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Chapter Text

"What do you mean we can't stop it!? I thought that's what we were planning to do!?" The black-haired woman slammed her hands down on the low table, glaring at the sour-faced Professor, who looked more so than he usually did as he crushed his cigar into an ashtray. She crinkled her nose as she forced herself to tolerate the smell.

The office of one of the more respected Professors, at least by most of the students at the Clock Tower, the long, black haired Lord El-Melloi II usually didn't take kindly to being talked to like such. On more than one occasion he even took to knocking the sense into students if they were out of line, which one student in particular by the name of Flat could attest to all too well.

Looking at the Professor's office, it looked rather normal. That is to say, unnormal for a mage. Golden rays shone through the large windows, shining upon his elegant carpet. Bookshelves lined the wall to Rin's left, showing off his massive collection. While she had stood from the soft leather chair to express her outrage, the Professor lounged back in an identical chair. 

"Calm down, Tohsaka!" He snapped, not furious at his student, but rather at the Mage's Association. "I only just caught wind of this myself. It seems they're further along than I had feared."

"So you mean we really can't stop this?" Rin drew back, face pale as she sat herself back down in the plush chair. 

"No," Lord El-Melloi II sighed, rubbing his eyes with both hands. "We cannot. We can only do what we can to stop this war as it begins. Are you still willing to help? They are the Tohsaka's leylines."

"O-of course!" Rin answered. She had previously told herself fighting in another war wasn't what she had wanted when she had barely gotten out of the last one alive, but if the rumors she heard were true... "But if this war is unavoidable, I don't think it should just be the two of us trying to stop it."

He raised an eyebrow. "I assume you mean your friend, Emiya?"

"Yes," Rin nodded, having resolved herself. "Emiya survived the Fifth War, as you did in the Fourth. As much as I don't want him putting himself at risk, he'd find out eventually."

The Clock Tower Lord nodded. "Very well. In fact, from what I've heard, he's quite the capable fighter."

"Trace on!" A redhead yelled, twin swords forming in his hands. He swung his hands down, blades gleaming. With a loud clang, they bounced off the opponent's blade with flying sparks. Shirou twisted his body, managing to slam one sword against Trim's arm to knock her off balance before she launched a barrage of fast attacks by driving her arms forwards. Shirou's magical circuits blazed through his body and in a whirl of flesh and steel, parried all her attacks.

Shirou danced back, breathing hard as sweat soaked his gym uniform. Bakuya cracked and shattered, dematerializing. Kanshou was on the verge of following its twin. Trim crossed her arms, the dents in the blades reforming to make them sleek. 

Shirou let out a breath, forming another Kanshou and flinging both blades towards his opponent. They arced around the silver colored golem as he formed two more blades as he dashed towards her, slashing both swords in an x-motion. He leapt back before he could get hit, throwing both swords as he formed two new ones. 

"Trace," he gritted his teeth, pushing his magical circuits, careful not to exceed his limits. If he did, he'd be facing Rin's wrath again. "Overedge!" He yelled as his blades crackled with energy and expanded, sharpening until they appeared almost wing-like. The four blades that had been flying towards Trim had just been barely blocked by the golem, clattering to the floor and fading away. Shirou took a step forward, then stopped. He breathed in and out, dropping both swords. He let himself fall backwards, panting as he finally felt the sweat coating his body. 

He gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry. I almost overdid it."

Trim seemed to sigh as her arms became liquid metal and transformed back into her human arms and hands. "Termination protocol has ceased." She walked over to the redhead, holding out her hand for him. "Come with me if you want to live."

Shirou chuckled and shook his head, accepting the hand. "You really outdid yourself, Flat."

Flat, who had been watching on the railing above the gym arena, gave a salute. "My pleasure, Shirou-senpai."

Shirou flexed his hands, feeling stiff now that the fight was over. "That would be Emiya-senpai, but I'm not your senpai either way."

Ignoring any corrections as usual, Flat hopped down on the ground. "That was some amazing swordsmanship! It's no wonder you survived the Holy Grail War!"

Shirou smiled. The blonde was one of the few friends he had made during his time here at the Clocktower in London with Rin. While most mages simply found no interest in his limited magecraft talents, as Rin had predicted ahead of moving to London, Flat seemed to have no problem with that. In fact, most of the pupils of Lord El-Melloi II had no problem with him. 

"Yeah, well," Shirou scratched his cheek. "I was helped by Saber and Rin a lot. Without them, I'd have died." And Archer, he added privately. He remembered having resolved himself to cut off his arm in order to make sure Gilgamesh couldn't escape the Grail. It had been Archer who had spared him that drastic measure, somehow still alive after taking several swords into the chest just a day before that. 

"By the way," Shirou glanced back at Trim, who was following them, her maid outfit still in perfect condition despite their bout. "How exactly did you program her? She's Reines' golem, isn't she?"

Flat tapped his nose and gave a cheeky grin. "Now that, Shirou-senpai, is a secret. Buuuuut, I could-"

"Enough of that, Flat," a voice said as the gym doors opened to reveal Shirou's girlfriend. She had that look in her eyes that scared Shirou sometimes, especially since her hands were planted on her hips.

Shirou gave a weak smile. "H-hey, Rin."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't hey me." Her hand lashed out and grabbed his wrist. She held it up, screwing up her eyes in concentration. "Huh, never mind." She let go and smiled sweetly. "You seem to have gotten good enough to hold yourself back from overdoing your magical circuits."

"Yeah," Shirou internally sighed in relief. "Were you coming to watch or something? The training is already over."

"No no no," Rin said quickly, looking flustered for some reason. She coughed into her fist, composing herself. "Shirou, Lord El-Melloi II would like to see you in his office."

Shirou suddenly grew nervous. While he was thankful the Professor was fluent in Japanese to allow Emiya to do most of his homework in his native language, he still found some of the work challenging to say the least. He wondered if he had messed something up pretty badly.

Rin rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Shirou, do you think I'm that incompetent of a Magus?"

"Huh?" 

"Idiot," Rin folded her arms. "With me as your teacher, you can't go wrong with assignments. No, this is about... something else."

The way Rin had hesitated and looked as if she didn't want to talk about it publicly told Shirou that this was something serious. He had an inkling, a deep suspicion, but he hoped he was wrong.

"Alright," he nodded. "Let's go then."

