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Chapter Text

Novum Chaldea, the Last Bastion of Proper Human History since the fall of  Finis Chaldea.

Under the leadership of the Last Master of Humanity Ritsuka Fujimaru, Chaldeans and Servants have dealt with numerous Singularities and Lostbelts. Some were difficult, like the first few Singularities; others were heart-wrenching, like the Lostbelts. Then, there were those ‘light-hearted’ Singularities that helped ease the tension and stress built up across the grim travels.

As such, Chaldeans had been in many weird, even outlandish, situations, which over time allowed the bonds to grow stronger the more they traveled to clear out Singularities and Lostbelts. They believed that they were ready to face anything at this point together as a powerful team with the strong bond that the Servants have with the Last Master of Humanity. In the case of most Female Servants, they also grew bonds of love for their shared Master of Chaldea.

Servants, or Heroic Spirits, are people or beings that have left a permanent mark in human history. Some were just rulers; others were tyrants. Some were protectors; others were conquerors. There were even Gods among them, although limited to Pseudo-Servants possessing the body of attuned humans. If there was a commonality among these beings, it was that they were all very powerful. In the case of female servants, there was another commonality: they were all extremely beautiful.

Some of the Servants embodied the concept of Beauty - for example, the Gorgon Sisters, such as Stheno and Euryale. Others were known for their beauty - for example, Mata Hari and Cleopatra. Some were tall, and others were short; some were well-endowed, others were flat-chested. Regardless of their characteristics, the Servants were all far more beautiful than an average woman. And these beauties, with the exception of those who have their significant other such as Yu Mei-ren/Consort Yu with her husband Xiang Yu, as well as the Child Servants, were all not just powerful Servants, but also many lovers of the Last Master of Humanity, Ritsuka Fujimaru.

Yes, many of the Female Servants of Chaldea are all enamored and in love with their Master as he had won their hearts with his kindness, care, and treating everyone as equals and not replaceable pawns, unlike most mages who would treat Servants otherwise if they were in a Holy Grail War, and many of the Female Servants love their lovable Master with all their hearts.

The Servants who are in a romantic (and sexual) Relationship with their Master of Chaldea (so far) are Mash Kyrielight, Artoria Pendragon (Saber Alter), Medusa (Rider), Jeanne d'Arc, Marie Antoinette, Saint Martha, Elizabeth Báthory, Carmilla, Kiyohime, Mata Hari, Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, Boudica, Jing Ke, Stheno, Euryale, Tamamo-no-Mae, Tamamo Cat, Altera (Attila the Hun), Francis Drake, Anne Bonny & Mary Read, Medea (Lily), Mordred, Frankenstein, Artoria Pendragon (Lancer Alter), Florence Nightingale, Helena Blavatsky, Scáthach, Medb, Nitocris, Xuanzang Sanzang, Hassan-i-Sabbah (Hassan of the Hundred Faces), Hassan-i-Sabbah (Hassan of Serenity), Artoria Pendragon (Lancer), Ishtar, Ushiwakamaru, Quetzalcoatl, Ereshkigal, Medusa (Gorgon), Jeanne d'Arc (Alter), Shiki Ryougi (Saber), Mysterious Heroine X, Okita Souji (Sakura Saber), Oda Nobunaga (Demon Archer), Shuten-douji, Minamoto-no-Raikou, Cleopatra, Osakabehime, BB, Meltryllis, Passionlip, Kingprotea, Suzuka Gozen, Kiara Sessyoin, Penthesilea, Wu Zetian, Scheherazade, Miyamoto Musashi, Tomoe Gozen, Mochizuki Chiyome, Katou Danzou, Nezha, Circe, Queen of Sheba, Semiramis, Okita Souji Alter, Mysterious Heroine X Alter, Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, Atalanta (Alter), Scáthach-Skadi, Valkyrie, Qin Liangyu, Lakshmibai, Charlotte Corday, Caenis, Dioscuri Pollux, Astraea, Murasaki Shikibu, Sei Shōnagon, Ibuki-douji, Taira no Kagekiyo, Parvati, Kama, Sima Yi (Reines El-Melloi Archisorte), Gray, Nagao Kagetora, Oda Nobunaga (Avenger), Erice Utsumi, Himiko, Yang Guifei, Katsushika Hokusai, Mysterious Heroine XX, Fujino Asagami, Calamity Jane, Space Ishtar (Ishtar Ashtoret), Salome, Kiichi Hougen, Caren Cupid Hortensia (Amour), Miss Crane-Tsurume-no-Kimi, Mysterious Idol X Alter, Galatea, Artoria Pendragon (Caster), Barghest (Fairy Knight Gawain), Baobhan Sith (Fairy Knight Tristan), Melusine (Fairy Knight Lancelot), Morgan le Fay (Lostbelt Queen), TV (Tamamo Vitch) Koyanskaya of Light, TV (Tamamo Vitch) Koyanskaya of Darkness, Jacques de Molay (Female), Zenobia, Mysterious Ranmaru X, Dobrynya Nikitich (Nastasia Nikulichna), Manannán mac Lir (Bazett Fraga McRemitz), Huyan Zhuo, and Britomart.

There are, of course, some Female Servants who prefer to be platonic with their Master of Chaldea, such as Artoria Pendragon (Saber), Medea, Artemis (She Loves Orion), Leonardo da Vinci to remain professional, Shiki Ryougi (Assassin), Irisviel von Einzbern (Caster), Chacha, Ibaraki-douji, Paul Bunyan, Mecha Eli-chan (Magus Aegis Elizabeth Channel), Bradamante, Yu Mei-ren/Consort Yu (She Loves Xiang Yu), Ganesha - Giant Statue God, Europa, Kijyo Koyo, Van Gogh, Habetrot, Iskandar's Shadow Hephaestion, Mary Anning, Daikokuten, Super Paul Bunyan, Kriemhild (She's Married to Siegfried), Xu Fu, Archetype Earth (Arcueid Brunestud), and Sen-no-Rikyu, as well as the Child Servants of Chaldea.

Anyway, within Chaldea, because of their love for him, there were many Female Servants who wanted to be with Ritsuka to do lots of things as lovers, but there was only one Master. So, the Servants had made a schedule on who got to visit him for the night. The Female Servants who visit their beloved Master during the night can do anything they want with him for the night, and it could be simply from having romantic hangouts with Ritsuka to even straight up having loving and passionate sex with him in his room.

Tonight, it was the turn for the Archer of Inferno - Tomoe Gozen, and in her case...

"GAAAAAHHH!!!" Tomoe cried while using the remote controller and playing a fighting game, "C'mon, Master, let me win this!"

It was playing video games.

The Master and Servant were currently playing a fighting game called Dead or Alive 6, with Ritsuka playing as Bass Armstrong while Tomoe was playing as Kazumi, and Ritsuka was currently winning the game.

"Nope." said Ritsuka with a cheeky smile, "Sorry, Tomoe. It looks like it's gonna be my win today!"

"Grr...not if I can help it." Tomoe growled, trying her best to play as Kazumi.

It wasn't going well as Tomoe was losing the game.

"UGH, DAMN IT!!" she yelled in frustration, slamming the controller on the couch and losing the round as Ritsuka had won the game, "How does Bass keep beating me? How?!?!?"

"Well, Bass has his own move set, while Kazumi has the same moves as Kasumi," said Ritsuka, explaining things to his Servant, "Kazumi has no advantage against Bass since she has no new moves or tricks to use on him, but Bass does since he has his own unique set. Also, you gotta know what each character can do and how to use them."

"Ugh...it's no fun if I can't win once..." Tomoe grumbled.

"That's true, but hey, a loss doesn't mean that you'll always lose," said Ritsuka, encouraging his Servant, "Just know what the characters can do, and try and think of strategies so you can win against them. After all, it's just a video game, and this isn't like our real lives."

"You're right," said Tomoe, calming down, "I can still practice and learn from this, and I won't always lose."

"That's the spirit!" Ritsuka smiled, "And maybe next time, you'll get your win. Besides, you're always good at playing a lot of video games in your free time, and you've always found ways to win, so maybe you can learn something from this. "

"Hahaha, yeah, that's true!" Tomoe chuckled, "And I guess we could have a rematch later." She then smiled at her Master and said, "Thank you, Master. You always know what to say to make me feel better."

"Well, I mean, I always know what to say to make everyone feel better." Ritsuka chuckled, "Isn't that what you and the other Female Servants love about me?"

Tomoe giggled at that before she laid her head on his shoulder and said, "Yes, that's definitely one thing we all love about you."

They both stayed as they were for a moment, silently enjoying the presence of each other's company.

Tomoe Gozen, in her past life, was married to Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a heroic general in Japan during the late Heian Period to the early Kamakura Period who led the fight with the Minamoto Clan against the Taira Clan during the Genpei War. He led the Shinano Genji to an overwhelming victory at the Battle of Kurikara and secured the city of Kyoto. Yoshinaka claimed the position of Asahi Shogun, but shortly afterward his cousin Minamoto-no-Yoritomo ordered him killed. Then, on the battlefield, Yoshinaka ordered Tomoe to flee and survive, and he was killed by the forces of Yoritomo's sister Minamoto-no-Yoshitsune and brother Minamoto-no-Noriyori on Yoritomo's orders. Tomoe gave birth to Asahina Yoshihide after his death, and she lived the rest of her peaceful life as a nun where she prayed that her husband would rest in peace before she eventually died at some point in time.

In this life, as a Heroic Spirit, one of the Servants of Chaldea as an Archer-Class Servant, while Tomoe Gozen still loves and holds Yoshinaka dearly in her heart, it does not mean that she could not find new love in the present world and age, especially from her beloved Master, Ritsuka Fujimaru, especially when they are all working together to clear out the Singularities and the Lostbelts in order to restore Proper Human History.

Tomoe then looked at Ritsuka and asked, "Say, Master, would you...like to have sex with me today? It's been a while since we've done it, so..."

"Ah, sorry, Tomoe, not today." said Ritsuka as he yawned, "I'm kinda tired from working on clearing out the British Lostbelt we went through, especially when we just got Mash back and have her recuperate back in Chaldea."

"Ah." Tomoe nodded in understanding, "Yeah, you're right. That Lostbelt was tough. It's amazing that you held the group together, and it was nice that you had the idea to bring a small portion of the food and water in the Lostbelt with us to get the supplies into the outside world. Still, that was quite the gamble."

"Hehe, thanks." said Ritsuka, laughing awkwardly, "But the important thing is that we cleared the Lostbelt, and now, we can finally rest and recover from the exhaustion of it all." He then yawned and added, "Plus, we've been playing the video game Dead or Alive 6 a lot tonight, so I'm kinda tuckered out."

Tomoe giggled and said, "True. Plus, the others have been getting a little jealous and have wanted to spend time with you as well." She then sighed and said, "Though, I can't really blame them. It's been a while since you last visited, and it's not easy being away from someone you love."

"Yeah." Ritsuka nodded in agreement.

Tomoe then gave a smile at her Master and asked, "Would you like to sleep with me for the night, Master?"

Ritsuka smiled and said, "Sure, Tomoe. I'd like that."

Tomoe smiled before she gave him his remote control and said, "Good. Then, how about one more round of the game for the night before we head to bed? We'll pick different characters, and this time, victory will be mine!"

Ritsuka chuckled and said, "Bring it on!"

The Master and Servant then went for one more round of the Dead or Alive 6 game, this time picking and playing as different fighting characters, with Ritsuka playing as Eliot while Tomoe playing as Ayane.

After about three rounds, this time Tomoe had won the game, which made her happy that she finally won at least once, and so, she was now ready for bed.

As the two went under the covers, Ritsuka wrapped his arm around Tomoe, holding her close, and the female samurai Archer was comfortable and snug as she smiled and closed her eyes.

"Good night, Master. Sleep well." Tomoe said with a soft smile.

"Good night, Tomoe." said Ritsuka softly.

The two then slowly drifted off to sleep.

Of course, the next morning, the other Female Servants, particularly the ones who have the next night to spend with their beloved Master, will be quite jealous. However, it wouldn't last long as Ritsuka Fujimaru was immediately called to the command room by the current Director of Chaldea, Goredolf Musik, as well as the Ruler-Class Servant and Advisor, Sherlock Holmes, the Rider-Class Servant and Head of the Technology Development Division, Leonardo da Vinci, in her child form, and a fellow/former Master of Chaldea and friend, Ritsuko Fujimura.

Ritsuko Fujimura, much like Ritsuka, was a young Japanese woman who had shoulder-length red hair tied in a side ponytail on the left side with a usually yellow hairband and a cowlick, and light orange eyes. Like Ritsuka, who was currently wearing the male Arctic Region Chaldea Uniform, she was wearing the female Arctic Region Chaldea Uniform.

Much like Ritsuka, Ritsuko used to be one of the fellow Masters of Chaldea, Candidate Master No. 33, who was put into cryofreeze in their coffins after suffering a severe and critical injury, and unlike Ritsuka, was one out of the forty mages who has a decent amount of talent in magecraft, not exactly as great as the A-Team, but just about averagely good. Unlike the rest of the Chaldea Masters, Ritsuko was the only one to have awakened from the critical injury she sustained after the First Singularity. At first, Ritsuko was bewildered when she heard that Ritsuka was able to clear out Singularity F and then the First Singularity, and she had trouble getting along with Ritsuka at first. However, after what she saw him do in battle during the Second Singularity, and after clearing it, Ritsuko ended up believing him and quickly became friends with him and was willing to help out Ritsuka in clearing out all of the Singularities. She even took on any tough situations that were within the Singularities whenever Ritsuka couldn't, either because he was severely injured from the fights within the Singularities or the situation could be too much for him to handle, making her a perfect backup force, only until Ritsuka fully recovers again and putting her back on the reserve to watch over him and Mashu, as well as keeping an eye on the other Servants that were summoned into Chaldea to keep them in line for Ritsuka while he was away. It was only when they were headed towards the final Singularity that both Ritsuka and Ritsuko decided that they would go together to clear out the final Singularity, and for Ritsuko to see through it to the end to see Ritsuka finish it. Even though she was a Master of Chaldea like Ritsuka, Ritsuko decided that Ritsuka should be the one to finish the final battle within the final Singularity and be the one to save humanity, even sacrificing her Magic Circuits and her Rights as Master and gave it all for Ritsuka to give him a fighting chance, because she knew out of all the Masters that the Servants shared a strong bond with, Ritsuka was the ideal one, and if anyone should clear out the final Singularity and save all of the human order, it should be Ritsuka who should be called the sole Master of Chaldea and Savior of Humanity, and she was only a back-up Master. At least, that was what she thinks in her book. Now, after the defeat of Goetia, Ritsuko, no longer able to become a Master anymore, works as an operator for Ritsuka whenever he and his Servants Rayshifted to the next Singularity and Lostbelt.

"Hey, Candidate No, 48." Ritsuko smiled, "Glad you could make it, partner."

"Yeah." said Ritsuka with a smile, "What is it that's so urgent that I need to be here at this time? Is there another Singularity that needs to be resolved?"

"As a matter of fact, there is." said Sherlock, the Ruler-Class Servant, explaining the situation, "And it's an odd one. A new Singularity has appeared in Japan. Specifically, in the peaceful Edo Period."

"Edo Period?" Ritsuka asked, "What kind of Singularity is it that would appear in the Edo Period?"

"To be honest, we're not sure ourselves." said Da Vinci, "Which is why we plan on sending a team, you and the Servants who will be accompanying you, to investigate it. Although, we did do some looking into the Singularity and there may be a reason why a Singularity appeared in the Edo Period."

"And that is...?" Ritsuka asked.

"Supposedly, a Holy Grail War somehow appeared and happened around that era." Ritsuko answered.

"Wait, a Holy Grail War in the Edo Period?!" said Ritsuka, shocked and confused, "B-But I thought the Holy Grail War was made during the 1700s by the Einzberns, Tohsakas, and Makiri, and was later established as battle royale and the ritual could only happen in modern time every sixty years or so!"

"That's what we thought, too." said Ritsuko, "But somehow, the ritual happened during the mid-1600s in the Edo Period, and we're not sure why or how, especially with how peaceful the Edo Period was aside from ronin."

"However, what we do know is that this Holy Grail War happening during the Edo Period is apparently called the Waxing Moon Ritual." said Sherlock.

"Waxing Moon Ritual?" Ritsuka asked, "Never heard of that one."

"Neither have I." said Ritsuko, "And I think you and I know one thing: this Singularity, the Holy Grail War called the Waxing Moon Ritual, whatever it is definitely does not belong to Proper Human History, and we need to eliminate the Singularity before the world's history is irreparably altered."

"Right." Ritsuka nodded in agreement, "I'll need to prepare my Servants for this mission then." He then took a look around and asked, "Where's Mash? Is she not coming with me?"

"No, Fujimaru, I'm afraid not." said Goredolf, "I'm afraid she's still trying to recuperate after the whole event in the British Lostbelt, so she won't be joining you to go to this Singularity. I'm sorry."

"Ah, right." Ritsuka nodded, "She is still recovering from the incident, and it is my fault that I forgot about that. Sorry."

"No, it's fine." said Goredolf, shaking his head, "We have you and your Servants to take care of this mission."

"Yeah, but don't worry, partner." said Ritsuko, "You have me watching your back, and the others are already gathering the Servants that will be accompanying you to the Singularity."

"Alright." Ritsuka nodded.

Ritsuko nodded before she said as the door opened, "Speaking of which, we already have a Servant here that will go with you in Mash's stead."

Ritsuka turned and saw it was Jeanne d'Arc, Ruler-Class Servant, walking into the room as she smiled and said to her Master, "Apologies for my late arrival, Master. I had to take care of the Child Servants for a bit before I could come to see you."

"Don't mention it." said Ritsuka, "It's good to have you on board, Jeanne."

"Thank you, Master." said Jeanne with a bow.

"Well, since Jeanne's here, that means everyone else will be here soon," said Ritsuko.

"Indeed." Sherlock nodded, "We'll wait until everyone's here."

"So, who else will be going with me?" Ritsuka asked.

"Ahahahaha!" Everyone heard someone laugh and they turned to see it was Oda Nobunaga, also known as Demon Archer, Archer-Class Servant, walking in with a boastful smile on her face and said, "I, Oda Nobunaga, have arrived! And it looks like the Waxing Moon Ritual Singularity will be mine!"

"I'm sorry, but who are you again?" Goredolf asked, confused.

"Oi! I'm the famous Demon Archer, Oda Nobunaga! Don't tell me that you forgot about me, Mr. Mages!" Nobunaga glared at him.

"Oh, right." said Goredolf, "You're the one who kept causing all the ridiculous GudaGuda Event Singularities."

"They were not ridiculous!" Nobunaga retorted, "They were great fun and the best Singularities ever! If only my other self could join in and experience the greatness of the GudaGuda Event Singularities--"

"Lightless, Three-Stage Thrust!" they heard someone shout as they stabbed Oda Nobunaga from behind, which made Oda comically spit out comical blood, and it was revealed to be none other than Okita Souji, also known as Sakura Saber, Saber-Class Servant, who stabbed Oda in the back before she walked in with a smile and said, "Sorry I'm late, and please don't mind the idiot behind me." She then smiled at her Master and said, "Master, I'm here to accompany you to the Edo Period to clear out the Singularity."

"Hey, you...!" Nobunaga comically shouted at Okita, "Why'd you do that for?! Don't just stab me from behind! That was a dirty move!"

"Well, that was because I needed to stop your endless babbling, and since I'm in my Saber-Class, I'm a lot more skilled at using my sword." said Okita, not regretting her action and smiling at Ritsuka, "It's a pleasure to see you again, Master. It's been a while since I was summoned."

"Likewise, Okita." Ritsuka nodded and smiled, "It's good to have you onboard. You too, Nobunaga."

"Ugh..." Nobunaga groaned, "You're too soft, Master. But fine, I'll come, but I'll be the one to finish off the enemy! So, let's hurry and go so we can kill those guys and get this done!"

"Yeah, sure." Ritsuka said, sweat-dropping.

"Ara, ara~!" said Minamoto-no-Raikou, Berserker-Class Servant, before she walked in with a smile, "It looks like almost everyone is here." She then smiled brightly upon seeing Ritsuka before she went and hugged him, snuggling him and suffocating him into her large breasts while she said happily, "Ah, Master~! Mommy's going to be joining you in clearing this Singularity~! Aren't you happy that Mommy's coming with you, Master~?!"

"R-Raikou...!" Ritsuka muffled on her breasts, "Raikou...can't...breathe...!"

"Oh, my apologies, Master." said Raikou, loosening her hold on him a little, "But Mommy just missed you so much, and now I get to spend time with you, Mommy's just so happy~!"

"Y-Yeah, me too..." Ritsuka replied, chuckling good-naturedly, although he couldn't breathe in her suffocating hug, and the others couldn't help but sweat-drop.

"Ahem!" said Tomoe Gozen, clearing her throat to get attention, "Can you please let go of Master now? We need to have some form of moderation."

"Ah, that's right." Raikou smiled and released Ritsuka, who was now gasping for air and trying to breathe properly, and she patted him on the head, "There, there, Master. Breathe, breathe."

"T-Thanks..." Ritsuka nodded and panted, "Thanks, Tomoe."

"Not a problem, Master." Tomoe nodded.

"So, are you going to be joining us, too?" Ritsuka asked.

"Of course." Tomoe nodded, "After all, this is a Singularity taking place in the Edo Period, and even if that era is peaceful, there's no telling what will happen if this Singularity is not cleared."

"Ah, very well," said Raikou, "Then I guess we're ready, right, Master~?"

"Right." said Ritsuka.

"Alright, that's five Servants," said Ritsuko, "We just need one more. She should be here right now."

"I apologize for the delay." someone said calmly, and everyone turned to see it was Shiki Ryougi, or rather 'Void' Shiki Ryougi, Saber-Class Servant, who had arrived with a calm smile on her face and said, "I'm sorry that I'm late, but I have finally arrived. Did everyone wait long?"

"Nope, we were just waiting for you." said Ritsuko.

"Really? I see." said Shiki before she turned to Ritsuka and nodded, "Master, it's good to see you again. I look forward to working with you again."

"Same here, Shiki," said Ritsuka, "Welcome to the team."

"Thank you, Master." said Shiki, "So, what Singularity that we need to go to?"

"The Edo Period." said Sherlock, "And no, it's not one of the GudaGuda Event Singularities."

"I see." said Shiki, "Is there any reason as to why a Singularity appeared in the Edo Period?"

"It's because the Waxing Moon Ritual happened around that period." said Sherlock.

"Waxing Moon Ritual?" Shiki asked with a raised eyebrow.

"A type of Holy Grail War that apparently happened in the Edo Period." Ritsuka answered, "Though we don't know why or how."

"I see." said Shiki, "Hmm...how interesting."

"Well, at least we have a good number of Servants who are strong and will be able to handle this," said Ritsuko, "Although, with Okita in her Sakura Saber Form, we'll have to watch her since she can't fight the way she usually can, so that's one thing to be wary of."

"Oh, c'mon, you're no fun, Ritsuko," said Okita with a small pout.

"I'm just saying, Okita." said Ritsuko, "Anyway, we'll begin rayshifting in about five minutes." She then turned to the door as two additional Servants came in, Sieg, Caster-Class Servant, and Jeanne d'Arc Alter, Avenger-Class Servant, walked into the command room as Ritsuko said, "Sieg, Jeanne Alter, you two will be on reserve in the command room in case the Servants accompanying Ritsuka gets hurt or worse."

"Understood." Sieg nodded.

"Hmph, yeah, yeah, whatever." said Jeanne Alter.

"Oh, hey, Alter!" said Jeanne happily to her altered self, "Big Sister is so glad that my little sister will be helping us." She was then whacked in the head by her altered self as Jeanne said, "Owie!"

"For the last time, I'm. Not. Your. SISTER!" said Jeanne Alter with an angry look and an embarrassed blush, "We're the same person!"

"But the two of you are different," said Sieg.

"What, so you're going to call us a cute couple now, Casanova?" Jeanne Alter glared at him, making him sweat-drop, "Besides, you're a man. What would you know?!?!?"

"Well, honestly, I'm more or less neutral." Sieg sighed, "Though, I do admit, I can't really get involved, but still, I'm a Caster. You can't expect me to have no knowledge about romance."

"Hmph, whatever." Jeanne Alter huffed.

Everybody in the command room laughed a bit at that. Ruler Jeanne then looked at the homunculus and said, "Anyway, thanks for coming to help in case we need it. Wish us luck, Sieg."

"Yeah." Sieg nodded to his friend, "Be careful, Ruler."

"Hey, what about me?" Jeanne Alter asked, annoyed, "Are you not going to wish ME luck too?"

"Uh, I think I'd rather not," said Sieg, sweat-dropping, "Besides, we're both on standby until Master needs us."

"Tch, you're such a killjoy, you know that, right?" said Jeanne Alter.

"Sorry, but not sorry." said Sieg, chuckling a bit.

Ritsuka then sighed and chuckled at his friends and his Servants.

"Now, that is everyone," said Sherlock, "We will have you, Master, and six Servants who will be accompanying him, be rayshifted to the Edo Period Singularity to clear it out."

"Fujimaru, everyone," said Goredolf, "Prepare to head out now!"

"Understood," said Ritsuka and his Servants.

Then, Ritsuka Fujimaru, the Last Master of Humanity, and his accompanying Servants began to rayshift to the Singularity that is the Edo Period.

"Okay!" said Da Vinci, "Everyone ready? Preparing to Rayshift Ritsuka Fujimaru, Master Candidate no. 48, and his accompanying Servants to the Singularity in the Edo Period in the year 1651 in five..."

"Four..."

Three..."

"Two..."

"One..."

"Rayshifting now!"

And then, Ritsuka and the Servants were rayshifted away from the present world and were headed towards the year 1651 to Japan during the Edo Period, where the mysterious and strange Waxing Moon Ritual took place, and where a group of Servants will fight and battle to determine who the strongest and the one who will win the ritual, and what will happen afterward.

Chapter Text

The rayshift was a success, and Ritsuka and the Servants he brought, Jeanne d'Arc, Oda Nobunaga, Okita Souji, Minamoto-no-Raikou, Tomoe Gozen, and 'Void' Shiki Ryougi, were successfully rayshifted into the Singularity and were currently in a forest.

"We've arrived," said Ritsuko over the comms.

"Yeah, thanks." said Ritsuka, looking up at the night sky, "So, we're in the Edo Period of Japan? If we are, where exactly are we at?"

"According to our scans," said Da Vinci, checking the scans, "We are at the outskirts of Edo in the year 1651. This should be a good place as any to start the investigation."

"Understood." said Ritsuka, "Alright, then, we'll start our investigation here, and then make our way to Edo and find out where the Waxing Moon Ritual takes place."

"Sounds good to me," said Nobunaga with a boisterous smile, "So, are you ready to clear this Singularity and get back to Chaldea, Master? After all, it'll be a piece of cake with the Demon Archer herself with you!"

"We don't even know what this Singularity is about or what the Waxing Moon Ritual is yet, you idiot." said Okita with a deadpan expression, "It's better if we start by investigating and getting some info first before we jump right into the fight."

"Well, it seems like we're gonna have a tough fight ahead," said Minamoto-no-Raikou with a frown, "Which means that the Master will be in danger."

"Yes, we should be careful." said Tomoe with a nod, "We have no idea what is in this Singularity."

"Well, I'm not gonna back down or let the other guys take the glory." said Nobunaga, "I'm Oda Nobunaga, the one who will be victorious at the end!"

"That's great and all, but we still don't have any idea where to go," said Ritsuka.

"Hmmm..." said Jeanne as she looked around the forest before she said, "For now, I suggest we leave this forest, then head for a nearby town and look for clues."

"But, Jeanne, it's dark here outside." said Ritsuka, "We can't see anything at night."

"Oh, right." said Jeanne as she looked at the night sky, then at the dark forest they were in, "I suppose it would be difficult for us to find a way out in the middle of the night." But then she smiled and said, "But, not to worry! I'm sure one of us can give us a light for us to see in the darkness!"

Ritsuka thought about it for a moment before he remembered that Tomoe Gozen was also an oni and could emit fire before he turned and said to Tomoe, "Tomoe, can you give us some light?"

"Certainly, Master." Tomoe nodded and she then, in the palm of her hand, she emitted a bright ball of fire that illuminated the area, making it possible for them to see.

"Ah, thank you, Tomoe." said Ritsuka with a smile, and the female Archer nodded to him.

"Hahahahaha!" Nobunaga laughed, "There, that should be enough light for us to navigate the forest and get out of here."

"Indeed." Raikou nodded, "So, where should we go from here?"

"I suppose we can start going that way," said Okita, pointing in one direction, "From what I can tell, the trees seem to lead out of the forest, so that would be a good place to start."

"Good idea, Okita." said Ritsuka with a smile.

"Yeah, it looks like it's a good place to start." Jeanne agreed, "Then, shall we get going?"

"Right." Ritsuka and the Servants nodded before the group made their way through the forest, with Tomoe keeping her flame lit for the entire group to see.

Meanwhile, at Chaldea, while Jeanne d'Arc Alter and Sieg were waiting until they were needed, the latter talking to Astolfo while the former was bored to death as Gilles de Rais, Caster-Class Servant, was annoying the hell out of her by speaking loud praises to her, Ritsuko Fujimura was at the command room, working as an operator and monitoring Ritsuka's surroundings via GPS map of the Edo Period in the year of 1651, keeping an eye on things to make sure to warn Ritsuka should something happen.

"Everything seems good so far." said Ritsuko, "Not detecting anything unusual as of yet."

"That's good." said Goredolf, the Director of Chaldea, "I would hate for the situation to get bad, especially when we're down one Master and one Servant."

"Speaking of which," said Sherlock, the Ruler-Class Servant, and advisor and strategist to the Director of Chaldea, "Where's Mash?"

"I believe she is currently in her quarters, resting." said Da Vinci, "She's still trying to recover from her time in the British Lostbelt, so it would be a bad idea to force her to rayshift to the Singularity without sufficient preparation."

"Yes, that's true." said Goredolf, agreeing, "We shouldn't put any unnecessary strain on her body, especially with after everything that's happened."

"Yeah, I guess so." said Ritsuko, "Besides, Ritsuka's already lost Mash three times already. The first time when she died sacrificing herself to protect him during our final battle with Goetia, the second when we were at the end of the Olympus Lostbelt when she got separated from us, and then the third time when Mash somehow went back in time during the British Lostbelt. Knowing Ritsuka, I...I don't think he can handle the pain of losing Mash again."

"Indeed." said Sherlock, "Losing someone you love is the worst pain a human can have, even if you manage to save the world."

"I suppose it's best that Fujimaru is the one clearing out this Singularity, anyway." said Goredolf, "With everything he has gone through, it's probably for the best that he is the one to take the responsibility while not putting any more pressure on Kyrielight, and even if she can fight as a Demi-Servant again, it would be best if she rests."

"So, that's how it's going to be then, huh?" Da Vinci asked, "Then we just have to wait until he returns and we can discuss what happens next."

"Exactly." Ritsuko nodded, "We just need to wait until he and the Servants return and report."

"Right," said Da Vinci as she placed a reassuring hand on Ritsuko's back, "Don't worry, Ritsuko. They'll be fine. After all, Ritsuka and the others have gone through worse. A simple Singularity like the Waxing Moon Ritual would be child's play for him and the Servants."

"Yeah, I know." said Ritsuko with a soft sigh and a small smile, "Still, you can never be too careful."

Just then, a beeping sound was heard as the GPS map detected a signature approaching Ritsuka's group, and it was coming towards them fast.

"What the...?" said Ritsuko as she looked at the detected signature coming Ritsuka's way before she told him via comms while keeping her eye on the GPS map, "Hey, Ritsuka, there's something coming your way. Better be careful."

"Copy that, Ritsuko," said Ritsuka over the comms.

Back at the Singularity, the Servants and their Master were still walking through the forest and were currently looking at the path that Okita pointed out earlier, which did indeed lead the way out of the forest.

"I think we can continue along this path, Master." said Tomoe, looking at the forest path.

"Yeah." Ritsuka nodded, "It would be faster and easier if we do."

"Let's do it, then," said Nobunaga.

"Yes, that's a good idea," said Raikou, and the group followed the forest path that would lead them out of the forest. But then Jeanne suddenly stopped as she felt something.

"Wait." she said.

The other Servants stopped and looked at her, wondering what was wrong.

"Something's coming." said the female Ruler-Class Servant, and the others could tell it was not just her, but Ritsuka felt it, too.

Jeanne then looked in front of them and said while pointing, "There, in the distance."

The other Servants looked in the direction that Jeanne was pointing and saw something moving towards them, and it was getting closer and closer. At a distance, it looked to be a person running towards their way.

"A person?" Ritsuka questioned.

"Oh, maybe it's one of the locals!" said Nobunaga before she raised her hand up high and called out with a big smile, "Hey, hey! Over here!"

"No, I don't think that's a local," said Shiki with a calm tone and a small frown.

"Huh? Why not?" asked Nobunaga.

Shiki then looked at the person and her eyes glowed a bright blue before she saw what was coming towards them.

"It's a Servant." she said.

"What?!" Ritsuka exclaimed, and the other Servants were surprised and shocked to hear it.

"Are you sure?" Ritsuka asked, "What kind of Servant is it?"

"I'm not sure." said Shiki, "But it looks like..."

Jeanne turned to the Servant that was running towards them and squinted her eyes a bit to see who it was as the Servant was running closer towards them weapon in hand before Jeanne's eyes widened in horror and she shouted as she pushed Ritsuka away hard, "MASTER, GET BACK!!!"

"Whoa--!" said Ritsuka as he fell onto his butt before he looked at Jeanne, shocked and confused, "Jeanne, what the--?!?"

Before he could ask what she was doing, Jeanne was suddenly caught by the Servant at blinding speed by the neck before the Ruler-Class Servant could react and she was lifted up in the air by the Servant who grabbed her and was currently choking her.

"Jeanne!" Ritsuka exclaimed as he got up from the ground, worried and shocked to see the female Servant in trouble.

"JEANNE!!!!" Okita and the others shouted in worry.

Jeanne struggled and tried to break free from the hold before she looked at the Servant who was grabbing her, and her eyes widened in shock at the Servant who was grabbing her and the Servant who was grabbing her by the neck was...herself. Or rather, her altered self.

"A-Alter...?!" Jeanne managed to choke out.

In front of her, it was indeed Jeanne d'Arc Alter who was choking her. However, it was not the Jeanne d'Arc Alter that she and the Chaldean Servants knew. She closely resembles Avenger Jeanne Alter, with white hair, gold eyes, and a dark version of Ruler Jeanne's armor, with minor differences such as wearing a purple cape, and her lack of an ahoge. Her facial expressions are also more reserved and neutral, lacking much of the aggressive intensity from her Avenger class.

Ritsuka and the others were shocked by what they were seeing.

Even Ritsuko, Da Vinci, Goredolf, as well as Sieg and Jeanne d'Arc Alter who just came into the command room, were shocked by what they were seeing on the monitor.

"W-What the hell?!" said Jeanne d'Arc Alter, with a shocked and angry look on her face, "W-Why the hell is there another me?!?!"

"This...is impossible," said Goredolf.

"Indeed." Da Vinci agreed, "I've never seen anything like this before. Is this some kind of joke or a mistake?"

"No, I've checked everything." said Ritsuko, "But everything's the same."

"Then why is there a different Jeanne Alter here?" Sieg asked.

"And what the hell is going on?!" Jeanne Alter exclaimed.

"I'm afraid we don't know the answer." said Da Vinci.

Then Ritsuka called by the comms and asked, "Ritsuko, what's going on?! Did Jeanne Alter rayshift with us by accident and is somehow attacking us?!"

"N-No, our Jeanne Alter is right here with us!" said Ritsuko, "We checked her and the system before the rayshift, and we made sure to keep an eye on everything. But this Jeanne Alter here...there's no telling where she came from, and we don't know who she is."

Sherlock Holmes was silent for a moment before he said, deducing what was going on, "I believe this Jeanne Alter's a Servant participating in the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"H-Huh?!" Goredolf and the others exclaimed.

"Are you serious?!" Da Vinci asked.

"I'm quite serious." Sherlock nodded, "This Jeanne Alter here is most likely one of the Servants participating in the Waxing Moon Ritual, and she probably attacked because she was trying to kill Ritsuka and the others off, believing they're Masters and Servants of said ritual. While it may be a Singularity, it is technically a Holy Grail War, after all."

"What the...?!" said Goredolf, shocked.

"So, that's how it is." Da Vinci realized, "She must be thinking that Ritsuka and the Servants with him are participants of the Waxing Moon Ritual by mistake!"

"Oh, shit...!" said Ritsuko, now realizing what was going on.

Back at the Singularity, Ritsuka and the other Servants looked at the mysterious Jeanne Alter, who was choking Ruler Jeanne while looking at her with a blank stare.

"How strange..." said the other Jeanne Alter somberly and stoically while keeping her choking hold on Jeanne, "A Servant who has my face and my name. And yet, I do not recognize you with this...brighter appearance."

"W-Who are you?" Jeanne asked as she struggled to get out of the chokehold.

"Me?" the other Jeanne Alter asked, "Hmm, I suppose it would be pointless to hide my identity now, especially since you and the others are Masters and Servants of the Waxing Moon Ritual. But, then again, you already know who I am. Don't you, Jeanne?"

Jeanne and the others were confused and shocked when they heard that before Ritsuka looked at the other Jeanne Alter, then at the female Ruler-Class Servant being choked, and then his eyes widened in shock and realization.

"You're...Jeanne d'Arc, aren't you?!" Ritsuka exclaimed.

"W-What?!" Minamoto-no-Raikou was stunned to hear this.

"T-That can't be true, right?!" Tomoe asked, "There can't possibly be two Jeanne d'Arcs!"

The other Jeanne d'Arc Alter, while keeping her chokehold on Ruler Jeanne, then turned to Ritsuka and said somberly and stoically, "Are you this Jeanne's Master, then? And the others with you, are they your Servants as well? How strange. A Master having more than one Servant." She looked at Jeanne she was choking and added, "Including another me. I wonder what could be the reason for that."

Jeanne tried to break free from the chokehold but was struggling to break free, let alone breathe before she looked at the other Jeanne Alter and pleaded while being choked, "P-Please...stop this! We are not part of this H-Holy Grail War! W-We're not your enemy, I-I swear!"

"Are you sure?" said the other Jeanne Alter, "Your presence here while in the Waxing Moon Ritual, as well as your Master over there with the other Servants, would seem to indicate otherwise."

"That's not true!" Okita shouted.

