nodded and prepared their respective spells. Saber and Rider didn't move, but Waver knew that the both of them were looking for potential threats.

Waver began to fix the area. It was a fairly simple process and didn't require a large amount of power to perform, but he did need to concentrate. The docks should look at least brand new within a minute. Granite reformed and reshaped itself to fit into the damaged ground. Crates groaned as the metal bent itself to its original shape.

To the side of Waver Irisviel had strands of silver swirling around her. One strand was in one of the vials containing the water with magical residue, while another strand was in the canal itself. Making sure she found the connection between the magical signatures, Irisviel began forming her wire familiar.

The wires turned into the forms of dogs, bloodhounds to be precise, and began the act of sniffing the water in the canal turning towards the most direct source.

When Waver had finished the docks looked exactly as they had before the fight between Servants. When the workers and investigators would come the next day then they would just assume it was a trick of the eye.

That excuse usually worked with non-magus anyway.

Waver turned and saw the wires surrounding Irisviel. He walked over to the edge of the canal to see the dogs facing the inside of the sewers, seeming to have picked up the magical signature left in the water.

"That's incredible," Waver awed looking at the homunculus. Alchemy may have been his specialty, but he had nowhere near the knowledge or the magic circuits available in order to pull something like that off.

Irisviel gave him a kind smile at the compliment.

Waver blushed, the woman really was beautiful, and it was hard to control himself.

He turned away from the other Master and walked briskly towards Rider's chariot.

"Well done you two!" Rider nodded in appreciation and grabbed the reigns of his chariot. "Now that we have a trail to our enemy we should be off." He turned to Saber and Irisviel, "Are you two ready to proceed?"

The two of them nodded and stepped onto the chariot.

Waver and Irisviel stood to the side of Rider, while Saber stood at the back of the chariot. She didn't hold onto the chariot like he and Irisviel were, but Waver had the feeling she didn't need to.

Waver's attention was drawn to Saber as she began to glow. Her suit attire began to glow and was replaced with the battle dress he saw her wear last night. Waver saw that her gauntlet hand was gripping something, but all Waver could see was air.

Know knowing who Saber was, Waver had a pretty decent guess as to what was in her hands. Which had him make another mental note not to anger the Servant of the sword.

Rider snapped the reigns to his chariot and the two bulls began to gallop from the edge into the canal.

"Lead the way Lady Irisviel!" Rider called out as the dogs began rushing into the sewers homing in on the magical trail.

As they entered the dark tunnels of the sewer, Waver could only feel anxious over what would happen in the next few hours. They were rushing into the lair of Caster, a heroic spirit of an ancient user of magecraft.

Waver could tell, he knew, that at the end of this. Someone wouldn't be walking out of this sewer. And there was a high chance it could be him. Waver looked behind himself at the vigilante form of Saber, looking to make sure no forces came to attack them from behind. Waver turned to look at his own Servant who was so confident and unafraid. That certainty calmed Waver down, he didn't know why but in this moment, Rider's presence had Waver at ease.

"TO VICTORY!" Rider yelled into the darkness.

[Break]

The pixie trail had led Minato to an abandoned bar.

After taking a bus it had only taken him closer to an hour to get to the bar. The light dust led him to a door leading him into one of the rooms in the back. Minato opened the door and found an empty room with a large hole with a ladder right in the middle.

Minato could smell rancid water and had a good guess as to where Caster was.

Going down the ladder Minato fell into the filthy water of the sewer system. Most people would be bothered by the water, especially it soaking one's shoes and socks. And while a form of torture in some countries, Minato felt he could survive wet socks.

Minato sighed at the day he was having in general. First dealing with a man who used worms in very suggestive forms to fight to going into sewers was not what he would consider an easy day. However he could not change what has happened and chose to move through the discomfort.

The pixie trail led into the darkness of the tunnel giving Minato the only semblance of light in the tunnel. Unsure of where in the city Caster was or how long it would take to get to him Minato had decided to take precautions.

Hermes was already in the forefront of his mind when he began running. While he wouldn't use the power of his Persona in the middle of the day when hundreds of people were around, down in the sewers that problem became nonexistent.

Hermes was the messenger god, more importantly he was a god related to speed. By drawing on the small amount of power the god possessed, Minato was able to move at superhuman speeds. He ran down the sewer following the trail of light.

The walls became a blur in his vision, the water skimmed over his feet so fast it was almost as he was running over the water rather than the ground under it. He had to make a turn every now and then but Minato kept enough focus on his awareness so he wouldn't ram into a wall.

Which was lucky as he almost ran into an oncoming chariot on his last turn.