Rin held out her hand to stop Flat from following. "Not you. The Professor specifically told me to tell you that there's a test tomorrow that you need to start studying for. If he catches you near his office, it'll be an automatic failure."

Flat drooped. "Geez, how'd he even know I hadn't started studying yet?"

Rin pinched the bridge of her nose, opened her mouth to say something, but refrained. "Come on, Shirou." She took him by the hand and pulled him along.

"Good afternoon, Emiya," Lord El-Melloi II nodded to him as he lit his cigar. "We have a lot to discuss."

Shirou glanced at Rin, who looked nervous. He sat and Rin did so as well next to him.

"I've already informed Tohsaka what is happening," The Professor took a moment to blow out some smoke. "Another Holy Grail War is beginning."

Shirou's eyes widened in alarm. Images flashed by in his mind. Saber in a weakened state, his showdown with Archer, and Illya being murdered by Gilgamesh.

"I thought you and Rin were going to dismantle it?" He asked cautiously.

"We were," Lord El-Melloi II seemed to grow agitated as he crushed his cigar. "In fact, we had planned to go in a few days. But someone else beat us to the Holy Grail." He stood and walked over to his window, staring at London beyond. "I said the Holy Grail War is beginning. That is wrong. It's already begun."

Shirou stood. "We have to stop it." He didn't care how outmatched he was compared to servants. Sakura, Taiga, Issei, and all the other people he knew and cared for were in Fuyuki, right in the middle of everything. No, in the middle of a warzone.

"Calm down, Shirou," Rin grabbed his hand gently. He sat back down reluctantly. She turned back to look at the Professor. "So, you want to tell him or do you want me to?"

He waved his hand, not speaking. Rin turned to Shirou. "A group of Mages that once used to belong to the Mage's Association have banded together and taken control of the Greater Grail. The Association learned of it and sent people to try and stop it before the ritual went too far. Of course, it did and now the War has begun. Their 7 servants have already been summoned."

"Their 7?" Shirou asked, confused. "Aren't we too late then?" 

Rin nodded. "The Greater Grail had a backup system installed in it and now it's been activated. Instead of a regular Holy Grail War, what has begun is the Great Holy Grail War. The enemy mages who summoned 7 servants are one faction: the Black Faction. The Mage's Association is forming the Red Faction, consisting of their own Masters who will summon 7 more servants."

"I'll do it," Shirou said, surprised by his own readiness to put himself back into another war only a few years after the last one. He gripped his fist, realizing he wasn't willing to back down. "I thought we had destroyed the Grail last time, or at least stopped it from ever happening again. I need to finish the job."

"Idiot," Rin said bluntly. "Haven't you learned that you're not a capable Master? I may have been teaching you magecraft, but you're not really suited to being a Master mana wise. I am far better suited to summoning a servant." 

"But-!"

"But," Rin tightened her hold on his hand. "Knowing you, if I kept this a secret, you might find out and place yourself in danger. Which is why I'm willing to let you come with me as support, despite not being a Master. Besides," she placed her hand on his chest. "I need you to help me summon her ."

Lord El-Melloi II glanced back. "Am I to presume that you mean to summon Saber once again?"

Rin nodded. "She helped us win the war last time. No offense to you, Shirou, but if immediately placed under my mana, we'll have a better starting point than last time."

Shirou nodded, placing his hand atop of Rin's that remained on his chest. Avalon remained inside of him still. He knew another version of him had given it up, becoming the Archer of the last war. He had no idea if forsaking Avalon was the cause of his turn to Archer, but he kept it within him anyway.

"I have an idea I can propose," The Professor took his seat again, leaning forwards as he folded his hands, staring at the two. "And let me remind you, you are both lucky to be getting knowledge of the war period. A mage like Tohsaka would be considered fine to participate in the war, but you," he looked at Shirou. "Well, you wouldn't be anyone's first choice, nor would they normally want to send you at all, even if you have survived a Holy Grail War once before." 

"That being said," he went on. "I know of a way both of you can become Saber's Master, as well as gaining an advantage no one else will have. The first Lord El-Melloi, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, was once my Professor here at the Clocktower. He manipulated the summoning ritual so that one mage could hold the Command Seals while the other supplies magical energy. I have since made my own modifications to allow for the command seals to appear on both mages, but they will be used through only one's own reserve of mana."

Rin's eyes widened. "He did that!? But, that would mean..." She began muttering to herself.

Lord El-Melloi II turned to Shirou. "Essentially, it would give the both of you more room to make plans that revolve around you and Saber engaging the enemy while Rin provides the magical energy for Saber while staying hidden. I've seen recordings of you fighting in the training area, Shirou Emiya. Let's not forget that you've even defeated the King of Heroes. Something even..." He trailed off.

"Hold on," Rin interrupted. "This would mean-!"

"It's fine," Shirou said resolutely, standing. "I would also be the center of attention. They would think I'm Saber's Master while Rin can stay safe providing magical energy."

Rin scowled. "I am allowing you to help fight this war, but I didn't want you taking on the burden alone, you idiot! There's a reason I've been trying to fix this hero complex of yours!" She muttered, "I knew I shouldn't have told you about this."

"Rin," Shirou said weakly as she glared at him.

Rin turned her head away. She knew he would never stop fighting for others, but she was still afraid that he might one day end up like... him. She couldn't let that happen. It would be too tragic for someone as nice as him.

"Miss Tohsaka," Lord El-Melloi II said, seeming to hold back a smile at their relationship. "Remember, Emiya won't be fighting alone. He'll have Saber as well as the other servants and Masters of the Red Faction."

Rin looked conflicted, but finally nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Who are the other Masters? For that matter, who exactly is our enemy? You never told me who they are."

Lord El-Melloi II shook his head. "That will have to wait until tomorrow. For now, we need to get going. I assume you know where you plan to summon her?"

Rin and Shirou glanced at one another. They'd discussed this beforehand. Of course, they'd never planned to enter another war, but if the opportunity had ever presented itself, they discussed where summoning Saber might be best. 

"We do," Rin answered the Professor.

"Good," he said as they headed for the door. "It'll be dark by the time we get there, so we'd better hurry. We don't know when the Black Faction might make a move. We could already be out of time..."