"We just came here by accident!" Minamoto-no-Raikou shouted as well, "We're not here to take part in the ritual! You have to believe us!"

The other Jeanne Alter narrowed her eyes a little and stared at Ritsuka and the Servants.

But before she could ask if they were telling the truth, someone else called out to her, "Lancer."

Everyone turned around and saw there was a man, likely the Master of the other Jeanne d'Arc Alter who was apparently a Lancer-Class Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual.

"Chiemon, my Master..." said Lancer Jeanne Alter.

Chiemon, the Master of Lancer of the Waxing Moon Ritual, was a man who had long black hair, pale skin with signs of cuts and burns around his body, as well as covered in blood, and golden eyes that looked dead. He was covered in bandages and wore ragged clothing with large samurai shoulder pads and a torn white flag worn like a cape.

"What are you doing, Lancer?" said Chiemon, "Are they not Masters and Servants of this Waxing Moon Ritual? Stop standing there and kill them, now!"

"I..." said Lancer Jeanne Alter before she looked at Ritsuka and his Servants, then at Ruler Jeanne d'Arc, before she nodded and said as she summoned her spear, ready to kill Jeanne, "Understood."

"N-No!" said Ritsuka before he rushed towards Lancer Jeanne Alter and charged up at her, "NO, STOOOOOPPP!!!"

"MASTER, DON'T!!!" the Servants and Jeanne shouted.

Lancer Jeanne Alter turned around and was surprised to see Ritsuka, her Master's enemy, had suddenly ran towards her, and she had no time to react as Ritsuka punched her in the face hard. However, because Ritsuka was human and Lancer Jeanne Alter was a Servant, it didn't faze her that much as she looked at Ritsuka with the same somber and stoic look.

"Was that supposed to hurt, Master's enemy?" said Lancer Jeanne Alter stoically.

"Oh, crap, it didn’t work." Ritsuka thought, "Well, can't say I didn't try."

He then looked at Lancer Jeanne Alter and pleaded, "Listen, please! We're not your enemies! You have to believe us! I'm not a Master of this Waxing Moon Ritual, and none of my Servants are part of the Waxing Moon Ritual. It's a big misunderstanding! Please, you have to believe me!"

Lancer Jeanne Alter was quiet for a moment before Chiemon ordered, "Lancer, stop listening to whatever crap they're saying and kill them!"

Ritsuka then looked at Chiemon, the Master of the Waxing Moon Ritual Lancer, and was horrified and disgusted by him.

"W-What the hell...?" Ritsuka thought, "Who the hell is this guy? He looks like he's been in a bad fight, but he's covered in blood and he looks dead. And he has cuts and burns around his body. Who did this to him? Is he really the Master of this Jeanne Alter?"

"Understood." said Lancer Jeanne Alter before she threw Ruler Jeanne at Ritsuka, sending them flying and crashing onto the trees, then she summoned another spear in her hand.

"M-MASTER!!!" Ritsuka's Servants exclaimed.

Ritsuka groaned before he looked at Ruler Jeanne who was holding onto her neck from the chokehold from Lancer Jeanne Alter and asked worriedly, "Jeanne, are you okay?!"

"Y-Yes, I'm fine," said Jeanne, coughing a bit.

Ritsuka's Servants were in shock from what was going on before Oda Nobunaga growled and then the Demon Archer summoned matchlocks as she said, "Alright, screw reasoning! We're attacking her now!"

"Wha--Nobu, wait!!!" Okita called, but Nobunaga didn't listen as she charged in with her katana drawn out while her levitating matchlocks began opening fire at Lancer Jeanne Alter.

"Take this, you copycat Jeanne Alter!!!" Nobunaga shouted while her levitating matchlocks fired at Lancer Jeanne Alter.

But then, with one of her spears, Lancer Jeanne Alter deflected all the bullets by twirling around her spear and bouncing them off before she used her other spear and unleashed a magical energy slash attack that cut down and destroyed all of the matchlocks that were levitating, which made Nobunaga stopped and stared in comical shock and in bewilderment as she uttered, "...Eh?"

"Nobu, what the hell are you doing?!?" Okita asked, shocked and annoyed at what Nobunaga had just done.

"Uh, w-well, uh..." said Nobunaga as she was at a loss for words.

Lancer Jeanne Alter then pointed her spear at Nobunaga and was ready to attack the Demon Archer.

"Hey, hey, hey, I'm not your enemy!" Nobunaga quickly defended herself, waving her arms around.

As Lancer Jeanne Alter approached Nobunaga, she stopped with her spear pointed at the Demon Archer before the Lancer smirked a little and lowered the spear down to the pants and gave a small poke at Nobunaga, before suddenly, Nobunaga's pants caught on fire, which made Nobunaga screamed out comically as she was literally set on fire.

"Aaaahhhh, hot, hot, HOT!!!" Nobunaga yelled out as she flailed her arms and legs around before she tried to put the fire out by slapping her butt around while screaming, "I'M ON FIRE!!! I'M ON FIRE, AND IT'S HOT, HOT, HOT!!!! OH, IT'S HOOOOOTTT!!!" Then Nobunaga began running around in a circle while being on fire as she screamed out comically, all while Okita and the others watched in comical disbelief at what was happening.

"Nobu, you idiot..." said Okita as she facepalmed.

While Okita was annoyed at Nobunaga's stupidity, Raikou, Tomoe, and Shiki couldn't help but giggle at the hilarity that was going on despite the situation they were in.

"Ahahaha, oh my god, she's literally on fire." Raikou giggled.

"I-I'm sorry," said Tomoe, giggling, "It's just...she looks funny."

"Indeed, I agree." said Shiki, a rare small smile on her face, "Okita, don't worry. This isn't something we should be concerned about. I can sense no hostility coming from her, so this should be alright."

"Really?" Okita asked.

Then, while Nobunaga was still screaming that she was on fire, Lancer Jeanne Alter kicked the Demon Archer right in the stomach and sent her flying, right toward Okita, who looked shocked and screamed in comical panic before Nobunaga crashed onto Okita and they crashed onto the nearby bolder, knocking them unconscious as their eyes were comically swirling.

Everyone then looked back at Lancer Jeanne Alter, who had her spear pointed at both them and their Master Ritsuka and their fellow Servant Ruler Jeanne.

"Oh, dear." said Shiki as she frowned before she pulled out her katana, "Never mind. Perhaps I spoke too soon."

"Shit..." said Tomoe as she brought out her bow and arrow, "Well, I guess we're doing this, then."

"Yes, indeed," said Minamoto-no-Raikou as she drew out her katana and got into her battle stance.

Shiki, Tomoe, and Minamoto-no-Raikou then faced the other Jeanne d'Arc who was ready to kill them and their Master and fellow Servant Ruler Jeanne.

Ritsuka, who was getting himself and Jeanne up, looked at the others and said, "Guys, be careful!"

"Understood, Master." Shiki nodded.

Ritsuka then looked at Ruler Jeanne and asked, "Jeanne, can you fight?"

"Of course." said Jeanne as the Ruler-Class Servant summoned her holy battle flag in her hand, "Talking to the Lancer of this Waxing Moon Ritual won't work now because of her Master's orders, so we can't clear this misunderstanding. The only thing left for us to do is to fight her. And besides..."

Jeanne then turned to Ritsuka and smiled reassuringly, "I will not let you or any of the others get hurt."

Ritsuka smiled and said, "Thank you, Jeanne. Let's do this, then!" He then used his Command Seal and said as the Command Seal on his hand glowed, "In the name of Ritsuka Fujimaru, the Last Master of Humanity, and by my Command Seal, I order you: Fight and defeat Lancer of this Waxing Moon Ritual!"

The three Command Seals on Ritsuka's hand then glowed brightly and were then transferred to Shiki, Minamoto-no-Raikou, and Tomoe. The Command Seals were then absorbed by Shiki, Minamoto-no-Raikou, and Tomoe's bodies and their eyes glowed brightly before the glow faded.

"Understood, Master," said the three Servants, who had their Master's Command Seals, and the three ran toward Lancer Jeanne Alter, who was ready to fight.

Ritsuka then looked at Ruler Jeanne d'Arc and said, "Jeanne, go and help them."

"Right." Jeanne nodded with her battle flag in hand before she charged in to join the fight against her dark Lancer self.

With the fight beginning, Ritsuka turned around and headed toward the unconscious Nobunaga and Okita, who were still knocked out after the former crashed into the latter, and was ready to take them out of the fight.

"Damn, this is bad." Ritsuka thought, "Not only does the mysterious Lancer think we're here to participate in the Waxing Moon Ritual, but her Master, whoever that guy is, wants her to kill us. There's no way we can explain the situation now."

Nobunaga's and Okita's eyes were still swirling comically, but they were coming back to their senses as they heard their Master's voice, "Okita, Nobu, come on, get up. You need to wake up."

Nobunaga and Okita shook their heads a bit and the swirls disappeared before their vision returned, and the first thing they saw was Ritsuka.

"R-Ritsuka, is that you?" Okita asked, still groggy.

"Ugh, my head is spinning..." Nobunaga groaned. Then her eyes widened as she remembered that she was caught on fire earlier from her pants and looked down and, much to her dismay, her pants were now burnt away and she was left in her underwear as the Demon Archer said in comical dismay, "Aw, man...my pants is ruined and gone now!"

"Uh...Nobu, can't you just materialize a new one?" Okita groaned while rubbing her head, "It's not a big deal."

"Oh, right." said Nobunaga, and the Demon Archer proceeded to materialize a pair of new pants, and it was the exact same style and design as the old ones.

"Huh, well, that was easy," said Okita, relieved.

"Alright, are you two okay now?" Ritsuka asked.

"Yeah, we're fine," said Okita, nodding, and she and Nobunaga got up before they asked, "What happened, anyway?"

Ritsuka turned to the fight that was happening between the Servants on their side and the Lancer Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual in the Edo Period and said, "Well, we're pretty much engaging in the fight with Lancer of this war since we can't reason with her or her Master. Also, you were caught on fire from earlier, and you were knocked unconscious when Lancer kicked you at Okita."

"Ah, right." said Nobunaga, "It was quite embarrassing, but at least no one else was looking."

"We were ALL looking, Nobu." said Okita with a deadpan expression before she looked at her Master and said, "So, are we going to fight, too, Master?"

"We have to." Ritsuka nodded, "I've already used my Command Seals to have Shiki, Raikou, and Tomoe help with the fight. You two should go help them."

"Roger," said Okita as she and Nobunaga nodded.

"Let's do this, then." said Nobunaga as she summoned more matchlocks in the air, ready to open fire at Lancer Jeanne Alter, "Now, take this, you copycat Jeanne Alter, and for real this time!"

The Demon Archer opened fire with her matchlocks, which began firing at Lancer Jeanne Alter who was fighting against the four Servants, but then effortlessly deflected all the bullets that were fired before she blocked an incoming attack from Okita who had her katana out and clashed her blade against one of her spears, sparks flew as their weapons grind against each other.

"We don't wanna fight you," said Okita as the Sakura Saber pushed her sword against her spear, "But you and your Master of this Waxing Moon Ritual aren't giving us much of a choice!"

"So be it." said Lancer Jeanne Alter blankly, "If I must eliminate all of you, then so be it."

Lancer Jeanne Alter then swung her spear around, throwing Okita off, and was about to finish her off, but then was stopped by a lightning bolt attack from Raikou, and was hit by an arrow from Tomoe, who shot a blazing arrow that was charged with a lot of magical energy at the Lancer.

But Lancer Jeanne Alter swiftly jumped and flipped into the air to dodge the fire arrow and lightning attacks, and while still in the air, she deflected a magical energy slash from Shiki that was aimed at her. She then landed back on the ground and looked at the six Servants who were now fighting her.

"You guys aren't playing around, huh?" said Lancer Jeanne Alter stoically and blankly.

"Like we said," said Ruler Jeanne as she and the five Servants of Ritsuka Fujimaru stood side by side, "We're not here to participate in this Holy Grail War. And as Sakura Saber said, we didn't want to fight you, but you and your Master--Chiemon, was it?--weren't giving us much of a choice!"

Lancer Jeanne Alter narrowed her eyes a bit and stared at the Servants, but was silent.

"She's not saying anything." said Tomoe, confused.

"Perhaps the Ruler here is right," said Shiki, "Maybe there is a way we can end this peacefully and find out the truth."

"Yes." Minamoto-no-Raikou agreed, nodding, "We should at least try, right?"

"Indeed, you're right," said Ruler Jeanne, nodding, before she looked at the mysterious Lancer, who was still staring at them, and asked, "Please, Jeanne, hear us out! We are not enemies nor are we participants of this Waxing Moon Ritual. I implore you, please listen to our story and see if it's true or not."

Lancer Jeanne Alter's blank and stoic stare remained, and then she was silent for a moment, before Chiemon commanded, "Lancer, stop standing and finish them off, now!"

"Understood," said Lancer Jeanne Alter, "Forgive me."

Ritsuka, the Servants, and even Ruler Jeanne were shocked when they heard that and the Ruler-Class Servant cried, "No!"

Lancer Jeanne Alter turned to the six Servants of Ritsuka, ready to fight and kill them all as she said, "There is no hope." She raised both her spears and chanted, "Despair alone reigns supreme." As she chanted, dark and purple energy began to gather into both her spears, and Ruler Jeanne's eyes widened as she felt the energy was all the dark feelings, all of the death and grief that stains the battlefield gathering into Lancer Jeanne Alter's spears.

Ruler Jeanne then readied her battle flag and planted it onto the ground, tightly grasping it, and activating her Noble Phantasm to protect her Master and friends before she turned to Ritsuka and the others and shouted, "Everyone, get behind me, quick!"

"W-What is that?!" Tomoe exclaimed, terrified as she and the others saw the energy gathering.

"Oh, shit! That's a Noble Phantasm, isn't it?" Nobunaga realized.

"I can feel a powerful darkness gathering," said Shiki, her eyes glowing blue, "A dark energy, filled with death and despair. I'm not sure what it is, but it is powerful. And I'm afraid that if that attack is unleashed, it will most likely kill all of us."

"Hurry!" Jeanne shouted before she turned and began chanting, letting her flag out while light magical energy began gathering to her flag, "Our Lord is with us! Oh flag of mine, protect our comrades!"

Then, Lancer Jeanne Alter released a dark flaming energy cross slash as she shouted her Noble Phantasm, "Tristesse de la Vierge!"

At the same time, Ruler Jeanne shouted her Noble Phantasm to protect herself and her comrade from the attack, "Luminosité Eternelle!"

Ruler Jeanne's holy battle flag released a bright flash of light and the Ruler-Class Servant used it to block Lancer Jeanne Alter's Noble Phantasm, creating a huge force field to defend the Servants and their Master from Lancer Jeanne Alter's Noble Phantasm. Ruler Jeanne struggled a bit to protect her Master and fellow Servants before the dark flaming cross-slash exploded, causing a huge wave of dark energy that shook the ground, as well as destroying the trees, plants, and the ground around them.

"Nnnnggghhhh...!!!" Ruler Jeanne grunted as she tried her hardest to keep her Noble Phantasm up to protect her Master and her friends from the dark explosion.

Fortunately, when the smoke was cleared, she and the other were safe while dark fire was scattered everywhere from the explosion. Unfortunately, because she used her Noble Phantasm to give her and everyone divine protection, Ruler Jeanne was now paralyzed and couldn't move.

"Jeanne!" Ritsuka shouted worriedly.

Chiemon laughed maniacally and said, "You fool! I don't know what your Servant just did, but it looks like she won't be able to protect all of you now!" He then turned and ordered his Servant, "Lancer, hit them with another one, and make sure it kills them this time!"

Lancer Jeanne Alter looked at the Ruler-Class Servant who was still in her position with her Noble Phantasm's flag up, and then looked at Ritsuka and her friends who were behind Ruler Jeanne, and her expression remained stoic and blank.

"As my Master commands." Lancer Jeanne Alter nodded, raising her spears once again.

"Oh, no, not again!" Okita exclaimed.

"What are we gonna do, Master?!" Nobunaga panicked, "Our Jeanne can't move, so what do we do now?!"

Ritsuka then turned to Lancer Jeanne Alter, and then to his Servants. He knew that he had to do something to protect his Servants and Jeanne from her attack or they were all done for.

"There is no hope." Lancer Jeanne Alter chanted as dark and purple energy gathered into both her spears once more, "Despair alone reigns supreme."

"We need a plan," said Shiki, her eyes glowing blue.

"How can we do that?!" Minamoto-no-Raikou asked, "I'm not sure what the Lancer is going to do, but we can't let her finish the attack or all of us will die!"

"Damn it!" Ritsuka growled as he tried to think, "Think, Fujimaru, think! There's got to be something you can do! We gotta do something!"

"There is nothing you can do." said Lancer Jeanne Alter, "There is no escape for you, Master and Servants who claim to not be a part of the Waxing Moon Ritual." Then she unleashed her Noble Phantasm as she shouted, "Tristesse de la Vierge!"

Another dark flaming cross-slash was heading right towards the Servants and their Master.

"Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT!!!" Ritsuka swore.

"MASTER!!!" the Servants shouted as they were helpless and unable to dodge the attack.

The dark flaming cross-slash was coming towards Ritsuka and the others. But then, just as it was about to hit them, a figure appeared from the sky and slashed down on the attack, destroying the cross-slash and canceling it.

"Wha...?!" said Ritsuka and the others, stunned.

"W-What happened?!" Nobunaga asked, confused, as her matchlocks disappeared, "Did we just survive the attack?"

"Master, look!" Shiki shouted as she pointed in front of them.

Ritsuka, the Servants, and even the paralyzed Ruler Jeanne looked up and saw a figure in front of them before the figure turned around to reveal themself. They share similar characteristics to Artoria Pendragon, such as facial features and hair, with it forming bushy forelocks and sidelocks with a single "antenna" sticking into the air. They wear the rest of their hair, which fades from black to white near the end, in a long, narrow braid that falls down their back or over their shoulder. They wear a long, white tunic in a traditional East Asian style with baggy black trousers and sandals. They also wear two pairs of bracelets, one pair set with a green stone, a wide metal choker, and a beaded rosary around their neck. In their hand, they wielded a jaded serpentine blade.

The figure looked at Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants before they said, "Well, that's new. A Master with more than one Servant. Quite a surprise."

Ritsuka and his Servants were shocked, especially the paralyzed Ruler Jeanne when they saw the figure who had just saved them.

"Wait a minute," said Ritsuka as he, his Servants, and even the paralyzed Ruler Jeanne realized who was standing right in front of them, before Ritsuka said, "You're a Servant!"

"Saber..." said Lancer Jeanne Alter.

"Saber...if you're here...!" Chiemon growled, "Then that means your Master is here, too?! Where's Miyamoto Iori?!"

"Huh?" said Ritsuka, "Wait...Miyamoto Iori...? I feel like I heard that name before...!"

The Servant, Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, turned to Lancer Jeanne Alter and said, "We were just passing by because Iori and I had a lead on you two. Although, I didn't anticipate that there'd be another Master here, let alone one who has more than one Servant."

"You mean us?" Okita asked, pointing to herself and the others.

"It seems so." said Saber.

"But why did you save us?" Ritsuka asked, confused, "Are you not a participant in this Holy Grail War? If so, why are you helping us?"

"Yeah, that's right!" said Chiemon, "Why did you save these people?! If you're here, then that means your Master, Miyamoto Iori, is here, too, so where is he?!"

"Oh, don't mind him, he's just trying to catch up." Saber answered, "As for the why. It's because the Lancer and her Master are the ones we're looking for. Iori and I are the Master and Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual. So, that makes them our enemy. You all just happen to be caught up in the fight, so I decided to help out."

"O-Oh..." said Ritsuka.

"So, what's your deal?" Saber asked Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, "Who are you people, and what're you doing here in the middle of the Waxing Moon Ritual? I've never seen a Master with more than one Servant, so this is something new to me. So, tell me, who are you? And why does one of you look like Lancer over there?"

"Um, well, you see..." Ritsuka muttered.

"We're, uh..." Okita stammered.

"We'll explain later." said Raikou, "But for now, we need to deal with her."

"She's right." Shiki agreed, "And if we don't, then we'll all be killed."

"Indeed, you are correct." said Saber, "Well, that is, if you can handle the Lancer over there. After all, she's one of the Servants we're looking for. And if you don't want to interfere, then stay out of my way."

"But--" Minamoto-no-Raikou was about to protest before the Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual rushed toward Lancer Jeanne Alter.

"No time." Saber said, cutting her off, "Looks like the Lancer's preparing to fight. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must finish her."

Saber jumped from the sky and charged at Lancer Jeanne Alter, who blocked the attack with her spears and pushed the Saber back.

They then began clashing their weapons against each other while dodging their incoming blows, as well as dodging each other's every slash and attack, the two Servants being evenly matched.

Ritsuka, the Servants, and Ruler Jeanne looked at the battle that was happening between the Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual and her counterpart, Lancer Jeanne Alter, and could only stare and watch as they clashed their weapons and fought each other.

"I-Incredible." Ritsuka said, stunned, "They're so fast. It's like watching two blurs."

Both Saber and Lancer clash their weapons against each other while staring at each other closely before Lancer Jeanne Alter said somberly and stoically, "You shouldn't have interfered with our battle, Saber."

"Did you not hear them when they were fighting you?!" said Saber, "They said they're not participants of the Waxing Moon Ritual! And if they're not participants of the Waxing Moon Ritual, then there's no reason for you to fight them, much less kill them!"

"I was following my Master's orders." said Lancer Jeanne Alter somberly, "I have to follow his orders and eliminate all threats, whether they are involved in the ritual or not."

"Is that so?" Saber retorted, "Well then, I'll just have to take you down so you can't follow his orders."

Saber and Lancer Jeanne Alter continued clashing their weapons, with neither of them being able to hit the other.

"Damn it." Ritsuka groaned, "We can't just stand here and do nothing."

"Yes, I agree, Master," said Shiki, nodding, "If we don't act now, we'll get killed."

"Master, I know we need to help, but I'm not sure how we're supposed to stop this," said Okita, "Look at how fast they're moving. It's incredible."

Chiemon stood and growled in frustration before the Master of Lancer turned around with his weapon, a spear holding a flag, and said, "Fine. I'll just eliminate them myself!"

Everyone noticed Chiemon approaching them before Okita, Nobunaga, Shiki, Tomoe, and Raikou readied themselves while Ritsuka held onto Jeanne.

But then, as Chiemon charged to attack them, a flash of blur appeared and got in the way, clashing Chiemon's weapon with two katanas, and the figure revealed himself to be a samurai. He was a man with black hair with a small part tied into a small ponytail and black eyes. He wore a green kimono, black baggy pants, and sandals. In his hands were two katanas, a long and short sword.

"Found you...!" he said.

"You...!" Chiemon growled, "Miyamoto Iori...!"

"Sorry, but this is as far as you'll go." said Miyamoto Iori, the Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual as he pushed Chiemon away and readied himself for battle before he turned to Ritsuka and the others and said, "Get up, strangers! If you want to live, get out of here! Saber and I got this!" He then turned to Chiemon before he charged at him to fight.

"Damn it!" Chiemon growled.

As Iori and Chiemon engaged in a fierce battle, the now unparalyzed Ruler-Class Servant turned to the group and said, "Everyone, this may be our chance! Let's leave now and retreat while Saber and their Master deal with them!"

"Yeah, I think that's the best idea!" Nobunaga exclaimed, and everyone nodded.

"Let's hurry." said Ritsuka, and everyone began to run away.

As Ritsuka and the Chaldean Servants ran, Iori and Saber got in a back-to-back before Saber said, "You're late, Iori."

"Sorry, Saber." said Iori, "I had to take a detour."

"Well, no matter." Saber said, "I'm just glad you're here now."

"Thanks." Iori replied, "So, ready to take them on?"

"Of course," said Saber, nodding.

"Great." said Iori as the Master and Servant readied themselves for the battle against Chiemon and his Servant Lancer.

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, back at Chaldea, Ritsuko, Director Goredolf, Sherlock Holmes, Rider Da Vinci, and Sieg were discussing what had transpired since they rayshifted Ritsuka and the Servants accompanying him to the Singularity that is Edo in 1651, while Jeanne d'Arc Alter was walking around in circles as the Avenger Servant was fuming and ranting about another version of herself that was apparently in the said Singularity, which was mostly ignored as everyone tried to stay focused.

"This doesn't make any sense." said Ritsuko, "Why is there another Jeanne d'Arc who is also a Servant in that Singularity? And an Alter like ours at that."

"This is all very curious," said Sherlock, rubbing his chin.

"Indeed." Rider Da Vinci agreed.

"What is that?" asked Goredolf, confused.

"This is really strange." said Sieg, "I didn't expect that the Singularity Ritsuka went to would have another version of Jeanne Alter in it."

"I'm going to kill her." Jeanne d'Arc Alter muttered angrily as she walked around, "I'm going to kill that damn copycat. Just wait until I get my hands on her, I'm gonna rip her apart!"

"Speaking of which, should we...do something about that?" Goredolf asked.

"Nah, don't mind her!" Da Vinci waved it off, "Jeanne Alter is always like that. Let her have her moment. I'm sure she'll cool down soon."

"I hope so." said Sieg calmly.

"So, what now?" Ritsuko asked, "Do you think it's a good idea to have Ritsuka and the others return here?"

"Of course, it's a good idea!" said Goredolf, "We have no idea what is happening there, and I can't imagine the consequences of leaving Fujimaru and his Servants in that Singularity."

"Yeah, if it's even called one...!" Jeanne Alter muttered angrily, "Seriously, it's like I'm seeing a damn alternate reality or something that shows a poorly made version of me...! What kind of sick joke is that...?!"

Hearing that, Sherlock Holmes stopped as the Ruler-Class Servant said while thinking, "Wait a minute...alternate reality..."

"What is it, Sherlock?" Rider Da Vinci asked, "Did you figure out something? Got a theory?"

Sherlock was silent for a moment before he said, "I have, but let's wait for a moment and hold it until Ritsuka and the others are safe somewhere in that world. If my theory is correct, then..."

Everyone looked at Sherlock Holmes in confusion before looking back at the monitor showing Ritsuka and the others in the Singularity that is the Edo Period in 1651.

Meanwhile, back at the Singularity, Ritsuka and his Servants, Jeanne d'Arc, Oda Nobunaga, Okita Souji, Minamoto-no-Raikou, Tomoe Gozen, and 'Void' Shiki Ryougi, were running away from Chiemon who is the master of Lancer, and his Servant Lancer who was Jeanne d'Arc Alter, while Miyamoto Iori and his Servant Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual were holding them back.

While the Servants of the Last Master of Humanity would've liked to stay behind and fight against the Lancer Servant who is the altered Jeanne d'Arc, their Master's safety was their priority as of now considering how dangerous Chiemon and Lancer were. So, they decided to retreat and regroup with the others for the time being.

"Come on, this way!" said Okita, "We need to find a safe place for us to hide until we can find a way out of here."

"Right," said Ritsuka.

But then, just as they were about to get out of the field, Shiki felt something come from under them and shouted, "Wait, everyone, stop! Get back!"

Upon hearing that, everyone stopped running, and then, giant white snakes suddenly began appearing and bursting out of the ground, surrounding the Chaldean Master and Servants.

"W-What the hell?!" Nobunaga shouted in comical shock, "Where did these things come from?!"

"Snakes!" Ritsuka screamed as he and the Servants got back to back and readied their weapons.

"I'm not sure." said Jeanne, "But it seems like we're not alone."

"Iori, look out!" Saber shouted as they cut down a snake that was about to attack their Master. They then landed on the ground as Saber said, "Too slow."

"Sorry." said Iori, "Thanks for the save."

Then, more giant white Snakes began appearing on the ground, surrounding not just the Chaldeans and Iori and Saber, but also Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter.

"W-What is this?!" Chiemon exclaimed, "Why are all these snakes coming out?!"

"I'm not sure." said Lancer Jeanne Alter stoically and blankly.

"Oh, man, this is bad!" Nobunaga groaned, "It's not enough we had to deal with that crazy copycat Lancer and her equally crazy Master, but now we have to deal with these giant snakes! What is this, an old Godzilla movie?!"

"Nobu, this isn't the time for jokes!" Okita shouted as she drew her katana, "Right now we need to take these snakes down and--! Puwah!!!" Just then, Okita Souji coughed out blood and then fell onto the ground, comically lying there as blood started coming out of her mouth due to her illness from her legend, which as a result is her Personal Skill as a Servant: Weak Constitution.

"OKITA!!!" Ritsuka screamed comically.

"Okita!!!" Jeanne shouted worriedly.

"Sakura Saber!!!" Shiki, Tomoe, Raikou, and Nobunaga shouted comically.

"Ugh...ugh...ugh..." Okita groaned as blood seeped out from her mouth while her body twitched comically, "This is...a bit embarrassing...heh heh...I'm sorry, everyone...but it looks like...my body's rejecting me again..."

"Of all time...?!" said Nobunaga, groaning, "Gah, this is even more embarrassing! You're embarrassing yourself more than I was!"

"Not now, Nobu." Shiki said calmly.

"We'll help you, Sakura Saber." Tomoe said as she went to help Okita.

"N-No...please...d-don't mind me..." said Okita, "I-I'll just...slow you down...please, just...protect our Master..."

"B-But--!" Tomoe protested.

"Just go...Tomoe, and....help the others!" Okita managed to say before coughing out some more blood, "D-Don't mind...me..."

"Damn it." Tomoe growled.

"We can't worry about her now, Tomoe." said Jeanne, "Our first priority is protecting Ritsuka."

"She's right, you know." Shiki agreed, "And if we don't, then not only will we be killed, but so will Master."

"Don't worry, we'll worry about Okita later." said Ritsuka, "For now, we need to deal with these snakes!" He then turned to Nobunaga and ordered, "Nobunaga, you protect Okita!"

"Roger, Master!" Nobunaga nodded.

Nobunaga stood in front of Okita with her matchlocks in her hands, as well as matchlocks levitating next to her, ready to fire at the snakes to protect her.

"Let's go, everyone." said Shiki as she drew out her katana while more snakes appeared from the ground.

"Yeah!" said Nobunaga as she gave out a boisterous laugh and opened fire her matchlocks at the snakes while shouting with a boisterous smile, "Take this, you dirty snakes! Feel the wrath of the almighty Oda Nobunaga! Ahahahahahahahaha!"

As bullets flew from the matchlocks fired, the other Servants fought and engaged in battle with the giant white snakes, slashing and cutting them down, except for Okita Souji who was lying on the ground while Nobunaga was busy fighting the snakes, and Jeanne, who stayed by Ritsuka's side and defended her Master while the others were fighting.

This time, though, the Servants of Ritsuka Fujimaru were not holding back as they did with Lancer Jeanne Alter.

"Haaaaaa!!!" Shiki shouted as her eyes glowed blue while she used her Mystic Eyes of Perception, as well as her Mystic Eye Killer, to cut down the giant white snakes.

"Nnnggghhh...!!!!" Tomoe grunted as she swung her sword to strike down the snakes.

"Haaaah!!! Haaaah!!!" Raikou shouted, slicing through the giant white snakes.

"Yaaaaa!!!" Jeanne shouted as she blocked an incoming strike from a giant white snake and kicked it, knocking it back.

"Come at me, you scaly bastards!!!" Nobunaga shouted, still firing her matchlocks at the snakes, while laughing boisterously, "Ahahahahaha! You guys are nothing compared to the Great Oda Nobunaga!"

Nobunaga turned around to check on Okita, but then screamed out comically as she saw Okita getting gobbled up by one of the giant snakes before she hurriedly went to her and began trying to pull her friend and fellow Servant out of the snake's mouth while shouting comically, "Okita, no!!! Get your filthy mouth off of her, you damn dirty snake!!! Let go!!!"

"W-Wha...? N-Nobu...?" Okita muttered as she was being swallowed whole, "W-Wait...what's going on...?"

"Hang in there, Okita!!" Nobunaga shouted as she tried pulling the Sakura Saber out of the snake's mouth, but to no avail, "Hang in there, I'm gonna pull you out!!" She pulled harder as the Demon Archer shouted comically, "Let her go already, she's not your food!!! You wanna eat something, go and eat the copycat Lancer Jalter or her Master, not my friend and fellow Servant!!! Ngh, let go!!!"

Ritsuka, Shiki, Tomoe, and the other Servants were busy fighting the snakes, while Nobunaga was preoccupied with trying to pull their fellow and friend Servant out of a giant snake's mouth.

"N-Nobu, what are you doing...?" Okita muttered, "Y-You know I'm too weak right now...you should go and help the others..."

"I don't care if you're too weak, you're still a friend and a fellow Servant!!" Nobunaga shouted, "No Servant of Master Ritsuka is getting left behind!!!" Nobunaga pulled harder as she shouted while having her levitating matchlocks appear from behind before she brought out a matchlock in her hand and shouted while pointing her matchlock at the snake's head, "YOU...LET...GOOO!!!"

Then, along with the matchlocks levitating from behind the snake, Nobunaga fired her matchlock right into the snake's head, causing it to explode into millions of pieces, and finally killing it, and the corpse of the snake fell to the ground, freeing Okita who was covered in saliva and slimy substances.

"Okita, you're free!!!" Nobunaga shouted happily before she suddenly screamed as she fell to the ground and Okita landed on top of Nobunaga, knocking the air out of her.

The two Servants groaned before Okita looked up and said weakly, "Thanks..."

"Don't mention it..." Nobunaga groaned.

"Are you two all right?" Shiki asked as she slashed a snake in half, "We could use some help."

"Yeah, yeah, just give us a sec." Nobunaga groaned.

"You can lie down later." Tomoe replied, "We need you and Okita over here. Okita, can you fight now?"

"Y-Yeah, don't mind us," said Okita as she stood up and got her sword, feeling better from her illness now, "I can still fight. Come on, Nobu, let's go."

"You guys owe me a beer after this..." Nobunaga groaned as she and Okita readied their weapons to fight, and then shouted comically, "Now come on, you dirty snakes! Let's show these scales who's the real king around here!"

Ritsuka watched his Servants fight off the giant white snakes while the Chaldean Master stood behind Jeanne, who was using her battle flag to defend him.

As the battle went on, the Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual stopped fighting for a moment to look at the Servants who were with Ritsuka and said, impressed, "Huh. So they were holding back." They then effortlessly dodged an incoming attack from a giant snake before cutting it down.

"Looks like it." Iori nodded, dodging an incoming strike from a snake, before cutting it down, "These are some pretty interesting Servants."

"Agreed," said Saber as they cut down another snake head, "And they're all commanded by one Master, no less."

"Well, we can ask them why that is later." said Iori, "For now, we need to figure out how to stop this because there's no end to these damn snakes."

"That's a good idea," said Saber, "And once this is over, we'll ask them where they came from."

"Good plan." said Iori before he took down another giant snake.

Back at the fight, Ritsuka and his Servants had managed to cut and kill most of the giant snakes, but several more remained.

"There's still several more," said Jeanne, "They won't be easy to defeat."

"Leave this to me." Shiki said calmly as her eyes glowed blue while her Mystic Eye was activated, "My Mystic Eyes of Perception can destroy anything. And I won't let anything stand in the way of protecting our Master."

"Good luck," said Ritsuka, smiling.

Shiki nodded before the Gifted Saber turned and faced the giant snakes that were approaching them, then, with her Mystic Eyes of Death Perception to maximum power as lines of death were shown, activating her Noble Phantasm: Amalavijñāna - Boundary of Emptiness, she said while charging at the giant snakes, "Death Perception..." Then, with one slash at all of the giant snakes, 'Void' Shiki swung her katana and finished by saying, "Vanish in the nothingness between Yin and Yang."

And with that one final slash, all of the remaining giant white snakes were destroyed, their corpses falling onto the ground as 'Void' Shiki walked calmly toward the others, the Gifted Saber's eyes not glowing and turning back to normal.

"Good job, Shiki!" Ritsuka smiled, "You did it! You destroyed all of the snakes!"

"Indeed." said Shiki, "It wasn't hard, considering they were just giant white snakes."

"Yeah!" Nobunaga cheered, "We did it! Victory is ours!"

But then, just as she said that, more giant white snakes began appearing and coming out of the ground and surrounding them once more, which made everyone look in shock and bewilderment, before Nobunaga shouted comically, "OH, C'MON!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!"

"How can this be?!" Jeanne exclaimed, shocked, "We just destroyed them! How can there be more?!"

"Huh, that's strange." said Shiki as she looked at her katana and then back at the snakes and said calmly, "I could've sworn that worked."

"You idiot, of course, it worked!!!" Nobunaga snapped comically, "It just didn't work the way we thought it would!!"

"What's going on?!" Ritsuka asked, confused, "Why are there still more giant white snakes appearing?!"

"I'm not sure, Master." said Shiki, "I can't understand why the snakes are still here. I thought for sure that my Noble Phantasm would destroy them."

"That's really odd." said Raikou, "It's as if there are an endless amount of giant snakes appearing."

"Agreed." said Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual as they and their Master Iori moved close to Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants before Saber added, "They just keep coming. Which means...we must subdue their hidden leader first."

"Their leader?" Ritsuka asked, confused, "What are you talking about? There are no leaders."

"Are you sure?" Iori asked, "Because these snakes seem to be connected to someone, and I'm pretty sure unless it's the one controlling them, they wouldn't be here."

"Exactly," said Saber, "I can sense their presence, and if my instinct is correct, then the one who is controlling them is very close."

"If that's the case, then we need to find whoever is doing this," said Ritsuka.

"That's right," said Jeanne, "But who could be responsible for this? Who's controlling these giant snakes?"

"Hmmm." said Okita as she looked at the giant snakes.

Then, while both groups were surrounded by the giant snakes, Lancer Jeanne Alter slashed a few of them with her spears, as well as burning them with her flames, before she took a look around until her flame caught something, so someone in hiding on a burning roof with invisibility, which got her attention before she then slashed out a burning every slash at the invisible figure in hiding. But then, an invisible hand from the invisible figure that was stretching out caught and destroyed the slash, which resulted in the hand catching on fire as it revealed it had claws before the hand itself returned to the one who stretched out the hand, surprising everyone, even Lancer Jeanne Alter.

Then, as the hand returned from extending itself, the invisible figure who was hiding himself revealed himself for everyone to see. He was a man with pale skin with blue tattoos on his face and arms resembling a snake, wearing a white face mask, a white scarf, and a large white hood. He also wore golden shoulder plates and knee pads that resembled the scales of a snake, with the shoulder plates having the large eyes of the snake on the front, white pants, a black chest plate, bandages around his arms and legs, and his feet having no shoes due to his feet appearing to have two toes like that of a reptile. On his left hand, he wears an armor wrist guard, while on his right hand, he has snake-like vines wrapped and flowing around.