Minato stopped on a dime bringing up water onto the chariot which stopped the same time he had. Causing the water to splash onto the chariot and its inhabitants.

There was coughing, groans of wet clothing, and slight sounds of disgust at the sudden intrusion of water.

Minato stopped to stare at the four inhabitants of the chariot who in turn stared at him.

"Well, this is certainly a surprise," Rider said breaking the silence and grinning at Minato.

Minato turned to look at the large man, then turned to see Saber putting Irisviel behind her in a protective gesture bringing up the invisible blade. Waver, who was surprisingly not hiding behind Rider, stared at him in astonishment.

"Ah, Mr. Arisato you are down here as well," Irisviel said looking at the young man. Her voice was surprised, but her body wasn't apprehensive unlike her Servant. "Have you also figured out to where Caster is hiding?"

Minato nodded and decided to answer her question.

"One of my Personas were able to find and track the Caster's Master."

"Interesting," Rider crossed his arms and the two huge bulls stomped in the sewage. "If I am to guess, then the Persona you sent was one more specialized in reconnaissance rather than destructive power. Which explains why the both of them aren't dead, is that true?"

In a way it was. Minato wouldn't deny that reasoning. But Pixie, while somewhat dangerous, was not a Persona meant for combat. In fact she was meant for healing and comfort, her small stature simply allowed her to sneak around more easily.

Minato nodded to the question but said nothing else.

"Well then I have a proposition for you King of Souls!" Rider said, his voice echoing in the tunnel.

He was about to continue when Saber raised her hand to silence him. She pointed her gauntlet hand at Minato, and while he couldn't see anything there, Minato knew she was holding a blade.

"Hold, Rider. I need to confirm something first." She stared hard at Minato, her body was tense and ready to fight.

"As you can probably guess, the four of us have partaken in an alliance for now. Our main goal as of the moment is to defeat Caster and save those that were taken by him. And I believe that you wish to do the same, am I correct?"

The way she asked the question was as if she already knew the answer. But Minato complied and nodded his head in agreement.

"Good, then I must know one more thing." Saber said her voice hard and careful. "Last night you told us all of your desire to destroy the Grail and the Grail War. If that is the case then it means that all Servant's and Masters are your enemies. I have no doubt Rider was about to ask you to join us in our endeavor to take down Caster, and as… generous an offer that would have been I would not have allowed it."

At this point Irisviel and Waver stared confusingly at Saber. Rider narrowed his eyes but said nothing, Minato was unable to tell if Rider was thinking or if he was angry at Saber.

Minato himself was confused, but let the Servant of the Sword continue.

"If you wish to aid us here, or accompany us, then you must swear to us all right now," Saber continued. "Swear that you will not seek or attempt to harm our Master's. I do not doubt that you are an honorable man, but we are at odds with one another and only by swearing on your honor can I accept you."

She was demanding a promise of him. A promise based on honor and character. Minato could understand that, and respect it as well. She was looking out for the well-being of her Master, and for Rider's Master as they were now in an alliance.

Saber was smart and careful, two things any decent king would be required to have. So Minato would have to tread carefully here. If things went wrong he could very well end up in a fight between the two Servants, allowing Caster to get away. And while Minato was sure neither of them wished to attack him or let Caster get away, if they had to protect their Master's first they would in a heartbeat.

Minato nodded and looked at Saber. "If we would go together and face Caster, then I promise I will not seek to harm or endanger your Master's."

Saber stared at Minato for several seconds longer, then nodded as her wariness disappeared.

"Great!" Rider roared sending more echoes throughout the tunnels. "With this our victory is even more assured than before!" He gave a wide victorious grin as he stared down at Minato. Rider gripped the reins to his chariot and motioned to Minato to climb aboard the chariot.

"Come now, climb on and let us be off!"

Minato and the others stared at Rider in confusion. Rider stared back with a confused look of his own on his face.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked.

"Is there… of course there's something wrong you bog oaf!" Waver yelled at his Servant in exasperation. "Where's he going to fit on the chariot?"

"It is quite cramped in here," Irisviel agreed. "I'm afraid there's no more room on the chariot for anyone else."

"Agreed," Saber nodded. "This chariot, while large, was not meant to hold five people. If he gets on one of us has to get off. And considering none of us are of the Lancer class it would be hard pressed to keep up."

Rider looked up and down at his chariot and the people within in. He sighed in disappointment.

"It seems that you are right. Normally five people isn't that much of a problem. But… Saber."

She cocked an eyebrow at Rider waiting for his answer.

"Forgive me, but you do take up a lot of room on the chariot."

The whole tunnel became silent. The water, the bulls, and everyone present didn't say a word.