"Hurry it up," the woman hissed, bending the girl's head forward forcefully. The woman stepped back, leaving the young Chinese girl in front of the magical circle. She didn't cry, nor did she shake. She had already accepted her fate in all this. Resisting had never been an option, especially not with the monsters that had been summoned recently. One of them was present to witness this ritual, draped in a dark, ragged cloak, face hidden in shadows. He was so still he looked as if he could be a statue leaning against the wall in this dark chamber.

The girl raised her left hand, the strange symbols glowing red upon her skin. She began to speak, voice small and hoarse. She had been forced to memorize the chant over and over, so much that it felt as if it had been engraved into her very soul. Yet she stumbled over her words and she struggled to maintain her rhythm. She saw the woman, the one most vocal in her cruelty, tense, as if wanting to strike the girl, but withheld. 

"The ritual must go on without delay." That had been the command he had given her, so she allowed herself to be content with the pleasure of watching the young girl struggle to hold back the pain in her hand.

The summoning circle glowed brighter as a gentle wind picked up within the chamber, rushing around the walls. Yet the Servant in the corner stayed still and silent, unperturbed by the ritual nor the winds rustling his ragged cloak. 

The girl cried out at last, falling to her knees as a sudden burst of light blasted from the circle. Smoke obscured much of the room now. A figure was outlined in the mist, a sound almost like the rustling of scales coming from them as they moved towards the young girl. The figure knelt as the smoke thinned, his helmeted head bowed. He wore old Chinese armor, a blade sheathed on his right side. He lifted his head, dark eyes regarding the young girl. 

"Ah, the General has arrived," the woman shoved the girl aside. Instantly a spear was in the newly summoned servant's hands, the tip pressed against the woman's throat. Yet he did not move, for a blade was also pressed against his neck from behind.

The woman remained calm, smiling down at the servant. "Now now, do put away that blade of yours. We're all on the same side here. Isn't that right, girl?"

The young girl coughed, nodding mutely. She opened her mouth and tried speaking, failed, then tried again. "It-it's alright, Lancer." She didn't meet her servant's gaze, clutching her command seal covered hand. The woman stepped back and nodded to her servant to stand down. The blade left Lancer's throat, and while he did not take his eyes off of the woman, he reluctantly lowered his spear as he stood.

The woman cupped Lancer's chin in her hand, studying him with intense emerald green eyes. "You're younger than I expected you would be, General Yue Fei. Clean shaven too. How... delectable." She licked her lips, then laughed. "Assassin, take him to the others. I expect Rider will be interested in seeing this one."

She watched the servants leave, then knelt next to the girl. "You actually managed to do something right for a change, little girl. I'll make your treatment today hurt just a teensy bit less." Her eyes glowed brighter as the room filled with the girl's screams and the woman's malicious laughter.

"Are we really allowed to be here?" Shirou asked, staring at the ruins in the distance. "I don't think visitors are allowed at night."

"You know as well as I that this is the best place to summon her, so we're going to have to disobey the rules a bit." Rin took his hand and dragged him along up the grassy hill towards what was once a church. Located in Glastonbury Abbey, it was a popular tourist site, known especially for what is said to be the grave of a legendary king.

Shirou knelt by the gravestone, unable to read the words in the darkness. But he already knew what it said. He'd been here many times before. He placed his hand on it, muttering, "Saber."

A flicking sound and a small light lit behind him. He turned to see Lord El-Melloi II lighting his cigar. He breathed out some of the smoke. "Hurry up and get on with it. I trust you two know the basics of making the summon circle?"

"No," Shirou answered as Rin answered, "Yes." She rolled her eyes as she stepped past Shirou and the gravestone, setting down one of her gems. She began muttering, lines of red shooting out on the grass, forming a circle before shooting inwards to create intricate symbols. 

She stood once she finished, holding her hand to her chest as she let a breath out. She turned to Shirou, nodding. She stepped away to stand by El-Melloi as Shirou held out his left fist. Already he could see faint bruise marks on the back of it. The last time he had seen those was right before he summoned Saber for the Fifth Holy Grail War.

He tightened his fist as the circle began to glow, responding to the magical energy now humming in the air. "For the elements silver and iron, the foundation stone and the archduke of pacts. The color I bestow is red." The grass blew around the area and Shirou felt a warm wind envelop him. "Close the four gates. Come forth from the crown and follow the forked road from the kingdom." He breathed, trying to keep his anticipation in check. Soon. Soon she will be... "Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Repeat five times, but when each is filled, destroy it."

"Set," Shirou furrowed his brows in concentration. "Heed my words. My will creates your body and your sword creates my fate. If you heed the Grail's call, and obey my will and reason, then answer my summoning!" The wind picked up stronger now, his red hair being whipped back. "I hereby swear, that I shall be all the good in the world! That I shall defeat, all evil in the world! Seventh heaven clad in the great words of power! Come forth from the circle of bindings! Guardian of the scales!"

A burst of magical energy erupted from the circle, knocking Shirou back a step. He heard the two behind him trying to keep their balance as a figure rose from the magical mist now hanging in the air, their armor gleaming in the moonlight. Shirou was about to exclaim, "Saber!" but stopped, realizing that this was not Saber. At least, not his Saber. This knight wore full metal armor, red markings adorning it. They wore a unique helmet with wide slits for eyeholes, two large horns protruding from each side of the helmet.

"Saber?" Rin stepped forwards to stand next to Shirou, giving him a look of confusion. This was not the Saber they knew.

The helmet clicked and pieces of it slid down the back of the armor where they seemed to click into place. The horns slid down and positioned themselves on her shoulders, her blond hair getting released. A rough ponytail hung back as her bangs hung just above her dark green eyes. She looked young, but Shirou couldn't help but notice her remarkable resemblance to Artoria. 

"Who are you?" he breathed, still trying to get over his shock and disappointment.

"Heh," Saber smirked, planting her sword into the ground in front of her. "You may call me Mordred, the one and only true successor to the famed King of Knights, Arthur Pendragon! Now then," she turned her gaze on Shirou alone. "I ask of you. Are you the one, who is my Master!?"

Chapter Text

"Gah!" Rin began furiously pulling on her hair. "Not again! This happens every single time!"

Shirou, who would normally give words of comfort to a pouting Rin Tohsaka, found himself too focused on the Saber he had summoned. While she looked similar to the Saber he knew, she appeared younger and had more of a wild look to her eyes and hair. And just like Artoria, she was a woman as well, contrary to the legends of the Round Table. Yet, with all the crazy stuff from the last Grail War still fresh in his memory, Mordred actually being a woman wasn’t high on the crazy meter.