"That's...!" said Ruler Jeanne, "An Assassin-Class Servant!"

"Have I been detected?" said the Assassin Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual before he jumped off the roof and landed on the ground, facing Iori, Saber, Ritsuka, and the Chaldean Servants with him as both teams readied themselves, then he summoned more giant white snakes out of the ground as he got up and said, "You fools will rot in hell."

"So, it was him." said Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, "He is the one who was controlling those snakes. Looks like my instincts were right."

"Yes, I'm afraid so." Iori agreed, "Which means..."

"If we're dealing with this Assassin, then we must take him out." Saber said.

"Agreed." Ritsuka nodded, "I'll help, too."

Saber looked at Ritsuka's group before they said, "Strange Master who has more than one Servant, there's no need for you and your Servants to involve yourselves! If you wish to leave while you still can, go now while Iori and I cover you!"

"What, and leave you guys here after saving us?" Nobunaga smirked as she brought out her matchlocks, "I don't think so."

"That's right." Shiki nodded, "While it may be your fight in this ritual, it is our Master's decision if we are to join the fray or not."

"She's right." said Okita, readying her sword, "If you're gonna fight this guy, then we're fighting with you. He attacked us, and for that, he'll pay."

"That's right." said Tomoe as she readied her flaming arrow, "I agree."

"We can't let you have all the fun." Jeanne smiled, "So, you can count us in."

"Quite." said Raikou as she added with a smile, "Besides, it's not like we have anywhere else to go."

"You strange people..." said Saber.

"I think we should fight together," said Ritsuka, "After all, you helped us. It's the least we could do. Besides, we have our reason for being here, and we can't learn anything just by simply hiding from all of this. Plus, let's just say we've been through worse before."

Saber looked at them for a moment before Iori shrugged and said to his Servant, "Well, the more the merrier, I suppose."

"Very well." said Saber, "Then we'll be glad to have you, though it won't be much since this is Assassin, and I am a Saber-Class."

"Yeah, and you have Miyamoto Iori as a Master," said Nobunaga, "But no matter. The Great Oda Nobunaga is ready and rearing to fight!"

"All right." said the Assassin Servant, getting everyone's attention, "It doesn't matter if you are all participating in the Waxing Moon Ritual or not. Allow me to test your skill." Then, he disappeared in smoke, leaving his giant white snakes to do the work of attacking both Iori and Saber and Ritsuka's team.

Chapter Text

As Iori, Saber, and Ritsuka's Servants began fighting the giant snakes while Ritsuka gave out commands to his Servants, Chiemon and his Servant Lancer Jeanne Alter were dealing with their own group of giant snakes that were surrounding them.

"Tch..." Chiemon growled while swinging his burning flag spear at the snakes, "Get out of my way."

Lancer Jeanne Alter took out several with her spears as she said somberly and stoically, "I shall reduce every one of you to dust."

As Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter were focused on taking out the giant snakes surrounding the Master and Servant, Ritsuka's Servants, as well as Iori and his Servant Saber, were focused on dealing with the giant snakes surrounding the two groups.

As they fought, Iori got back-to-back with Saber and said to them, "Saber, sorry about before. I finally realized the truth, and it's that I'm weak, far weaker than I believed myself to be."

"...Well, I agree that you're weak." said Saber as they cut down an incoming snake, "There's so much excess with you. You are too gentle to be a fighter." They then took out another snake as they said, "But, don't force yourself too much – it would make Kaya cry."

Iori was silent when Saber mentioned his little sister before he took down an incoming giant snake that was about to attack him.

As Iori and Saber took out some giant snakes, Ritsuka stood and watched as the Chaldean Master focused on giving out commands to his Servants who were fighting the giant snakes while Ruler Jeanne d'Arc was focused on protecting her Master.

"Raikou, Okita, Shiki, you three keep fighting the snakes!" Ritsuka commanded, "Tomoe, Nobunaga, provide fire support! Jeanne, stay with me!"

"Yes, Master." said Raikou, nodding, "Leave it to me."

"Got it." Okita replied, cutting down a giant snake.

"Understood," said Shiki as she cut down a giant snake.

"You heard him, you idiots!" Nobunaga shouted, firing her matchlocks, "Don't worry about us; we'll take care of these guys! Just leave this to the Great Oda Nobunaga! Ahahaha! Ahahahaha!"

"On it." said Tomoe, shooting down the giant snakes.

"Right," said Jeanne, nodding.

"Master, look out!" Raikou shouted before she cut down a giant snake, protecting him, "I got it, but I'll admit, this is quite hard to deal with, especially when there's a lot."

"No kidding." said Shiki as she and Okita got back-to-back to protect Ritsuka and Jeanne, "But don't worry, we've got them covered."

"Okita, Shiki, duck!" Nobunaga shouted, and Okita and Shiki quickly did as the Demon Archer fired and took out a giant snake that was coming from their side.

"Nice shot, Nobu!" Okita grinned.

"Heh, not bad." Shiki nodded calmly.

"Haha! Just leave it to the Great Oda Nobunaga!!" Nobunaga laughed, "Ahahaha! Ahahahaha!"

"Everyone, we have to keep pushing forward!" Ritsuka said, "We need to get closer to the Assassin Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual!"

"Understood, Master." Jeanne nodded before she kicked an incoming giant snake that was about to attack them.

"Dammit!" Okita cursed as she took out another giant snake before more started coming from the ground, "There's no end to these snakes!"

"It must be Assassin's doing." said Skiki as she killed off a giant snake, "He's the one behind all of this, and we need to stop him."

"Yeah, but how?!" Nobunaga asked as she fired her matchlocks.

"I'm not sure," said Shiki, cutting down a giant snake.

"We need a plan," said Ritsuka, thinking, "We can't keep fighting these things forever."

"Ritsuka!" Ritsuko called through her comms, "Lancer Jeanne Alter and her Master are getting away!"

"What?!" said Ritsuka and he looked and saw that indeed, Chiemon and Lancer were escaping, running away from the battle as the snakes that they were fighting were now gathering to Iori, Saber, and Ritsuka's group.

"They're escaping!" Tomoe exclaimed, "The bastard and his Lancer are escaping!"

"Oh, no, you don't." Nobunaga scowled before she began firing at them, but she missed and she couldn't hit them as she was now out of range as they were already gone, which made her curse out, "Shit!"

"Coward." said Shiki as she took down an incoming giant snake with her katana.

"They got away." said Jeanne, "Now what do we do?"

"I think I may have an idea," said Ritsuka, "But we have to stop Assassin first. We can't let him escape."

"Then, what should we do, Master?" Jeanne asked.

"Everyone, get in a circle formation!" Ritsuka commanded, "Let's form a shield wall around us, and try and keep the snakes away!"

But then, before they could do that, several slashes were made at the giant snakes surrounding them before all the snakes were taken down to pieces.

"Holy shit!" Nobunaga exclaimed before she turned to Iori and Saber and said with a big smile, "Hey, not bad, Miyamoto Iori! You and Saber saved us!"

"...That wasn't me." said Iori.

"...Nor me." said Saber.

"Huh?" said Nobunaga in bewilderment, "It wasn't?"

"Then, who did...?" Jeanne began.

"Oh!" a woman's voice called out, "So this is where you two were! And with more people, at that!"

Everyone body stopped what they were doing while Ritsuka gasped in shock as he recognized that voice, one that he hadn't heard in a long time since the Olympus Lostbelt, as he muttered, "Wait...I know that voice...c-could it be...?"

Even Ritsuka's Servants were shocked to hear that familiar friendly voice that they hadn't heard in a long time as she said, "N-No way...!"

"Could it be...?" said Okita.

"No, it can't be." said Raikou, "It just can't."

"Impossible." said Shiki, "It's impossible. She's supposed to be..."

"No way..." said Nobunaga, "She was dead. How could she...?"

"But, the voice..." Tomoe said, "There's no doubt about it. It's the voice of...!"

Everyone turned around and saw someone, a woman running toward the group, and Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants gasped in shock upon seeing the person who saved them before Ritsuka said, "M-Musashi...!"

Indeed. In front of them was the greatest swordsman of Japan, Miyamoto Musashi. Or rather, swordswoman in the case as this was the female version of Miyamoto Musashi. She looked the same as she was that Ritsuka remembered with pink hair tied into a ponytail and blue eyes, except instead of the red and violet maple-themed kimono, she wears a pale blue kimono with a spider lily motif, with ragged black scarves tied onto her upper arms. Her swords are also different, with hilts colored black and white instead of violet and gold. And, in the Waxing Moon Ritual, her Servant Class is a Berserker-Class instead of a Saber-Class.

She looked at Iori and Saber with a smile and said, "I told you to locate the enemy, but boy, you really kept your word! I'm glad I can count on you in this world too, Iori!"

"Shishou (Master)...!" said Iori, surprised.

Musashi then turned to Ritsuka and his Servants and was about to ask, "And who might these people-?!" But then she stopped and looked at Ritsuka and his Servants with wide eyes in surprise as she recognized them and said, "Wait, you guys are...!"

"M-Musashi!" Ritsuka exclaimed as he ran to her.

"R-Ritsuka?" Musashi said, surprised, "Ritsuka Fujimaru? What are you doing here?"

"You're alive!!" Ritsuka shouted happily as he hugged Musashi, shocking Iori and Saber.

"W-Whoa!" Musashi said, surprised.

"You're alive, Musashi!!!" Ritsuka exclaimed happily, tears streaming down his eyes as he hugged her, "Y-You're alive!!! Y-You're actually alive!!!"

"Whoa, whoa, h-hold on there!" said Musashi, confused by what was going on with Ritsuka, "Hold on, Ritsuka! I don't understand, how come you're crying?! W-Why are you acting like I'm dead?!"

Ritsuka stopped hugging Musashi as the Chaldean Master wiped the tears from his eyes and sniffled, "B-Because I thought you were dead."

"I...was dead?" Musashi repeated, still confused, "W-Why would you think that?"

"Wait, you know Shishou?" Iori asked.

"Um, well, yeah." said Ritsuka, "I-It's kinda complicated, I doubt you'd understand." He then turned to Musashi and said, "Musashi, it's...it's good to see you again...y-you're alive!"

"Uh, yeah, of course, I'm alive." said Musashi, still confused, "I mean, I became a Servant after I died in a Singularity. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Uh, well--"

"Never mind that," Saber cut Ritsuka off as they asked, "Musashi, what are you doing here?"

Musashi turned to Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual as the Berserker of the Waxing Moon Ritual said, "I sensed some fighting going on here!" She then winked and said, "But more importantly, you've got more opponents than you have free hands, right? I'll take on the snake charmer!"

"W-Wait, Musashi--!"

"Ah, sorry, Ritsuka!" said Musashi quickly, "I'll catch up with you later! I'm really itching for a fight right now! Gotta go, bye~!" Then, like a mad woman, she dashed off and ran like hell, leaving dust behind her trail, to go after the Assassin Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual, leaving everyone standing in bewilderment.

"...She blew through like a storm." said Saber before they turned to Iori and said, "At any rate, let's leave it to Musashi!"

"Right." Iori nodded, "We'll go after Lancer."

"Yep, let's go!" Saber nodded before they turned to Ritsuka, who was standing in a trace where Musashi ran off to, and his Servants with him before Saber said, "And you people, strange Master and his Servants, if you wish to keep on helping us, come with us to go after Lancer and her Master! And don't fall behind us!"

Then, the Master and Servant left to go after Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter, leaving behind the Chaldean Master and Servants behind.

"Ah, wait!" said Ruler Jeanne as she began following the Master-Servant pair of the Waxing Moon Ritual, "Hold on, we're going with you!"

"Ah, Jeanne, wait up!" said Okita as she hurriedly followed, along with Nobunaga, Raikou, and Tomoe, leaving Ritsuka to continue staring in a trance where Musashi had left to fight Assassin.

'Void' Shiki stopped and turned to her Master before she placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Master, we have to go. The others need us."

Ritsuka remained in a trance for a moment before Shiki said to him, understanding his thoughts and feelings as the rest of the Servants of Chaldea do, "We can question why she's here in this Singularity later. Right now, we need to go after Lancer Jeanne Alter and her Master. The others need you. Come on."

Ritsuka remained silent for a moment, staring at the distance where Musashi left to go after Assassin, before he sighed and nodded, then turned around as he said without looking at Shiki, "Yeah, let's go."

With that, Ritsuka and 'Void' Shiki began to catch up with the others, following the others and leaving behind the corpse of the giant snakes they were fighting, as well as letting Musashi fight and deal with the giant snakes and go after Assassin as Musashi drew out her katanas and said with a confident smile, ready to fight the snakes, "All right, I'll wrap this up in short order!"

With that, Musashi ran and charged straight ahead to fight against the giant snakes before she would fight against Assassin on the Waxing Moon Ritual.

Meanwhile, Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter were running away from the fighting and from Iori and Saber, as well as Ritsuka's group until both groups caught up to Chiemon and Lancer and they surrounded them.

"Tch." said Chiemon, "So they followed us, after all."

"It would seem so, Master." said Lancer Jeanne Alter as she readied herself.

"You're not going anywhere!" said Okita with her katana out, "You're surrounded!"

"Hahahaha!" Nobunaga laughed boastfully, "That's right, you copycat Jeanne Alter! We went easy on you the first time because you caught us off guard, but now we're not holding back this time! There's nine of us and only two of you!"

But then, Okita coughed out blood and fell onto the ground, comically lying there with her body twitching as blood started coming out of her mouth due to her illness from her Weak Constitution Skill, which made everyone look at the Sakura Saber in bewilderment before Nobunaga corrected, "U-Uh...o-okay, scratch that, it's eight of us and two of you, b-but's that's okay because you're still outnumbered!"

"Uh...is she okay?" Saber asked while pointing at Okita on the ground.

"Uh, y-yeah." said Tomoe, "That's normal for her. Don't worry, it happens all the time."

"What?" Iori blinked, shocked.

"Well, this is...awkward." said Jeanne, scratching the back of her head.

"Uh...let's just pretend that didn't happen." Ritsuka nodded, agreeing.

"Agreed." said 'Void' Shiki as she looked at Okita as the Sakura Saber gave her a thumbs-up, telling everyone that she was all right before dropping her hand on the ground, and Shiki said, "She'll be okay. She'll just need some rest and she'll be able again."

"Hmph." said Chiemon, "Well, at least that one isn't our problem."

"True." said Lancer Jeanne Alter, "The odds are still not in their favor."

"You two are the ones who are outnumbered!" said Ritsuka, "Just give up now and come quietly."

"As if we'd ever do that." Chiemon snorted before he ordered, "Lancer, deal with the Servants including Saber. I'll deal with Iori and the other Master with more than one Servant."

"Understood." Lancer nodded before she readied herself to fight.

Iori looked at Ritsuka and asked, "Can you fight?"

"Well, no, not without a weapon, I can't." said Ritsuka, "But I can use magecraft, so I can at least hold my own."

"Good enough." Iori nodded, "Let's go, then."

"Right." Ritsuka nodded before they and the other Servants, minus Okita, got into battle position and readied themselves to fight.

Then, with a yell, Lancer Jeanne Alter began charging toward them with her spears, preparing to fight.

"Here we go." Saber said, readying their sword, "Don't die, everyone!"

"I think you mean 'don't let us die'," said Nobunaga with a smirk, "Because this Demon Archer won't fall here!"

"That's right." Raikou nodded, readying her weapon, "No matter what happens, we'll protect our Master!"

"That's the spirit!" Jeanne nodded with a smile, "Let's go, everyone!"

"Yea-WHOA!!!" Nobunaga quickly dodged an incoming thrust attack from Lancer Jeanne Alter before she quickly rolled out of the way to get away from the incoming stab on the ground, then pulled out her matchlock and fired at the Lancer Servant, before Lancer Jeanne Alter dodged and backed away.

"You little...!" Nobunaga growled, then aimed her matchlocks at the Lancer Servant before firing with the matchlocks levitating next to her.

Lancer Jeanne Alter landed on the ground before she twirled one of her spears, deflecting all of the bullets that were fired from the Demon Archer before she used her other spear to slash out a fire slash aimed at Nobunaga, who screamed comically at the incoming fire slash before Tomoe intercepts it and cut it down with her naginata, then she brought out her longbow and arrow before she aimed her fire arrow at the Lancer Servant and fired, but Lancer Jeanne Alter jumped and flipped backward before the fire arrow hit her and she landed on the ground, then the Lancer Servant quickly dodged the lightning strike that was thrown at her by Raikou.

Raikou then drew out her katana as the Berserker-Class Servant charged and clashed her blade against the stoic Lancer's spears before the Lancer Servant pushed her back and push-picked her in the stomach. Raikou grunted and fell backward a bit, then she quickly dodged a thrust from one of Lancer's spears and countered with a thrust at her, which the Lancer Servant blocked before she blocked another thrust from Raikou and then blocked an incoming slash from the Berserker-Class's katana. Then 'Void' Shiki appeared from behind and quickly swung her katana at the Lancer Servant to slash at her from behind, but Lancer Jeanne Alter managed to quickly block and clash her katana with her spear as sparks flew between their weapons, then the Lancer Servant pushed the Gifted Saber back by kicking her in the stomach before pushing Raikou away and then kicked her in the face before she landed, and then blocked an incoming attack from Ruler Jeanne who swung her battle flag from above.

Lancer Jeanne Alter gritted her teeth as the stoic Lancer, unlike before when she first encountered the strange Master with more than one Servant, was overwhelmed by six Servants, including Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual.

"Damn..." the Lancer Servant gritted her teeth, then she used her flames and pushed the Ruler Jeanne away as she jumped back.

"Jeanne d'Arc Alter--No, Lancer of the Waxing Moon Ritual!" said Ruler Jeanne, "We were holding back because you caught us off guard and we wanted to see what you were capable of, but now that I've gotten a better idea of you, I can tell that, while you are indeed Jeanne d'Arc as I am, you pale in comparison to me."

Lancer Jeanne Alter gritted her teeth angrily, and, while remaining somber and stoic, was getting slightly annoyed by what Ruler was saying, before Ruler Jeanne continued, "I've fought many battles, and have defeated many great enemies before. Even if you are a Lancer-Class, you will not defeat me. You have lost, Jeanne d'Arc. But you still have a chance to make things right. Surrender now, and come quietly. If not, then I will defeat you, and I will not go easy on you."

Lancer Jeanne Alter stared at Ruler Jeanne for a bit before she clicked her tongue, then raised her spears up and began chanting as dark and purple energy began to gather into both her spears, "Fallen of the battlefield...cry out your Lamentation."

Ruler Jeanne twirled her battle flag around and then planted it onto the ground, tightly grasping it, and activating her Noble Phantasm as she began calmly chanting, letting her flag out while light magical energy began gathering to her flag, "Our Lord is with us! Oh flag of mine, protect our comrades!"

Then, Lancer Jeanne Alter released a dark flaming energy cross slash as she shouted her Noble Phantasm, "Tristesse de la Vierge!"

At the same time, Ruler Jeanne called out her Noble Phantasm to protect herself and her comrade from the attack, "Luminosité Eternelle!"

Ruler Jeanne's holy battle flag released a bright flash of light and the Ruler-Class Servant used it to block Lancer Jeanne Alter's Noble Phantasm, creating a huge force field to defend herself and the Servants, including Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, from Lancer Jeanne Alter's Noble Phantasm. However, unlike before, and while she does still get stunned from using her Noble Phantasm, Rule Jeanne does not struggle from the dark flaming cross-slash Noble Phantasm, even as it explodes, and when the smoke clears, Ruler Jeanne remains still standing with her hand gripped on her battle flag, much to Lancer Jeanne Alter's shock.

"W-Wha...?" said Lancer Jeanne Alter, "B-But how...?!"

While Iori and Saber were amazed, Ritsuka and his Servants of Chaldea were not surprised by this at all as Ruler Jeanne smiled and said, "As I said, you pale in comparison to me. Your Noble Phantasm, while powerful as an offense, is terribly extremely degraded compared to my defensive Noble Phantasm. Your altered state has weakened your abilities as a Servant severely because you were forcibly summoned as an alter. And, due to being a foreign Heroic Spirit, you do not receive a Fame boost in this century's Japan, unlike most of the Servants here."

Lancer Jeanne Alter's eyes widened before she gritted her teeth, growling in anger and annoyance as she glared at the Ruler-Class Servant in front of her.

"Hmph." said Ruler Jeanne with a confident smile, "Even the famous Jeanne d'Arc Alter has become weak."

"Why...you...!" Lancer Jeanne Alter gritted her teeth furiously, angry at Ruler Jeanne's words before she yelled and charged forward with her spears, intending to kill Ruler Jeanne, who simply twirled her flag and readied herself.

But then, Saber went and intercepted Lancer Jeanne Alter's attack on the Ruler-Class Servant before Saber smirked as they said, "Mind if I cut in?"

With that, the Saber-Class Servant began clashing their sword against the spears of the Lancer-Class Servant as both of them pushed and pulled and thrust and slashed against each other as the Lancer-Class Servant was forced to duel with the Saber-Class Servant.

As Saber and Lancer Jeanne Alter fought each other, Iori and Ritsuka were busy dealing with the Master of the Lancer-Class Servant, Chiemon, who was holding his own against the two Masters, with Iori using his two katanas to fight him while Ritsuka was providing support for Iori with his magecraft.

Chiemon charged with his burning flag spear and swung it down from above before Iori blocked it with both of his katanas, then Chiemon tried to attack Iori with a fireball in his hand before Ritsuka used a gandr shot and fired it at the fireball, blowing it up before Chiemon dodged and landed back on the ground.

Iori was about to swing his katanas down on him, but Chiemon blocked with his burning flag spear, and then he tried to push the Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, but Iori refused to give in as he pushed back and they both struggled for a bit, pushing and struggling, before Chiemon jumped and did a spinning flip over Iori and landed behind him.

Both the Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual and the Master of Chaldea faced Chiemon as the Master of Lancer of the Waxing Moon Ritual growled and said, "Damn you...!"

Ritsuka panted to catch his breath before he said, "You really are a tough bastard for a guy covered in blood and bandages, you know that?"

"Yeah, tell me about it." Iori panted as well, also exhausted.

"Now then, why don't you just stop fighting and surrender?" Ritsuka suggested, "If you do, I'll try to help you heal those wounds."

"Tch. Shut up!" Chiemon spat, "I don't need your pity, especially from a stranger like you! Besides, even if you do, these wounds and burns of mine are too old for you to heal. And they are a reminder, my reason to obtain the vessel, the Waxing Moon, so that I can fulfill my wish."

"The Waxing Moon?" Ritsuka muttered quietly to himself, "Could that be the Holy Grail of this Singularity?"

"Well, I can't let you do that." Iori scowled, "Not while we're still around, and not while I still breathe."

"Then I'll just have to kill you." Chiemon snarled, "Then, when the Ritual is completed, I will take the Waxing Moon for myself, and then I will fulfill my wish...for my revenge!"

"Revenge?" Iori asked.

"What do you mean by that?" Ritsuka asked.

"Tsk. You wouldn't understand, even if I told you!" Chiemon snarled, "All you need to know is that, no matter what, I will take the Waxing Moon for myself. No matter what!"

"Sorry, but you're not getting it." said Iori, readying himself, "Even if you do get your revenge, and even if you do fulfill your wish, you're still gonna die."

"We'll stop you." Ritsuka said, taking a stance, "You'll never complete the Waxing Moon Ritual and, even if you did, we'll just find a way to reverse the damage and save Japan from being destroyed. We'll stop you and save everyone."

Chiemon chuckled and said, "Is that so? You'll save this accursed peaceful Edo?! Well then, I'd like to see you try!"

As Chiemon fought against the two Masters, Lancer Jeanne Alter summoned flames on the blades of her spears before she unleashed barrages of flame slashes at Saber and Ritsuka's Servants, with Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual charging in at Lancer and dodging her flaming slash attacks while Ruler Jeanne and the rest of Ritsuka's Chaldean Servants, minus Okita who was still lying and resting on the ground, either dodge or cut down, as well as shoot down in Tomoe's and Nobunaga's case, the flaming slashes that were coming towards them.

"Damn." said Tomoe as she dodged another fire slash before firing her arrow at an incoming one, "She's still pretty strong."

"She won't go down that easily." Raikou said, cutting down a fire slash.

"We have to keep going." 'Void' Shiki said calmly as she sliced down a fire slash.

"That's right!" Jeanne said with a smile as she twirled her flag around and defended against a fire slash, "We can't afford to lose to her."

"Ahahahahaha!" Nobunaga laughed boastfully while firing her matchlocks on the flaming slashes, "That's right! There's no way we're losing to this copycat of Jeanne! It's six of us against one her!"

Then, just as Nobunaga was about to take out more incoming flame slashes, Okita, now fully recovered, and in quick lightspeed, cut down and destroyed the flaming slashes before she landed on the ground, then got up with a smile and said to her friend and fellow Servant, "Correction, seven against one."

"Okita!" Nobunaga gasped happily, "You're okay! Yay, yay! You're all right!!"

"Yep, I'm back." Okita nodded with a smile, "Sorry, I kinda passed out, but now I'm fine, so let's get back to fighting."

"Right, let's do this, Sakura Saber!" said Nobunaga with a confident grin.

"Hehe, gladly." Okita smiled back as she brought out her katana and went to take out more flaming slashes alongside her friends and fellow Servants.

As the Chaldean Servants worked on putting down the flame slashes aimed at them, Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual charged at Lancer Jeanne Alter before they jumped forward and landed on the ground, then Saber continued to charge toward Lancer Jeanne Alter before they jumped up and unleashed a water and wind slash attack to destroy the barrages of flame slashes that Lancer Jeanne Alter unleashed, which caused mists to form the surrounding area and rain to fall, and Saber continued to charge toward Lancer Jeanne Alter who was now hiding within the mists before they charged their sword with green magical wind energy and went to slash at Lancer Jeanne Alter to cut her down. But then, Lancer Jeanne Alter disappeared, which surprised Saber as they looked around for a moment to find where she was hiding within the mists before Lancer Jeanne Alter appeared from behind and went to strike Saber from above with her spear, but Saber turned around and was able to block the attack from the Lancer-Class Servant before they moved and dodged an incoming thrust attack from her other spear and backflipped away from Lancer Jeanne Alter, and the two Servants stood their ground as they faced against each other as their fight was on a standstill, though it wasn't long before the Chaldean Servants surrounded Lancer Jeanne Alter from behind.

"You've been beaten, Lancer." said Ruler Jeanne as she pointed her battle flag, "It's over, now surrender."

"There's no escape for you!" said Okita with her katana ready.

"This is the end for you." said Raikou, readying her katana, "Surrender and come quietly, and we'll go easy on you."

Lancer Jeanne Alter was silent for a moment as she took a look at her surroundings, from behind her where the Chaldean Servants were facing her back to in front of her where Saber was facing her with their sword in hand. The Lancer-Class Servant took a look at everyone, then she smiled, not in a sadistic way or a mad grin, but a calm and serene smile, before she said, "So it would seem. I may surrender, but I highly doubt my Master, Chiemon, would be pleased about it." She then held her ground with her spears ready and said with determination behind her somber and stoic look, "So, my apologies, but for my Master's sake, and to ensure his wish is realized, I will not surrender."

Saber smirked before they said to their opponent, "Figures. You really are a loyal Servant. Then, allow me to grant you your wish."

With that, the Saber Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual and the Chaldean Servants readied themselves to fight against Lancer Jeanne Alter as they were about to engage in battle once more, only for the sound of a loud galloping being heard approaching their way, which made Lancer Jeanne Alter gasp in surprise as she looked up to see who it was before Saber turned around from behind to see who it was. Even the Chaldean Servants stopped their plan to attack to see who was approaching their way before Saber jumped up out of the way to take a good look at the one who was here to fight.

Approaching them was a man in a white Japanese shogun suit of armor, the white armor that looked similar and reminiscent to Tomoe Gozen's armor, with the chestplate being identical to hers in her second ascension, a long katana in hand with the crossguard that is shaped in a circle from the guard to the bottom hilt of the sword, and a white shogun helmet with a red mask akin to a red ogre. He was charging forward while mounting and riding on a white horse. Everyone on the battlefield, even Ritsuka, Iori, and Chiemon stopped fighting and watched the white shogun armored warrior riding on his horse charging forward, specifically towards Lancer Jeanne Alter, and could sense that he was a Servant.

Tomoe Gozen put down her bow and arrow and looked with wide eyes as she recognized the armor as the Archer of Inferno muttered quietly, "Wait, that armor...could it be...?"

Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual landed on the ground and watched as the white shogun armored Servant charged at Lancer Jeanne Alter before he jumped up with his horse high into the air and was about to land on top of her. Lancer Jeanne Alter swung her spear at the white shogun armored Servant and his mount, but then he and his mount disappeared and materialized into spiritual form, surprising Lancer Jeanne Alter before she saw the white shogun armored Servant, who jumped off his mount and fell towards the Lancer-Class Servant to deliver a strike of his sword from above before Lancer Jeanne Alter blocked the incoming attack with her other spear, which caused the ground to shake and break beneath them. Lancer Jeanne Alter struggled to hold her own as the ground cracked beneath her further at how powerful the white shogun armored Servant was before the armored Servant then kicked her in the stomach, forcing her back before she stabbed the ground with her spear and held her ground.

Lancer Jeanne Alter then got up and took a look at the white shogun armored Servant and said, "A Rider...? No, a Saber?"

"Just so." said the white shogun armored Servant, which surprised the Chaldean Servants.

"Wait, another Saber?!" said Raikou, "B-But, how is that possible?!"

Okita looked at Ruler Jeanne and asked, "Wait, Jeanne, can you sense that this Saber has a connection to a Master or not?"

"N-No, I don't sense any connection to any Master here at all!" said Ruler Jeanne before her eyes widened as she said, "No...in fact, there is none at all! He's a Masterless Servant!"

"Masterless?!" Nobunaga gasped.

"B-But how can a Masterless Servant still exist in this Singularity?!" Tomoe asked, shocked.

"I-It's impossible for a Servant to exist without a Master!" Ruler Jeanne shouted, "They can't stay materialized or manifest in the Throne without a Master, and even then, a Masterless Servant shouldn't even be possible in the first place! The Throne automatically dismisses any Servant that lacks a Master because a Masterless Servant would have no reason to exist and they have no purpose, especially within Holy Grail Wars like this one!"

"What are you talking about?" Okita asked, confused.

"I have no idea, but..." Ruler Jeanne said, shaking her head, "This isn't right. This shouldn't be possible. A Masterless Servant is an impossibility in this war. How can a Masterless Servant remain materialized without a Master?!"

"I don't know." said 'Void' Shiki, keeping her eye on the white shogun armored Servant that is Saber, "And while Servants without a Master isn't anything new to us, especially in Singularities and Lostbelts, I do not understand the reason why a Masterless Servant exists here, especially when the Holy Grail War, or rather, the Waxing Moon Ritual, is in play."

Then, Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual answered the Chalden Servants' questions, "That's because he's a Rogue Servant, a Servant who is active in the Waxing Moon Ritual without a connection to a Master, and instead is connected and supplied with magical energy by Leylines that a Rogue Servant is connected to, and as a result, Rogue Servants are weaker than they would usually be and can't leave the territory that they are bound to without weakening even further." They then added, "And, unlike Servants like me who are bound to their Masters, Rogue Servants like the Rogue Saber one over there who's about to fight Lancer have no stake within the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"I see." said Okita, nodding in understanding.

"Ah, makes sense." Nobunaga nodded as well.

"So, he's a rogue Servant who's bound by Leylines that's fueling him." said Ruler Jeanne with an understanding nod, "Yes, I see."

"That's correct." Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual nodded in confirmation, "And while I can't speak for every other Rogue Servant, I can at least say for sure that this particular Rogue Saber here is connected to a Leyline, and thus, is supplied with the magic needed to materialize in this world, and thus, even if he has no stake in the Waxing Moon Ritual, there's likely a reason why he's here."

"That's right." the white shogun armored Servant, Rogue Saber, said, agreeing with the Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual's explanation, "My reasons for being here are not important, however, nor are they your concerns for now, strange Servants who're connected with one Master." Rogue Saber then turned to face Lancer Jeanne Alter before he said while pointing his sword at her, "Now then, cohort of the Evil Ogre, come face your end!"

"Hmm." said Saber, "As I thought, he's definitely a Rogue Servant. And what an incredible spirit. Is he after Lancer?!"

"Perhaps." said Iori, "And that makes things easier for us. Now's our chance to take down Lancer!" He turned to Ritsuka and asked, "Hey, you and your Servants can still help, right? Then help us take down Lancer and her Master!"

"Yeah!" Ritsuka nodded before he commanded his Servants, "Everyone, let's go! We need to defeat Lancer Jeanne Alter and her Master now!"

"Right!" Ruler Jeanne and the Chaldean Servants before they and Saber readied themselves to fight Lancer Jeanne Alter, now with the help of Rogue Saber, while Ritsuka and Iori continued fighting against Lancer's Master, Chiemon.

Chapter Text

The battle continued as Ritsuka's Servants and Saber, now with the help of Rogue Saber, took on Lancer Jeanne Alter, who was now even more overwhelmed with Rogue Saber added into the mix, while Iori, the Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, and Ritsuka, the Chaldean Master, were holding off against Chiemon, Lancer's Master of the Waxing Moon Ritual.

Though hanging on, the fight was not going in Lancer Jeanne Alter's favor as she was being pushed back by eight Servants now, especially Rogue Saber who would summon and ride on his mount as the white shogun armored Servant would charge at her, and knock the Lancer of the Waxing Moon Ritual back, even when she tried to use her dark flames and dark spears that she summoned and used as projectiles against Rogue Saber, Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, and the Chaldean Servants.

Eventually, she was pushed back to her Master's side as everyone had them cornered. Everyone, being Ritsuka Fujimaru, the Last Master of Humanity, and his Chaldean Servants, Jeanne d'Arc, Oda Nobunaga, Okita Souji, Minamoto-no-Raikou, Tomoe Gozen, and 'Void' Shiki Ryougi, as well as Miyamoto Iori alongside Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, and Rogue Saber faced Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter as everyone readied themselves should the two try to attack again.

"Give it up, you two!" Nobunaga shouted with a boisterous smile, "You're surrounded!"

"Uh, more like we have them cornered." Okita corrected Nobunaga before she turned to Chiemon and Lancer and said, "But yes, give it up. You're not going anywhere and there's no way you're escaping."

"She's right." said Ruler Jeanne while she pointed her battle flag, "Quit while you both still can in this Waxing Moon Ritual!"

"Tch. I'd rather die." said Chiemon.

"Hmph." said Saber as they swung their sword to prepare to charge for the kill, "Alright, then I'll grant that for you!"

But then, just as Saber was about to charge in and finish them off, they were stopped by Rogue Saber who used his sword to block Saber's way before Rogue Saber said to them, "No. Let me finish them."

Everyone looked at Rogue Saber before the white shogun armored Servant readied his sword and said as a large amount of power began to flow around him, "The Evil Ogre draws in the darkness." He then got in a stance as he declared, "And it falls to me to drive that darkness away!"

Everyone stood and watched as Iori and Saber, and Ritsuka and his Servants could feel that the Rogue Saber was about to unleash his Noble Phantasm to strike down Lancer Jeanne Alter and Chiemon. As they watched Rogue Saber about to unleash his Noble Phantasm, Tomoe Gozen looked at the white shogun armored Servant and the Archer of Inferno couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with him, especially with his armor similar to hers as the good oni thought to herself, "This Servant…no, this man in the white shogun armor…he looks very familiar. In fact, he looks like someone that I know from long ago when I was still alive. His armor…it looks almost just like mine, one that represents the Minamoto Clan. Rogue Saber…could he truly be…? But it couldn’t be, could it? I must be seeing things."

"Heh, well, let's see what this Rogue Saber can do." Nobunaga smirked before she and everyone else watched as Rogue Saber prepared his Noble Phantasm to deal the killing blow to Lancer Jeanne Alter.

Ritsuka looked at Tomoe and asked the Archer of Inferno, “Tomoe? You okay?”

Hearing her Master called her made Tomoe snap out of it before she shook it off and said reassuringly, “A-Ah, yes! I’m fine, Master. Please, don’t worry about me.” She sighed before shaking her head and thought, “There’s no time to dwell on that. I need to focus. Even if we outnumber and outclass Lancer Jeanne Alter and her Master, one small misstep, and we could be in a lot of trouble. So, until this battle is over, I need to focus and make sure not to lose focus. For everyone else's sake.”

Back to the battle, Rogue Saber gathered power around him for his Noble Phantasm as his armor began to glow a golden bright light as everyone watched, and the air was filled with a tense aura of power and anticipation.

But then, Chiemon walked up in front of Lancer Jeanne Alter as she said, "Master..."

Then, he brought his left hand out in front of Lancer Jeanne Alter, surprising her a bit, before he said as he activated a Command Seal on his left hand, "As Master, I command you. Show them the true meaning of hell."

Rogue Saber chanted as his long sword engulfed in fire, "Sho-Kanzeon, Bodhisattva of Compassion—" Then he charged towards Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter to deal a finishing blow with his Noble Phantasm.

But then, Lancer Jeanne Alter stabbed both of her spears onto the ground as dark energy burst around and spread throughout her surrounding area before dark energy began to gather around her.

"On Arorikya-" Rogue Saber said as he was about to attack.

But then, sensing what was going on and what Lancer Jeanne Alter was about to do, Ruler Jeanne gasped in horror before she turned to Ritsuka and her fellow Servants of Chaldea and shouted, "EVERYONE, GET OUT OF THE WAY, NOW!!!"

"Huh?" said Nobunaga, confused, "What are you talking abo—"

But then, after gathering enough dark energy, Lancer Jeanne Alter chanted out as she used her Noble Phantasm, "Flamme Pays Étranger!"

Then, large dark and purple flames began to burst out from the ground, exploding everywhere, surprising Rogue Saber before he was forced to stop and halt his Noble Phantasm as he was caught by the flames exploding from the ground.

"WHAAAAAH!!!" Nobunaga began panicking comically as flames were bursting everywhere from the ground, "W-W-W-WHAT IS THIS?!!! WHY ARE LARGE FIRES COMING OUT OF THE GROUND?!!! WHAAAAHH!!! IT'S SO HOT!!!"

"Master!" said Raikou as she went and covered Ritsuka from getting caught by the large-scale destruction of the flames coming from the ground.

The rest of Ritsuka's Servants covered themselves from the exploding flames bursting from the ground as everything that was caught in the explosion was setting ablaze before Ruler Jeanne looked at Lancer Jeanne Alter got up from the ground and stood next to her Master Chiemon.