"Excuse me?" Saber said, her voice quiet and dangerously low.

Rider put up a hand in a placating gesture. "Now don't misunderstand me, I'm sure you don't mean to. But you cannot deny that you are taking up much of the space available."

"Rider!" Waver yelled, most likely out of fear of Saber's sword which was now writhing in furious wind. "Shut up!"

Rider cocked an eyebrow at Waver confused. "And why should I, it's the truth and we are in a difficult situation because of it."

"You can't just talk about a woman's weight like that are you crazy!" Waver yelled trying desperately hard not to look at the insulted Servant.

Rider now eve looked more confused. "Weight?"

Irisviel's eyes opened wide and moved to placate the two Servant's. "Wait!" She turned to Rider. "Rider are you talking about Saber's battle dress?"

Rider nodded. "Of course what else would I be talking about? That dress of hers is taking up most of the room. Why? What did you all think I meant?"

The air died down, and Minato could swear he saw the bulls sigh in relief. Waver and Irisviel calmed down as well with Saber reigning in her fury and simply looking a tad embarrassed. Her dress shimmered and became a slimmer version with less armor surrounding her body. Which gave just enough room for Minato to climb in and stand next to Saber on the chariot.

"Now that that's settled, let us move forward!" Rider yelled into the tunnel again.

He snapped the reigns and the two bulls began to race through the tunnel. Minato decided to follow Saber and keep watch on their backs just in case something decided to appear and attack them. Minato released Hermes from the front of his mind and left it open in case he needed to call another Persona quickly.

But as they moved closer to their destination Minato was getting anxious. Because the closer they were to Caster's lair, as evident of the silver string dogs following the same golden trail, the more Minato could smell it.

The smell of blood.

Omake: Different Saber

As the room cleared Kiritsugu and Irisviel stared at the summoned figure.

He was tall and broad man, thick with muscle. His hair was brown with bits of silver on his head. He wore armor befitting a knight with a large red cross on his breastplate along with a large red cape attached to his back. His face was kind and had wrinkles around his cheeks and eyes, a man used to smiling. And he wore blue jeans.

Kiritsugu stopped at that. Why would King Arthur be wearing blue jeans? And the outfit as a whole reminded Kiritsugu of the knights akin to crusaders not the round table.

Kiritsugu looked at the man and saw the sword he held in his hand. It was a European broadsword with an almost crusader style hilt. It looked like any other broadsword Kiritsugu had seen yet it emitted a faint silver glow. The glow calmed him, but he did not know why.

The man looked around and saw the scabbard by his feet.

"Merciful Lord," The man said and picked up the scabbard as though he was holding a child. "Could this really be?"

He stopped and looked at the two who summoned him. He smiled and set the scabbard down.

"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself." He placed a hand over his heart and bowed to them. "I am the Servant Saber, I ask of you are you my Master?"

Kiritsugu stepped forward to address the man.

"My name is Kiritsugu Emiya and I am your Master. Who are you?" Kiritsugu asked, wanting to get to the bottom of this mystery.

The Servant smiled and walked over Kiritsugu with his hand outstretched.

"My name is Michael Carpenter, and I am a Knight of the Cross."

Kiritsugu didn't shake the man's hand, but stared at Avalon.

"We used the scabbard as a catalyst for King Arthur, why did you appear?" Kiritsugu asked, getting annoyed at the failure of the summoning.

Michael frowned and brought up his sword.

"I believe this would be the reason," The sword emitted a faint hum when near the scabbard. "This is Amoracchius, better known as Excalibur. Though I am not sure why I was summoned instead of the King of Britain, I suspect that my Father had something to do with it."

"Your father?" Irisviel asked staring at the man.

Michael nodded and smiled at the woman. "Yes, the almighty. I suspect he wished for me to participate in this war. And though I am not sure why, I will do so to my best abilities. On this you have my word."

Kiritsugu sighed. Now not only did he not have King Arthur, the strongest of the Saber class, but instead he had a less known wielder of Excalibur who was also a holy man.

This would be troublesome.

Author's notes

Sorry this one took so long again. It was actually supposed to be longer but then it wouldn't really feel like an end to the chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed this and please leave reviews of either criticism or praise, either make me feel better.

Also you can blame delays on Battlefield 1, Dishonored 2, FF15, League of Legends, Finals (needed one more B damn you philosophy) and some general laziness.

I hope you guys have a great holiday, again fuck finals, and enjoy life.

A Colorful World chapter 4 is next so look forward to that if you want.

Also I was really throwing a longball here and guessing that every magus in the Grail War knows how to repair damaged property, this is just an assumption here so if it's wrong I will go back and change the dialogue in order to fix it.