"Mordred!" Rin pointed at Saber now, apparently already done with sulking. "We were trying to summon Saber, I mean, Artoria! How are you here!? We had freakin' Avalon! Are you freaking kidding me!?"

"Heh," Saber lifted her sword and let it clunk on her armored shoulder. "Who else would be summoned in a place like this? I am the knight who killed King Arthur. Makes sense that I would be summoned at his grave." She smirked as she looked at Shirou. "But don't worry about it, Master. If I am the one who was able to triumph over my father, then that means I am a far superior Saber."

Shirou decided right then that it would probably not be wise to bring up the fact that Mordred was killed as well in that particular battle. Not to mention the fact that she kept calling Saber, erm, Artoria, “father”.

"Saber," He started, and suddenly felt a bad taste in his mouth. It felt wrong to call her Saber, especially since she wasn't his Saber, but had her face, albeit with a more wild look. "Are you really..."

"The bastard child of King Arthur?" Saber arched an eyebrow while grinning. "Hell yeah I am! That's why you have nothing to worry about. I'll make sure we take the Holy Grail, be damned who gets in our way! So tell me, Master." Her grin became wicked. "When shall we face our first opponent?"

"Not yet," Rin answered for Shirou. She looked to El-Melloi II. "Are we going to group up with the rest of the Masters?"

He shook his head. "Only one of them. The rest will be heading to Fuyuki by themselves. It's too dangerous to all go together." He glanced at the cigar held between his fingers, which had died out. Sighing, he lowered his arm. "There's still someone I need to convince to join. We'll be giving him a visit in the morning."

"What a drag," Saber complained, hitting her sword against her shoulder plating for emphasis. "Give me something to fight dammit."

Rin groaned. "Of course our luck is to draw a trigger-happy Saber. Mordred no less."

Saber regarded her for a moment. "Oh, I see. You're also my Master. No wonder I didn't feel any magical energy coming from him." She glanced at Shirou as she said that. "So I have to obey both of you?"

"Yep," Rin rubbed her temples, eyes shut. "And I can already tell it's going to be a headache."

"And you," Saber focused on Shirou again, stalking closer, green eyes narrowing. "You're disappointed."

Shirou took a step back, caught off guard by her forwardness. He scratched his cheek with one finger, not meeting her familiar gaze. "I was expecting..."

"My Father?" Saber let her sword vanish and crossed her arms. "What sort of history do you have with him?"

Before Shirou answered that, he wanted to know why she kept calling Artoria "him" and "father", but Rin interjected before he could say anything. "We don't have time for that. We should get going before anyone sees us."

"Agreed," Lord El-Melloi II said, already turning to walk away. "There's still much to do before we leave for Fuyuki."

Saber sighed dramatically as her form shimmered. "Fine. I sure hope I can kill something soon..." she let that sentence hang as she fully shifted into her spirit form. Shirou could still feel her presence beside him. In some ways it felt like Saber's presence, but there was something about it that was starkly different about it. She was definitely going to take some getting used to. 

31-year old Doctor Ohta Nakajima sat down with a heavy sigh on the white bench situated outside of the hospital. It was a small, isolated little area between the medical buildings, filled with grass, flowers, and a Sakura Tree providing shade. It reminded him of home whenever he sat here. 

The clouds were thick and gray, a light drizzle a promising sign that a downpour would soon begin. Good weather for what had just occurred.

"You can't save everyone even if you try."

He closed his eyes, focusing on his old mentor's words. It's what always got him through occasions such as this one. Despite having worn gloves during the procedure, despite having washed his hands for a good ten minutes, they still felt stained with blood. Another one who was unsavable. Not even his magecraft could make a difference. Yet he'd been able to save so many who had every right to be dead. So like always, he focused on that.

"Dr. Nakajima, sir?"

He opened his eyes and let them settle on the mousy haired intern who was learning under him. Young and still in University, she was very eager to learn. But the death of his patient seemed to have dulled the gleam he'd come to expect in her irises every time he saw her.

He was often said to have a stern and generally unapproachable appearance. With deep blue eyes and scruffy black hair, he wasn't the typical image of a doctor. The only thing that showed his status was his white lab coat and name tag.

"Dr. Nakajima?" Glenda asked again.

"Sorry," he mumbled, sitting forwards. "What's up?"

She shuffled her feet, clearly nervous. Unlike him, she seemed to be failing at ignoring her grief.

"Listen," he said before she could speak. "This is a hazard of the job. Sometimes we save people. Sometimes we don't. Better get used to it." He was being blunt, he knew that. Perhaps it was the wrong thing to say in this situation. But he also knew that she needed to know this. It was better to know what you were getting yourself into early on.

Glenda blinked away tears and looked away. After a moment she nodded silently and hurried off. Nakajima sighed, leaning back against the bench. She would have to get over these feelings if she wanted to become a doctor. 

"Dr. Nakajima."

A different voice this time, but all too familiar. Nakajima didn't bother opening his eyes this time as he felt the rain grow heavier. "What do you want, El-Melloi?"

"That's Lord El-Melloi II to you," the man said irritably. "I have come for your answer."

Nakajima opened his eyes to see the Professor of the Clock Tower standing in front of him, a cigar propped in his mouth. Much to his surprise, the Professor hadn't come alone. On his right were two young adults. Mages, Nakajima guessed, if they were hanging around with Lord El-Melloi II. Most likely students of his. The redhead was dressed casually in black pants and a green button-up sweater over a white shirt. Unlike his curious gaze, the girl next to him had her arms crossed and definitely looked like the sort to yell when annoyed. A short black skirt poked out from beneath a red polo shirt paired with leggings and long leather boots. Long black hair fell past her shoulders with a section of it hanging down in a long ponytail while her intense aqua blue eyes studied him. Both of them were Japanese, like him. Nakajima briefly wondered if this was a clever tactic Lord El-Melloi II was trying to pull in order to win him over.

 "Didn't I already give you your answer?" He asked half-heartedly, knowing full well the Lord wouldn't have come just to take a simple no as an answer. But he said it anyway. "I said no."

Inside, Nakajima was battling hard with himself. He had no desire to return to his home country, not after what occurred. He also refused to get involved with any of the Clock Tower's messes. He was a Doctor, it was as simple as that. Yet…

"We need you," Lord El-Melloi II said. "Not merely as a Master, but as a Doctor. This war is setting up to be a devastating one. Your magecraft will be able to save a lot of lives."