Ruler Jeanne gritted her teeth and said, "That Noble Phantasm...Flamme Pays Étranger, or Fallen Foreign Flames. A recreation of the flames that burned Jeanne d'Arc at the stake in life! It causes large-scale destruction and damages both enemies and Jeanne herself as it sets ablaze humans within a certain distance, as did just now!" She glared at Chiemon and said, "That damn fool...I can't believe her Master would force her to use such Noble Phantasm, even though she staunchly forbids the use of the Noble Phantasm due to the sheer amount of destruction it causes!"

Rogue Saber, who was holding onto his wounds caught in flames, looked at Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter and said, "You fiend..."

Lancer Jeanne Alter looked away somberly down to the side as Chiemon said with an insane smile, "Yes...that's it...burn it...burn it ALL!!!"

He then gave out a burst of maniacal laughter as Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants looked at the Master of Lancer of the Waxing Moon Ritual.

"This guy...he's insane!" said Ritsuka as he gripped his fist in anger.

"What the hell is wrong with this guy?!" Okita shouted angrily.

"What a cowardly act!" said Minamoto-no-Raikou, angered, "What a disgusting coward!"

"Tsk. He's nothing but a weak and pathetic fool." 'Void' Shiki scoffed, disgusted at the sight.

"Hmph. What a pathetic fool." Nobunaga grunted, also angered.

"Indeed." said Tomoe, disgusted, "What kind of Master would force his own Servant to do such a thing just for the sake of destruction?!"

"He is indeed a most pathetic Master." said Saber, angered as well, "And it appears he is a coward, too. To think, that he would use his Servant to fight, and to have her use her Noble Phantasm on us, and to have the destruction set on both him and his Servant as well..."

"Tsk." Ruler Jeanne gritted her teeth as she was also angered, "A cowardly and weak Master, and a Servant who will obey and use her Noble Phantasm regardless if it would destroy herself, too. That's not what a Servant-Master relationship is supposed to be like!"

"No matter." said Rogue Saber as he got up on his feet, despite his weakened state and his injuries, "It will take more than this..."

Just then, a flaming arrow hit the ground before more flaming arrows began raining down from the sky, even aiming at the fires caused by Lancer Jeanne Alter.

"Whoa!" Nobunaga dodged several flaming arrows before she began opening fire at the flaming arrows as she shouted comically, "What the hell?! Where the hell are these arrows coming from?!"

Okita used her katana to deflect the flaming arrows that were falling from the sky and said, "I don't know! But we need to deflect these arrows before Master Ritsuka gets caught in the flames from these arrows!"

All the Chaldean Servants used their weapons to deflect the flaming arrows that were raining down from the sky while Jeanne and 'Void' Shiki stood next to Ritsuka to protect their Chaldean Master, while Iori and Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual deflected the arrows raining down on them as the Master and Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual stood back to back.

"What do we do, Saber?" Iori asked his Servant.

"Well, to borrow your words," said Saber, "That is, "Discretion is the better part of valor"—"

Then, Iori and Saber stopped what they were doing as a large shadow hovered over them and Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants before everybody looked up at the sky and their eyes widened in shock as a large Chinese warship was floating in the sky.

"Wh-Wha-Wha-What is THAT?!!" Nobunaga screamed at the sight of the warship as the Demon Archer was panicking in fright and fear.

"A-A Chinese warship!" said Okita as the Sakura Saber was surprised at the sight, "It's huge! No, not only is it huge, it's floating in the sky!!!"

"No way!" Raikou gasped in surprise, "How could there be a Chinese warship flying in the air?!"

"That's not even the least bit possible!" said Tomoe, just as shocked as Raikou.

"It must be a Servant's doing, which means that this ship must be controlled by a Servant." said 'Void' Shiki.

Jeanne looked up at the floating ship before she saw someone on deck and said as she narrowed her eyes at the one on the ship, "That must be the Servant who's controlling the floating ship. A participant of the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"What Servant Class is it?" Ritsuka asked, "Is it a Rider-Class?"

"No, it isn't." said Jeanne, "Rather, it's...an Archer-Class Servant!"

The Servant on his Chinese Floating warship, Archer of the Waxing Moon Ritual, stepped up on the side of his ship and said, "...Well, now." Then, Archer jumped up and off his ship before he flew down, right towards not only Iori and Saber but also Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants.

"Iori!" said Saber as they stood and guarded their Master as they watched Archer coming down to them.

Ritsuka's Servants did the same as they surrounded their Master.

Then, before anyone knew it, everything went black for everyone.

Sometime later, Ritsuka woke up with a gasp and jolted himself up. He looked around and saw that he and his Chaldean Servants were now on another part of the land along with Iori and Saber, who were standing close to what looked like a Chinese-styled house.

"Ah, Master!" said Raikou happily, "You're awake! You fell unconscious after we got kidnapped by Archer, so I had you lying on my lap for you to use as a lap pillow. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, thanks." said Ritsuka as he sat up, "More importantly, are you and the others alright? Did that Archer Servant hurt any of you?"

"Nope." said Okita with a shake of her head, "We're all fine."

"And it doesn't appear that the Master of Saber was hurt either." said 'Void' Shiki as she glanced at Iori, "He and his Saber are here, so I assume they're fine, too."

"Yes." said Jeanne, "None of us got hurt since it doesn't look like Archer was ordered to kill us. So we're all safe for the time being."

"Yeah!" Nobunaga gave out a boisterous smile, "No way we'd lose that easily! All thanks to the great Oda Nobunaga! Ahaha--WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!!!"

Then, Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual pointed their jaded serpentine blade at Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants before they asked with a stern look, "Good. Now that we're on the clear ground away from the battle, answer our questions: Who are you people?! Where did you come from?!" They then looked at Jeanne d'Arc and said while narrowing their eyes, "And why does one of you look like Lancer from earlier?"

"W-Whoa, wait, calm down!" said Okita, raising her hands to calm Saber down, "Take it easy! We're not your enemies."

"She's right." Ritsuka nodded, "We're not your enemy, and we're not here to fight. In fact, we're here to help."

"Help?" Iori asked, surprised.

"Yes." said Ritsuka, "My name is Ritsuka Fujimaru, and I'm the Master of the Servants here." He introduced each of his Servants, starting with Jeanne d'Arc, then the five Japanese Heroic Spirits, Minamoto-no-Raikou, Oda Nobunaga, Okita Souji, and Tomoe Gozen, then 'Void' Shiki Ryougi, "We're the Master and Servants of Chaldea Security Organization."

"Uh...Cal..day...a...?" said Saber, confused, "Or...gan...i...what's that? What is...what you call...Cal-day-a Organ-i...what you call?"

"We're an organization dedicated to saving humanity from the threat of the Incineration of Humanity." Ritsuka answered, "It's a worldwide problem that's happening all over the world and could spell the end for all of mankind."

"Incineration of Humanity?!" Iori and Saber said together in surprise.

"Oh, you know what that is?" said Ritsuka, surprised.

Iori and Saber were silent for a moment before they said together, "No, we have no idea what you're talking about."

This made Ritsuka and his Servants, sans 'Void' Shiki, fall comically to the ground in surprise, before Ritsuka got up while rubbing his head and said, "Right, I forgot. This is the year of 1651, so they probably wouldn't get what I said in this period."

"So, this "Incineration of Humanity" must've happened a long time from now." said Saber, "Is that correct?"

"Yes." Ritsuka nodded, "This will happen in the far future from where we're from, the late 21st century, and by the time this happens, human civilization will be wiped out and humanity will become extinct."

"And the cause of it is the Singularities and Losbelts," Jeanne explained, "Anomalies of human histories that would appear and would be the reason for humanity's extinction. These are what Master is trying to prevent so that human history and human civilization will be preserved and not destroyed, and for that, he must find and eliminate the Singularities, the anomalies of human history, and the Lostbelts, the alternate histories that would spell the extinction of humanity."

"I see." said Iori, "I still don't understand what you mean, but..."

"So, this Chal-da-ay Orga-ni-zay-shun," said Saber, slowly pronouncing the word, "Is dedicated to finding and eliminating the Singu-ri-li-ties and Lost-belts, and saving mankind, no, humanity, from going extinct?"

"That's right." Ritsuka nodded.

"And you say you're a Master from the 21st Century," said Iori, "So then, you're from the future. And not only that, but you're also the Master of this group of Servants, all of whom are not from this time Japan, but from different time periods. Which means..."

"You're all time-travelers," said Saber as they finally got it.

"Yes." said Ritsuka.

"Ah, I see." said Iori, "Well, that would explain why you're wearing such strange clothing there, uh...Ritsuka Fujimaru, was it? And, you're Japanese?"

"Ah, yeah, that's right." said Ritsuka before he looked down at what he was wearing which was the Mystic Code the Arctic Region Chaldea Uniform, "And as for my clothes, well, these are the clothes we Masters of Chaldea wear in Chaldea, our uniform. Not like the clothes you're wearing."

"I see." said Iori.

"Well, at least that explains who you are and where you come from," said Saber, "But it doesn't explain why one Master like you have so many Servants here with you." They then glared at Jeanne and added, "And why one of you looks like Lancer of the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Ah, well--"

Before they could answer, a call was being made on Ritsuka's wristwatch, which surprised Iori and Saber as they had never heard any sounds coming from technologies from the future.

"W-What the--?" said Iori, alarmed and readying his katanas as he was not used to the sound of future technology, "What is that noise coming from the weird-looking wristwatch thing on Ritsuka's arm?"

"Hey, take it easy, take it easy!" said Ritsuka, raising his hands and arms to calm Iori and Saber down, "It's okay, it's not going to hurt you, and I'm not a danger, either! This is a communication device called a Wrist-Mounted Multipurpose Terminal, or, for short, a WM-Terminal. It's used to communicate with Chaldea and make calls, and it can also be used to send and receive data."

"Wrist-Moun-ter Mul-ti-pur-poss-tar-min-all?" said Saber, confused.

"It's a futuristic communication device or just a comm device," Ritsuka explained.

"Comm-device?" said Iori, confused.

"Communication device, or a communicator." said Ritsuka.

"Com-mun-in-i-cater?" said Saber, even more confused.

Ritsuka sighed and said, "A-Anyway, c-can you...give me a minute? I'm gonna answer this."

Then Ritsuka answered the call and a projected holographic image of the people of Chaldea, which surprised Iori and Saber when they saw the holographic projection of people so foreign to them in the time they were in.

"Ritsuka!" said the former Candidate Master No. 33 and Ritsuka's operator, Ritsuko Fujimura, "Ah, good, you're okay! I was getting worried because I lost your signal for a second there."

"Ah, hey, Ritsuko." said Ritsuka, "Yeah. My Servants and I are okay. We just got outta the fight with that Chiemon guy and his Servant, Lancer, who looked like our Jeanne Alter. Although, we have no idea where we are right now here in Edo."

"I see." Ritsuko nodded before checking her GPS map and said, "Well, according to the GPS, it looks like you and the others are currently in Akasaka. You're about 40 kilometers south of Edo, but not far enough, unfortunately."

"Okay, thanks." said Ritsuka, "We'll just keep looking around here. Maybe we'll find some clues about the Waxing Moon Ritual somewhere around here, and--WHOA!!!"

Suddenly, Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual moved up and said while looking at the holographic projection with amazement in their eyes, "What in the world is this?! What is this such sorcery?! Is it magic? A Noble Phantasm? Tell me, what is this sorcery?!"

"H-Hey, calm down, calm down!" said Ritsuka, trying to calm Saber down.

"W-Whoa!" said Ritsuko, also surprised to see another face shown to her on-screen, "W-Who's that?! I-Is that a new Servant?!"

"Whoa!" said Saber as they moved their hand to the holographic projection of the people of Chaldea which their hand passed through, amazing them even more as they said, "Amazing! I don't know what sorcery this is, but it's amazing! I've never seen such magic or Noble Phantasm like this before in all my life! What kind of magic is this?!"

"Uh, well, it's not magic." said Ritsuka, calming Saber down, "Rather, it's...uh...well, you see...how do I say this...?"

"Hey, calm down, Saber." said Iori as he grabbed Saber by the shirt from behind and pulled them away before he said as he looked at the holographic image of the people of Chaldea as if intrigued, "Although I have to say, whatever that sorcery is, it's pretty amazing."

"It's not sorcery, actually." said Ritsuko, "Rather, this is the result of humanity's technology."

"Technology?" Saber and Iori said together, confused.

"That's right," said Rider Da Vinci, stepping in, "Humanity has advanced greatly with its futuristic technologies, and because of that, the people in the future like Ritsuka here can create things that are much more complex and advanced than magic, or rather, the magic of this age you're in." She then introduced herself cheerfully, "Anyway, nice to meet you, Master and Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual. My name is Leonardo da Vinci, but you can call me Da Vinci-chan, Rider-Class, and I'm the Supervisor and Head of the Technology Development Division of the Chaldea Security Organization. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"And I'm Ritsuko Fujimura," Ritsuko introduced herself, "I'm the former Master Candidate No. 33 and Ritsuka's Operator and Mission Controller. It's a pleasure to meet you, too."

"Um, uh..." said Saber, unsure and a bit confused as to how to address Ritsuko and Da Vinci, "Y-You're the one in charge, right? The...uh...Super...su-perv-va-serv-er-er-er?"

"Supervisor, actually." said Da Vinci, chuckling.

"And yes, I'm the Mission Controller," Ritsuko added.

"I see." Saber nodded, "And...who is the fat old man behind you over there?"

"Hey!" Goredolf shouted, "I'm not an old man! I'm Goredolf Musik, the current Director of the Chaldea Security Organization, and you'd better address me with the respect I deserve, you hear?!"

"H-Hey, come on, calm down." Ritsuko tried to calm her boss.

"Heh, looks like some people haven't changed much." said Nobunaga, crossing her arms.

"Well, at least Director Goredolf isn't drunk yet," Raikou noted.

"Hehe, right," Okita giggled, a little amused.

"Uh...die...reck...tour...?" said Saber, confused, "What's that?"

"Yeah, what is a die-reck-tour?" Iori asked, also confused.

"Basically, someone who's in charge of things." Ritsuko explained, "Someone who's in a position of power, and they're responsible for the organization, company, or other people under them, and they're usually the ones in charge of everything, such as giving orders or making decisions for the benefit and the good of the people under them."

"So, someone like the Shogun?" said Saber.

"Uh, yeah, sure." said Ritsuko. "You could say that."

"And who is that fat old man, again?" Saber asked, "The one behind you?"

"Goredolf Musik." Da Vinci repeated with a smile, "And no, he's not that old. He's actually twenty-nine years old."

"Oh, I see." said Saber before they smiled and said, "Sorry about that, Mr. Die-reck-tour."

"Yeah, sorry, Mr. Die-reck-tour." Iori nodded.

"It's DIRECTOR!!!" Goredolf shouted at the Master-Servant pair in the Edo Period before he sighed and said while pinching the bridge of his nose, "For God's sake, even if this is a Singularity, dealing with people who're in the past can be such a headache."

Everyone who was of Chaldea laughed at that before Sherlock Holmes introduced himself to Iori and Saber, "Anyway, I'm Sherlock Holmes, the great detective, and a Ruler-Class Servant. I'm also the advisor of Chaldea. A pleasure to meet you both."

"Ah, likewise." Iori nodded before he looked at the surroundings of Chaldea through the holographic projection and said, "Still, to think that humanity had advanced this far. To the point where humanity could make something like this. It's truly amazing. And it's truly fascinating, too."

Saber then noticed Jeanne d'Arc Alter among the people of Chaldea and said as they became alerted, "People, look out, Lancer of the Waxing Moon is here behind you!"

"Huh?" said Ritsuko, confused, before she realized and said in reassurance, "O-Oh, no, no, no! It's alright, Saber. That's not the Lancer of the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"It's not?" Iori and Saber asked together.

"Nope." said Da Vinci with a shake of her head, "She may look similar to Lancer, but she's not the same person. The Lancer of the Waxing Moon and her are two separate and different people."

"She is?" said Saber, confused.

"I mean, she doesn't even look like Lancer, to begin with." said Ritsuko, "She's actually--"

"An Avenger-Class Servant." Jeanne Alter stepped in with a sass, "And I'm not that gloomy bitch lookalike if that's what you're wondering, dipshit."

"Huh?" said Saber, confused, "Uh...dip...shit...? What's that, some kind of food?"

"NOOO!!!" Jeanne Alter shouted, "IT'S A GODDAMN EXPRESSION OF INSULT, NOT A FOOD!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU ACTUALLY THINK THAT, YOU DUMBASS!!! GOD, YOU'RE STUPID!!!"

"Hey, calm down, calm down." Ritsuka said, trying to calm Jeanne Alter, "And please, no insults, especially not those kinds of insults, okay? We don't need that kind of language, especially if they don't know what that means."

"Master's right, you know." said Sieg before he turned to Iori and Saber, "Anyway, I'm a Caster-Class Servant. Call me Sieg, please to meet you."

"Yes, nice to meet you." said Iori, "I'm Iori. Miyamoto Iori, Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Wait, Miyamoto...Iori...?" said Ritsuko, confused for a bit before she gasped in realization and said, "Wait, hold on! You're Miyamoto Iori?! As in, the Samurai Miyamoto Iori, the son and disciple of Miyamoto Musashi, the famous swordsman from Japan who founded the Niten Ichi-Ryū sword style and school?! THAT Iori?!"

"Uh, yes, that's me." said Iori, confused, "Why?"

"No way!" said Ritsuko, excited, "You're the famous Miyamoto Iori from history! This is so amazing! I can't believe I get to talk to the historical figure himself!"

"Uh, thanks, I guess." said Iori, still a bit confused as to what was going on.

"But, wait." said Ritsuko, realizing something before she asked, "You're a Master of this Holy Grail War in the Edo Period?"

"Uh...what?" said Iori, confused.

"She means the Waxing Moon Ritual." Ritsuka clarified.

"Oh, I see." Iori nodded, "Then, yeah, that's right."

"Huh...yeah, that can't be right." said Ritsuko.

Ritsuka stepped in and asked, "Because it's a Singularity that we're in, right?"

"Yeah, that's right." said Ritsuko, "In our proper human history, the Holy Grail War happened in the 1700s in Japan, not 1651. So, by all historical accounts, a Holy Grail War, or rather, the Waxing Moon Ritual like the one happening where you are shouldn't exist, and people like Miyamoto Iori shouldn't be a Master of the war at all, let alone have a Servant like Saber here."

Iori and Saber were confused by what the people of Chaldea were talking about before Saber asked, "What're you people talking about?"

"Well, you see, this Singularity isn't supposed to exist in the first place," said Ritsuka.

"This...Singu-ri-li-tey...thing?" said Saber, confused.

"Right. According to human history, there was no Holy Grail War, or rather, no Waxing Moon Ritual, and thus no you two as Masters and Servants, in 1651." Ritsuka explained.

"Oh, is that so?" Iori asked, "But, I'm a Master of the Waxing Moon Ritual now in this year of 1651. And Saber is here with me."

"Indeed." said Saber, "And we also have other Masters and Servants participating in the Waxing Moon Ritual like Lancer who looks like one of your Servants."

Everyone was left confused for a moment before Da Vinci asked Sherlock Holmes, "Hey, Holmes, you said you had a theory earlier, right? Maybe it's a good time to hear what it is?"

"Yes, of course," Sherlock smiled before he said, "Ah, but first, Mr. Iori, Saber, do you two mind giving us Chaldea some room to talk? This is something that we wish to discuss privately with Ritsuka and his Servants with him."

"Huh?" said Saber, confused, "Why can't we stay? We're a part of this conversation, aren't we? And what do you mean by, "Give you Cal-day-ah some room to talk"?"

Ritsuko chuckled a bit before she clarified, "Uh, he means, give us privacy."

"Oh, so it's not like giving you Cal-day-ah some space, then," said Saber, which made everyone chuckle and giggle a bit.

"No, it's not." Ritsuko shook her head, a smile on her face.

"Okay." Iori nodded before he turned to Saber and said, "Well, you heard them, Saber. Let's leave them alone for a bit."

Saber stared at Ritsuka and the others with an intense stare for a moment before they sighed and said, "Fine, fine. Iori and I will leave you Cal-day-ah people alone to have privacy. In the meantime," They sniffed their nose for a bit before they said to their Master as they turned and walked to the Chinese-styled house, "Iori, what is that smell? It permeates the air...what on earth could this enticing aroma be...?"

"...You must have nerves of steel, Saber." said Iori as he walked away from Ritsuka and the Chaldeans with his Servant, "Not only did we face a veritable rain shower of arrows...we then got kidnapped and taken to an unknown room in an unknown building along with our strange time-traveling friends from Cal-day-ah. They have us in the palm of their hand, and whoever they are, they mean business. How are you not more on edge...?"

"This scent..." said Saber, who was paying more attention to the smell of food coming from the house, "I don't believe I've ever smelled it at our house." Their hazel eyes sparkled as they added, "It's different from miso or soy sauce...it must be some kind of herb."

"Saber." said Iori, getting Saber's attention.

Saber sighed with an annoyed expression before they said to Iori with a deadpanned expression, "The only one kidnapped and in the palm of an unknown enemy's hand is you. I'm just here to keep the weak Iori company - Nothing more, nothing less." They then pointed out, "Shouldn't you be more concerned with learning about the enemy than with my welfare?"

"Er..." said Iori, unsure of what to say.

"Also, as for our time-traveling Master friend who has more than one Servant," said Saber, pointing to Ritsuka and his Servants accompanying him, "Do the Servants with him look like they're weak to you? They clearly can handle themselves in a fight and are far more powerful. If they wanted to, they would've either attacked and gotten rid of us or left us to fend for ourselves and die, but they didn't because they're clearly good people. So, if they were planning on doing something bad, don't you think they would have done so already?"

Iori was silent before he nodded and said, "Good point."

"Besides, you're the one who told me we should trust them." Saber pointed out, "The more the merrier, you said."

"That's true." Iori nodded, "I did, didn't I?"

Saber sighed again and said, "And as for your comment about me having nerves of steel, I can assure you: I do not. But I suppose you're referring to my reaction to being surrounded by a literal rainstorm of arrows."

"You were calm through the whole ordeal." Iori nodded, "I was the one who was shaking."

"That's only because of how long you've been fighting." said Saber, "Your life and mine are as different as day and night. I am a Servant, and you are only human, after all."

"That's true." Iori nodded in admittance.

As Iori and Saber were talking amongst each other, Ritsuka and the Chaldean Servants accompanying him turned to the holographic projection of Sherlock Holmes and the others at Novum Chaldea before Ritsuka asked, "So, what's the theory that you have, Sherlock? Is it something to do about the Singularity we're in?"

"Yes, it is." said Sherlock Holmes as everyone listened to the Ruler-Class Servant, "But first, let me ask you. Are any of you familiar with the Multiverse Theory?"

"Multiverse Theory?" said Ritsuko, "Uh...yeah, we know it. Isn't that the idea that there are an infinite number of parallel worlds out there somewhere? Like, for example, our world is just one of many, many worlds, and every time something different happens, a new parallel world is created, and every action we take creates an alternate timeline or path, where that world follows that timeline and makes another branch."

"That's correct, Operator." said Sherlock, "And you should know that this is a popular theory, one that was once widely accepted but is no longer. That's because this theory is flawed in certain ways. For instance, while there are infinite worlds, there is only one universe. So, the parallel worlds that exist in the multiverse are all in the same universe, and the worlds in the multiverse are connected, like how the branches on a tree are connected. And there are infinite worlds and infinite possibilities, which makes it so that each world will be different from one another."

"Which means that the people, the places, the events, and even the timelines of those worlds are all different, as well." Da Vinci pointed out.

"Precisely." Sherlock nodded, "And this is the basis of the theory, or rather, the Multiverse. There are an infinite number of worlds out there, all connected by a single universe. However, not every parallel world or alternate timeline is connected, and some may not be able to interact with each other, or even exist in the same time period. But the one thing they all have in common is the fact that their histories are all different from one another."

"I see." said Jeanne, nodding in understanding.

"And the existence of the Holy Grail War itself, or the Waxing Moon Ritual, as the participants here call it, could be evidence of the multiverse theory's existence." Sherlock pointed out, "Because you see, according to the historical records of our world as possibly any other worlds, there was never a Holy Grail War held in the year 1651 in Japan. And yet, here in this timeline, or this world, it is clear that the Holy Grail War is taking place. Which means, if the Multiverse Theory is correct, then it's safe to assume that there are infinite worlds where the Holy Grail War exists, no matter which possible point in time or place. In short, this means that the Holy Grail War in the year 1651 Japan could have happened at a different time and place, which is here in this world. In other words, and though this may be a theory that I come up with, this Singularity that is the Edo Period in Japan that you're in, Ritsuka, where the Holy Grail War, or rather, the Waxing Moon Ritual that is taking place in 1651, may not be a Singularity that we initially thought it was that needed to be cleared. Rather, it is actually one of the branches of the separate timelines, that is a Parallel World. A Parallel Reality."

Hearing this, Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants had their eyes widened in shock as they looked at each other before looking back at Sherlock Holmes who remained serious, even Ritsuko, Jeanne Alter, and Sieg, as well as Goredolf had their eyes widened in shock from what they were hearing, while Da Vinci was calm and nodding as if she was silently agreeing with the Great Detective's theory.

"So, wait, you're saying that this is a Parallel Reality, and not a Singularity?" said Ritsuko, a little surprised, "Is that really possible? You're saying that instead of Ritsuka and his Servants rayshifting into what we thought was a Singularity, they actually rayshifted into a Parallel Reality that is a timeline branch from our world's history, and therefore not a Singularity at all?!"

"I-Is that even possible?!" said Goredolf, "You're not pulling our legs, are you, Holmes?!"

"I am not," Sherlock replied.

"Well, he is a genius detective." said Da Vinci, a small smile on her face, "I'm sure that his theory is correct. Because if the Multiverse Theory is real, then there's no reason why Parallel Realities wouldn't be real. And, if the Multiverse Theory is true, then there's no reason that the existence of a Parallel Reality shouldn't exist. I mean, it's not like a Multiverse is impossible."

"Yes." said Sieg, "If the Multiverse exists, then the existence of a Parallel Reality should be no surprise, then."

"Huh...parallel worlds..." said Nobunaga, thinking about it for a moment before she smiled and said, "That explains the doppelganger Jalter who's a Lancer-Class Servant who was with that Chiemon guy!"

"One Jeanne Alter as an Avenger-Class Servant is bad enough, to be honest." said Sieg before he turned to Jeanne Alter and said, "No offense."

"Meh, at this point, I might as well take that as a compliment." said Jeanne Alter.

"That's right." said Da Vinci, smiling, "The Jeanne d'Arc who is Lancer of the Waxing Moon is not your Jeanne d'Arc, nor is she an Avenger-Class Servant named Jeanne Alter. She's an actual Lancer-Class Servant who's her own person, and the fact that the Lancer of the Waxing Moon and the Jeanne d'Arc Alter here look so similar and share the same name is just a coincidence."

"So, what you're saying is, Mr. Holmes," said Okita, "That we're not in a Singularity at all, not an anomaly that we need to clear out at all to protect Proper Human History, but rather, in another universe where a Holy Grail War happens not in the 1700s but farther back than that?"

"Ah, so, basically, another one of those crazy Saturdays for Chaldea, then." 'Void' Shiki quipped.

"Yes." Sherlock nodded, "Though the Singularities have a high probability of happening, they are still an anomaly of humanity's history, and the fact that there is one is a huge danger. However, the Parallel Reality, on the other hand, is not an anomaly or a Singularity. Because the Parallel Reality is just a separate timeline of events, a different branch of the same tree. Which means that, if the Parallel Reality does exist and Ritsuka and his Servants did rayshift into a Parallel Reality and not a Singularity, then it means that the Waxing Moon Ritual will be fine and there is no reason to clear it, because the Waxing Moon Ritual does not affect the history of humanity and the world in our universe, and therefore, the Waxing Moon Ritual will not affect the history of our world. The Parallel Reality, despite being a different timeline, is not a threat to Proper Human History."

"I see." said Ritsuka, "Then I guess that means that we came here by accident."

"Looks that way." Jeanne nodded, "We didn't even need to come here after all."

"And if this is a Parallel Reality, then, technically, we could stay here." said Ritsuka.

"You can." said Sherlock, "Because you rayshifted into the Parallel Reality by mistake, then you're free to remain there until we rayshift you back to Chaldea. After all, the Parallel Reality is not an anomaly that will harm the history of our world."

"Yeah, that's true." Ritsuka nodded, "Ritsuko, can you rayshift us back to Chaldea right now?"

"Let me check." said Ritsuko as she went to work on getting Ritsuka and the others back before she noticed something was wrong as she somehow couldn't bring Ritsuka back to Chaldea with the Rayshifting System, then she groaned and said, "Shit. It's no good, Ritsuka. I can't rayshift you back to Chaldea. The system's not working."

"Oh, dear." said Da Vinci as she went to check, "That's not good. Perhaps rayshifting Ritsuka and the other Servants to another parallel universe by accident must've jammed and damaged the system, but it looks like I'm going to have to fix the Rayshifting System before I can rayshift you guys back."

"You can fix it, right?" said Ritsuka.

"Of course, I can," Da Vinci smiled reassuringly, "It may take a long while until it's completely fixed, but it's doable. So, until it's completely fixed, which will take a long time, you and the others are stuck in that world." She then added with a smile, "We can still rayshift and switch your accompanying Servants with either Jeanne Alter or Sieg who're on reserve, at least."

"I see." said Ritsuka before he smiled in reassurance, "Well, that's fine. Until the system's fixed, me and the others will be here for a long while. But, I'm sure we'll be fine."

"Okay." Ritsuko nodded, "Just...be careful there, okay? The last thing we want is for Mash and your other Servants who're at Novum Chaldea to be worried about you."

"Not to worry, Ritsuko." Tomoe reassured, "We're with him, so our Master will be fine."

"Indeed." Raikou nodded as she hugged Ritsuka from behind, "We'll make sure to take good care of our Master."

Ritsuka chuckled good-naturedly and said, "Thanks, Raikou." He then turned to the holographic screen of the people at Novum Chaldea and said, "Anyway, I'm gonna hang up for now. Keep me updated on the Rayshifting System once it's fixed."

"We will." Ritsuko nodded, "And good luck." Then, she hung up and the holographic projection disappeared, leaving Ritsuka and his accompanying Servants alone in the parallel Edo Period of Japan.

Ritsuka and the Servants accompanying him were left alone as everyone was thinking about what they had just learned before Okita spoke up and said, "Well, I suppose this is a good opportunity for us to learn more about the Edo Period. And we get to explore and sightsee while we're at it."

"True." said Ritsuka, smiling, "But, still, I can't believe we're actually in a Parallel Reality. The Multiverse Theory, the existence of a Parallel World...it's all so fascinating."

At the distance, Iori and Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual were looking at Ritsuka and his Servants before Saber asked, "Iori, what do you think they're talking about?"

"I have no idea, Saber." said Iori, "Not like I could understand what they were talking about, anyway, since the Master with more than one Servant is technically from the future."

"Well, they were talking about some kind of "Sin-gu-ari-li-tee", and something called a "Multiverse Theory". Does that mean something to you?" Saber asked, genuinely curious.

"I'm afraid not, no." said Iori with a shake of his head, "But whatever it is, it must be very important. Because if the Master with more than one Servant is trying to return to where he comes from, then it's probably something serious."

Saber was silent as they stared at Ritsuka and his Servants with their hazel eyes, a serious expression on their face, before they said, "Whatever's going on, it's clear that the Master with more than one Servant has gotten himself into some deep trouble."

Iori was silent for a moment before he nodded and said, "Agreed."

A few moments later, someone came out from the house and said with laughter, "So, in other words, you, strange Master with more than one Servant, come from another world, came to our world by accident, believing that our world is an anomaly that you have to fix."

Everyone turned around upon hearing a man's voice, and they turned to see it was a man with long green hair that was tied into a ponytail and red eyes. He was wearing a red and black Chinese tunic, baggy green trousers, and black Chinese shoes with red accents. He came with his left hand on his hip.

Next to him was a man a few inches shorter than him with white-blonde hair that was also tied into a ponytail with a streak of white hair on his left side, and golden eyes. He wore a black and white Chinese tunic with gold accents, a pair of golden shoes, a red cloth worn on his waist as a waist cape and around his right shoulder, and a large white cape on his left shoulder with gold accents. He came with his arms crossed.

"These two..." said Jeanne, "That's Archer and his Master."

"Apologies for eavesdropping on you, Strange Master with more than one Servant." said the green-haired man who was Archer's Master, as he looked at Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants with a friendly smile, "But I couldn't help but overhear your conversation when I came out of the house. It's quite an interesting story you have, and I'm intrigued."

"And I must admit," the blonde-haired man, Archer, added with a small smile, "You're a curious man, Master with more than one Servant, especially since you say you came here from the future."

Ritsuka and his Servants were surprised when they heard the Archer and his Master eavesdropping on their private conversation, especially since they were talking about a private matter and not for their ears, but Ritsuka remained calm and composed as he said, "So, you heard everything, huh?"

"Yes." the green-haired man nodded.

"Everything." Archer nodded in agreement, "Though we do apologize for eavesdropping."

"Anyway, no need for hostilities," the green-haired man smiled, "I've prepared some food for everyone. Why don't we sit down and have a chat?"

Chapter Text

At the Chinese-styled house at Akasaka, Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, Iori and Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual sat together with the green-haired man who was the Master of Archer of the Waxing Moon Ritual while Archer was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed as his Master said to Iori, Saber, Ritsuka, and his Chaldean Servants, "Please forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. I'm the one who brought you here. Food will be ready soon, and do forgive our lack of hospitality, we're terribly understaffed, especially when we have so many of you here as our guests."

"Ah, no, it's okay." Ritsuka reassured him, "We understand, and, well, you heard everything, so you know that we're not enemies."

"Ah, indeed, I did." the green-haired man smiled, "Which is why we are treating you and your Servants to a meal, to show that there are no hard feelings and we are not enemies. Though, I must ask, how did you manage to come to our world? The Edo Period, of all places?"

"You're...not freaked out about it...?" Ritsuka asked, surprised.

"Ah, no, not really." the green-haired man smiled reassuringly, "After all, you did say you're from the future, even if it's a parallel one, so I find that hard to believe. Plus, my Archer and I are not really from around here, either."

"Oh, I see," said Ritsuka, realizing, "So, I guess, we're not that far off."

"Quite." the green-haired man nodded, "Although, in my case, I come from another country."

"So you're the owner of this place?" Iori asked.

"Indeed, I am." said the green-haired man with his hand on his fist as a gesture of greeting, "My name is Zheng Chenggong, son of Zheng Zhilong." He then turned to his Archer-Class Servant and said, "And this is my Servant, Archer."

Archer silently nodded in greeting.

"A pleasure to meet you both," said Chenggong, "Saber and Saber's Master. Miyamoto Iori, is it?"

"He already knows my name?" Iori thought, "Zheng Chenggong...is he from China?" He then looked at Archer and thought as he remembered him capturing his and Saber, as well as Ritsuka and his Servants a moment ago, "And that Servant..."

Chenggong then turned to Ritsuka and his Servants and said, "You and your Servants as well, Mr..."

"Ritsuka." Ritsuka introduced himself, "Ritsuka Fujimaru, and I'm a Master of Chaldea Security Organization where I come from in my world. And, to answer your question on how my Servants and I came here to this era, we were transported to this world by rayshifting here, because we mistakenly thought of your world as a Singularity, an anomaly that needed to be cleared to save our world, until we realized that wasn't the case."

"Ray...shifting...?" said Chenggong, "I don't know the meaning of that word, but...so, you say you rayshifted into this world, believing it to be an anomaly until you realized that it was not a Singularity, but rather, a Parallel Reality?"

"Uh...yeah," said Ritsuka, a little surprised, "How did you...?"

"You explained it earlier, didn't you?" Chenggong pointed out, "When you talked with your friends from what you call Chaldea. That this world isn't a Singularity, and instead, a Parallel Reality, is that right?"

"Uh, yeah, that's right." Ritsuka nodded, "And uh...now, because we came to this world by mistake, our means of going back got uh...broken, so we can't go back to our world and our era. At least for the time being."

"I see." Chenggong nodded in understanding.

"Anyway, these are my Servants with me from Chaldea." said Ritsuka as his Servants introduced themselves.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Master of Archer of the Waxing Moon Ritual." Jeanne greeted in a bowl, "My name is Jeanne d'Arc, a Ruler-Class Servant serving under Ritsuka Fujimaru."

"And I'm Tomoe Gozen, Archer-Class." said Tomoe, "I, too, serve under my Master of Chaldea, Ritsuka Fujimaru."

"And I'm Oda Nobunaga!" Nobunaga shouted with a boisterous smile, "But you can call me Demon Archer! I'm an Archer-Class Servant! And I am the greatest Servant known as the greatest demon king ever, the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven! Yes, kneel before my--!"

"Lightless, Three-Stage Thrust!" Okita shouted as she stabbed Nobunaga in the chest, which made Nobunaga comically spit out comical blood, surprising the people of the Edo Period for a moment, before Okita comically lectured Nobunaga, "Nobu, just shut up with your rambling! Can't you see that you're embarrassing our Master, me, and everyone else?!" She then turned to Chenggong and said with a smile, "Please ignore the idiot with us. She tends to brag and talk a lot. Anyway, I'm Okita Souji, Saber-Class Servant under Ritsuka Fujimaru. But you can call me Sakura Saber. Please to meet you!"

Then, comically, Nobunaga tackled Okita, and the two Servants began comically fighting and beating each other up while everyone watched the comedic scene before them as Nobunaga shouted comically at Okita, "Hey, what the heck was that for, Okita?! I'm trying to introduce myself here!"

"What the heck was that for, yourself?!" Okita shouted back as she comically punched Nobunaga, "You were embarrassing us all! You were embarrassing our Master, me, and everyone else with your rambling!"

"You don't know that, though!" Nobunaga shouted comically.

"Oh, please, of course, I do, dumbass!" Okita shouted back as they kept fighting and arguing.

Seeing the two Servants fighting comically, Chenggong couldn't help but laugh and said to Ritsuka, "Quite the lively Servants you have with you, Fujimaru!"

"Uh, yeah, they're...something alright," Ritsuka replied with a sheepish chuckle.

Raikou giggled before she introduced herself, "Anyway, don't mind those two, they're always like that. I am Minamoto-no-Raikou, a Berserker-Class Servant. But you can call me Raikou. Please to meet you."

"And I am Shiki Ryougi, or 'Void' Shiki, if you prefer." 'Void' Shiki introduced herself last, "I'm a Saber-Class Servant. A pleasure to meet you and Archer, Zheng Chenggong."

"Likewise." Chenggong nodded with a smile before he bowed and said to Iori, Saber, Ritsuka, and his Chaldean Servants, "For now, allow me to apologize for such a dishonorable surprise attack. I'm sure all of you were caught off guard while you were fighting against Lancer and her Master earlier."

"...No, if anything you saved us from a tight spot." said Iori before he turned to his Servant and asked, "Saber, you didn't fight with Archer. Is that because...?"

"I didn't sense any ill-intent." Saber answered, "So I simply took advantage of that."

Ritsuka turned to his Servants, sans Nobunaga and Okita who were still comically fighting, and asked, "You guys, too?"

"Yeah." Jeanne nodded, "When it comes to Archer, I didn't get the impression that he was trying to hurt anyone. Which is why I didn't feel the need to fight."

"Agreed." Tomoe nodded in agreement, "That is what I thought, as well. Archer is a powerful and skilled warrior, after all. If he was truly hostile towards us, then he would've finished us all off."

"But that wasn't the case." 'Void' Shiki added, "Archer wasn't trying to kill us, nor did he seem hostile towards us. So, we just stood back and let it happen."

"And though we were caught off guard when he kidnapped us, Archer did not seem to have ill-intent on killing us, even if we're not part of this war." said Raikou, "So we held back until we would figure out what he and his Master wanted."

"Ah, I see." said Ritsuka, a bit relieved.

"To get us away from the battlefield...?" Iori thought before he asked Chenggong, "Zheng Chenggong, I'd like to ask you two questions. Just to make sure, where are we? And why did you bring us here?"

"I see. Well, you shall have your answers." Chenggong nodded before he answered, "This is a residence of Akasaka, one of my safehouses. A workshop...or perhaps more accurately, a burrow."

"A burrow, huh?" said Ritsuka.

"I'm surprised to find a mainlander living in Edo, but I suppose mages go where they please." said Iori, "Or rather, more of a warrior than a mage in your case, perhaps...no, rather, I think "general" seems more appropriate."

"Oho, general, eh?" said Chenggong while rubbing his chin, impressed, "What makes you say that?"

"You're a military man, aren't you?" said Iori, "I can tell just by looking at you."

"It's because of the way that he moves, right?" said Ritsuka as he could also tell before he said to Chenggong, "You're no simple soldier. Rather, you have the bearing of a leader."

"Exactly." Iori nodded to the Chaldean Master, "The way he moves and carries himself shows that he's used to giving orders."

Impressed, Chenggong gave out a laugh and said, "I see. Well, isn't this interesting?!" He then said to Ritsuka, "And I'm also surprised you could tell, as well, Master with more than one Servant from the future."

Ritsuka shrugged and said with a smile, "I've seen a lot of characters throughout my journey in my world."

"I see." Chenggong nodded before he said to Iori, "Well, this may take a while to explain, but I'll answer everything. Allow me to answer your second question first, about why I brought you here. To put it simply—I'd like for us to work together. A temporary engagement, of course. Only one can claim the Waxing Moon, after all."

Iori became silent upon hearing Chenggong wanting to form a temporary alliance as he thought about it for a moment before Chenggong turned to Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants and said, "And of course, I'd like to form an alliance with you as well, Ritsuka Fujimaru, the Master with more than one Servant."

"H-Huh?" said Ritsuka, surprised, "Us, too? But, I'm not even part of the Waxing Moon Ritual. We came to your world by accident because we thought your world was a Singularity."

"Perhaps," said Chenggong, "And, truth be told, I originally intended on having Iori and Saber to be our temporary allies of the Waxing Moon Ritual. But, the fact that you and your Servants, too, are now involved in the Waxing Moon Ritual, or Holy Grail War as you call it, even if it was not intentional on your part, makes things all the more interesting. And, since I've come to know about the Holy Grail War, the Waxing Moon Ritual, as well as its Servants, thanks to the conversation that you and your Chaldea friends were having earlier, it's not a stretch to say that you know as much, if not more than I do, about the war, including the Servants who participate. Which makes you and your Servants valuable allies, especially if I can count on you and your Servants to help me fight against the participants of the Waxing Moon Ritual, even if you and your Servants came here by accident." He then added, "Besides, you and your Servants with you can't go back to where you came from at the moment, so, while you're staying here, why not join in the fun, no?"

"Well..." said Ritsuka, unsure of what to do or say.

"Naturally, I don't expect you or Iori to trust me right away." Chenggong said to Ritsuka before he said to Iori, "The Ritual is a battle between Seven Masters and Servants, so what good is an alliance? Still, I think it could be beneficial to all of us."

"Hmm..." said Iori as he thought about it for a moment.

"Shall I prove my earnestness to both of you?" Chenggong asked before he said to his Servant, "...Archer!"

"Right." said Archer as he said to everyone, "Miyamoto Iori. Saber."

"Hmm?" said Saber as Archer got their attention.

Archer then said to Ritsuka and his Servants, "You, as well, Ritsuka Fujimaru and his Servants of Chaldea."

"Hmm?" said Nobunaga and Okita, who stopped in the middle of comically fighting by pinching each other's cheeks as they gave their attention to Archer of the Waxing Moon Ritual.

"If you accept our proposal," said Archer, "I shall reveal my True Name."

Iori softly gasped at that as he was surprised that Archer would reveal his True Name as a Heroic Spirit should Iori and Saber agree to an alliance. Even Ritsuka and his Servants were surprised, and they just got this Parallel World moments ago.

"Thank you, Archer." Chenggong nodded.

"I'm simply doing what you need me to do." said Archer.

Nobunaga comically got off of Okita and said while getting close to Archer, "Wait, are you serious?! We Chaldea not part of your war, and you're just gonna reveal your True Name to us?!"

"H-Hold on, Nobu!" said Okita as she pulled her away, "This is a serious matter! You can't just go about and make a joke out of it, even if you want to!"

"He's not joking, though," Nobunaga pointed out, "I mean, look at his face, Okita."

Okita looked at Archer, who had a serious expression on his face and said, "Ah, right. Yeah, you're right. Sorry."

"You're an honest fellow." said Ritsuka, "Even though we're not even part of your war."

"You're serious?" Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual asked.

"Of course." said Archer of the Waxing Moon Ritual calmly, "This is no trick. I only wish to show you how serious we are." He then turned to Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants and added, "Even if you're not part of our world, or the Waxing Moon Ritual, Master with more than one Servant from Chaldea."

"I see." said Ritsuka.

"Also, didn't you Servants of Ritsuka introduce yourselves by your True Names instead of by your Class Names?" Archer pointed out with a smirk.

"O-Oh, right." said Okita as she chuckled sheepishly, "We...uh...we kinda forgot."

"Well, that's true, we did." said Jeanne.

"Indeed." said Tomoe, "I suppose it doesn't make sense for us to be hiding our True Names from people who also have their own True Names to share, so it's not a stretch for you, Archer, to show yours to us, especially if your Master is also willing to give us his own True Name."

"Then, there is no problem," said Archer.

"Indeed." Chenggong nodded in agreement, "After all, it's only fair that Archer reveals his True Name to all of you after you revealed yours, even if you're not participants of the Waxing Moon Ritual." He then turned to Iori and asked, "So, what do you say, Iori?"

Iori was silent for a moment before he asked, "Before I decide, and before Ritsuka decides, let me ask you: why do you want to ally yourself with us, Zheng Chenggong? Me, Saber, and especially Ritsuka and his Servants who're from another world and are not participants of the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Simple." said Chenggong as he answered, "I wish to kill a snake."

"Huh?" said Saber, "A snake...?"

Ritsuka and his Chaldean thought about what Chenggong meant by his words for a moment before Jeanne realized and said, "You mean Assassin of the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Precisely." Chenggong nodded in confirmation, "He's a dangerous Heroic Spirit, and I was unable to take care of him alone. So, I need allies."

Ritsuka turned to Iori and whispered, "Assassin. The Servant that Musashi fought against while we were fighting against Chiemon and Lancer?"

"Seems that way." Iori whispered and nodded.

"And that's when you arrived, Iori and Saber." said Chenggong before he turned to Ritsuka and his Servants and said, "And also you, Master with more than one Servant from Chaldea, when you came to our world." He then turned back to Iori and said, "You understand the rest, I'm sure."

"Wait, hold on a second." said Iori, "We've seen how capable Archer is. You're saying even that rain of arrows won't work?"

"Unfortunately, that is the case!" Chenggong nodded as he explained, "Ordinary methods simply won't do it for this one. His ability to summon and control giant, venomous snakes complicates things considerably. Each serpent is incredibly powerful, and even alone, my men stood no chance against him."

"Hmmm...it makes sense." said 'Void' Shiki, "Even when we take them down during our fight, Assassin's snakes continue to multiply and appear to attack us due to Assassin summoning the snakes, and for all our efforts to take them down, even my Noble Phantasm and my Mystic Eyes of Death Perception wasn't enough to take them down as more snakes continued to be summoned by Assassin."

"Ah, right." said Nobunaga as the Demon Archer begrudgingly remembered that as she groaned in annoyance, "Man, that sucks. If we had to fight Assassin again, his stupid snakes would annoy the hell outta me. That, and he's really good at either dodging or disappearing and letting his snakes do his dirty work."

"I guess he wasn't called "Assassin" for nothing," said Okita.

"Quite." said Archer, "He's a slippery one. When he appears in a Spirit Font, an army of serpents is never far behind. The speed of his raids prevents us from focusing our defenses on any single Spirit Font."

"I see." said Jeanne, "I can see how much of a nuisance that Assassin can be if he's in the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"He must not be a Rogue Servant if he's appearing in multiple areas, but...how can you be so certain that it's Assassin?" Iori asked.

"Because I fought him face to face." said Chenggong.

This surprised Iori, Ritsuka, and his Chaldean Servants when they heard Chenggong had fought against Assassin head-on before Ritsuka asked, "Wait, you fought against a Servant head-on, by yourself?!"

"Quite." Chenggong nodded, "And while I managed to escape, it was only by the skin of my teeth. It was strange. Because I had no idea he was there until he was right on top of me."

"Ah, I see." said Tomoe as she understood, "He's an Assassin-Class Servant, after all. He must've been using his unique skill as an Assassin to keep himself hidden when he was attacking you during the time. That is..."

"Yes. Presence Concealment," said Archer, "An ability unique to Assassins, and Servants that belong to the Assassin class are able to completely hide their presence, so even I am unable to sense them."

"I see..." said Iori, "They certainly sound difficult to deal with."

"Yeah, they are." said Ritsuka, "And, I can tell you guys, from personal experience in my world when dealing with them in Singularities and Lostbelts, they're not a lot of fun. Especially when they try to attack you out of nowhere."

"Quite." Raikou agreed, "And it can get annoying when there's more than one Assassin-Class Servant around. Because if those Servants are strong and have good Noble Phantasms, then you're gonna have a hard time taking them down."

"And it's hard to take them down thanks to their Presence Concealment Skills." Tomoe added, "Because we don't know if or when the Assassin-Class Servant will strike and catch us off guard."

"In a lame man's terms: they're full of surprises and are a pain in the ass." said Nobunaga.

"Tell me about it." Okita nodded in agreement, "We can't tell you how many times we almost got stabbed in the back by them."

"It's like a game of cat and mouse." said Ritsuka, remembering the experience, "They wait for their chance to strike, and then, when they get it, they'll catch you off guard. And when they do, they'll finish you off in an instant."

"Which is why they're Assassin-Class Servants," said 'Void' Shiki, remembering her experiences, "They're the type that'll strike from the shadows and attack you out of nowhere, so you have no chance to fight back. And when they do, the best option is to either run or fight back. But, if the Assassin-Class Servant is too strong, then it's best to just run and save your own skin."

"I see." said Iori before he thought, "So, Assassin. They're like the shinobi of the Servants, then?"

As Iori wondered to himself, Saber said to themself while placing fingers on the side of their head as if thinking to themself, "...Snakes, huh?"

"Saber?" said Iori.

"It makes me wonder..." said Saber while thinking to themself, "This Assassin and his snakes are the matter at hand, right? If it's a snake god, I might have an idea what we're dealing with, but...hmm..." They then asked their Master, "Do you know of any snake monsters, Iori?"

"None at all." Iori shook his head, "I don't have much experience with the supernatural. I'd never even seen a monster or spirit until this Ritual began."

"Any yet, you were chosen to be a Master?" Archer asked, "I must confess, I find that surprising."

"Is that surprising?" Saber asked Archer.

"Is that not surprising?" Archer asked Saber.

Chenggong laughed and said, "Well, Archer and Saber seem to get along even better than I had hoped."

Ritsuka chuckled at that and said, "Sure looks that way."

"Anyway, what about you, Ritsuka?" Iori asked the Chaldean Master, "Given your time-traveling situation, you and your people of...Cal-day-ah...seem to have experience with the supernatural and have encountered lots of Servants in what you call Singularities and Lostbelts. Do you know anything about the Assassin of the Waxing Moon Ritual and the giant snakes he summons?"

Ritsuka thought about it for a moment before he said, "No, I'm afraid not. I mean, I have seen and experienced the supernatural and encountered lots of Servants, Assassin-Class ones included, but this is the first time I've seen an Assassin-Class Servant like that, especially since this is another universe I'm in. And we have fought against monsters, demons, spirits, and the like in Singularities and Lostbelts, so dealing with giant snakes is no problem, but definitely not ones that can be summoned by a Servant as many times as Assassin wants."

"I see." said Iori.

"Although, I do know one thing," said Ritsuka, "Whoever Assassin of the Waxing Moon Ritual is, there's something about him that's definitely similar to one of my Servants that are at Chaldea. Specifically, the way he has powers, that of a snake like he's cursed with it. It's similar to one of my Assassin-Class Servants. That is..."

"Mochizuki Chiyome," Jeanne answered for Ritsuka before she explained, "She's an Assassin-Class Servant who was a kunoichi of the late Sengoku Period of Japan who served the Takeda Clan of the Kai Province, and she's endowed with grotesque powers, having inherited a serpent curse cast by a god from her ancestor, that is Koga Saburo."

"Oho." said Chenggong, impressed, "I knew you have more than one Servant, Fujimaru, but for one of your Servants to know that much is most fascinating."

"As a Ruler-Class Servant, I have a skill called "True Name Revelation"." said Jeanne, "This skill allows me to automatically reveal the True Names of Heroic Spirits that are summoned as Servants, as well as Skills and Parameters when I encounter Servants directly. Although, Servants with hiding capacity depending on my luck level can bypass this." She sighed and added, "And, unfortunately, despite directly encountering Assassin of the Waxing Moon Ritual earlier when we were fighting his snakes, I was unable to learn his True Name."

"I see." said Ritsuka, "It must be because Assassin's Luck is extremely high. After all, he did manage to keep himself hidden from us even with Presence Concealment active."

"Yeah, he was a sneaky one, alright." Okita nodded, "He's pretty good."

"Indeed, he is," said Jeanne, "If Assassin has a high hiding capacity, and my Luck is low, then my True Name Revelation will not reveal his True Name."

"Well, that sucks." said Nobunaga, "Because we would've known his True Name, who he was, and what his Noble Phantasm was if Jeanne did. And not to mention, the Noble Phantasm that can counter his own."

"Quite." said 'Void' Shiki, "Even with how powerful we Servants of Chaldea are, it would be difficult for us to take him down, especially if we don't know his True Name as a Heroic Spirit, or his Noble Phantasm, or even the Noble Phantasm that can counter his own. And we wouldn't know his weaknesses. We would have a tough time fighting against him and his snakes."

"Yeah, definitely." said Nobunaga, "If he can keep his true identity and Noble Phantasm a secret, even from a Ruler-Class Servant like Jeanne, then that just tells me that he's one dangerous guy, especially if we fight him alone, or he catches us by surprise."

Everyone was silent for a moment before Chenggong smiled and said, "Well, no point in wasting our time thinking about something we can't figure out! I admit that I'm also unfamiliar with legends regarding monster snakes. Regardless, I hope you all understand now why I would like for us to join forces. Finding his Master, learning his identity, killing him - it's a bit much for one group. Edo is just too big! Don't you think?"

"I can empathize with that..." said Saber, "Yes, indeed!"

"Right?!" said Chenggong with a nod.

"Tell me about it!" said Nobunaga, "Even if it's in the year 1651, Edo is a huge city. So, searching for this Master and his Servant, as well as figuring out how to kill them will be really, really difficult, and I really hate looking around big cities like this one because finding where I wanna go takes forever!"

"Er...ahem." Iori cleared his throat before he said, "I think I understand what it is you're asking, but...why us? Ritsuka, while not a participant of the Waxing Moon Ritual but from a parallel world, I can understand since he's a Master with more than one Servant, but why me and Saber?"

"Ah." said Chenggong, "It's simple, really. When I first saw you, I knew for sure."

"You knew what?" Iori asked.

"I knew you saw things as I did." Chenggong answered, "I felt it. It's that simple." He then turned to Ritsuka and added, "And of course, that applies to you as well, Fujimaru. Even if you're from another world and not a participant in this Ritual, I still felt that you and I saw the world in the same way."

"I see." said Ritsuka as he and Iori became silent for a moment.

"You could also simply think of it as one less enemy to worry about." said Chenggong, "Not a bad deal, don't you think?"

"Hm, not bad at all." Saber nodded in agreement, "What's there to hesitate about, Iori? Make your choice. Whatever path you choose, we'll still have to kill every other Servant eventually."

"...True." said Iori.

"Yes, I also agree with this idea, Master." Jeanne said to Ritsuka, "After all, there's no telling how many other Servants, and their Masters, are already participating in this Waxing Moon Ritual. As a fellow Master and the only one from Chaldea with multiple Servants, it would be smart if we ally ourselves with other Masters, including Iori and Saber, as well as Chenggong and Archer. At least, for the time being."

"Yeah, that's a good point." said Tomoe as she nodded in agreement, "Plus, we still can't go back to Chaldea because the Rayshifting System is damaged at the moment so we can't go back home to our world without leaving you here and not bringing you back. So, until we can go back to Chaldea, we might as well kill time and fight in the Waxing Moon Ritual, especially with how things are going. Not to mention, the other Masters and Servants are also involved in the Waxing Moon Ritual, and the two we encountered, Chiemon and his Lancer-Class Servant, have already attempted to kill us when we first came to this world, even if it was by accident when we thought it was a Singularity. So, allying with other Masters and Servants is our best bet until we get back."

"Quite." 'Void' Shiki nodded, "And we don't know the other Masters or Servants, as well as how strong they are, so we can't trust them, not unless they are Masters like Iori and Chenggong and want an alliance with us. And, as they said, we're still trapped in this world, and with the Rayshifting System damaged, we can't leave, not without abandoning you, Ritsuka, and not getting you back into our world. So, we might as well spend our time here fighting in this Waxing Moon Ritual and killing off the Servants and their Masters until we find a way back. And the sooner we do, the sooner we can return to Chaldea and get back home. But, until then, I say we should make use of the time we have here and help Iori and Saber, and Chenggong and Archer take care of Assassin and the other Masters and Servants participating in the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea." Ritsuka nodded in agreement.

Then Iori turned to Chenggong and said, "...Fine. I agree to your proposal, Zheng Chenggong."

Ritsuka smiled and said with a nod, "And so do I. Until I can get back to my world with my Servants, I'll work with you and your Archer, as well as Iori and Saber in fighting the other Masters and Servants in the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Wonderful!" said Chenggong.

"Yes, we agree!" Saber nodded, "Now, tell us your True Name, Archer!"

"...May I, Master?" Archer asked.

"Of course." said Chenggong, "Now stop being so dramatic and tell them."

"Very well." Archer nodded.

Ritsuka turned to Jeanne and asked his Ruler-Class Servant in a whisper, "You know who he is because of your skill, right?"

"Yes, I do." Jeanne whispered with a nod, "However, I think it would be best if we hear his True Name from Archer."

Then, the Archer of the Waxing Moon Ritual revealed his True Name as a Heroic Spirit as he said, "...My True Name is Zhou Gongjin, Retainer of the Sun Clan. Don't go spreading it around."

"Zhou Gongjin...!" said Iori, surprised, "You're the strategist of Eastern Wu of China, Zhou Yu!"

"Hm? Hm?" said Saber, confused.

"No way...!" said Ritsuka, surprised, "Zhou Yu, the Chinese tactician who served under the Kingdom of Eastern Wu in the Three Kingdoms Era of China during the Han Dynasty?! No way! How come I didn't notice sooner?!"

"He's a Heroic Spirit?" said Nobunaga, surprised, "Man, I thought he was just an ordinary soldier."

"Well, that would explain the floating Chinese warship that he was on when we met him." said Okita.

"That's right." said Iori, "That huge shadow that fell over the battlefield..."

A louchuan warship." said Chenggong, "Let's just say it's part of Archer's Noble Phantasm."

"...Noble Phantasm?" Iori asked, "I know I've heard that word, but what is that?"

"...A power that embodies the Heroic Spirit that uses it." Saber answered, "Remember my sword that night, the one you said not to use? Its name should not be freely given, as it is a hint of one's True Name."

"I see..." said Iori, "So, Heroic Spirits come to this world bearing the very thing that represents them..."

"Yeah." Ritsuka nodded, "Although, it isn't really too surprising for me anymore since, in my world, Heroic Spirits manifest into this world by means of a Grail or Holy Grail Wars and such, or in Chaldea's case, the Summoning System, and each Heroic Spirit has their own unique abilities, their own Noble Phantasms, which is the power that is unique to the Heroic Spirit."

"I see..." Iori nodded in understanding, "To be honest, I don't exactly know how technology works in your time, Ritsuka, but the fact that you were able to use some strange technology to bring Heroic Spirits into the world, as Servants, is amazing."

"Thank you." said Ritsuka.

"But still...wow." said Iori as he looked at Archer, "I just met a famous general from the Records of the Three Kingdoms. This Waxing Moon Ritual sure is something."

"I feel the same." Chenggong nodded in agreement, "It really is incredible. In truth, I don't think myself worthy of being served by a man like Archer." He then looked at Saber and added, "I won't ask for specifics, but I imagine Saber is also quite a renowned person."

Saber gave out a smile at that.

"Yeah, he sure does." said Ritsuka, "Whoever Saber is, he must be incredibly awesome."

Then Jeanne moved to her Master as the Ruler-Class Servant whispered in his ear, having already used her True Name Revelation skill, "Uh...Master, I hate to break it to you about Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, but...uh...Saber is genderless."

Ritsuka's eyes widened in surprise at that before he whispered to Jeanne, "Wait, what? Really? Saber's genderless?"

"Hmm." Jeanne nodded before she whispered, "I don't know why, but it's likely how they were viewed in their legend. It's kind of like one of our Servants, Chevalier d'Eon. However, unlike d'Eon, whose gender was left ambiguous by people, Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual here is genderless because that's how they were seen in legend, likely either by one or the other gender, or both. I guess they're an example of someone who was either seen as a man or a woman, depending on the viewer."

Ritsuka became silent at that as he turned to look at the Waxing Moon Ritual-participating Saber and said, "Huh. Never heard of a genderless Heroic Spirit before. Well, then again, I don't think I've ever seen a genderless Servant like Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual. Although, now that I know, I think it's kinda interesting."

"Quite." said Jeanne.

"My lord," said a Zheng attendant, "Dinner has been prepared."

"Oh, perfect timing!" said Chenggong, "Our business concludes as dinner is served. Which means there is only one thing left to do! I must say, I am absolutely parched!" He then looked at Iori and said with a big smile, "There's something I would like to ask you as well, Iori. But first, a feast to celebrate new friends, including those from a parallel world! Haha! Tonight we drink the good stuff!"

"Ahahahahaha!" Nobunaga laughed, "Now, you're speaking my language because I want a good drink tonight!"

Okita sighed and said, "Calm down, Nobu. We just got here, and you're already thinking about food and drink."

"Come on now, Okita." Nobunaga smirked while patting her back, "What better way to get to know our new allies than over a good meal and a good drink?"

"You know what? You're right." said Okita, "In fact, it's a great way for us to get to know Chenggong and his Archer, as well as Iori and his Saber. So, let's eat and drink until we're full!"

"Right!" said Nobunaga, "Now we're talking! Let's make it a good one!"

As the Demon Archer and the Sakura Saber cheered about the meal and drinks, Ritsuka and the rest of the Chaldean Servants watched them follow Chenggong and Archer into the house to eat before Iori and Saber followed suit.

"My, my." Raikou smiled, "They're really looking forward to eating and drinking. Aren't they, Master?"

"Yeah." Ritsuka nodded, " Even though we're in another world and not a Singularity or Lostbelt, the experience of the Waxing Moon Ritual is almost similar to the experience we have when dealing with the problems of the world in the Singularities and Lostbelts. The only difference is that this is a different world and the Singularities and Lostbelts are different worlds that are connected to the world I live in, the present, and the past."

"Indeed." said Jeanne, "Still, a new experience is a new experience, so I'm glad that everyone else is excited. In any case, we should join in to have a meal as well."

"Agreed." Tomoe nodded, "Can't fight while on an empty stomach."

"Quite." 'Void' Shiki nodded, "Shall we, Master?"

"Of course." Ritsuka nodded, "Let's go."

Then, the Chaldean Master and Servants went in to join to eat with the Masters and Servants of the Waxing Moon Ritual.

Meanwhile, sometime after the battle was over and Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter managed to flee, they went to the meeting spot to report to one of the Masters of the Waxing Moon Ritual whom they allied due to their connections with each other, specifically the past that they're connected to, as well as one man, Mori Souiken.

That Master was Yui Shousetsu, the Master of Rider of the Waxing Moon Ritual. While seen as a male to many who looked up to Yui Shousetsu, she was actually a young woman. She has long white hair tied in a ponytail along with blue eyes. She wore a black kimono, a green jacket, white baggy pants, black socks, high-heeled sandals, and a pair of earrings with long red strings, as well as two katanas wrapped around her waist.

Next to her was her Servant, Rider, who possessed a tall, imposing figure clad in bulky pitch-black samurai armor resembling Settsu Armor Kumano, with the sode pauldrons detached and floating/hovering near the shoulders, and a helmet wholly obscuring their face while four Shide float from their back. With coruscating teal veins and a lavender Cape of feathers, armed with a long nodachi. The dō cuirass bears the emblem of the Takeda clan.

Yui listened to Chiemon intensely as he told her about a Master with more than one Servant, that being Ritsuka Fujimaru, who appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the Waxing Moon Ritual along with six of his Servants, one of them being Jeanne d'Arc, who looked like his Lancer, except she had a brighter appearance than his Lancer and was of different Class Servant. He even told her about his fight with them, even after Iori and Saber arrived and intervened.

"A Master with more than one Servant?" said Yui, "I see. Are you sure of what you saw? About an unknown Master having more than one Servant with him?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure." said Chiemon, "And not only that, his Servants were not normal ones. And apparently, they weren't even participants of the Waxing Moon Ritual or had any relation to Edo, or the ones participating like Iori and Saber. That weird Master was also dressed differently, not like anyone else does here in Japan, likely dressed up like a foreigner. Anyway, when we fought them, his Servants were very powerful, especially that Ruler-Class one."

"Hmm..." said Yui as she thought to herself.

"At first, I thought Lancer and I had the upper hands, but it turned out they were just holding back." said Chiemon, "And they even had us cornered and tried to make us surrender. They were annoying pests, to be honest. I don't even know where that kid Master with more than one Servant came from, or why he's here. And that's not even mentioning the weird clothes and appearance. But, the important thing is that I've encountered someone, a Master, who has more than one Servant."

"Yes." Yui nodded, "The fact that you encountered a Master with more than one Servant does sound strange, but also important. And it is definitely not something that happens in the Waxing Moon Ritual, or even Japan itself, not at all. Not only that but you and your Servant, Lancer, were nearly defeated by him and his Servants, even with the arrival of Lord Iori and Saber, as well as the Rogue Saber. Seeing as how you were outnumbered, you should've run away from the fight."

Chiemon scoffed and said, "As if I'd ever run away from a fight! It's not like you're any better, Yui, especially when your Rider is just a big wuss and runs away from a fight whenever it gets too much."

"Hmph." Yui glared at Chiemon, "It is not wise to pick a fight with me, Chiemon. Or did you forget who I am, and the past that we're connected to?"

"Whatever." Chiemon scoffed, "Still, it's a good thing you were able to meet up with us here so I can report what happened. Anyway, what're you gonna do now with the information I gave you?"

Yui thought about it for a moment before she said, "For now, I shall speak to the Overseer of the Waxing Moon Ritual about it, and see what he thinks of the matter. And, if there's a chance that he'll allow me to speak with this strange Master with more than one Servant for questioning, I shall."

"And if that Overseer deems him to be a threat to the Ritual?" Chiemon asked.

"If he is a threat to the Ritual, then we shall eliminate him." Yui answered, "I'll be sure to do so myself if it comes down to it. But, if that's the case, then I'll have to speak with him myself, and figure out why he is here, and why he is a threat to the Ritual."

Chiemon smirked and said, "Heh, not a bad idea, Yui. And while you're doing that, I'll get a chance to take my revenge on him and his Servants for interfering with me and Lancer."

"That's up to you." Yui shrugged, "Just don't do anything stupid. The last thing we need is for the Waxing Moon Ritual to be ruined."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Chiemon waved her off, "Anyway, if you need me, you know how to find me, so don't bother trying to tell me what to do." He then turned around and said while walking away, "Let's go, Lancer."

"Understood." said Lancer Jeanne Alter before she and her Master, Chiemon, left Yui and Rider.

Once they were alone, Yui turned to her Servant and said, "Rider, let's go and report what we've learned to the Overseer, Tsuchimikado Yasuhiro, and see what he thinks on the matter regarding the strange Master with more than one Servant who appeared in the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"As you command, my Master." said Rider in a heavily distorted voice due to the armor worn.

With that, Yui and Rider turned and left to speak with the Overseer of the Waxing Moon Ritual, Tsuchimikado Yasuhiro.

Chapter Text

After having a delicious meal with Chenggong, Iori and Saber, as well as Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants left Chenggong's base of operation to leave Akasaka.

"...Chinese banquets certainly are something." said Iori.

"Tell me about it." said Ritsuka as he sighed while rubbing his stomach in delight, "Those Chinese foods were so delicious. I've never tasted something so good before."

"Me neither." said Iori, "Even the Japanese foods are nothing compared to the Chinese ones."

"That's why they call it Chinese cuisine, kid." said Nobunaga.

"Quite, it was a most splendid feast." said Raikou.

"Mmm...that food was delicious." said Okita, licking her lips.

"It was most scrumptious." said Jeanne.

"That's right." said 'Void' Shiki, nodding in agreement.

"At least, it was delicious, and we've formed an alliance with Chenggong and his Archer, Zhou Yu." said Tomoe.

"Yes, I agree." Saber nodded in delight, "That was delicious! There were so many different flavors and textures! But, it would have been perfect if they had finished with a nice bowl of miso soup."

Iori chuckled a bit and said, "We'll make some when we get home. First, we must give our thanks."

"Good idea." Ritsuka nodded, "We should do that."

So, the two groups went to meet up with Zheng Chenggong to offer their thanks to him for the food.

Once they met up with Chenggong, Iori started first as he said while he bowed in respect, "...Thank you for the meal."

"Yeah, thank you for the meal." said Ritsuka, "Your Chinese banquet was most delicious, Chenggong."

"Quite a splendid feast." Saber nodded.

"Most enjoyable, indeed." said 'Void' Shiki.

"Mmm-mmm, yeah!" said Nobunaga, giving her thumbs up.

"Indeed." Raikou smiled, "Very tasty."

"Thanks." said Okita.

"Yes, quite." said Jeanne, nodding.

"Thank you so much." said Tomoe.

"It's our pleasure." said Chenggong, "The chef was happy to see how much you enjoyed the food. Honestly, I could go for another drink myself, though I don't expect you to keep up with me."

"Ahahaha!" Nobunaga laughed boastfully, "I totally feel the same! I could definitely go for another round myself! It's the best day to drink the best--OOOWW!!!"

Okita whacked Nobunaga in the back of her head and said, "Nobu, we just ate dinner tonight, and now you're thinking about drinking to get drunk?! Honestly, you really need some self-control! You could barely hold a liquor at all!"

"Oh, c'mon!" Nobunaga whined, "Just a bit won't hurt, right, Ritsuka?"

"I agree with Okita." Ritsuka shook his head, "After eating a good meal like that, you shouldn't go and get drunk and make yourself sick."

"Booo...!" Nobunaga pouted and crossed her arms, "You're such a spoil-sport, Master!"

"He's just looking out for you." said Raikou, "Besides, Master is right, and I think it would be a good idea for us not to drink alcohol, at least for a bit. I mean, we're still trying to figure out the Waxing Moon Ritual, which seems dangerous, so we should have a clear mind to do so, otherwise, we'll be too drunk to help each other and the rest of the city, including Iori and Saber, and Chenggong and his Archer."

"Hmph!" Nobunaga snorted before she huffed, "Fine, fine, we won't drink alcohol. We'll save that for another day."

"Also, if I may add, if you plan on getting our Master of Chaldea involved in drinking, need I remind you that Ritsuka is still too young to be drinking." Jeanne lectured, "He's only seventeen years old, so he shouldn't be drinking at all, even if you are an adult and it's allowed where you come from."

"She's right, Nobunaga." said Tomoe, "If Ritsuka did get drunk, then we would have to carry him around and watch over him, and we can't do that if we're drunk ourselves. So, let's wait a bit."

"Fine, fine." Nobunaga sighed, "Alright, you got a point, but that doesn't mean we can't have some drinks together, just no alcohol for the Master."

Ritsuka chuckled and said, "Maybe next time, Noubnaga."

"Honestly," Okita sighed, "Nobu has no self-control at all, especially if she gets drunk because she has no high tolerance for alcohol even as a Servant."

"Speaking of which," said Iori to Chenggong, "You don't seem the least bit drunk. You must have quite the tolerance, General."

"I'm quite fond of this country's liquor." said Chenggong, "I find myself drinking it like water. Perhaps it's my Japanese ancestry. I was raised in Hirado, after all."

"So that's why you're so fluent in the Japanese language." said Iori.

"Yeah, that makes sense." said Ritsuka, "Even though you're from China, you were also born and raised in Japan, so it's no wonder you're fluent in the Japanese language."

"Quite." Chenggong nodded, "In any case...whew, that was quite a feast. And I also had the chance to learn why you fight, Iori. "Edo is in turmoil, and the innocent lose their lives. It's unacceptable." Correct?"

"Yes." Iori nodded.

"I was glad to hear them." said Chenggong, "I think we do indeed see things very similarly. You see, my wish for the Waxing Moon is the revival of the Ming. A nation where none fear invasion or ruin. The restoration of His Majesty's name."

"Ming?" Ritsuka whispered, "He must be talking about the Ming Dynasty."

"It seems that way." Jeanne whispered, "The Ming Dynasty was the dynasty that ruled China between 1368 and 1644. It is also known as the Northern Song Dynasty. They ruled at a time when the Chinese were prosperous, and their culture and arts were flourishing."

"I see." Ritsuka nodded in understanding, "Then, Zheng Chenggong wants to restore the Ming Dynasty because of his pride as a Chinese. And I think it would be good to do so since, at the time, the Ming Dynasty was a very prosperous and great nation, and people were proud to be a part of the Chinese Empire. Although, I don't know if that was the case when the Ming Dynasty fell, or even before then."

"True." said Jeanne, "But, it seems that Chenggong is a proud Chinese, and so, he wants to restore the Ming Dynasty as a Chinese, and is fighting in this Waxing Moon Ritual. At least, in this world and this era."

"True." said Ritsuka.

"...Hm." said Saber as they thought to themselves before he said to Chenggong, "Lofty thinking, but you certainly have spirit, Zheng Chenggong."

"Is that a compliment?" said Chenggong, "Thank you, Saber."

"It is a compliment." Saber nodded with a smile, "Your wish is a noble one."

Iori was silent at that as he looked down.

Chenggong then looked at Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants and said, "As for you, Fujimaru, until you and your Servants return to your world, that is Chaldea, you will be joining us in fighting against the other Masters and Servants of the Waxing Moon Ritual in our world, correct?"

"Yes." Ritsuka nodded, "Until we can get back, my Servants and I will do what we can to help you guys out in the Waxing Moon Ritual. After all, you are now our allies, and so are Iori and Saber, and it's only fair to return the favor, especially since we have no choice but to be stuck in this world until the Rayshifting System is fixed and we can go back to our world. But, for the time being, we're staying here, in your world, and we will do whatever we can to help in the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Good to hear." Chenggong nodded, "Then, for now, our goals are aligned. Until near the end of this battle, we'll work together."

"...Master," said Zhou Yu, "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"Oh, that's right." said Chenggong as he turned to Iori, "I'd like to give you this."

Chenggong handed it to Iori before Iori asked, "Is this...?"

"The Mystic Code of a respected monk from Fujian." said Chenggong, "We call them jiaobei, moon blocks. They allow you to speak with someone even over great distances."

"Oh, so like communicators." said Ritsuka, "Just like my communication device on my wrist."

"Really...?" said Saber, "So it's like the soundless words communicated between a Master and Servant...anyone can use that ability, then? This would completely change how war is waged."

"It certainly could." said Chenggong, "Though it's not without its faults. You can only speak to someone who also has a block. Luckily, no one else can listen in. It's also quite weak as far as magic goes, and other mages or monsters can easily stop it. To tell the truth, I wouldn't recommend relying on it too much."

"Still, this is an extraordinary device." said Iori, "I appreciate it."

"You're welcome." said Chenggong, "Ah, please take this as well. It's just a small gift."

Chenggong handed Iori and Ritsuka three pieces of paper for each of them before Iori looked at them as he said, "It's...a tailsman?"

"Yes." Chenggong nodded, "It projects a protective barrier around a limited area. Just something I put together, but it could be useful if used wisely."

"Thank you." said Ritsuka, taking the protection talismans from Chenggong, "I'll keep that in mind."

"A protective barrier..." said Iori, "You must be quite the artisan, Zheng."

"That's flattering, but please, don't expect too much from it." said Chenggong before he said with a laugh, "To be quite honest, I'm just dabbling when it comes to stuff like this. Hahaha!"

"Is that right?" said Saber, "You're just like Iori, then."

"Maybe so." said Iori.

"Oh, how so?" 'Void' Shiki asked.

"Well, Iori knows how to use magecraft, but he isn't exactly a mage." said Saber, "Iori prefers to use his swords and fight as a swordsman over being a mage, and only uses magecraft whenever necessary."