Nakajima gave a short bark of laughter. "Aren't the idealist mages we're going up against the ones wanting to expose our magecraft to the world? Wouldn't I be doing the same if I started healing with my magecraft?"

The young man and lady glanced at one another, shock written across their faces. Nakajima raised an eyebrow. "You didn't tell them about the Black Faction's motives?"

"We hadn't gotten to that yet," El-Melloi said with a grunt, clearly annoyed. "And that's far from what we're dealing with. So it's imperative you join us as a Master, Doctor Ohta Nakajima."

Nakajima looked away. That was what he was fighting himself on. He knew casualties were going to be high due to this Holy Grail War. He knew he could make a difference, even if only slightly. But he couldn't go back. Not after...

"I can't go back," Nakajima said pointedly, then inwardly cringed at the slip.

"Can't, not won't." It had been the girl who had spoken, pointing out the mistake in his wording. "I've heard of you. You're famous around the Clocktower. Your healing magecraft is some of the best around. It's also well known that you never turn away a patient, no matter their background. And your success rate is extremely high, even for a mage."

"Not high enough," he muttered bitterly, today's procedure still fresh in his mind.

"I know you well enough to know what's going on in your head right now," El-Melloi spoke, reaching into his suit. "Which is why I knew I needed to bring an incentive." He pulled out a photo. He held it out and Nakajima was hesitant to take it. Curiosity won over and he took it. He stopped breathing. 

He stood abruptly and croaked, "You have it!?"

"I do indeed," the Professor said. "If you had any doubts about how much you could help with your magecraft, this should put your mind at ease."

"But, all those medical practices were in the past," Nakajima argued, still staring at the photo of the lamp. Turkish in origin and used by a specific person during a specific war. "Compared to modern scientific knowledge and practices in the medical field-"

"The Grail doesn't work like that," El-Melloi shook his head. "It passes on knowledge of the modern world to the servants summoned. For this particular one, it's safe to assume all the modern medical practices will be imprinted."

When Nakajima didn't speak for a whole minute, the Lord of the Clocktower asked again. "Will you join us?"

The battle raging within Nakajima finally reached a conclusion. Helping people may be his life’s work, but doing so was his passion. Maybe he was already destined to say yes, planned on it despite his misgivings, but this picture only reinforced that answer. To be able to meet the one he looked up to, the one who inspired him to continue on as a doctor...

"Fine," he said softly, finally looking up from the photo. "I'll do it."

"General?" The red haired woman asked, facing a man in an army green military uniform, badges of many different kinds patched to his coat. "You called?"

The middle aged man sat hunched on the chair, eyes hidden in shadows. His spiky gray hair rose up behind him with two strands falling over his face, matching in color with his upwards mustache. He raised his head, his intense golden gaze freezing her. This was a man few dared to cross. Those who did met their end swiftly enough. It was no wonder he summoned a monster of a servant.

"How's the girl?" He asked simply.

The redhead chuckled maliciously. "She's behaving."

"And Lancer?"

"He's very protective of his Master," she said, unable to hide the note of irritation creeping into her voice. "But he follows our orders."

The General nodded. "Then all is going well. I expect the Mage's Association is scrambling right now as they try to summon their own servants to match ours."

"You think they already know of our plans?"

"It would be foolish to think they wouldn't," The General said, lifting himself up from his seat. "They are clever, ruthless, so we must be even more so. I've already sent Rider ahead to meet a certain group before they arrive."

The woman's eyes widened. "Was that wise, sir? He can be..." She hesitated.

A low chuckle. "Worry not, Irina. Whatever he may do, his actions will not hinder our plans. We can only stand to gain."

Nakajima exited the taxi, staring at the abandoned warehouse by the docks. The weather had turned stormy, making him glad he'd worn a poncho. Forgoing the use of his umbrella, he crossed the street once it was void of cars and hurried to his destination. Why Lord El-Melloi II wanted to meet here was beyond him. As he neared the building, he started looking for a door when he felt something pressed against his neck.

"I'd advise you not to move," a cocky voice said.

Nakajima glanced downwards with his eyes to see a large sword, decorated with red markings. 

"Saber!" 

The boy whom Nakajima had seen with El-Melloi earlier came running up through the rain, holding a green umbrella over his head. He nodded to Nakajima before addressing the one holding the sword to his throat.

"Saber, he's the one we're waiting for."

"Ugh, fine," the blade swung out and upwards and Nakajima heard it make a clunking sound, as if hitting metal. He turned around to see a blond haired woman in a suit of armor, and like the sword now resting on her shoulder, was decorated with red markings. "If I don't get to fight anything soon, I'm going to go mad."

"So this is a Saber servant?" Nakajima took a step away from her, but still couldn't help himself admiring her. She was a heroic spirit of legends, someone a man like him would usually never even hope to meet.

"Damn straight," Saber flashed a grin. "Now let's get this show on the road! I heard that once you get your servant we'll be on our way to Japan to fight!"

"Easy there, Saber," the redhead said, looking slightly exasperated. "We can't just go fighting right away, you know that."

"Yeah yeah," Saber shrugged and marched off to the warehouse. "Whatever."

Her master shook his head and turned to Nakajima, extending a hand. "It's nice to meet you, Nakajima-san. I'm Shirou Emiya."

Nakajima smiled and shook his hand warmly. "Just Nakajima is fine." The name clicked in his head. "Shirou Emiya you say? The boy who survived the last Holy Grail War?"

"Yeah," Shirou said, rubbing the back of his head. "It seems I'm getting dragged back into another one."

Nakajima nodded, not knowing what to say. He followed the young man to the warehouse and through the door. He was free from the rain, but not from the cold. Lord El-Melloi II and the girl from earlier were waiting, standing near a red summoning circle. 

The Lord of the Clocktower pulled the cigar from his mouth. "Let's begin shall we? We don't have time to waste here."

Nakajima nodded and walked over to the spot El-Melloi indicated. He stood before the summoning circle and opposite of him sat the lantern. No longer looking at the picture, he was looking at the genuine artifact. It reminded him why he bothered to come at all. 

"If I even have a small chance to help people in need," he held up his left hand. "With all my medical knowledge I will do what I can. And with you by my side, we can save so many more."