"Oh, I see." said Ritsuka, "So, Iori just makes up with what he has with magecraft as he goes."

"Something like that." said Saber.

"That's weird." said Okita, "Although, then again, Iori does know the Niten Ichi-Ryū sword style, so, he's probably a bit more of a swordsman than a mage."

"That's right." said Saber.

"Well, either way," said Iori as he bowed to Chenggong, "Thank you, Zheng Chenggong."

"It's my pleasure." said Chenggong, "...Lastly, I have a word of advice for you, Iori."

"And that is...?" Iori asked.

"The Waxing Moon Ritual depends on leylines." said Chenggong, "Never forget that. You'll need the magical energy derived from leylines that contend with Heroic Spirits. As such, you will be fighting with other Masters over them. Seize every leyline you can, and that will lead you to victory." He then said to Ritsuka, "Of course, even if you're not part of our world or a part of the Waxing Moon Ritual, it may also apply to you, Fujimaru."

"Right." said Ritsuka as he was already familiar with what Chenggong was saying, "I'm already familiar with the concept of leylines and how they're important in terms of magic, especially in a Holy Grail War, where they are necessary for the Grail. However, we're not really fighting for the Waxing Moon, we're just helping you and the rest of Edo out, that's all."

"Yes, quite." said Jeanne, "As long as we are not fighting for the Waxing Moon and its wishes, then that's all that matters."

Chenggong nodded and said, "Good enough. Now then, I guess I've had my fill."

Iori then looked at Zhou Yu, the Archer-Class Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual, before he said, "Well, that was certainly unexpected. I never thought I'd see a louchuan warship fly..."

"Indeed." Saber nodded with a smile, "That was a sight! I really enjoy watching big things fly through the air." They then chuckled and said to their Master, "You seemed to enjoy yourself as well, Iori."

"I guess if I had to choose one or the other, I wouldn't say I hated it." said Iori.

Saber laughed and said, "I knew it!" They then looked at Ritsuka and his Servants from Chaldea and asked, "And what about you? Did you all enjoy the ride?"

"Huh?" said Ritsuka before he chuckled, "Oh, uh...sorry, I kinda blacked out after Archer came and grabbed us, so I didn't get to see or enjoy the ride on the louchuan warship, so..."

"Well, I quite enjoy it." said 'Void' Shiki, "It's a bit like flying."

"Yes, quite a magnificent spectacle." said Jeanne, "To fly over Edo with a giant Chinese warship, the louchuan, was quite a sight to see."

"I agree." said Tomoe, "To be honest, seeing the Chinese warship flying is like seeing a Japanese castle fly. I'm surprised it can even fly like that."

"Yeah, me too." said Ritsuka, nodding in agreement.

"Eh, I mean, we have seen lots of flying ships before in our world when dealing with Singularities and Lostbelts, so flying ships doesn't surprise us." Nobunaga admitted before the Demon Archer said, "But, I gotta admit, it is pretty cool seeing a big ship like that fly. Even if it does remind me of a Japanese castle flying in the sky."

"Indeed." Raikou nodded, "Although, it was still quite a sight to see."

"The ship is but one part of my Noble Phantasm." said Zhou Yu, "It could conquer even the skies."

"Could that ship fly through the air in earlier times as well?" Iori asked.

"Who can say?" said Zhou Yu, "Flying was not so unusual in bygone eras."

"Ancient China had all manner of war..." said Iori, "But did you just say one part of your Noble Phantasm?"

"Yes, merely one part." Zhou Yu nodded, "Still, I can't simply use it on a whim."

"Because a ship that large will draw out lots of attention, and anyone who sees it may realize Archer's True Name as a Heroic Spirit." said Jeanne.

"Precisely," Zhou Yu nodded to the Ruler-Class Servant, "And it will give away my identity as a Heroic Spirit, which is something I don't want to happen as our enemies may find my weakness or even ways to counter my Noble Phantasm."

"I see...that's fair." said Iori, "You're very well known, so people might connect your name to that ship if they saw it."

Zhou Yu nodded before the Acher of the Waxing Moon Ritual looked at Saber and Ritsuka’ and said, "A Noble Phantasm symbolizes the Heroic Spirit. It can take many different forms. A weapon from history or myth..." He looked at Iori and added, "As Saber said, many are associated with True Names, and any weaknesses a Servant had in life can be discovered with knowledge of their True Name."

Iori was silent for a moment as he thought while looking at Saber, "Sounds like not allowing Saber to use that water sword was the right decision."

Saber looked at Iori before they noticed something about their Master and said, "Hm? Iori, that look on your face..." They gave an unamused look to Iori and said, “You’re thinking about how right you were telling me not to use my sword, aren’t you?!"

"You could tell?" Iori asked.

"It's obvious!" Saber shouted before they said, "It may be true that my sword is a representation of me, but...once drawn, none would be left alive to tell the tale." They then gave out a deadpan look and said, "So why can't I use it? Hmph!"

"Please." said Iori, "We can't have you destroying all of Edo."

"Boo." Saber pouted while looking away from their Master.

"Don't "boo" me." said Iori.

Ritsuka turned to Jeanne as he asked his Servant in a whisper, "Any idea what they're talking about, Jeanne?"

Jeanne giggled, knowing about Saber's True Name as a Heroic Spirit thanks to her "True Name Revelation" Skill, before she whispered to Ritsuka, "I'll tell you about it later when we have the chance in private."

"Ah, okay." Ritsuka nodded.

Zhou Yu laughed and said, "I'm sure you'll get by. Not using it at all would be a waste...but knowing when to use it is key. Don't you agree?"

"...I suppose so." Iori nodded before he said, "Anyway, thank you for your hospitality. I hope you'll excuse us."

"Be careful on your way home." said Chenggong, "The Waxing Moon Ritual has already begun, after all."

"Right." said Iori before he and Saber turned and left Chenggong's residence to head home.

"Well, I guess we should get going, too." said Ritsuka to his Servants before he turned to Chenggong and said with a bow, "Thanks for your hospitality. Excuse us."

"Yes, thank you very much." said 'Void' Shiki, bowing to Chenggong.

"It was delicious." said Raikou as she bowed.

"Thank you." said Okita, bowing.

"Quite the banquet." said Nobunaga, giving thumbs up while also bowing.

"I think your food was wonderful, especially the soup." said Jeanne, smiling as she bowed.

"Well then," said Tomoe as she and the others turned and left Chenggong's residence, "We'll see you another day."

"Goodbye." said Chenggong.

So, Iori and Saber, as well Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, departed, ready to leave Akasaka.

But then, Okita stopped for a moment as a sudden thought came and said, "Wait, guys...uh...where are we supposed to live in the meantime?"

Hearing that made Ritsuka stop in his tracks and look on in comical bewilderment, remembering that he and his Servants can't go back to Chaldea at the moment and are currently stuck in the Parallel Edo Period, before he said, "...Oh...shit...that's...a good question. And it's something that we didn't even think of."

"Yes..." said 'Void' Shiki with a calm expression, "We didn't..."

Raikou, Tomoe, and Nobunaga, as well as Jeanne and Okita, turned around as they, too, remembered that Ritsuka and his Servants were currently stuck in this time period/parallel world, and the Servants can't go back to Chaldea without leaving Ritsuka behind.

"That's a good point, actually." said Jeanne, "Now that you mention it, where will we stay?"

"I suppose we could find a place." said Okita.

"I'd prefer if there was a bath." said Nobunaga, "If there is a hot spring somewhere, that'd be nice."

"I could get used to that." said Raikou, smiling, "A nice, relaxing hot spring after a hard day's work. Doesn't that sound wonderful, Master?"

"Maybe." Ritsuka rubbed the back of his head before he said, "I don't really know if we can even find a place that has a hot spring or not. And, even if we did, I don't know if they'll allow us to stay. Plus, I don't think our current currency will do any good in this world and age."

"Oh, right..." said Nobunaga, "Shit, I forgot about the currency part. The money that we have would be no good if we tried to use our money that's like from the 21st century here."

"Yes, that would be a problem, indeed." said Raikou, "It would be troublesome if we can't find a place to live, or even find food to eat. Not only that, but, as you said, we would not be able to use the money that we have."

"It's possible we can use it in some stores." said 'Void' Shiki.

"Not a lot would, though." said Okita, "It wouldn't make a lot of sense for someone to accept modern-day money from the 21st century. It would raise too much suspicion."

"True." said Jeanne, "And the last thing we need is to draw attention to ourselves, especially if we're not supposed to be here."

"Hm, yes." Tomoe nodded, "That would be a problem."

"Then, what do you propose we do?" said Okita, "If we can't use our money or even find a place to live, then what can we do?"

Ritsuka rubbed the back of his head and said, "Well, I guess we can try to find a place to live first. As for money, well, maybe we can get jobs. Although, I'm not sure where..."

As the Master and Servants of Chaldea tried to think of some way to find a place to live and allowance in the time period they were in, Iori and Saber turned to Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants before Iori asked, "What's wrong?"

"Hm? Ah, it's nothing." Ritsuka lied, not wanting to bother Iori and his Servant Saber.

Saber, however, narrowed their eyes at Ritsuka and his Servants in suspicion as they said, "Hm, no, it's definitely not nothing. I can tell by the look on your faces that something's wrong. What's the matter, Ritsuka? Is something bothering you and your Servants?"

"Oh, well, no, it's just..." Ritsuka hesitated, "It's just that..."

"It's because we have no idea where to go." said Tomoe, stepping up and admitting the problem that was bothering Ritsuka and his Servants, "Our money from the 21st century would be useless here, and so, we have no way to pay for anything or find a place to live. We were trying to figure out a way to find a place to stay."

"Yeah, that's basically it." said Ritsuka.

Iori and Saber were silent for a moment before Saber said with a deadpan expression, "Are you people serious?"

"Hey, c'mon, don't blame us!" Nobunaga shouted comically, "We just got here to this world like three hours ago!"

"And by accident when we thought it was a Singularity." Okita added, "So, of course, we wouldn't be prepared to be stuck here. We didn't think it would actually be the past or even a parallel world."

"It's still surprising how all of you are so calm and accepting of it." said Iori, "Normally, people would freak out or go insane if they were told they were stuck in the past, especially a parallel world."

"True." said 'Void' Shiki, calmly, "It's not a normal thing for someone to go through, but then again, we have been through lots of other things in our world that would normally cause one to go insane."

"That's true, indeed." said Jeanne, nodding, "Even if someone went through something like being stuck in the past or even a parallel world, it's not the most unusual thing we've ever gone through. And, as Iori said, people would normally freak out and go insane, or at least be shocked by the whole thing, but since we've experienced and seen a lot of unbelievable and shocking things in the past, like Singularities, Lostbelts, and even a World of Death, being stuck in the past or a parallel world, or both, is nothing we can't handle."

"Yeah, exactly!" Ritsuka nodded in agreement, "This isn't the weirdest thing we've seen before, so this is nothing compared to what we've experienced and seen." He then chuckled and admitted, "Although, yeah, it doesn't get easy when you're suddenly stuck in the past, or even a parallel world, and don't know what to do, especially with currencies or finding a place to live for a while and everything."

"I see." said Iori, "Well, I can't imagine how hard it must be for you, especially when you can time travel to different times and places or even a parallel world. But, you seem like the type of person who's pretty good at taking things in stride."

"Thanks." said Ritsuka, "Although, even if that is true, it doesn't mean it's easy to deal with things, or that I don't have any doubts."

"Quite." Iori nodded, "And you're right, it doesn't." He then looked at Ritsuka and his servants and said, "However, I can see that you and your Servants not finding a place to live for a while would be a problem, so...for the time being, why not come and live at my place for a while?"

"Your place?" Ritsuka asked, "Are you sure?"

Iori gave out a small smile and said, "Why not? We're allies until the Waxing Moon Ritual ends and until you can go back to your world, aren't we? If you're having trouble finding a place to stay, then just come and live with me and Saber. There should be enough room for all of you where I live. Besides, you guys stuck with us and helped us in our fight against Lancer and her Master, as well as Assassin and his army of giant snakes, so it's only fair if we return the favor."

"Oh, uh...of course." Ritsuka nodded, "Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Iori nodded, "I know that you're not supposed to be here or a part of this era, let alone be a part of the Waxing Moon Ritual, but...I guess, for now, it's best if you stay with us until you can return to your world. And, as I said, since you've stuck with us, we might as well return the favor. At least until you and your Servants are ready to go back to your world. Is that fine with you, Ritsuka?"

"Yeah, of course." Ritsuka nodded, "And don't worry, once we can go back to our world, we won't stick around any longer than we have to. After all, I want to get back home as soon as possible."

"Understandable." said Saber, "And I think we'll be fine living in the same place for a while."

"I'm fine with it, as long as we have a place to stay." said Okita, "It would be a hassle if we didn't find a place, so I'm happy that we found one, although it's at a bit of a cost."

"Oh, what're ya talking about, Okita?!" Nobunaga laughed boastfully while patting Okita on the back hard, "If we're living with these two, I bet ya living with them will be rent-free! And free food, too! It's a win-win situation!"

"Ow, stop, Nobu, you're hurting me!" Okita cried out as Nobunaga kept slapping her on the back, "At least be gen--! Puwah!!!" Just then, Okita coughed out blood and fell onto the ground, comically lying there with her body twitching as blood started coming out of her mouth due to her illness from her Weak Constitution Skill, which made everyone look at the Sakura Saber in bewilderment before Nobunaga said sheepishly as she unintentionally activated Okita's Personal Skill, "Ehehehe...oops. Sorry, Okita."

Okita just groaned in pain.

"Uh..." said Ritsuka, sweating in concern as he watched Okita.

"Oh my..." said Saber, not sure what to say.

"Um, well, don't mind Nobunaga, Okita just has a weak constitution." Jeanne explained as she and the others turned to Iori and Saber.

"Weak constitution?" Saber asked.

"Yes." said Jeanne, "Okita suffers from tuberculosis, so her body is a bit frail and weak, and she sometimes coughs out blood due to her illness, even as a Servant, although it can happen when someone hits her back, which is what happened a few moments ago. I'm sorry if we're causing you any trouble, but, as you can see, Okita is not in full health at the moment."

"Yeah, don't mind her." said Nobunaga as she pulled Okita off the ground, "She's fine, she's just a bit sick, is all."

"A bit sick is an understatement." said Ritsuka, "But, anyway, she should be okay. She'll recover in a minute or so."

"I-I'm fine..." said Okita as she tried standing up while her body was comically shaking as blood was seeping from her mouth, "I'll be fine...I'm a Servant...so I can fight just fine..."

"You just coughed out blood." 'Void' Shiki deadpanned.

"I said I'm fine." Okita groaned.

"You're clearly not." 'Void' Shiki countered before Okita finally stood up, but her body was still shaking.

"Okita, please, don't strain yourself." Jeanne told the Sakura Saber.

"I'm...fine..." Okita groaned.

"If you say so." Ritsuka said, "Well, let's head back, shall we?"

"No, hold on." said Iori, "I don't think it would be a good idea for one of your Servants to walk in that condition. It would probably be best if we sit and let her rest until she recovers."

"Hm, I agree." Saber nodded, "Servant or not, if she has an illness like that, then it would be best if we give her time to recover. You people should stop and let her rest somewhere. In the meantime, Iori and I will go find something that may help ease her pain, even if temporarily."

"Okay, thanks." Ritsuka nodded before he and his Chaldean Servants turned to Okita and said, "Sorry, Okita. But, you heard them, let's sit down somewhere until you feel better, alright?"

"...Fine." Okita groaned, "Let's find a place to sit, then."

"Alright." Ritsuka nodded.

So, Ritsuka and his Servants found a place to sit where Okita could lie down and rest for a bit while Iori and Saber left to find some medication that could help Okita, even if only a little bit. It took some time, but eventually, Iori and Saber came back with some pain medication for Okita's condition due to her Weak Constitution Skill.

"Sorry that we took so long." said Iori, "We went back to Zheng Chenggong and asked him if he had medication for your Servant. These might help Sakura Saber for a while."

"Ah, thanks." said Ritsuka as Iori handed him the pain medication.

"Is she feeling any better?" Iori asked.

Ritsuka turned to his Servant Okita and saw that she was looking much better and said, "Looks like the coughing stopped and the shaking, too. I think she's doing a bit better, but the pain is still there. Maybe these will help."

"Well, hopefully they will." Iori nodded, "They may not be good enough, but hopefully they will last until we get to my place."

"Thank you." Ritsuka nodded.

"Don't mention it." said Iori with a small smile, "Anyway, let's give her these medications, then we'll go."

"Right." Ritsuka nodded before he turned to his Servants and said, "Okay, we should get ready to go. And, Nobunaga, you carry Okita on your back."

"Huh?!" said Nobunaga with a comical shocked expression, "W-Why me?!"

"Because you're the one who caused this to happen." Ritsuka pointed out, "If you didn't hit her back and make her cough out blood, then we wouldn't be here, would we?"

"But--!" Nobunaga began.

"But nothing!" said Ritsuka as he ordered his Servant as her Master, "Take responsibility for your actions. That's an order!"

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHhhhhh?!" Nobunaga yelled comically.

"Come on, it won't kill you." 'Void' Shiki told the Demon Archer, "Just do it."

"B-But--!" Nobunaga stuttered.

"C'mon, Nobu." said Okita, getting up from the bench as she walked over to Nobunaga, "I can't walk right now, and I need a ride. So, please, can you give me a ride?"

Nobunaga was silent for a moment before she sighed and said, "Alright, alright, fine. I'll give ya a ride." Nobunaga then got down so that she would give Okita a piggyback ride, which Okita was thankful for as she sat on Nobunaga's back and held on to the Demon Archer.

"Thanks, Nobu." said Okita.

"Yeah, yeah." Nobunaga replied, "Just don't cough up blood on my back, okay?"

"I'll try not to." said Okita.

"Okay, let's go." said Ritsuka.

"Yeah, let's get going." said Iori before he turned to Saber and said, "We're heading out."

Saber nodded before the two groups walked along the road to leave Akasaka, with Nobunaga carrying Okita on her back.

As the two groups walked along the road of Akasaka until they reached Akasaka Gate to leave, Iori and Saber, and Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants were stopped by a woman standing at the gate as she said, "A minute of your time if I may, Lord Miyamoto Iori and Lord Ritsuka Fujimaru."

"Oh, uh...sure?" said Ritsuka.

"And you are?" Iori asked.

"I am Cai Yulian, a monk." she greeted, "I am honored to meet you both."

"A Chinese Monk..." said Iori, "Then you must serve Zheng. Can we help you?"

"I wish to propose a source of income." said Cai.

"Oh?" said Iori.

"Income?" Ritsuka asked.

"We have been patrolling the city in secret ever since the Waxing Moon Ritual began." said Cai, "As such, we often hear of problems that plague the people of Edo."

"Problems, huh?" said Ritsuka, "You mean like the supernatural and stuff?"

"You could say that, yes." Cai nodded.

"Well, I appreciate you telling us, but what do you get out of this?" Iori asked.

"It was the general's idea." said Cai, "He hopes the citizens of Edo will not come to harm because of the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Ah, I see." said Iori, "There certainly have been a number of problems recently..."

"Meaning...?" Ritsuka asked.

"Well, these days," said Iori, "Since the Waxing Moon Ritual started, I often see monsters and the like, and that was even before you and your Servants came to our world and time from yours. And I can't imagine they'd stop showing up after you came, either."

"Hm, yes." said Saber, "That's definitely a good point. The monsters and supernatural phenomena wouldn't stop appearing just because Ritsuka and his Servants appeared and got stuck in the past. So, it's fair to assume that more monsters and the like would show up."

"I see." said Ritsuka before he whispered to his Chaldean Servants, "Sounds like an abnormality, don't you think?"

"Quite." Jeanne whispered with a nod, "And while we have dealt with monsters and abnormalities before in Singularities and Lostbelts, dealing with them while in the past or parallel worlds isn't really different, except that, in this case, the Holy Grail War is also involved. However, the fact that we're not fighting for the Waxing Moon and the ritual means that it's just an irregularity that's causing the aberration and monsters, and, as usual, we'll have to defeat them to end it."

"Right." Tomoe whispered with a nod, "We know this is a Parallel Reality and that this world has nothing to do with fixing Proper Human History in our world, but if this Holy Grail War, or the Waxing Moon Ritual as they call it, is causing anomalies by making monsters and the supernatural appear, then we may as well try to investigate it and put a stop to it. Even if it's just an alternate reality and will have no impact on our world, we have to stop the Waxing Moon Ritual to save lives, not only to end the irregularity but because it's the right thing to do."

"Yes, absolutely." said 'Void' Shiki, agreeing, "While the Holy Grail War of this world is unrelated to the events that are happening in our world, the irregularities and abnormalities caused by it are not something that we can ignore, and not only because there are people who will be in danger, but also because the abnormalities could end up spreading outside of Japan and affect other people, so it's best if we end the Holy Grail War here before the anomalies spread and cause irreparable damage."

"Yes, indeed." Jeanne whispered with a nod, "And it wouldn't be wise to ignore it. Plus, since we have nothing else to do at the moment and can't do much to return to our world since the Rayshifting System is in repairs back at Chaldea, then all we can do is try to investigate the Waxing Moon Ritual while trying to fix the aberrations that have happened here in this world. It could help pass the time while helping out Iori and Saber in the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Indeed." Raikou whispered, "And it's not like we can simply do nothing about the situation, or that there's no need to deal with it, so the best thing for us to do is to put a stop to the Holy Grail War or, at least, the Waxing Moon Ritual and end the abnormalities and the irregularities."

"Right." Okita whispered, nodding, "Not only would it be wrong for us to ignore the problems that have arisen, but we'd probably get bored just sitting around waiting or trying to find ways to fix the Rayshifting System without anything to do. So, we should try and take care of the abnormalities in this world while we wait to return home."

"Quite." said Tomoe with a nod, "And even if the Holy Grail War, or Waxing Moon Ritual as Iori and his Servant Saber call it, has nothing to do with our world or fixing Proper Human History in our world, it is still wrong for people to die for it, especially children. We should at least put a stop to the Holy Grail War."

"Right." Ritsuka nodded, "Let's do what we can to help."

"You are very discerning." Cai nodded to Iori, which got the attention of Ritsuka and his Servants, "The fiends that have been appearing in Edo are drawn by the Waxing Moon Ritual. Though, of course, the citizen's troubles are not limited to monsters alone."

"Ignoring them doesn't feel right." said Saber, "Don't you think?" They chuckled and added, "I could come to respect that Zheng fellow." They then turned to their Master and asked, "What do you think, Iori? Shall we give Zheng a hand?"

Iori was silent as he thought about it for a moment while he thought, "I don't want anyone to be harmed by the Ritual. This is the right thing to do."

Saber then added with a smile, "And just think of all the rice we could eat with some extra money!"

"You're right." said Iori with a small smile, "Very well. We will assist you."

"And so will we." said Ritsuka, "My Servants and I will be happy to help."

"You have my thanks, Lord Iori." said Cai, "And you as well, Lord Ritsuka. Please speak to me whenever you are ready."

"We will." Iori nodded, "Now then, pardon us."

Then, the two groups bowed to Cai Yulian before leaving Akasaka to return to Iori's home.

Once they got out of Akasaka, Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual sighed before they said, "...Hmph. In the end, we didn't have the chance to go to Kanda."

"Kanda?" Ritsuka asked, "Were you and Iori planning on going there to do something?"

"Well, of course." said Saber, "Iori and I were planning to go there to find another Master and Servant pair we were looking for until you people showed up and ruined everything."

"Us?" said Jeanne.

"Well, obviously, who else?" said Saber with a deadpan expression, "I don't know what it's like in your world, Master of...Cal-day-ah...or whatever, but having too many Servants with you drew out too much attention to the Servants of the Waxing Moon Ritual as your Servants' magical energy signature was too high, which could have gotten you and your Servants caught by the enemy Masters and Servants if they sensed all your presences, or worse, killed. Like what happened with Lancer and her Master, Chiemon. We weren't even looking for you people when I detected your mana signatures easily!"

"O-Oh..." said Ritsuka.

"Jeez." said Saber, "You're all considered lucky Iori and I found you people when we did. Otherwise, even if you were holding back the first time, you would have been done for if the other Masters and Servants from the Waxing Moon Ritual, maybe even Rogue Servants, sensed you and decided to go after you."

"Yeah, I guess that is true." said Ritsuka.

"Still, it wasn't like we didn't try to draw attention." said Nobunaga, "But, you can't exactly blame us, ya know? We just got here by accident, believing your world was a Singularity. And, we didn't exactly have time to prepare and be discreet. We didn't even realize our presence was drawing the others' attention, so...yeah."

"It was an accident." Okita added, "We're sorry if we were a bit loud and unintentionally attracted the attention of the Waxing Moon Ritual's Servants."

"Jeez." said Saber as they crossed their arms.

"No need to lecture them, Saber." said Iori, "We may not have done what we were set out to do, even if they didn't intentionally mean to come to our world, but it was still very productive."

Saber was silent for a moment before they smiled and said, "Yeah, I suppose you're right. Gaining new allies is certainly something to be happy about." They looked at Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants and added, "Even if they did come from a different world and time."

"Agreed." said Iori, "We also received some nice gifts from Zheng Chenggong and his Archer. It went so well that I almost suspect it's a trap."

"I don't believe they're the type to use such cowardly means if they can help it." said Saber.

"If they can help it, eh?" said Iori, "So you believe it is a possibility."

"You don't have the luxury of being picky on the battlefield." said Saber, "At least, that's war as I know it. Things may be different on the continent."

"Hmm. That's true." Tomoe nodded before the Archer of Inferno said, "In other words, you never know what kind of person the enemy is. Even if they say they're a friend, there's a chance it could be a trick."

"It's a bit sad to think about, but, yeah, I agree." said Ritsuka, "But, you're not wrong. Even if the enemy says that they're a friend, it doesn't always mean that they are, so you should be careful and not let your guard down, especially when they're your allies could become an enemy, if not eventually."

"Exactly." said Saber, "As long as you and your Servants don't let your guards down, you should be fine."

"...I'll keep that in mind." said Iori.

"Oh, by the way." said 'Void' Shiki as she pointed, "What is that floating red book next to you?"

Everyone turned to see a crimson-red book floating next to Iori before the book opened its front like opening its eyes and said with the bottom like a mouth, "Oho! You noticed me!"

"WHOA!!!" said Nobunaga, surprised while accidentally dropping Okita off her back, "THE BOOK TALKED?!!!"

"Ooohhh...Nobu..." Okita groaned, lying on the ground.

"Ah, sorry!" Nobunaga apologized, "I didn't mean to drop ya, Okita! I was just surprised by the talking book is all!"

"Uuuuhhh...oww..." Okita groaned, lying face-first on the ground.

"You're not the only one who was surprised." said Tomoe, sweating before the group looked at the floating crimson-red book as Ritsuka and the others looked at the book.

"Is that...a western spellbook?" Jeanne asked.

"And it's a sentient." said Ritsuka, amazed.

The crimson-red book laughed while smiling before it said, "That, I am. Greetings, Master and his beautiful pretty Servants from the alternate future!"

"Oh, uh...hello." said Ritsuka, "Uh...who are you?"

"Why, my friend, you can call me the Crimson Codex." the book introduced itself as Crimson Codex, "I am Iori's Magecraft teacher and substitute for Musashi after his death."

"Magcraft teacher?" said Raikou, "Ah, so this is your book, Iori?"

"Yeah." Iori nodded, "He was an heirloom of my master and father left to me after he died. Since then, he's been with me in my possession while he taught me Magecraft. I call him Gramps."

"I see." said Ritsuka before he looked at Crimson Codex and said, "It looks like the leather of its cover is made from the skin of a rare Hippogriff."

"And it looks like the reason it's capable of thought and speech is that he simulates the personality of the old Magus whose soul is bound with the book, making him an intelligent life created through Magecraft, but in a completely different field of study from Homunculi." said 'Void' Shiki, "Am I correct?"

"Ohoho, how observant you are." said Crimson Codex, "That's correct. I, the Crimson Codex, am a sentient and thinking spellbook created by the Magus who bound his soul and consciousness to the book after his death. Since then, I have been living for a very long time as a living spellbook and have had various owners before I met Musashi and, then later Iori, whom I teach him Magecraft."

"I see." said Ritsuka.

"Well, at least you can speak and have a personality." Okita said, standing up, "So, you're not as scary as books that just have knowledge or just the ability to talk and have no personality. So, it's nice to meet you, Mister Crimson Codex."

"Yes, quite." Crimson Codex smiled, "It's nice to meet you as well, Okita Souji." He then looked at Ritsuka and added, "By the way, young man, I have to say, you have lots of lovely female Servants with you! I'm actually quite jealous of you! If I was still human, I would have loved to be in your shoes!"

"Oh, uh...thanks." said Ritsuka sheepishly, unsure of what to say.

"Hey, Gramps..." said Iori with a deadpan expression.

"Ah, I'm just kidding." said Crimson Codex with a laugh, "Even if I was still human, I would've been far too old to have women, anyway, so no need to worry. Besides, I'm sure that these women are happy and satisfied to be with you, Ritsuka. So, no hard feelings, yeah?"

"Uh, yeah, okay." said Ritsuka, a bit flustered while his Servants behind him giggled as the talking book was not wrong.

"Anyway," said Crimson Codex as the sentient book looked at the talisman in Iori's hand, "By and by, that talisman is quite an intricate piece of work, isn't it? It doesn't seem like something you'd just slap together. Perhaps Zheng was being modest."

"Ah, that's right." said Saber, "Didn't he say it could create a barrier? We should try it out at home, Iori!"

"And where is your home at, exactly?" Ritsuka asked.

"At Asakusa." said Iori, "It's a little far from where we are at, but we should make it there. So for now, let's keep walking."

The two groups continued to walk along the road until they made it to Asakusa, and eventually made it to Iori's house, which was a rundown house made of wood.

"This is your place, Iori?" Jeanne asked.

"Yeah." Iori nodded, "It's not much, but it's my house, so please come in."

"Sure." Ritsuka nodded as Iori opened up the door to let the Master and Servants of Chaldea in. Inside the wooden worn-down house, there was only one futon, a drawer, a nightlight lamp, a wooden book stand, a small table that had a statue, and a stand that held Iori's two katanas. In the open space next to the room there was a workshop for Magecraft.

"Sorry if this isn't much." said Iori, "I mostly live here alone, even before Saber came, so I don't have a lot of room for everyone to sleep in."

"Uh, yeah...we can see that." said Ritsuka, "Uh...actually, maybe it would be best if we try to find an inn or something. I don't wanna have me and my Servants take up too much space in your house."

"Huh?" said Saber, confused, "Why not? Can't your Servants materialize into spiritual forms?"

"Uh...well, it's not that they can't, but..." Ritsuka began trailing off before Raikou grabbed him from behind while giving out comical tears.

"Nooo~!" Raikou cried comically while hugging Ritsuka tightly from behind, "Mommy wants to stay with Master~! She doesn't wanna go somewhere else and have him taken away~!"

"M-Ma-Master, are you okay?!" Okita asked.

"A-Air...I need air..." Ritsuka groaned as his face turned blue.

"Raikou, please." said Tomoe, "You're hugging him a bit too tight. He's gonna suffocate."

"M-Master~!" Raikou whined, not wanting to let go of her Master, "Please let me stay with you~! Please, please, pleeeaaasse~!"

"Raikou, let go." Tomoe told her fellow Servant sternly, "That's an order."

Raikou sniffled and pouted, and the Berserker-Class Servant reluctantly obeyed before Ritsuka took a few deep breaths and regained his color.

"Thank goodness." said Okita with a sigh, "Master is safe."

"So, uh...is she always like this?" Iori asked.

"Mostly." said Jeanne as she helped Ritsuka up, "Let's just say she's a bit...clingy to our Master." She then blushed a little and said, "Although, admittedly, we also like to stay with Master in our materialized form."

"Huh?" said Saber as they tilted their head in confusion.

"Oh, well, it's just that we Servants like to materialize into physical form and stay close to our Master, as well as help and protect them, and we do get a bit clingy to him sometimes." said Jeanne, a little embarrassed, "And while Ritsuka has little to no high aptitude in magecraft as he relies on Mystic Codes, he is still our Master, his mana can keep us materialized and, well...it's not just me and Raikou, the others also feel the same, so, yeah. Let's just say all of us female Servants of Chaldea have very...special feelings and relationships with him."

"Hmm?" said Iori and Saber, not understanding what they meant while the Crimson Codex chuckled.

"I-In any case," said Ritsuka, trying to change the subject, "Is there any inns that you know, Iori? Or, maybe an empty house we could use and not your place?"

Iori thought about it for a moment before he said, "Well, there is another empty house right across mine. I'm not sure if anyone would allow you to use it since you're still wearing foreign clothing though."

"Ah, it's fine, Iori." said Crimson Codex, "It's not like anyone lives right across from us anymore, anyway, so they should be fine."

"Well, alright." said Iori, "Just make sure you keep your Servants' magical energy as low as possible so no one detects them. Otherwise, there might be people who will get suspicious, or even attack you."

"Right, thanks." said Ritsuka, "Anyway, see you tomorrow, Iori."

"Yeah, goodnight, all of you." Iori nodded before he went to get some sleep while Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual materialized into spiritual form.

Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servant then left Iori's house to go to another empty house right across from Iori's. Once they got to the empty house, which was similar in shape and design to Iori's house, Ritsuka and his Servants used the Talisman of Protection given to them by Zheng Chenggong, activating the barrier around the house so that no one could get in and sense the Servants' magical energy, although it wasn't able to keep Iori and his Saber's presences away, and the other Masters and Servants outside the barrier wouldn't be able to sense them.

"It's not like the bedrooms back in Chaldea, but we'll have to make due." said Ritsuka, "So, everyone, let's get some sleep."

"Finally!" Nobunaga shouted happily as the Demon Archer grabbed a sleeping bag out of nowhere and immediately got comfortable on the floor while Okita looked in bewilderment.

"Wait, where did you get that from?" Okita asked with a comical look of bewilderment, "Have you been hiding that the whole time we came here, Nobu?"

'Void' Shiki giggled before the Saber-Class Servant said, "Well, I'll go and keep watch outside, just in case anyone tries to come here. Get a good rest, Master."

"Thanks, Shiki." said Ritsuka with a smile, "Goodnight, everyone."

"Sweet dreams, Master." Raikou said as she hugged Ritsuka, gently this time, and kissed his cheeks before she went to sleep.

"Goodnight, Master." said Okita as she yawned and went to sleep next to Nobunaga.

Before Ritsuka and Jeanne went to sleep, they noticed Tomoe was ready to sleep yet as the Archer of Inferno looked as if she was troubled by something.

"Is something wrong, Tomoe?" Ritsuka asked.

Tomoe was silent for a moment before she said, "It's nothing, Master. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Ritsuka asked.

"...Yes." said Tomoe, "I'm sure."

RItsuka was silent for a moment before he asked, "You wanna talk about it?"

Tomoe was silent for a moment before she trailed off, "It's just..."

"It's Rogue Saber, isn't it?" Jeanne asked, "The Servant who helped us fight against Chiemon and the Lancer version of an altered me?"

Hearing that, Tomoe Gozen sighed before she nodded and said, "It's his armor...the white shogun armor of his...it looked similar to mine when I was alive, one that represents the Minamoto Clan."

"You mean during the late Heian Period to the early Kamakura Period in Japan?" Ritsuka asked.

"Yes." Tomoe nodded, "And his appearance of that armor gave me a sense of familiarity. He looks like someone that I know from long ago when I was still alive."

"Really?" Ritsuka asked, "You didn't tell me."

"We were in the middle of fighting Chiemon and Lancer at the time." said Tomoe, "And I had no time to dwell on it because I couldn't afford to get distracted in battle, so I wasn't sure. And unfortunately, when the Archer of the Waxing Moon Ritual, Zhou Yu, captured us alive, I didn't have the chance to speak with Rogue Saber again. He likely retreated after our fight with Chiemon and Lancer."

"I see." said Ritsuka.

"Still," said Tomoe with a small smile, "To see that Servant in that armor representing the Minamoto Clan gave me a sense of nostalgia. He reminds me of someone from the past, from when I was still alive and fought alongside with. And since the Minamoto Clan is the clan that I was married into, and the one who wore the same armor, I cannot help but wonder if they are connected."

"Yeah." Ritsuka nodded, "I wonder what's the connection between the Rogue Saber and the Minamoto Clan. Maybe he was someone from the clan."

"Or perhaps someone who had a similar armor to mine and represented the Minamoto Clan, as well as being a Heroic Spirit who is a Servant." said Tomoe.

Ritsuka was silent for a moment before he asked, "You don't think it's Yoshinaka, do you?"

Tomoe gasped softly at the mention of her husband and became silent for a bit before she shook her head as she said, "I don't know. It's...a possibility, but I'm not sure. And, honestly, I don't want to get my hopes too high if that were not the case."

"I see." said Ritsuka before he turned to Jeanne and asked, "Hey, Jeanne, did you manage to get Rogue Saber's True Name when he came to help us fight against Chiemon and Lancer Jeanne Alter?"

"No, unfortunately," said Jeanne, "He had A Rank Luck, so I couldn't get his True Name with my "True Name Revelation" Skill because my Luck was C Rank. And, as Tomoe said, we were in the middle of fighting, so we had no time to dwell on it."

"Oh." said Ritsuka, "I see. Well, it can't be helped. We'll just have to see Rogue Saber again and ask him when we have the chance. It could be tomorrow or the day after tomorrow."

Tomoe nodded and said, "I hope so...I hope so..." She then looked at Ritsuka, her beloved Master, remembering that, while she still loved her Lord Yoshinaka dearly and kept him in her heart, she was also one of Ritsuka's many lovers like the rest of the Female Servants of Chaldea are who love him dearly for his kindness, compassion, and understanding of his Servants. While she does wish to reunite with her beloved lord and husband Yoshinaka, she also does not wish to break apart with Ritsuka and end up breaking his heart if Rogue Saber turns out to be Yoshinaka.

"U-Um...Master..." Tomoe began, "I-I..."

Ritsuka placed a hand on her shoulder and said with a reassuring smile, "It's okay, Tomoe. If Rogue Saber does turn out to be Yoshinaka, then maybe this will be your chance to reunite with him and finally connect with him, just like you want to."

"But..." said Tomoe, unsure, before she was hugged by her beloved Master.

"It's okay, Tomoe." said Ritsuka reassuringly, "I never held it against Brynhildr when she chose to go back with Sigurd, and I won't hold it against you if you wish to go back with Yoshinaka. Whatever you choose to do, I'll respect it, Tomoe."