He'd already memorized the chant given to him by El-Melloi earlier. He watched as the circle lit up and his left hand began to tingle. The feeling spread up his entire arm, almost as if something was being burned into his skin. Still he went on, determined to see this through to the end. Only if to meet the one he looked up to more than anyone else, the one person he sought to be like.

As he neared the end of the chant, a feeling as if chains were slinking up his left arm tightened. He opened his mouth to utter a groan of pain, only for words to come spilling out. Words he didn't intend to say. "And let thine eyes be clouded with turmoil and chaos. Thou, who are trapped in a cage of madness, and I the summoner, who holds thy chains!"

Magical energy burst from the circle as he finished and he immediately clutched his arm, groaning as he felt something blaze along it. He knew he should check for injuries, but he was too busy staring at the figure being revealed as the magical fog thinned. She was in a kneeling position, and when she rose, Nakajima's breath caught.

She was dressed in an old red military uniform paired with a black skirt, white leggings, and high white boots that curved upwards at the toes into points. Army green rectangular bags were strapped to both her sides and back waist with an old pepperbox revolver strapped to her left waist, as well as connected to her side with a cord. However, it was her silver pink hair and dark magenta eyes that threw him off the most. Those eyes met Nakajima's as she rose, containing a certain intensity that made him freeze. 

"B-but," He stammered. "You- You couldn't be-!?"

"I am Berserker," the Servant standing before him spoke. "My True Name is Florence Nightingale. Please rest assured now that I’m here.” She took a step towards Nakajima, who’s feet felt frozen. “Let’s save everyone’s lives. Even if all lives will have to be sacrificed.”

Chapter Text

Rin was in the middle of enduring a headache like no other. The cause of it wasn't simple enough for mere ibuprofen to cure. Not just the thought of a rogue group of mages taking the Grail and starting the 6th Holy Grail War. Not just the failed summoning of Artoria and getting Mordred instead. Definitely not just another failed summoning and getting a nurse as a freakin' Berserker. And let's not forget both servants had their own freakin' issues that came along with them!

"Are you okay, Rin?" Shirou asked beside her, concern in his tone as well as his eyes. Normally Rin would be calmed knowing he was there with her, but at the moment the headache proved to be too much for his concern to help.

"Yeah, just peachy," she groaned into her hands.

"Relax, Master," Saber said as she reclined on her chair opposite Rin, one leg crossed over the other in a very content and relaxed way that it pissed Rin off something fierce.

She gave her servant a glare. Saber cracked an eye open and grinned. "Oh come on, at least I wore the clothes you wanted me to wear."

"And how long did it take you to finally accept the clothes I suggested?" Rin asked sarcastically.

Saber shrugged, examining her black suit. "Hey, formal suits me well, don't you think?"

"Ugh," Rin moaned, both fed up and in pain. She slumped in her seat. "How much longer to Japan?"

Shirou, having gotten the window seat, glanced out at the dark night clouds. "Dunno. Soon I guess?"

"An hour," Lord El-Melloi II said in his seat in front of them. He'd gotten a seat adjacent to Gray, his apprentice and assistant who'd insisted on coming along to protect him. To their side in two other seats were Dr. Nakajima and Berserker. While Nakajima opted to go for more casual clothes consisting of jeans and a button-up shirt, Berserker had gone the way of Mordred and El-Melloi II and wore formal attire. A dark red overcoat and skirt with black leggings, with a black vest beneath, and white collared shirt and black tie beneath that. On top of it all she wore a black trench coat on her shoulders.

Two days had passed since the summoning of Berserker. Most of the Masters of Red had already gathered in Fuyuki, waiting for the last few masters to arrive. As Rin watched Gray give a side glance at Saber, before moving her head to pretend she hadn’t been looking, Rin remembered something El-Melloi had mentioned when they were boarding the plane.

Getting up and trying to ignore her pounding head, she went over to Lord El-Melloi's seat and asked, "You think you can tell us now what that little hiccup was regarding the Masters of Red?"

Sighing, the Clocktower Professor reluctantly folded his hands. "It seems one of our selected Masters was unable to summon a servant."

Rin raised an eyebrow. "And how can that happen?"

"It would seem that our Assassin servant has already been summoned," He said irritably. "All we know is that they're somewhere in Fuyuki or New City. Our first task once meeting up with the other attending Masters will be to track down whoever summoned Assassin and recruit them. Or at least not let them be targeted by the enemy before we can find them."

"Well that's just dandy," Rin muttered, turning to go back to her seat. "Ow," she muttered, holding up her finger to see a tiny drop of blood. She glanced down at the back of El-Melloi's seat, spotting a tiny piece of it sticking out where she must have cut herself.

"Wonderful," she said, moving to stick her finger in her mouth to get rid of the blood. "First class my a- AH-?!" She yelped as she was spun around and pressed back in her seat, her arm held out against her will in a tight grip. 

Berserker stood over her, glaring. "Licking your blood is completely unsanitary. I will sterilize it myself."

"I'd rather-!" Rin started to say, trying to yank her arm back, but Berserker held fast, clipping open her medicine bag with her right hand. 

"Berserker," Nakajima said, getting up. "It's not that serious of a-"

She didn't bother to turn her head to look at him when she responded. "An untreated cut can lead to infection, which could then spread through the body. It must be dealt with properly and promptly, lest I must resort to amputating the entire finger to make sure you survive."

"It's. A. Tiny. Cut." Rin said, grabbing at Berserker's arm with her other hand to try and pull free, but the pink-haired woman had an iron grip.

Berserker produced a small cylinder from her bag and held it up to Rin's finger. She pressed down, spraying the cut, before capping the cylinder and putting it back in the bag. Then she grabbed a band-aid and wrapped it around Rin's finger before finally letting go.

"Disinfected and sterilized," Berserker said, sounding satisfied, before releasing her grip on Rin. 

"Geez," Rin rubbed her arm. She turned her head and glared at both Shirou and Saber. Shirou quickly hid his smile and made to pretend he’d found something interesting out the window, but Mordred continued to smirk in amusement. "Some Servant you are. Aren't you supposed to protect your Master?"

"From what, getting healed?" Mordred said, still smirking.

"Gah," Rin leaned back, nursing her headache once again. 

"Something still the matter?" Berserker asked, startling Rin, who didn't realize the servant hadn't left.

"N-nothing," Rin said defiantly, but Berserker had already moved closer again. She cradled Rin's head in both hands, moving her own face closer to examine her. "I said I'm fine," Rin complained, but had already given in. 

"Hm," Berserker tilted Rin's head slightly from side to side, before standing back and reaching into her bag again. This time she produced a bottle, the rattling sound inside indicating they were pills.

"What are-" Rin didn't get to finish before two were shoved into her mouth and then a bottle of water forced onto her lips. Sputtering after the pills went down, Rin swatted at Berserker's hand, but missed.

"The effects should kick in soon," Berserker said, putting on new gloves after discarding the ones she'd been wearing. "If not, I will rectify the issue another way."

"Geez," Rin wiped water from her mouth, having spilled some down her front. "Seriously, what kind of nurse are you?"

"I will do what I must to cure my patients," was all she said as she moved to sit back down next to an apologetic looking Nakajima. "Should they refuse treatment, I will force it on them. For I will heal, even if it kills them."

Mordred cracked a laugh. "I like her! However," she tapped her knee, narrowing her eyes at Berserker. "If you even think about treating my Masters in a way that will result in their deaths, then you and I-"

Rin looked over at Saber, who stopped speaking and stood up suddenly. "Wha-"

“Get down!” She shouted, kicking Shirou’s seat so hard that it cracked in half and Shirou fell onto the ground with a thud. Saber’s armor materialized as Rin heard a loud crash and suddenly the plane dipped as wind roared through the plane, and Rin found herself slamming into the back of a seat. 

As air roared around her, she dug a hand into her pocket and pulled out two light green gems and a dark blue gem. She tossed the latter up and it was immediately sucked away towards the cockpit area. In just a few seconds the wind and pressure in the cabin returned to normal.

Rin rose to her knees as Saber ran for the cockpit. Nakajima was groaning, holding his shoulder as Berserker knelt beside him. El-Melloi was on the ground, holding his head as Gray rose to her feet, holding what looked to be a large scythe. When did she have a scythe?

When Rin heard no immediate threats of danger aside from the dangerously dipping airplane they were on, she stumbled her way after Saber, Shirou close behind. Once in the doorway of the cockpit, she immediately took notice that both the pilot and co-pilot were dead. Two large arrows were sticking out of their chests, already fading away into golden light. Her blue gem had expanded the length of the window to block the hold that had been made, and allowed for some visibility beyond.

Saber, without so much as a mutter of apology, tossed the captain’s body out of his chair and took his place. She wiggled her fingers and took the wheel. She did some weird things with the dashboard and in just a few seconds the plane had righted itself. Right on course with the figure flying towards them.

“You can fly this thing?” Shirou asked when he appeared in the doorway.

“Got skills in Riding, what of it?” Saber grinned. “Looks like that bastard is heading straight towards us. Orders?”

Rin spluttered. “There’s no way we can fight them! And going outside is suicide!”

“Well there’s no way to avoid him,” Saber said, her voice indicating that this was a problem, but her smile showing otherwise. “And as much as I would love to blast my clarent at him, that would be hard to do on a plane with people on it.”

“Rin,” Shirou said warningly. “He’s getting closer.”

Rin gritted her teeth, wanting to snap something smart at him, but refrained. She was the Master here, so it was up to her to figure out their course of action. Well, one of the Masters, but she was more of a strategist.

“We don’t have a choice but to fight,” Lord El-Melloi II said behind her. “Emiya!”

“Yes, sir!” Shirou yelped, startled.

“Can you fly this plane?”

“Uh…”

“Good.” He turned to Saber. “We’ll get you and Berserker on top.”

“Hey, I don’t take orders from-!”

“Saber.” Saber looked at Rin. The black haired girl was gripping a fist. “That’s our only option. That’s our plan.”

Saber blinked, but only once. Then she was grinning again and surrendered the pilot’s chair to Shirou, who took the controls, using his tracing magic to figure out the controls. 

“Was gonna be boring just flying anyway. So how are we doing this?” She asked, staring at the side of the plane.

Rin readied another blue gem. “You’ll blow your way out.”

“Sounds fun. Hope you got a plan to not fly out after me,” Saber said with a laugh as Berserker joined her.

“Miss Ni-,” Nakajima started, then shook his head, catching himself. “I mean, Berserker. Be careful.”

“I am a nurse first and foremost,” Berserker said, tightening one of her gloves. “And preventing future injuries is my sworn duty.”

“Sir, are you sure I shouldn’t…” Gray trailed off.

El-Melloi shook his head. “You’re no match for an actual servant. Even with backup, you might prove to be more of a liability. Besides, we need you on board in case anything else unexpected shows up.”

Gray nodded, stepping back. 

“Ready?” Rin asked the two servants.

“Do you even need to ask?” Saber smirked.

Rolling her eyes, Rin tossed the gem at the wall and it stuck to it. Giving them a nod, Saber slashed through the wall and both she and Berserker were sucked out before the gem activated, closing up the hole.

Outside, Saber grabbed the back of Berserker’s coat as she dug an armored hand into the side of the plane, hauling them atop it. Berserker swatted Saber’s hand off as she rose to her feet.

“Ungrateful much?” Saber scoffed as she turned her attention to the enemy servant flying ever closer. 

“Masters, I believe this may be Rider,” Saber transmitted to Rin and Shirou.

“Yeah, we can see the freakin’ huge bird,” Rin responded sarcastically.

Indeed, Rider was riding atop a giant eagle, feet splayed at the beginning of each wing. He wore a militaristic uniform, a cape draped over his back, both shoulders padded with dark fur. Dark hair poked out from beneath a black officer’s hat, his uniform matching in color, save for the gold clasps on his jacket. He snapped his fingers and his eagle screeched and flew off, leaving him alone as he faced both servants.

“A cocky one ain’t ya,” Saber’s helmet clicked into place as she brandished her sword. Without another word she ran at him. He didn’t move as she neared, but as she swung her sword towards his right side, his right arm moved with lighting speed. Metal clanged loudly as sparks flew from where the two blades connected. His sword, long and curved, swung back down in an arc and Saber leaped back to avoid it, feet scraping along the plane.

The servant’s arm dropped back down to his side, but otherwise hadn’t moved. He raised his head, dark eyes glinting beneath his hat. A grin formed. “Well, you look worthy enough to beat into the ground.” His voice was deep, and usually not easily scared, Saber felt an odd chill at the sound of his voice. 