Tomoe was silent as she was speechless for a moment before she smiled, happy and thankful for how understanding her Master was before she hugged him back and said, "Thank you, Master."

"Of course." said Ritsuka before he let go and said, "Anyway, get some sleep, Tomoe. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Of course." Tomoe nodded, "Goodnight, Master."

Tomoe went to bed to get some sleep while Ritsuka and Jeanne remained awake as the Master of Chaldea turned to Jeanne and asked, "There's something you wanted to tell me, right? Is it about the True Name of Iori's Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual, Saber?"

"Yes." Jeanne nodded as the Ruler-Class Servant said, "Ritsuka, while I was unable to obtain the True Name of the Servants in the Waxing Moon Ritual such as Assassin and Rogue Saber with my "True Name Revelation" Skill, with the latter due to circumstances, I was able to obtain the True Name of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual and find out what Heroic Spirit they are."

"You did?" Ritsuka asked, "And, did you tell Iori about it?"

Jeanne shook her head and said, "No, I refrained from telling Iori out of respect for him since he deserves to know what Saber's True Name is on his own terms. However, I thought that I should tell you Saber's True Name in private to let you know who it is we have allied ourselves with."

"Ah, I see." said Ritsuka as he nodded in understanding, "Good call. The Waxing Moon Ritual is technically a Holy Grail War, after all. If we told Iori what Saber's True Name is, then that would put both of them at a disadvantage against another Master and Servant of this war, especially if the enemy Masters and Servants are aware of the rules and the Waxing Moon Ritual itself. So, yeah. Telling Iori Saber's True Name right now wouldn't be the best idea. You made the right call, Jeanne?"

"Thank you, Master." said Jeanne, "Also, yes, I am aware that the Waxing Moon Ritual is similar to the Holy Grail War, and as you know, there are no restrictions on what Heroic Spirits can participate in the war."

"Yeah." said Ritsuka, remembering, "Like what happened in Fuyuki. The Heroic Spirits could be anyone, including ones we know from our world or the future."

"Correct." Jeanne nodded, "So, with that in mind, I will tell you Saber's True Name, if you would like to know what it is."

Ritsuka nodded before he asked his Ruler-Class Servant, "Sure, Jeanne. Now, tell me, what is the True Name of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual?"

Jeanne d'Arc nodded before she answered, "Ritsuka, Saber's True Name is..."

Chapter Text

The morning had risen as the sound of a loud rooster was heard, and the bright sunlight shone through the windows of the empty house, causing Ritsuka and the female Servants who were sleeping soundly, especially the Demon Archer, Nobunaga, to wake up from the annoying bird's crow and the light shining through the windows.

"Ugh..." Nobunaga groaned as she sat up, "Who the hell set an alarm clock this early?"

"It's not an alarm clock, Nobu, it's a rooster." said Okita as she got up while rubbing her eyes, "That's how they wake up people around these parts."

"Well, can they find a way to wake us up a different way that isn't so early?!" Nobunaga shouted at the window, "This is the first time I've slept in a long time and this stupid bird is ruining it for me! Shut up, you damn chicken!"

"Calm down, Nobu." Okita told her, "It's not the rooster's fault that he's crowing early."

Raikou giggled before she said with a cheerful smile to Ritsuka, "Good morning, Master. Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, I did." said Ritsuka, "Good morning, Raikou." He then turned to the other Chaldean Servants and said, "Good morning, everyone. Did you all sleep well?"

"I did." said 'Void' Shiki, standing against the wall next to the door with her arms crossed.

"Yes, I did, Master." said Tomoe, sitting near a wall.

"Same here." said Okita, standing up and stretching, "You're so nice and comfy, Master. Like a warm, comfortable, big, fluffy teddy bear."

"Thanks, I guess." Ritsuka replied, chuckling good-naturedly while Okita giggled.

"I did until that damn rooster woke me up!" Nobunaga groaned while rubbing the back of her head, "Seriously, do people here in 1651 ever heard of goddamn alarm clocks?! What is wrong with this world?!"

"Now, now, Nobu." Okita told her friend as the Sakura Saber helped the Demon Archer up, "We have to wake up sometime."

"Ugh...jeez..." Nobunaga grumbled as she got up with Okita's help, "I swear I'm gonna shoot that rooster down if it makes that annoying noise again. I know this is a parallel world and all, but the past sucks."

"You'll get used to it." Okita assured her, "And please, don't shoot the rooster. It's not its fault that it's making that noise."

"Fine..." Nobunaga groaned.

Ritsuka chuckled a bit before he heard the sound of Iori making grunting noises, and he walked out of the house to see that Iori was practicing his Niten Ichi-Ryū sword style while Saber sat and watched their Master swinging his two katanas and practicing his sword style.

Iori starts by swinging down two of his katanas from his upper right down to his bottom left before stepping his left foot up as he gets into his Niten Ichi-Ryū sword style stance, then he swings his short katana in his left hand vertically before swinging his long katana in his right hand down horizontally, before swiftly stepping up and swinging his long katana vertically and then his short katana down horizontally and then stopped.

"Hmm..." said Saber as they watched Iori practice his sword style as Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants joined in to watch Iori.

"He really is Musashi's disciple..." Ritsuka muttered quietly.

"He really is..." Jeanne muttered quietly for Ritsuka to hear, "He has the same movements as Musashi, although, admittedly, not quite on par with his master. However, he does show a lot of promise. Maybe, in time, he could be as great as his master."

"Yeah." Ritsuka agreed, "And it looks like he has an affinity for two swords, just like Musashi. I wonder if he's going to go down the same path as his master, or a different path, altogether?"

"Who knows?" said Jeanne, "Although, he's already going down a similar path to his master by choosing to wield two katanas. However, what he chooses to do is up to him."

"Yeah, you're right." Ritsuka nodded.

Iori then stood straight before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath for a moment before he opened them and then swung his two katanas two times before he sheathed back his short katana, then he got into a stance as he held onto his long katana with two hands and pulled back and, with a yell, he moved forward and went for a thrust attack.

Everyone was quiet for a moment as they watched Iori stand as he was before Okita silently clapped her hands in amazement and respect while Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual got up and walked towards Iori.

"Hey, Okita." said Nobunaga as she slapped her fellow Servant's hand, "Stop doing that."

"Ow." Okita whimpered, holding her hands in pain, "What was that for, Nobu?"

"It's embarrassing." Nobunaga told her.

"No, it's not." Okita told her before she saw Ritsuka silently clapping his hands and asked, "Master, what are you doing?"

Ritsuka was silent for a moment before he shook his head and said with a smile, "Oh, it's nothing. I just felt like applauding Iori for a second. Just doing what you were doing, that's all."

"Ah, I see." Okita smiled, "I understand." She then turned to Nobunaga and said with a smug look, "See? Even Master is doing it."

"You were just clapping your hands in silence." said Nobunaga, unamused, "What's the difference between the both of you?"

Okita pouted before she then looked away from her friend and fellow Servant and said, "Whatever..."

Iori sighed as he stood up straight before he saw Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual walking towards him, then Iori put away his long katana as he said to his Servant, "Morning, Saber."

"Ah, yeah..." said Saber as they turned and faced where Iori was facing as they summoned their jaded serpentine blade, which made Iori look at Saber confused about what they were doing, before Saber took a deep breath and got into a position, imitating what Iori was doing earlier, before Saber then went for a thrust attack.

After that, Saber stood straight and looked at his jaded serpentine sword as if thinking about it for a moment on what they did before they sighed as they dismissed their weapon and said, "You train not only with dual katana, but with a single blade as well..." Saber then turned to their Master before they asked out of curiosity, "...Iori. Why do you practice so many different sword styles and techniques? If there is a purpose to all of these tricks, I fail to see it. You cut with the sword and take your opponent's life. It's as simple as that, is it not?"

"Well, you're not wrong." said Iori, "That may be all the sword means to you, but it's different for me."

"How so?" Saber asked.

"You see," said Iori, "I study these styles and hone these techniques in order to win. I do it so that I can defeat anyone at any time. That's what the sword is to me. That's what drives me to study."

"Hmm...I see." said Saber, "I get what you're saying...at least a little." They then gave out a deadpan expression as they scolded, "But you could try and fight a bit more deftly! You know, like with the snakes last night! Choosing the perfect technique won't save you if you can't react to the enemy in time, don't you think?"

"Yeah...you have a point." said Iori while scratching his cheek, "I've got no excuses. You really saved me back there, Saber."

"Hm?" said Saber, "Er, y-yeah...I guess."

Iori then turned to Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants and said, "And you guys, as well. You stuck by with us and helped us in our fight, even though you're from a different universe and you would've just left us to fend for ourselves at any time."

"Don't mention it." Ritsuka smiled, "We're just glad we stuck around to help out."

Ritsuka's Chaldean Servants nodded in agreement before Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual said, "Anyway, that should be enough training for you, right? Come on, let's go and have breakfast!"

Saber then went off while Iori said with a smile before following them, "Alright, alright."

Ritsuka chuckled as he watched Iori follow Saber to Iori's house before his WM-Terminal around his wrist went off as he was receiving a call from Novum Chaldea, then Ritsuka answered the call on his communication device, and a projected holographic image of the former Candidate Master No. 33 and his operator, Ritsuko Fujimura, and one of his male Caster-Class Servants, Sieg, popped up as Ritsuko said, "Good morning over there! Everybody doing good at the Parallel Edo?"

"Morning, Ritsuko." Ritsuka greeted, "And yeah, we're doing good here at Edo. Anything about the Rayshifting System being fixed yet?"

"No, unfortunately," said Ritsuko, "The Rayshifting System is still trying to get fixed and it'll still take a long time until it's fully operational again so that we can get you back home to Chaldea. But on the bright side, the other Servants, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, are helping out Da Vinci in fixing the Rayshifting System."

Ritsuka chuckled before he asked, "And...on the not bright side?"

"They're still fighting each other, like always." Ritsuko rolled her eyes with a smile, "We needed to have Helena Blavatsky keep an eye on those two genius inventors before they do anything stupid."

Ritsuka and his accompanying Servants laughed at that.

"All in all, it's still a working process." said Ritsuko, "But I'm sure that if they continue working together, the Rayshifting System will be operational once again, and we'll get you and everyone back home."

"I hope so." Ritsuka nodded.

"By the way, Master." said Sieg as he brought out a large box and two medium boxes full of food, "The kitchen staff said that they made some food for you and the others to eat. We'll be transporting the food from Chaldea to where you are now for you to eat. The large one is for everyone else made by Archer Emiya while two of the medium boxes are made by Boudica and Tamamo Cat for you."

"We transporting them now." said Ritsuko as she transported the boxes of food from Chaldea to the Parallel Edo Period where Ritsuka and his accompanying Chaldean Servants were. The large box of food was dropped on top of Nobunaga, accidentally and comically squishing her, while Ritsuka caught the medium boxes of food made by Boudica and Tamamo Cat.

"Whoa." said Ritsuka, "Thanks, guys."

"No problem, partner." Ritsuko saluted, "We figured you probably wouldn't be able to afford any food in the era you're in with the money you have from our time, so we figured we'd drop some food for you guys to eat."

"Just make sure you and everyone else eat well, Master." said Sieg.

"We will, thanks." said Ritsuka.

"Hey, uh...Nobu, you okay?" Okita asked.

"Get me...outta...here...now..." Nobunaga groaned from under the box of food, which Ritsuka and his Servants laughed at.

"Oh, whoops." Ritsuko scratched the back of her head sheepishly, "Sorry about that, Nobunaga."

"It's fine..." Nobunaga grumbled.

"Anyway, Ritsuka," said Ritsuko, "What are you planning on doing until we're able to get you back?"

"Well, we were thinking of helping out Iori and Saber by taking part in the Waxing Moon Ritual." said Ritsuka, "Thought we might kill some time and fight in the Waxing Moon Ritual until we can get back, while also investigating the abnormalities of said Ritual."

"I figured." Ritsuko nodded, "The Holy Grail War, or the Waxing Moon Ritual as the participants there call it, does appear to show signs of abnormality such as monsters and supernatural phenomena. You and the Servants with you should take a look at that while you're helping out Iori and Saber in battle."

"Yeah, that's what we'll do as a plan." Ritsuka nodded.

"Just be careful out there, okay?" said Ritsuko, "We don't know who you'll be dealing with while you and the others are there in the Parallel Reality of the Edo Period."

"Don't worry, we will." said Ritsuka.

"And don't forget," said Sieg, "If any of the Servants with you gets too injured to fight, you can switch any of them with either me or Jeanne d'Arc Alter, and we'll do what we can to assist you."

"Yeah, I will." Ritsuka nodded.

"Yes, thank you so much, Sieg." said Jeanne.

"Don't mention it, Ruler." Sieg nodded.

"Well, we gotta go and have breakfast." said Ritsuka while the Chaldean Servants with him got the large box of food out of Nobunaga, "Keep us updated on the Rayshifting System."

"We will, and good luck." said Ritsuko before she hung up and the holographic projection disappeared.

Ritsuka then turned to his Servants and said while opening up his boxes of food made by Boudica and Tamamo Cat, "Anyway, guys, let's eat while we can. We got a big day ahead of us."

"Right." His servants nodded in agreement before they went for the large box and opened it up, revealing that there were a lot of delicious and mouth-watering meat and rice buns made by Emiya, and the others began digging in.

"Wow, these are good!" said Okita as she took a bite from a meat and rice bun.

"Yes, this is quite delicious." said Jeanne, taking a bite of her own meat and rice bun.

"Heh. You can say that again, Jeannie." said Nobunaga, having eaten one whole meat and rice bun already, "Archer Emiya really knows how to make these buns. He should give up on being an archer and become a cook."

"Or, he could just stay an archer and be a cook at the same time." 'Void' Shiki pointed out, eating one of her own meat and rice bun.

"Yeah, that sounds even better." Nobunaga nodded before she went back to eating.

Tomoe giggled before she went and picked up her own rice buns and started eating with everyone else.

Then, after finishing eating breakfast while saving other food for lunch, Ritsuka and his Servants went inside Iori's house and turned to Iori, who was working on the Mystic Code that Chenggong gave him last night.

"Hey, Iori." said Ritsuka to the Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, "Are you trying to communicate with Chenggong?"

"Yeah." said Iori as he kneeled next to Saber, "I think this is how you use it, but...can you really use this to talk to people far away?"

Then, the Mystic Code began activating, surprising everyone, before Chenggong said, "...You can indeed. Can you hear me, Iori? Fujimaru?"

In front of them, a magical holographic image of Zheng Chenggong and his Archer-Class Servant, Zhou Yu, was shown for Iori and Saber, as well as Ritsuka and his Servants, to see.

"Wow..." said Iori, amazed.

"Well!" said Saber, also amazed, "It even shows images! This is amazing!"

"It's kinda just like with my communicator." said Ritsuka, "Except it's more focused on magic than technology."

"Good, good." said Chenggong, "It seems like the Mystic Code is working without issue. Use this whenever you need to communicate, and I'll be available at any time. Don't hesitate to call in an emergency, and let me know how the search goes, too. Battles are lost and won based on the speed and accuracy of communication, so remember that."

"We will." Iori nodded, "Thank you."

"Hm." Saber hummed before they said, "Well then, Iori, shall we decide our next move?"

"Yeah," Ritsuka nodded, "I think it'd be best if we figure out what we should do next."

"Right." said Iori, "That's a good idea." Iori looked at Chenggong and Zhou Yu before he said, "We need to find Assassin's stronghold, and I'd like to learn more about his Master, too."

"Right," Jeanne nodded before she asked, "Do you two have any leads on Assassin of the Waxing Moon Ritual?"

"Unfortunately, Assassin is slippery as an eel," said Zhou Yu, "And we don't have any leads..."

"Without any obvious clues, you'll simply have to cover every inch of the city." said Chenggong.

"I see." said Okita.

"Yeah, I figured." Nobunaga sighed, "We gotta cover up more grounds just to find that damn Assassin and his Master. What a pain..."

"But, isn't it also a good thing?" Raikou smiled, "That means we get to explore more of Edo of 1651. While investigating, it would be a perfect way for all of us to go sightseeing around places."

"Oh!" said Saber with sparkles in their eyes, "That's a great idea! Hehehe!"

"Huh?" said Iori.

"Like Raikou said, we'll get to see more of Edo as we walk around!" Saber asked their Master, "Isn't it perfect, Iori?"

"Well, I guess so." said Iori, "For now, let's start somewhere convenient."

"Yes, an excellent idea." Raikou smiled as she wrapped her arms around Ritsuka, "Wherever place is convenient, that means that mommy will get to go on a date with Master!"

"Huh?" said Saber and Iori, confused.

"A...date?" said Iori, confused, before he asked, "What do you mean by date? You mean today's date, or...?"

"Oh, no, no, no, not like that." said Ritsuka before he began explaining, "You see, in the future, where I'm from, a date is a special event between a male and female and usually means they're romantically involved. They can be friends or lovers, or even just people who are hanging out and spending time together. In short, a date is an activity or event that takes place between two or more people who are in love."

"Ah, I see." said Iori, getting the idea, "So, you're saying that Raikou, one of your Servants, is your lover, and she wants to go on a date with you, Ritsuka?"

"Well, I mean, she's not the only one," said Ritsuka, "But, yeah, that's the general idea."

"I see." said Saber before they asked, "So, in your world, people don't rely on marriage before getting to know each other or even for political reasons?"

"Some do," said Ritsuka, "But, no. People nowadays have their own choice in who they want to spend the rest of their lives with. If two people want to get married, then they can. That's how it is nowadays. And, sometimes, a couple of people can date more than one person and it's not a problem. It's all up to the couple to decide what they want to do and the rules that come with it. So, in short, the way my world handles relationships is entirely up to the individual."

"And people who date each other need to get to know each other first and see if they can get along well together before they think about marriage." Jeanne added, "That way, it can help the couple get to know more about the other person and what they're like and how their personalities will work with each other. That's what happens with romantic relationships, anyway. And, yes, sometimes, couples in the future will end up marrying multiple partners. It's up to the couple's choices."

"Exactly." Ritsuka nodded.

"Hmm..." said Saber, thinking for a moment, "...I see."

"Well, anyway, we're getting a little sidetracked." said Ritsuka, "We'll try to start searching where it's most convenient for us to find Assassin and his Master."

"Right." Iori nodded before he asked Chenggong, "So, what will you be doing, Zheng?"

"We'll head south." said Chenggong, "I'm thinking of taking a stroll all the way to Todoroki."

"Okay." Iori nodded.

"Well, good luck out there, Chenggong." said Ritsuka.

"Thanks, and you and Iori as well, Fujimaru." Chenggong nodded, "Let's speak again later tonight. Do we have anything else to discuss--"

But then, before Chenggong could say anymore, someone outside the house called out, "...Nii-chan! Nii-chan!"

Everyone turned to the door as the person outside called out, "Yoohoo, Nii-chan! I'm here!"

Hearing that voice alarmed Iori as he recognized the voice to be his younger foster sister, Ogasawara Kaya, who was adopted by the Ogasawara clan after Musashi died and she often visits Iori in Asakusa to care for him because she is worried about him.

"Wait...your sister?" said Ritsuka.

"What the...?" said Chenggong, "Hey, what are you thinking, bringing someone here during the Waxing Moon Ritual, especially with Ritsuka and his Servants here from another world?!"

"N-No..." said Iori, "I never asked her to come..."

"Oh?" 'Void' Shiki gave out a calm smile before she quipped, "Well, if you didn't call her here, then who did?"

"H-How should I know?" said Iori, "I just got up this morning not too long ago."

"Oh, I did." Saber nodded.

"...Saber." Iori said to his Servant in silent frustration.

"There's no need to be angry, Iori." said Saber, "Kaya is important to you, right? That's why I sent her a message last night asking her to come to the house today."

Iori sighed at that before he muttered, "Not when we have Ritsuka and his Servants here with us. Who knows what she'll think when she sees them? She'll probably get the wrong idea and see them as foreign people."

Ritsuka chuckled at that before he said, "W-Well, I can at least tell her I'm Japanese."

"Not dressed in that foreign clothes you're in." Iori pointed out Ritsuka's Mystic Code he was wearing.

"Heeey!" Kaya called out, "Are you in there, Nii-chan?"

"Your little sister, huh?" said Chenggong, "You really should be more careful, Iori. You're lucky it was me you were talking to. But do remember to be cautious. Well, I guess that's about everything...I'll be on my way. Good luck, all of you."

Then, Chenggong cut off his communication with everyone present in Iori's house.

After they were done talking with Chenggong, Iori got up before he turned to Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants and said, "Okay, you guys, stay here and wait. I'll go and talk to Kaya. I don't want her to see you guys here and she gets the wrong idea. Like I said, she'll probably get the wrong idea and see you as foreign people."

"I can tell her I'm Japanese." said Ritsuka.

"I just said not dressed in that foreign clothes you're in." Iori pointed out Ritsuka's Mystic Code he was wearing and then pointed out his hairstyle and face, "And you don't even look Japanese like everyone else here in Edo. You'd stick out like a sore thumb. Now, stay put."

Ritsuka sighed before he nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you have a point. Okay, we'll stay put." Ritsuka then turned to his Chaldean Servants and said, "Everyone, go into your spiritual forms and stay put. I'll let you know when you can go back into your physical forms."

"Yes, Master." Jeanne nodded before the Ruler-Class Servant did as she was told and went into her spiritual form.

"Understood." Tomoe nodded before the Archer of Inferno did the same.

"Roger, boss." Nobunaga nodded before the Demon Archer did the same as well.

"I'll be in my spiritual form, as well." Okita smiled before the Sakura Saber did the same.

Ritsuka looked at Raikou who was reluctant for a moment before he said to her with a smile, "Raikou, c'mon."

Raikou whined a bit before the Berserker-Class Servant sighed and said as she went into spiritual form, "Alright, Master, but please do hurry. Mommy would very much like to go on a date with her beloved Master soon."

"I know." said Ritsuka, "I will."

'Void' Shiki chuckled before the Saber-Class Servant said as she began going into spiritual form as well, "I'll make sure that we stay put in spiritual form so that neither of us will be noticed by her or anyone else."

"Thanks, Shiki." RItsuka nodded as he watched her go into spiritual form before he nodded and said, "Alright, we're good."

"Nii-chaaan!" Kaya called out to her brother.

"Ah, right, I'm coming, Kaya!" said Iori as he and Saber went out the door and went outside to meet his little foster sister.

Outside, Iori and Saber met with Ogasawara Kaya, who was dressed in a green kimono, as she saw her older foster brother get out of the house before Kaya said to Iori with a pout, "Nii-chan! So you're here aft--" Then she noticed Saber before she said, "O-Oh, Saber!" Kaya bowed in greeting before she smiled and said to them, "H-Hello! Um, thank you for your message!"

"It was nothing." Saber shook their head with a smile, "I was happy to--"

"Saber." said Iori to get their attention.

Saber turned to their Master before they whispered, "What?"

"I know you meant well, but I don't want Kaya mixed up in this." Iori whispered.

"I told you before, I'll protect Kaya." Saber whispered, "Is there a problem?"

"Several, especially since we have other guests from another parallel world here in this house." Iori whispered, "You can't just send messages to my sister--"

"What's wrong, Nii-chan?" Kaya asked.

Iori turned to his little foster sister and said, "Ah, Kaya."

"Yeah?" said Kaya.

"Listen," said Iori, "I know you just got here, but can you please go back to the Ogasawara House?"

"What?! Already?!" Kaya pouted, "Am I that much of a bother to have around?" Then Kaya gasped before she said, "Oh! Wait, you weren't--?!" She then cleared her throat before she said with a smile and a blush, "Ahem. I believe you should refrain from such activities first thing in the morning."

Inside Iori's house, Ritsuka and his Servants, who were in their spiritual forms, were listening to what was going on outside before Ritsuka whispered, "Uh...does Kaya think Saber's a girl?"

"Sounds that way." Jeanne said telepathically, "Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual is genderless, so people can assume whatever gender they are in their eyes. Makes sense given their legend."

"Hmm." RItsuka hummed, remembering the True Name of the Heroic Spirit that Saber is that Jeanne told him last night.

"...Big brothers don't want their little sisters making lewd jokes like that." said Iori.

"Oh...sorry." said Kaya, "...I didn't mean it as a joke, though." She then pouted and said, "Then you don't mind if I stick around for a bit, right? Did you already eat breakfast?"

"Yes." said Iori, "We ate early because we've got a tricky request to take care of. So go on home, okay?"

"...A tricky request?" Kaya questioned before she asked, "Are you okay? You're not involved in anything dangerous, are you? Are you sending me home because you're worried about me?"

"I just don't have time to spend with you right now." said Iori, "I'm going to have my hands full over the next few days, so--"

"You're lying." Kaya said bluntly before she shook her head and corrected, "No, maybe not a lie...but you aren't telling me everything, are you?"

Iori became silent at that as he could tell Kaya saw through him before Kaya said to her older foster brother, "I'm not moving an inch until you tell me what's going on."

"Kaya..." said Iori.

Then Saber said, "...I think it may be time to admit defeat, Iori."

"You might be right." Iori sighed, "I don't know where she gets it from." Iori then thought, "Leaving Kaya's intuition and stubbornness aside...abducting family members could be seen as an effective strategy in the Ritual. Plus, with Ritsuka and his Servants from the parallel future on our side, it'll make keeping her safe much easier. So, if that's the case, even with their help, I must protect her as best as I can."

Considering that, Iori looked at his little foster sister and said, "...Kaya."

"Yes?" Kaya nodded with a serious expression.

"Listen." said Iori, "Once I tell you this, there's no turning back."

"Bring it on, brother!" Kaya smiled.

Iori sighed before he began explaining, "Your intuition was right, Kaya. I'm involved in a kind of dispute. The fire in the neighborhood was part of it, and it's also the reason Saber is here."

"Um..." said Kaya as she tried to understand while looking at Saber, "So what you mean is...Saber isn't your...special friend?"

"Well, I suppose I am, in a way." said Saber.

Hearing that made Kaya's eyes sparkle in excitement before Iori said, "Don't encourage her, Saber. Kaya, that's not the issue at hand. The people we're up against have no qualms with setting fire or committing murder. You'll get hurt if you stay here, and that's why I want you to be far away."

"...I understand." Kaya nodded.

"You do?" said Iori as he sighed in relief, "Well, good."

"There's a battle going on, which means I'm gonna help!" Kaya said with confidence.

"N-No." said Iori, shaking his head, "That's not what I--"

"AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!" Iori, Saber, and Kaya heard a scream coming from inside Iori's house before they all turned and saw the door burst open as Oda Nobunaga in her materialized physical form screamed in fear while grabbing onto Ritsuka by the neck as the Demon Archer screamed out loud, "A RAT!!! A RAT!!! THERE'S A RAT IN THE HOUSE!!!"

"HEY, NOBU, CALM DOWN!!!" Okita shouted as the Sakura Saber materialized into her physical form and went outside to calm down her fellow Servant while she shouted, "AND GET OFF OF MASTER, YOU'RE CHOKING HIM!!!"

"WHY THE HELL IS THERE A RAT HERE?!!" Nobunaga screamed while holding onto Ritsuka by the neck as she ran out of the house with him, "WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS HOUSE?! HOW CAN THEY LET A RAT LIVE HERE?!!"

"THERE'S NO RAT, YOU DUMBASS!!!" Okita shouted while trying to calm down the Demon Archer, "GET OFF OF MASTER, NOW!!!"

"N-Nobunaga...!" Ritsuka choked while Nobunaga grabbed onto him by the neck, "S-Stop...Can't...breathe...!"

While the Demon Archer and Sakura Saber were having a comedic moment with poor Ritsuka caught in the middle of it, Jeanne, Tomoe, and Raikou materialized into their physical forms before Jeanne shouted as she rushed outside to help their Master of Chalea out of worry for him, "Master! Nobunaga, get off of Master, now!"

"THERE'S A RAT!!!" Nobunaga screamed comically while keeping her hold on Ritsuka out of fear, "A RAT!!! GET IT OFF AND GET IT AWAY FROM ME!!!"

"AND I'M TELLING YOU, YOU IDIOT, THERE IS NO RAT!!!" Okita shouted comically, "JUST LET GO OF MASTER!!! GET OFF OF HIM NOW, YOU IDIOT!!!"

"Master!" Raikou cried as she jumped and crashed on top of Nobunaga and Ritsuka, knocking the air out of both of them as the Berserker Servant said with comical tears, "Don't worry, Master! Mommy will save you from the terrible rat! Just don't move!"

"O-Okay..." Ritsuka gasped weakly while being crushed by Raikou with Nobunaga on top of him, "J-Jeanne...Tomoe...help..."

"R-Raikou, you're crushing me..." Nobunaga groaned.

"Nobu! Get off of Master!" Jeanne shouted while grabbing Nobunaga, "You're crushing him!"

"Raikou, you're crushing Master, too, please stop!" said Tomoe as she pulled Raikou away, "Please!"

"Master, are you alright?!" Jeanne asked, concerned, as she helped her Master up.

"Ugh...I'll live..." Ritsuka groaned, his face still a little red, "Ah, my neck hurts from that chokehold, though..."

"S-Sorry, Master." said Nobunaga as the Demon Archer scratched her head, "I just saw a rat that came out of nowhere and I panicked."

"Nobu, there was no rat." Okita scolded, "You were imagining things! You're gonna blow our cover if you're not careful!"

"Speaking of cover," 'Void' Shiki quipped with an amused smile while the Saber-Class Servant pointed, "I think we've already blown our cover right now."

Everyone then turned to see Saber, Iori, and his younger foster sister, Kaya, standing there, watching everything unfold before Ritsuka and the Chaldean Servants' eyes widened and froze in place, realizing their cover was blown.

"O-Oh...crap..." Ritsuka said nervously as he, along with his Servants, realized that they had blown their cover, and there was a moment of awkward silence.

"Uh...Nii-chan...?" Kaya blinked in surprise before she asked, breaking the silence, "Who are these weird-looking foreigners and why are they at your house?"

Iori sighed while he facepalmed before he said, "Well, this is going to be a long day..."

Chapter Text

"W-Wait, so let me get this straight," said Ogasawara Kaya, the young foster sister of Miyamoto Iori, one of the Masters in the Waxing Moon Ritual.

It had been about half an hour since Kaya arrived at her brother's house when she was just learning the truth about Iori being involved in the Waxing Moon Ritual before meeting and being introduced to another Master from a parallel world named Ritsuka Fujimaru, and his Servants of Chaldea, an organization where Ritsuka is from, as well as the fact that Ritsuka and his Servants came to the Parallel Edo Period by accident believing it to be a Singularity, an anomaly that needed to be corrected to protect Human History in Ritsuka's world and that Ritsuka and his Servants will not return to Chaldea until their method of getting back was fixed.

Kaya looked at Ritsuka and said, "You're from the 21st century, and you came to our time in the year 1651 by mistake believing our world to be an anomaly called a...Sing...gu...ri...li...ties...did I say it right?"

"Yes, Singularity, but you pronounced it pretty well." said Ritsuka.

"I see." said Kaya, nodding her head before she asked, "And you're Japanese, Fujimaru-san?"

"That's right, I'm Japanese." Ritsuka nodded.

Kaya looked at Ritsuka's clothes, which were his Mystic Code the Arctic Region Chaldea Uniform, before she pointed out, "You don't look Japanese with the clothes you're wearing, though."

"Ah, right." said Ritsuka, "Uh...that's because, in my world and in my time, that is, in the future, we have a lot of advancements and inventions in fashion and stuff."

"Really?" said Kaya, her eyes sparkling a little, "Wow. That sounds awesome!"

"Yeah, it really is." said Ritsuka, "Anyway, like I said, I'm Japanese.”

"He speaks and knows Japanese very fluently, doesn't he?" said Kaya to her brother, Iori, and Saber, "Even more so than any person born in the 17th century, let alone the 21st century. Are you sure he's from the future?"

"I know it's hard for you to believe, but he is." Iori nodded, "Well, a parallel future, but that's beside the point. And, yes, he can speak and understand Japanese fluently. He is not lying."

"That's right." Saber nodded.

"Huh..." Kaya hummed before she said, "Well, okay. I'll take your word for it, Nii-chan." She then turned to Ritsuka and asked, "So, uh...Ritsuka Fujimaru, was it? What exactly are you and your...foreign lady friends?...doing in my brother's home? How long have you been in our time? And are you helping out my brother in whatever he's doing?"

"Well, long story short," said Ritsuka, "And as I said, My Serv--ah, I mean, my friends and I came to this world by accident, believing your world to be an anomaly threatening my world. And we've only been here since last night when I met your brother and Saber when we were lost, and since then, we've kinda been taking shelter here in this neighborhood. As for Iori, in return for his help, we decided to help him and Saber."

"Yes, that's right." Jeanne d'Arc nodded, "I am Jeanne d'Arc, one Ritsuka's Serv--"

"Ahem!" Ritsuka cleared his throat.

"A-Ah, s-sorry, I meant a friend of Ritsuka's from Chaldea." Jeanne corrected herself, remembering what Ritsuka told them not to call themselves Servants unless necessary, "And, yes, we're helping your brother and Saber with their...uh...important matters."

"Oh." Kaya nodded.

"And the rest here with us are Okita Souji, Oda Nobunaga, Miyamoto-no-Raikou, Tomoe Gozen, and Shiki Ryougi." Jeanne introduced the others that were with her and Ritsuka, "Everyone, say hi to Iori's little sister."

"Hi." Okita waved with a smile.

"Yo." Nobunaga raised her hand up and did a two-fingered salute.

"Hello there, young one." Raikou smiled and waved at Kaya.

"Greetings." Tomoe bowed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kaya." 'Void' Shiki nodded, "It's good to make new acquaintances."

"Wow." said Kaya, smiling, "Your friends are all very nice and lovely." She then asked Ritsuka, "Are they your lovers?"

Ritsuka blushed at how Kaya guested correctly before he began stammering, "Ah...uh...well...uh..."

Kaya gasped in excitement before she said, "Oh, wow, was I right?!"

"A-Actually," said Ritsuka, sweating nervously, "W-Well, y-you're not wrong...they are my...girlfriends, but, um...I-It's not like...um...I...ah..."

As Ritsuka tried to explain to Kaya, his Female Servants behind him laughed and giggled at how adorable their Master was getting all embarrassed by how his girlfriends were his Servants as well, finding it hilarious.

"Awww," said Raikou, blushing and giggling while holding a hand to her cheek, "Master is getting all nervous and flustered, how adorable."

"Yep, I think we can safely let her assume that we're his girlfriends." Nobunaga quipped.

"Yeah, no denying that." Okita agreed, smiling.

"Indeed." Tomoe nodded with a smile.

"Master, I don't think you need to hide that from Kaya." Jeanne smiled at Ritsuka while placing her hand on his shoulder, "I mean, Iori's little sister can already tell by how close we are to you."

"That's true." 'Void' Shiki nodded with an amused smile, "We can just play it off that way, you know. Besides, we already made her assume that anyway."

"I know." Ritsuka said, sweat-dropping, "But, I mean, I just don't want her getting the wrong idea."

"But, Ritsuka," said Kaya, "Why were you and your lady friends hiding in my brother's house?" Kaya thought about it for a moment before a thought came and she gasped with a blush and said, "Don't tell me...could it be...that you were all gonna use my brother's home as a love-nest?!"

Iori gently bonked his foster sister on the head and said, "That's not what was going on, Kaya. As if they would use my place for that. Don't think such dirty thoughts."

"Ow!" Kaya whined a bit, even though Iori didn't hit her that hard before she pouted and said, "Nii-chan, you didn't need to hit me!"

"I didn't hit you that hard." said Iori, "Anyway, listen, about what we talked about earlier, I can't get you involved in it, so I'm going to have to ask you to go home, back to Ogasawara Family. What I'm doing alongside Saber is very dangerous."

"Is that so?" Kaya asked.

"Yeah," Iori nodded, "And it's also why Ritsuka and his friends are involved with me since they are stuck here in our world and period and can’t go back to their world and timeline, which was why I was hiding them in my house earlier because I didn't want you seeing them since they're from the future and are stuck here to help me on the matters I'm dealing with alongside Saber."

"I see." said Kaya as she was silent for a moment before she smiled and said, "Well, regardless, I'm still going to help you, Nii-chan!"

"K-Kaya..." Iori tried to reason.

"I may be adopted, but I'm still a part of a family of warriors, so I can't just stand by!" said Kaya with a determined smile before she looked at Ritsuka and his Servants of Chaldea and added, "Also, friends of Nii-chan are also friends of mine, and if they're helping out my brother in this important battle, then I want to help them in return until they can get back to the future, back to the place they call Chaldea."

"Kaya..." said Ritsuka, feeling a bit touched by her words.

"So," said Kaya, "Saber, Brother, who exactly are you fighting against, and what can I do to help?"

Iori became silent for a moment as he knew there was no way he could convince her to leave now before Saber said with a smile, "I think it's okay, Iori. She simply wants to help, so you can't deny her courage." They then turned to Ritsuka and his Servants and added, "Plus, she's also offering to help out our friends from the future get settled in the Edo Period as they help us until they can go back. So, what's the harm?"

"...Right, I suppose so." Iori sighed, "Well, she could never sit still for very long." He then looked back at Kaya and said to his foster sister, "Fine then. Kaya, can you take care of the house for us while we're away? And not this part of the house. We've actually made some additions to prepare for our fight."

"You can also look after our house, as well." Ritsuka added, "The one my friends and I are temporarily staying at until we can get back."

Iori and his Servant Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, as well as Ritsuka and his Servants of Chaldea, nodded to each other before they let Kaya into Iori's house, where Iori showed his foster sister his magecraft workshop, which surprised her as she said, "Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa! What is this place?!"

"It's called a magecraft workshop." said Iori, "Kaya, I want you to take care of--"

"Wooow!" said Kaya, amazed as her eyes were sparkling, "This is amazing!"

"Hey, you should listen when people are--"

"But just look at this place!" said Kaya excitedly as she looked around.

Ritsuka chuckled before the Master of Chaldea said to the Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, "Your little sister sure has never seen a lot of things related to the mage world, huh?"

Iori sighed before he said, "Yeah, something like that. Though, then again, since I've only been training in the ways of the Niten Ichi-Ryū, and I've rarely done any magcraft stuff, so..."

"Ah, makes sense." RItsuka nodded.

Then, after having enough looking around the magecraft workshop, Kaya turned to Iori and said while raising her arm up, "Okay, Nii-chan. I'm gonna do such a good job! I'm gonna protect the heck out of this magecraft workshop!"

Saber laughed before they said with a smile, "That's the spirit, Kaya!"

"I appreciate the enthusiasm, but you must be careful." said Iori.