Beneath her helmet, she barked with laughter. “Funny, I was thinking the same thing!” She took off again and this time the enemy servant rushed to meet her. Their blades clashed, but this time Saber followed up with a kick into his side. He stumbled and she went for an overhead strike with her armored fist, but he deftly caught it and twisted his whole body around, dragging Saber along with him and tossing her back towards where Berserker stood. 

“You can help anytime you know,” Saber grunted as she shot to her feet. 

But Berserker was already on the move. She landed a solid punch in the enemy’s middle, forcing him back as his boots scraped along the plane. Saber followed up the attack by leaping in, clarent arcing towards his neck as Berserker swung her foot for a second attack. Quick as a flash, Berserker’s foot was grabbed and her whole body was swung up and sent crashing into Saber. Both servants flew across the plane in a tangled heap.

“Dammit!” Saber spat, pushing Berserker off. “You’re going to pay for that!”

A chuckle. “A Saber and I presume a Berserker. Though honestly, you could be a Berserker yourself.”

“Yeah?” Saber growled as Berserker got to her feet beside her. “And who are you? Rider, right?”

“Hah! Indeed I am!” He grinned. “And you two are nothing more than minor insects for me to crush beneath my heels! So come at me!” He brandished his curved sword before rushing towards them. Saber yelled and ran to meet him, their blades crashing into one another. Two fists connected moments later and Saber was sent flying again as Rider was only merely forced back a step.

Berserker rushed in, catching Saber by the leg as she flew past and hurled her back towards Rider. 

“Thanks!” Saber shouted, swinging down her sword with all her might. Rider raised his sword, fending off the attack. Gunshots rang out as he stumbled back, hand clutching his side where Berserker had shot him with her rotary pistol.

Saber lunged, but Rider sidestepped and slammed a fist onto her back before viciously kicking her towards Berserker, who leaped over her companion, fist blazing with red energy as she rocketed it down. Rider backed up and the fist crashed into the plane, denting the steel. His sword arced downwards, but Saber’s clarent shot past Berserker and Rider moved to parry it away with his blade. Saber grabbed her sword as she came leaping down, following up with a swift kick into his side, knocking him back. 

“We can take you,” Saber growled. “Easily.”

Rider smirked, sheathing his blade. Eyes narrowing, Saber bolted towards him, Berserker on her heels. Rider’s hands shot out, his left catching Saber’s blade while the other punched Berserker in the face. As she flew back, Saber was thrown into the sky, Rider leaping after her. He swung his body, slamming his leg into her side and sending her crashing down. She broke through the plane and broke several seats below. Berserker’s fists became clenched as a red aura engulfed them. Eyes blazing, she ran full tilt for Rider, who’s fist swung to meet hers. They bounced off one another before they exchanged a flurry of fierce blows as the plane began tilting, nose aiming towards the city below.

Inside the plane, Shirou was desperately trying to regain control of the plane, but a sudden explosion from outside and a trail of smoke coming from the left engine indicated that things were dire.

“Shirou!” Rin yelled, grabbing onto the nearest wall for support.

“I’m trying, Rin!” He grunted, beads of sweat appearing on his brow as he strained with the wheel.

“Sir!” Gray looked desperate.

Lord El-Melloi II hesitated. When he opened his mouth, something moved down below in Fuyuki. Something big enough to block out the city lights was moving fast towards them. No one had time to voice a word when they saw this before it collided with the plane, rocking it dangerously. 

Back above, Berserker had been flung back once more, blood dripping from her left arm as it hung beside her uselessly. Rider advanced on her, only to stop and turn around, staring at the city below. Something huge and black soared upwards, colliding with the plane, its long body curling around the plane like a snake. 

“Ahahahahahahaha!” A voice laughed as a woman ran along the length of the long serpent-like body, leaping off and twirling a spear in both hands. She brought it crashing down, the shockwave slamming Rider back.

“And who the hell are you!?” Saber grunted as she hauled herself back on top of the plane. 

The new servant was Japanese, black armor accompanied by red and white robes with big sleeves. Long white hair flowed down her back to her waist with black coloring in her bangs. In her right hand she brandished her spear, the extended blades near the hilt shaped to look like flames. In her left hand she holds a golden colored katana.

She smiled broadly at both Saber and Berserker. “Lancer of Red, here to bring about divine fury!” She twirled her spear about, dashing forwards as flames erupted along the blade. Rider only just managed to block it as her katana slashed through the air, arcing brilliant golden light, breaking his guard. He stumbled back towards the right wing of the plane. Something glinted in the city far below and several arrows trailing fire streaked towards him. 

Slashing at his side, the arrows snapped in half before they could make contact, but Lancer took advantage of the moment, twirling into him, her sword blasting light outwards as it slashed his chest and her spear plunging towards his chest, fire exploding outwards upon contact.

“It seems even I have been hopelessly outmatched,” Rider conceded, standing straight as the smoke and fire faded away, looking no worse for wear except for the scorch marks now adorning his chest. 

“Hey, bastard, don’t you dare-!” Saber started forwards, but Rider proceeded to leap off the plane. The giant eagle materialized from the air below, Rider landing atop it as he soared away.

The plane shook again as it began a coordinated descent that contradicted its current state. Saber eyed the black serpent body. “Is that thing flying the plane? What even the hell is it?”

Lancer slammed the butt of her spear on the ground, grinning widely. “Call it divine intervention.” She patted the black scales. “Bring us down safely, yeah.”

A growl trembled along its body. Lancer shook her head, her smile never wavering. “Yeah yeah, I’ll get you a frog when we get down. Now hurry it up, we need to get back to base and pronto.”

“What’s happening up there?!” Rin’s voice shouted in Saber’s head.

“Rider retreated,” Saber responded. “ Our allies showed up to help it seems.”

“Oh good,” Rin’s voice was one of barely contained calmness. “ Now please tell me what the actual hell is this snake thing coiled around the plane!?”

“Beats me ,” Saber shrugged.

A deep sigh from her Master. “ Well, if one good thing came out of this, at least my headache is gone.”

“Ahahahahahahaha!” Lancer laughed, standing on the nose of the plane, grinning down upon the city with her spear stretched outwards towards the brightening sky. “Let the sun shine down upon us, for the glory and might of Bishamonten is with us! Let this Great Holy Grail War begin!”