"Jeez, you worry too much, Nii-chan." said Kaya.

Ritsuka chuckled before he said, "Well, your brother isn't wrong. Just be careful when you're here, alright? Who knows what kind of enemies will come here and attack."

"Yeah, I will." Kaya nodded before she remembered something and said, "...Oh, that's right!" She then brought out something and said, "Father gave me this, so why don't we use it in the workshop?"

She handed out two crystal shards to Iori before Crimson Codex said with a smile, "Hmm, this could indeed be useful. Good thinking, Kaya!"

Kaya giggled and said with a smile, "You know me! I'll be sure to let you know if I get anything else."

"Yeah, that would be great." Iori smiled a little.

"Yeah, thank you." Ritsuka nodded.

"Alright," said Iori, "What's our next move...?"

"Are you ready, Iori?" Saber asked, "Then let's head out!"

"Right." Iori nodded.

"We should head out as well, Master." Tomoe said to Ritsuka.

"Right," Ritsuka nodded, "Let's go."

Then, Iori and Saber, as well as Ritsuka and his Servants of Chaldea left Iori's house to head out.

"So, where exactly are we going?" Ritsuka asked.

Before Iori could answer, Saber noticed someone approaching before they pointed and said, "Hey, Iori, we seem to have a guest."

Everyone turned to a man who was approaching them before Iori asked, "You're...one of Zheng Chenggong's men?"

"Yes." said the Zheng Soldier, "I've been sent to deliver this to you."

The Zheng Soldier then handed it to Iori before Iori asked, "Is this a Support Mystic Code?"

"Yes." said the Zheng Soldier, "It's called the Darting Dragon. The general discovered it while organizing the warehouse. He said Lord Iori should have it when the real battle for Spirit Fonts begins."

"Well, I'm happy to have it." Iori nodded as he put the Support Mystic Code away, "Tell him we appreciate his concern."

"Of course." the Zheng Soldier nodded, "Please excuse me."

Once the Zheng Soldier left, Crimson Codex took a good look at it before it said, "Hmm...this is also very well made. Put it to good use, Iori."

"Well, with that out of the way," said Saber, "Where shall we go today, Iori?"

"...How about Nihonbashi?" Iori suggested, "It's close to Kanda and would make a perfect Spirit Font. It's one of Edo's most populated areas, so I'm sure we could hear lots of rumors."

"Nice!" Saber nodded with a smile, "Then let's be off--"

"Hold your horses, you two!" Crimson Codex warned, "You never know when you'll get attacked by the enemy. When you're ready to go, connect to the leyline and then head to Nihonbashi!"

"Ah, right." Iori nodded.

As Iori, Saber, and Crimson Codex talked about connecting leylines before heading to Nihonbashi, Ritsuka thought and remembered about Miyamoto Musashi last night, wondering how she was still here after the events of the Olympus Loestbelt where she sacrificed herself to save Chaldea, before he said, "Uh, actually, I think you guys should go on ahead and head to Nihonbashi. I'll catch up with you guys later."

"Huh?" said Saber, confused, "Why?"

"Well, there's...something else that I gotta do." said Ritsuka, "It's...kinda personal for me."

"...You want to go and see Shishou, don't you?" Iori guessed, "Your face tells me that."

"Ah, yeah..." Ritsuka nodded, "Sorry, but it's kinda important for me."

"I see." said Iori, "Well, I understand. Since you want to see Shishou, I'm assuming that you know her personally in your world?"

"Yeah." said Ritsuka, "Like I said, it's a long story. But, to make it short, we've helped each other out a lot of times during a lot of battles in Singularities and Lostbelts, until..."

"Until...?" Iori asked.

Ritsuka shook his head before he said, "No, it's nothing. Never mind. Anyway, I need to go and see her. Do you know where I can find Musashi?"

"Well, you can find her at Yoshiwara, the red-light district of Edo." said Iori, "It's where Shishou and her Master of the Waxing Moon Ritual, Takao Dayu, reside."

"Yoshiwara?" Tomoe asked, "You mean, the pleasure district of the capital city, right?"

"Yeah, that's right." Iori nodded, "Shishou's Master of the Ritual lives and works there as a high-class courtesan. It's not a pleasant place, but that's where you can find her."

"I see." Ritsuka nodded, "Then, that's where I'll head. And, don't worry, I'll meet up with you guys later at Nihonbashi."

"Right." Iori nodded, "Ah, but be careful. There's also a Rogue Servant that is tied to the Spirit Font of Yoshiwara and guards the place."

"Right, thanks." Ritsuka nodded, "See you guys at Nihobashi then." He then turned to his Chaldean Servants and said, "Let's go, guys."

Then, Ritsuka and his Servants went off to head to Yoshiwara, leaving Iori and Saber behind so that they could prepare themselves to head to Nihonbashi.

"Wait, Iori." said Saber as if realizing something, "Didn't we forget to mention something about the Rogue Servant tied there?"

"Hmm?" said Iori, "Did we? Hmmm...no, I don't think we forgot anything."

Saber then noticed someone approaching and saw it was a Servant and their ally, Tamamo Aria, the Rogue Rider of the Waxing Moon Ritual who is tied to Ueno, a plateau land northeast of Edo Castle.

Tamamo Aria is a young childish female Servant who has long pink hair, golden eyes, and has fox ears, and a fox tail. She wears a black and gold kimono with long sleeves, a golden ribbon tied behind her back, white leggings, white shoes, and a long white katana behind her back with orange strings. Next to her is her mount which is a large white fox.

"Good day to you, Lord Iori!" Tamamo said calmly and happily.

"Hmm. That's the Rogue Servant Rider..." said Saber, "Let's see what she wants, Iori."

"Right." Iori nodded before he and Saber approached Tamamo Aria.

Meanwhile, Ritsuka and his Servants of Chaldea left the neighborhood and walked around Asakusa, where the town was relatively normal and lively with the people of the Edo Period living in the town going about their lives, although there were people who were looking at Ritsuka and his female Servants accompanying him strangely due to their foreign appearance and style of clothes.

"Who are these strange people?" a random male person whispered.

"Maybe foreigners?" a woman whispered.

"Although some of them look Japanese." another male whispered.

"I've never seen clothes like those." a child whispered, "They're pretty cool."

"Do you think we stand out, Master?" Okita asked.

"You can say that." said Ritsuka, "But, hey, not like we're gonna be stuck here forever. Soon, we'll go back to Chaldea and get back to our time, so this will all be over."

"Although, our clothes do seem to make us stand out more than necessary." Jeanne pointed out, "Getting too much attention like this will not do well for us, and our cover."

"Yeah, that's true." Ritsuka agreed.

"Perhaps we should just take a moment and look around for clothes that will help us blend in better with the locals." 'Void' Shiki suggested, "That way, it would be much easier for all of us."

"That sounds like a good idea." Tomoe nodded, "Let's look for a shop that sells clothes that can have us fit in the Edo Period."

Then, Nobunaga noticed a shop and said, "Oh, hey! There's a shop over there! Let's check it out!"

Ritsuka and the others approached the shop that Nobunaga found before reading the sign that was the name of the shop which was named "Babiloni-ya".

"Babiloni-ya?" said Nobunaga, flabbergasted, "What the hell kinda name of the shop is that?"

"No idea, Nobu." said Okita, just as flabbergasted as Nobunaga, "Who names a shop like that?"

"Perhaps someone who owns the shop wants to stand out for everyone to see." said 'Void' Shiki with a calm smile.

"Why would someone wanna do that?" Nobunaga asked, confused.

Ritsuka looked at the sign that said Babiloni-ya and thought, "Wait...Babiloni-ya...why does the name sound so oddly familiar?"

"Oh?" they heard someone say before Ritsuka and his Servants looked up to see it was the owner of the shop, though Ritsuka and the others had a look of surprise to see who it was as they recognized the owner.

In front of them, the owner of the shop himself, who has familiar golden hair and red eyes, was the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, wearing a golden kimono, who approached Ritsuka and the others and said with a smirk, "I've never seen you people before, but aren't you quite an interesting bunch coming to my textile shop?"

"O-Oh!" said Ritsuka, "It's you, King Gilga--!"

"Hold it!" Gilgamesh halted Ritsuka with his hand up before he crossed his arms and said, "I don't know who you are or how it is you know my True Name, mongrel! But, as of now, I am running this shop that I call Babiloni-ya, so as of this moment when you come to my shop, YOU are to address me as Boss!"

Ritsuka and the others stared at him for a moment, surprised and speechless at what they were seeing, before the Chaldean Master and the others sweat-dropped and sighed, not really surprised by Gilgamesh's attitude, as they thought, "Of course. Leave it to King Gilgamesh to always find a way to act like a king even in the strangest situations."

"But, wait," said Ritsuka, "He doesn't know us?"

"Well, it makes sense." Jeanne whispered, "Keep in mind, this is an actual alternate reality, unlike Singularities or Lostbelts that threaten our world, so it's possible that Servants like him don't recognize us, let alone have memories of us or Chaldea."

"Ah, right, that makes sense." Ritsuka nodded in a whisper.

"Now then," Gilgamesh smirked, "What do you people think of my shop? Amazed, aren't you? Then rejoice, for I shall allow you to gaze upon my resplendently magnificent treasures!"

"Uh..." Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants said.

"Who knows?" Gilgamesh continued, "I may be convinced to yield what you desire if you mongrels can afford it! Prostrate yourself before my magnanimity, but then you can't peruse my wares! HAHAHAHA!!!"

Ritsuka and his Servants, sans 'Void' Shiki who was smiling calmly, groaned a bit at Gilgamesh's attitude before 'Void' Shiki said, "In any case, if you happen to have a shop here, then it is quite convenient for us. We were hoping to find a shop that sells clothes here so that we can fit into this era's society. That is if you would allow us, Boss."

"But of course," Gilgamesh smirked, "This shop of mine sells all valuable items, including clothing. And it happens to be quite fortunate that I do have an inventory of such clothes available."

"Really?" said Ritsuka, "Well, that's a relief."

"However," Gilgamesh stopped them, "You will need money that will buy what you want if you wish to have the clothes I'm willing to offer! This is, after all, a shop, and everything I have has a price for you to pay."

"Oh, right." said Ritsuka before he went and searched through his pockets for money.

As Ritsuka searched through his pockets, Jeanne turned to face Gilgamesh and said, "Ahem, so...Boss. I take it that you are a Masterless Servant and that you're a Ruler-Class Servant manifested here in Edo to arbitrate the Waxing Moon Ritual. If that's so, shouldn't you be doing your job as a Ruler-Class Servant and observing the battles instead of doing...well, whatever you're doing, like running a textile shop?"

"Fool." said Gilgamesh, "I am no common Heroic Spirit such as you are, nor do I have the least interest in some cheap knockoff." He then smirked and said, "That said, while I will be running my shop as a textile wholesaler, watching the contestants flounder about and learning of their earnest wishes...that does interest me somewhat, so it will entertain me while I am in this world. Especially with that Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual around to entertain me, as I bestowed upon him the honor of being my royal retainer."

"Wait, you mean Miyamoto Iori?!" Jeanne shouted, baffled by the King of Heroes's words.

"Ah, so you're acquainted with him and his Servant." said Gilgamesh with a calm smirk, "Good. Then that makes all the more reason for you mongrels to keep me entertained while you're here as well, regardless of whether you're true participants of this Ritual or not. And, since you have made yourself acquainted with my royal retainer, I will allow you to have the clothes you wish to buy for a discount, so be grateful! But, only if you can keep Miyamoto Iori alive in this Waxing Moon Ritual, for I have given him a momentous commission to gather the overflowing treasures of Edo to fill my vaults!"

"Huh?!" Ritsuka's Chaldean Servants shouted in shock and bewilderment.

"Y-You're kidding, right?" Nobunaga asked.

"Of course not." Gilgamesh smirked, "All I ask him, while he needn't change his plans, is to simply fetch me whatever catches his eyes, and if he pleases me, then he may choose a reward befitting of his service. And, since you have come to help Iori entertain me, as I have stated, I will give you the clothes you wish to buy for a discount. A 100% discount. In other words, they are free!"

This made Ritsuka stop searching through his pocket for money and look at Gilgamesh in shock before he asked, "W-Wait, really?! Y-You're giving us the clothes for free because we know Iori?!"

"But of course." Gilgamesh smirked, "But on one condition."

"Uh...that is...?" Ritsuka nervously asked.

"Keep my royal retainer, Miyamoto Iori, alive as he gathers the most valuable treasures in Edo for me to fill in my vaults while entertaining me in this Ritual along with Saber!" Gilgamesh declared with a laugh, "For if he dies, I won't be entertained otherwise! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

"...Okay then." said Ritsuka and his Servants, sweat-dropping a little at what they are hearing and seeing.

Okita sighed before she muttered, "You know, even in this parallel world, somehow seeing his personality doesn't surprise me..."

"Tell me about it..." Nobunaga nodded in agreement.

"I can't believe the King of Heroes is supposed to be a Ruler-Class Servant, and yet he'd rather work in a textile shop than do his job to mediate the Waxing Moon Ritual..." Jeanne sighed while pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Well, at least we have clothes we can wear for free." 'Void' Shiki pointed out with a calm smile, "In any case, we should find someplace to change into them."

"Quite." Raikou nodded.

"Master, we should get going now." said Tomoe.

"Right," Ritsuka nodded, "Well, anyway, thanks for your help, uh...Boss."

With the new clothes in hand, which were kimonos for the Chaldeans to wear, and for free no less, Ritsuka and his Servants left Gilgamesh's shop called Babiloni-ya to head off to find somewhere where they could change into their clothes to fit in the Edo Period.

Once everyone found a private place for them to change, Ritsuka and the Female Servants, sans 'Void' Shiki as she was already wearing a kimono and was keeping watch while they were changing, changed into the kimonos that were given to them for free.

Ritsuka was wearing a black haori with white trims, a grey kimono shirt, a black belt, dark pants, and dark shoes.

Nobunaga was wearing a red and black kimono and a yellow obi.

Raikou was wearing a purple and blue kimono with white trims.

Okita was wearing a green and white kimono with a blue obi.

Tomoe was wearing a white kimono with black trims.

And finally, Jeanne was wearing a white and yellow kimono with silver trims and a light blue obi.

"Well, these are good fit." Ritsuka nodded in satisfaction, "These clothes will definitely help us fit in the Edo Period."

"Quite." Jeanne nodded with a smile before she frowned and said while rubbing her long blonde hair, "Wish I could do something about my hair, though. I'll stand out too much as a foreigner who's wearing a kimono."

"Hey, it's okay, Jeanne." Ritsuka smiled in reassurance, "I think you look great in that kimono either way!"

Jeanne blushed at the compliment from her beloved Master of Chaldea before she said, "T-Thank you, Master."

The other female Servants of Chaldea who were accompanying him, sans 'Void' Shiki, were pouting or giving out jealous looks for complimenting Jeanne and not them before Ritsuka said, "Anyway, we're all good here, so let's head to Yoshiwara to go see Musashi."

"Right." Nobunaga nodded.

"Let's go then." Okita nodded.

"Onwards, to Yoshiwara." said Tomoe.

"Indeed, and to find Miyamoto Musashi." Raikou said with a smile, joining up with her fellow Servants to follow Ritsuka.

As Ritsuka walked out of Asakusa to head to Yoshiwara with his Servants following him, Jeanne stood in silence as she thought about the Musashi they knew who died at Olympus in the Atlantic Lostbelt after sacrificing herself to save Chaldea, as well as how Musashi was here now in the alternate Edo Period of Japan that has the Holy Grail War known as the Waxing Moon Ritual. It was not possible for Musashi to be here, especially if her Spirit Origin had been destroyed when she used the last of her powers to seal the godly being known as Chaos, so she would not be able to be summoned as a Heroic Spirit again, even by Chaldea, much less anyone in the Holy Grail War. Unless...

"So, you've reached the same conclusion, I see." said 'Void' Shiki as she looked at Jeanne.

"Yeah...it's just a suspicion, but..." Jeanne nodded before looking at Shiki and asked, "Should we...tell Master about it?"

'Void' Shiki was silent as she thought about it for a moment before she said, "Not yet. Until we are sure, let's not say anything to Master yet. Besides, we wouldn't want Master to be heartbroken too soon if we told him so early."

Jeanne nodded and said, "Agreed. Well, for now, let's just head to Yoshiwara, then we can confirm for ourselves."

"Hey, Jeanne, Shiki!" Ritsuka called, "What're you two doing?! Hurry up or we're leaving without you!"

"Ah, sorry!" Jeanne called back, "We're coming, Master!"

With that, Jeanne and 'Void' Shiki left to follow their Master and their fellow Servants as they walked their way to Yoshiwara to head off and see Musashi.

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, with Iori and Saber, after taking care of the request for the Rogue Rider Servant, Tamamo Aria, who returned to Ueno so that she wouldn't lose mana to supply herself without the leyline she was tied to, and after connecting the leylines, the Master and Servant arrived at Nihonbashi, a prominent shopping area centered on a bridge that connects Sumidagawa and Edo Castle. It is the starting point of all five major highways that spread across Japan, and it contains the Uogashi fish market and a bell tower that rings every hour, which was originally housed in Edo Castle.

As the Master and Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual walked around Nihonbashi, Saber chuckled before they said while looking around, "Look at all these people! We should have no problem digging up some rumors."

"If we're lucky." said Iori.

Saber groaned at that before they said to their Master with a deadpan expression, "Why be so negative? It doesn't help anything." They then smiled and added, "Besides, Servants are legendary heroes, not something you see every day. No one could forget seeing one, and people would definitely be talking about it!"

Iori was silent for a moment as he thought, "That makes sense, but...does that mean there are rumors in Asakusa about Saber? And what about Ritsuka and his Servants from Chaldea? I know they only just came from their world to ours last night, but could there be a chance that, since they're technically a Master and Servants from the future, could there be a chance that there are rumors about them and their presence?"

"Now," said Saber as they turned around and walked on with a smile on their face, "Let's go ask around!"

Iori and Saber walked around Nihonbashi as the Master and Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual asking people around for any rumors about any Masters or Servants, specifically Assassin and his Master.

Iori and Saber met up with a chatty shopkeeper before Iori said, "Excuse me, I was hoping you could help me with something."

After asking for any rumors, the chatty shopkeeper said, "Hmm, rumors around town about a strange individual, huh? Well, there is one person that comes to mind."

"Oh!" said Saber, "Really? What is it?"

"What I heard is..." the chatty shopkeeper began, "...There's a fearsome debt collector terrorizing Asakusa!"

"Oh?" said Saber, confused.

"They say the brute will use any coldhearted, merciless means necessary to get his money." said the chatty shopkeeper, "He's supposedly a ronin that uses two swords!"

Iori sighed as he knew what the chatty shopkeeper was talking about while he thought, "Yup, that's me."

"And he sets a dreadful yet attractive phantom after borrowers to shake them down..." the chatty shopkeeper added.

"A dreadful yet attractive phantom!" said Saber, astonished.

"And that's you." Iori thought.

"Oh, and just today, there was a rumor about a boy who looks Japanese wearing foreign clothing walking around Asakusa with a group of foreign ladies." said the chatty shopkeeper, "Ah, and they were all beautiful, too! Ah, whoever that guy was surrounded by those lovely ladies sure is lucky."

"And that's Ritsuka and his Servants." Iori thought with a sigh, "They've only been here since last night, and already, there are rumors about them. Guess I should've known better, since Ritsuka and his Servants would stand out due to their unusual appearances, and Ritsuka himself would stick out like a sore thumb."

"In any case," the chatty shopkeeper continued, "It sounds like there have been lots of rumors floating around about people."

"That's right." Iori nodded, "Anyway, they are quite the story...have you heard any others?"

"Others?" the chatty shopkeeper asked before he began thinking about it for a moment as he said, "I don't seem to recall..." Then he remembered as he said, "Oh, there was one! There was just something here in Nihonbashi! I saw it with my own two eyes!"

"What did you see?" Saber asked, their eyes sparkling, "A spiritual being?"

"No, nothing like that." said the chatty shopkeeper, "It was one of them foreigners!"

"A for-inner...?" said Saber, confused, "You mean..."

"It refers to people who come from across the sea." Iori explained, "Someone like Lancer, for example. Or even those like Ritsuka and his...ahem, lady friends from Chaldea."

"Hmm..." Saber nodded as if they understood what their Master meant.

"Yeah, I just saw some!" said a sulking man, "They were sailors from one of those big ships they got. They're a scary bunch, just like they say, walking right down the middle of the street!"

"Foreigners in Nihonbashi..." said Iori to himself before he thought, "I thought Zheng was a rare sight or even Ritsuka to be the strange one since he and his Servants come from another future, but now foreigners have come all the way here..."

"You curious about them?" the sulking man asked before he directed him and Saber, "You keep following this road and you'll see them. They were asking around about something, so I bet you might catch them if you hurry."

"Right." Iori nodded, "Thank you."

He and Saber then left to head in the direction the foreigners were last seen before they ran into another man who was frowning and Iori said, "Excuse me, I heard there may be some people from other countries around here--"

"Yeah, you mean those pushy sailors, right?" said the frowning man as he sighed, "They left already." The frowning man turned to where they likely left and said in annoyance, "They were asking about Yoshiwara, where it is, and how to get in and all that."

"Yoshiwara...?" said Iori before he thought, "Wait a minute...that's where Ritsuka and his Servants are heading now."

"They were so heavy-handed, I sent them on their way without giving them an answer." said the frowning man, "They were pretty desperate. I guess foreign folk need companionship the same as anybody else."

"Did the sailors leave for Yoshiwara?" Saber asked.

"I'm not so sure." the frowning man sighed, "I wouldn't be surprised if they were still around here somewhere. They were walking towards Gojiingahara after I sent them off."

After getting the information needed from the frowning man, Saber turned to their Master before they asked, "...Well, what do you think, Iori? Do you really think these people came across the sea just to have fun in Yoshiwara?"

"Who knows?" said Iori, "Maybe they simply do not care about being seen as they survey the enemy base. We might as well ask them directly, so let's go to Gojiingahara."

"What about Ritsuka and the others with him?" Saber asked, "They're heading to Yoshiwara as well just to see Musashi, who is a Servant of Takao Dayu in the Waxing Moon Ritual. Shouldn't we worry about them if the foreigners, who likely are working for an enemy Master of the Ritual, are going there as well and likely to cross paths with Ritsuka who is the Master with more than one Servant?"

Iori thought about it for a moment before he shook his head and said, "No, I don't think we need to worry about Ritsuka and his Servants, not for a while, anyway. Knowing Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, they are likely strong enough to defend themselves against whatever comes at them. Besides, the sailors likely haven't left for Yoshiwara, so I doubt they'd run into each other as of yet nor would they know about Ritsuka being a Master with multiple Servants, so we're okay."

"You're certain?" Saber asked.

"Positive." said Iori with a calm smile, "I'm certain that Ritsuka and his Servants are perfectly fine. After all, Ritsuka is an experienced Master, even if his magecraft is helped by Mystic Codes, and his Servants are all high-ranked Heroic Spirits. So they'll be able to take care of themselves just fine. Besides, this is our chance to get info from the sailors. They may not know about Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, or perhaps not know anything, but it won't hurt to ask what it is they plan on doing at Yoshiwara."

"If you say so, then I believe you." said Saber, "And, in any case, I'm more curious about these foreigners anyway. So, let's go and find them at Gojiingahara before worrying about Ritsuka and the others at Yoshiwara."

As the Master and Servant walked to Gojiingahara, Saber asked their Master, "Speaking of, how do you think Ritsuka and the others are doing at Yoshiwara?"

"Who knows?" said Iori, "They did say they were going there to see Shishou. Hopefully, they are fairing much better than we are, and hopefully, everything's okay there, especially with the Rogue Servant guarding the place."

Meanwhile, at Yoshiwara, everything was, in fact, not okay there. Why? Because Ritsuka Fujimaru and his Chaldean Servants had run into a Rogue Servant that was tied to Yoshiwara, and it was a Berserker-Class Servant, much to Ritsuka's and his Servant's shock.

Rogue Berserker was a hulking giant; a tan, muscular figure of a stature easily towering to twice the height of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, with blue eyes and yellow-green hair of greater length than he is tall, reaching down to his feet and resting on the ground like a cape flowing behind him. His bracers bear chains, giving the impression of shackles, with similar greaves and sandals. He adorns a blue mantle, and a black, decorated loincloth. His biceps and thighs also bear metal rings around them.

Naturally, as a Berserker-Class Servant, Rogue Berserker has lost all sense of rationality to even speak any words, only grunt, growl, and groan noises, or in this case, roaring at Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants to get them to leave, believing they were enemy Masters and Servants trying to invade Yoshiwara as he was doing his job to protect it.

"AAAAHHH?!" Tomoe screamed before the Archer of Inferno stammered, "B...B-B-B-B-B-BERSERKER?!!!"

"Oh, hell no!" Nobunaga shouted comically, "Sane Servants, we can handle, but I ain't fucking with a Berserker!"

"I-Iori didn't tell us that the Rogue Servant guarding the place is a Berserker!" Okita shouted comically while crying out comical tears, "Why didn't he tell us that?!"

"How was he supposed to know, Okita?!" Raikou pointed out with a serious expression, "He must've forgotten to mention it!"

"Yeah, he just said the Rogue Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual is tied to Yoshiwara and is guarding it from enemy Masters and Servants!" said Jeanne, also with a serious expression as she brought out her battle flag and took a fighting stance, "And we didn't bother to ask any details about the Rogue Servant because we were in a hurry and wanted to get here, so now we have to deal with a Berserker, who is a Servant whose class is known for being the most savage, powerful, and dangerous of all the Servants in the Waxing Moon Ritual, on our own!"

"Okay, I know that sounds bad, and it is!" said Ritsuka, standing between his Servants and Rogue Berserker as he faced him, "But look, I know this looks bad, and we know you're the Rogue Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual, and Iori probably forgot to mention the fact that you're a Berserker and that you're doing your job in protecting Yoshiwara from the other Masters and Servants of the Waxing Moon Ritual, but please listen! We're not your enemies, and we're not participants in the Waxing Moon Ritual! We came here to see Miyamoto Musashi! That's all, so can you please calm down?!"

However, the Rogue Berserker merely roared at them as if telling Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants to go away and leave Yoshiwara before he raised his fist and delivered a devastating punch to the ground, creating a large crater next to Ritsuka as if warning him, which made the Last Master of Humanity sweat.

"Okay, yeah, you probably don't understand me, and you think we're the enemy, so this is not gonna end peacefully, is it?" Ritsuka said to himself, not realizing the gravity of the situation before he said, "Okay, fine, then I guess we're doing this. We don't have much choice. I'm sorry, Berserker, but it looks like we'll have to fight, but please listen! We are not the enemy, and we just wanna see Miyamoto Musashi, nothing else! Please, just let us through!"

The Rogue Berserker roared at Ritsuka and his Servants to go away and leave Yoshiwara again before he raised his fist and aimed to punch Ritsuka. However, before the hulking Servant could strike, Ritsuka's Saber-Class Servant, 'Void' Shiki, suddenly appeared in front of Ritsuka and blocked his devastating punch with her katana and held her ground, although she grunted as she struggled against the brute strength of the giant Berserker.

As she struggled, 'Void' Shiki was about to use her Mystic Eyes of Death Perception to finish the giant off quickly, but then the hulking giant roared before he used his other arm to deliver a punch to the Saber-Class Servant of Chaldea. Thankfully, she blocked his punch using the guard of her katana, but even that wasn't enough to block the full impact of his fist as she was sent flying back before she crashed onto the ground.

"Shiki!" Ritsuka cried out, worried for his Servant.

'Void' Shiki managed to get herself back up before reassuring her Master with a calm smile, "It's okay, Master. I'm fine." She then winched a bit as she said while holding onto the wound on her left abdomen, "A-Although, he seems to have gotten me good with his brute strength. I may not be able to help."

"It's okay." said Ritsuka, "Just stay back and get some rest." He then turned to his other Servants and said, "Everyone, let's fight Rogue Berserker, but try not to hurt him. I wanna at least keep trying to reason with Rogue Berserker!"

"Are you sure, Master?!" Tomoe asked as the Archer-Servant readied her katana and naginata.

"I'm sure!" Ritsuka nodded before he turned to his Ruler-Class Servant, "Jeanne, use your True Name Revelation skill to find out the True Name of Rogue Berserker! Hurry!"

"Understood!" Jeanne nodded before she stood close to her Master and then began using her True Name Revelation to figure out the True Name of the hulking Rogue Servant while she said to the others, "Everyone, cover us, now!"

"Are you crazy?!" Nobunaga shouted comically while the Demon Archer pointed at Rogue Berserker, "That's a Berserker-Class Servant, I ain't fucking a Berserker!"

"No choice, Nobu!" Okita shouted while the Sakura Saber drew out her katana and got in a fighting stance, "Come on, let's do this!"

"Let's do it, Okita-san!" said Tomoe, joining her friend's side while holding her katana and naginata at the ready.

"Very well." said Raikou, also joining Okita and Tomoe as she joined her fellow Servants' side.

"I'D RATHER DIE!!!" Nobunaga screamed comically before she was grabbed by the Rogue Berserker by the legs and then began getting thrown and beaten down on the ground like a ragdoll, just like in the scene where Hulk beats up Loki in one of the American Superhero Movies called 'Marvel's The Avengers' that Ritsuka and his Servants at Chaldea saw before the Rogue Berserker threw crashed Nobunaga to the ground, and the Demon Archer wheezing out in pain while saying, "Whhhhhyyy...?"

"Nobu!" Okita screamed comically before facing Rogue Berserker and shouted with a comical angry look on her face, "Damn you! How dare you do that to my friend! I'm gonna get you for--! Puwah!!!" Just then, Okita Souji coughed out blood and then fell onto the ground, comically lying there as blood started coming out of her mouth due to her illness from her Weak Constitution Skill, which made everyone look at the Sakura Saber in bewilderment.

"Well, there goes another one." Tomoe said as she and Raikou watched the Rogue Berserker pick up a barely conscious Nobunaga and start beating her up like a ragdoll again before he picked up the barely conscious Okita and did the same to her.

"Oh, dear." said Raikou as the Berserker-Class Servant watched Nobunaga and Okita getting beaten up like ragdolls by Rogue Berserker before she asked the Archer of Inferno, "Do you think those two will be okay, Tomoe-san?"

"I...really don't know?" Tomoe said, confused as she watched the Rogue Berserker continue to beat the two Heroic Spirits, her friends, and fellow Servants up like ragdolls, "Honestly, I hope so. Although, I'm more confused about how this is supposed to work, even when Nobunaga and Okita have been beaten to a pulp by the Rogue Servant that is Berserker, and how exactly are we supposed to defeat him?"

"I have no idea." Raikou shrugged before she drew out her katana, "But for now, let's buy Jeanne some time until we find out who we're dealing with."

"Right." Tomoe nodded before she readied her katana and her naginata.

She and Raikou then charged in to join the fight and clashed their weapons with Rogue Berserker as he tossed aside Okita and Nobunaga, the latter of which had a face that was swollen up, with her eyes turning comical purple and her teeth missing.

"This is why I don't fuck with Berserkers..." Nobunaga wheezed out in comical pain, her voice sounding high-pitched and nasally as if she had a stuffed nose due to having a black eye, a busted lip, and a bruise on her cheek.

"You can say that again, Nobu." said Okita, having the same face as Nobunaga's but without the busted lip, and her voice was a little lower pitched and nasally due to her illness from her Weak Constitution as blood was dripping from her mouth.

After analyzing Rogue Berserker, Jeanne d'Arc was able to identify his status, as well as his True Name, before she said, "I got it!" She then stepped forward and called out to Rogue Berserker, "Rogue Berserker--No, Heroic Spirit Samson, the last judge of Israelites, please listen to us, to me and my Master, Ritsuka Fujimaru! We are not your enemies! We have come here to see Miyamoto Musashi, who is a Servant of one of the Masters in the Waxing Moon Ritual, Takao Dayu! We mean no harm to this place, and we only wish to see her!"

Hearing his True Name being spoken, and hearing the Ruler-Class Servant's plea, the Rogue Berserker, known as Samson, stopped attacking Tomoe and Raikou, and they did the same before the hulking Rogue Servant tied to Yoshiwara turned his head towards Ritsuka and one of his Servants of Chaldea, Jeanne d'Arc, before he gave out a loud roar.

"Samson..." Ritsuka breathed before he walked forward towards the hulking rogue and held out his hand, "Samson, please listen to me and Jeanne! We are not your enemy, and we are not part of the Waxing Moon Ritual!"

Before long, Rogue Berserker calmed down, as if understanding the words the Last Master of Humanity said.

Ritsuka and his Servants let out a sigh of relief at that before the Last Master of Humanity spoke, "Samson, I’m sorry for coming to your territory unannounced, and I know you’re just doing your job as a guard for Yoshiwara, but...I promise, I just wanna see Musashi. Is it okay if I see her? Please, we just want to see our friend.”

Samson, while he had lost all sense of rationality due to his Madness Enhancement as a Berserker-Class Servant, even unable to speak to communicate, could tell that Ritsuka was not lying nor did he intend to deceive him. In fact, the giant could not help but notice the sadness, sorrow, and longing in the Last Master of Humanity's eyes. It reminded him of the way he felt whenever he saw his lover, Delilah.

With a soft growl, Samson looked down at Ritsuka before the Berserker-Class Servant turned his head in a certain direction, and the Master and Servants of Chaldea realized that Rogue Berserker was pointing in the direction where Miyamoto Musashi and her Master, Takao Dayu, were located at, as well as signaling for them that he would lead them the way.

Ritsuka sighed in relief with a smile and said, "Thank you." He then turned to his Servants, Tomoe and Raikou who were in their fighting stance to stay cautious, and Okita and Nobunaga who were lying painfully on the ground due to what Rogue Berserker did, as well as 'Void' Shiki who was resting, and Jeanne who was by his side and commanded his Chaldean Servants, "Everyone, stand down. We're good now."

"We are?" Raikou asked before looking at the Berserker-Class Servant, who was standing there, looking calm now.

"Yeah, we're good." said Ritsuka with a smile, "Thanks, Samson. Thanks for understanding. Okay, everyone, let's get going and follow him."

"Uh...y-yeah, that's great and all, but...c-can you...please help us...!" Nobunaga groaned in pain while raising a finger, "My body hurts...like, a lot, and...Okita needs some medical treatment...fast!"

"Ah, right." said Ritsuka before he and Jeanne quickly ran to his two injured Servants while Tomoe and Raikou helped 'Void' Shiki tend to her wounds on her abdomen.

"Hold on a moment, you guys." said Ritsuka as he readied his fully restored Command Seals before he used them and said, "By the power of my three Command Seals, Sakura Saber, Demon Archer, and Shiki Ryougi, recover from your injuries."

Soon enough, the Servants that were badly beaten up by the Berserker-Class Rogue Samson recovered completely from their wounds and injuries and were back to their normal state, which meant that they were able to get back up, walk around, and do some simple exercises.

"That should do it." Ritsuka smiled.

"Thanks, Master." Okita smiled, now completely cured of her illness from her Weak Constitution skill, her injuries, and the blood from her mouth.

"Ah, thank God!" Nobunaga cheered while stretching her arms up as well as cracking her back, "Thanks for that, Master. My back was killing me from that beating from that Berserker! Oh, that feels so good. Nothing like being completely healed from severe injuries."

"You said it, Nobu." Okita nodded before she asked Ritsuka, "Master, is everything okay?"

"Yep." Ritsuka smiled, "Everything's okay now. Rogue Berserker, I mean, Samson, is letting us through, and he's even going to show us where Miyamoto Musashi is, along with her Master of this Grail War, Takao Dayu."

"Ah, finally!" Nobunaga cheered while cracking her back again for good measure, "I definitely didn't want this fight to drag on. And here I thought that Rogue Servant was gonna make a mess out of us. Thankfully, thanks to Jeanne figuring out his True Name, things should be going smoothly."

"Thank goodness, indeed." said Raikou, "I was quite concerned, thinking that we'd never defeat a Berserker-Class Servant, but then we managed to learn Rogue Berserker's True Name, and everything seemed to go smoothly."

"Quite." 'Void' Shiki agreed, "And, it would seem that Samson has calmed down for the moment and has lost his hostility. Although, he may still be suspicious of us and would likely watch us from behind."

"It's fine." said Tomoe, "He's just doing his job protecting Yoshiwara, so let him. For now, let's follow him and see Musashi. It's what we came here for, anyway."

"Right." the other Servants nodded before following Ritsuka and Jeanne, who followed Samson.

They soon arrived at a red-light district, a place where people could go for entertainment, like restaurants, gambling, and, of course, pleasure, and the Chaldeans could see the people in the streets and the buildings that surrounded the place, although they had not seen anyone around the red-light district.

"This is the area, right, Samson?" Ritsuka asked the hulking Servant, who only growled a response to him. The Last Master of Humanity understood the gesture, however, and said, "I'm glad. Well then, let's go, everyone."

"Understood/Right." the Servants nodded to their Master before the Rogue Berserker pointed in the direction of the large traditional Japanese building with a Japanese sign called 'Miura-ya', which was a brothel that was run by the Master of Berserker of the Waxing Moon Ritual, Takao Dayu, as well as where her Servant, Miyamoto Musashi, the Berserker-Class Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual, as well as the Chaldean's friend, resides at.

Ritsuka nodded to the hulking Servant in gratitude and said, "Thank you."

Samson grunted softly before he left the area, presumably returning to his duties to guard the red-light district.

The Chaldean group watched him leave before they turned towards the building and headed to the front entrance.

Once they had reached the entrance, Ritsuka, the Last Master of Humanity, looked up at the traditional Japanese building and took a deep breath before he let out a sigh and said, "Well, here we are. Miura-ya, the place where Miyamoto Musashi is...at least, I hope she's here."

"My, oh, my~." a voice of a woman said before Ritsuka and his Servants turned to see a beautiful woman, likely the high-class courtesan of the brothel, approaching them in high-heeled slippers, before she said to the young man with a smile while looking at Ritsuka's Arctic Region Chaldea Uniform, "What a very strange customer we have here, especially for one who's not dressed as Japanese like everyone else in Edo~. What have you come here for, young man? Perhaps, for pleasure and entertainment even for your age~?"

"A-Ah, no, nothing like that!" Ritsuka quickly waved it off with a blush, "We're not here for that at all! Rather, we're here to see someone!"

"Is that so?" the woman smiled, "Who is it you'd like to see, young man?"

"Um..." Ritsuka gulped before he replied, "I'd like to see Miyamoto Musashi. My name is Fujimaru Ritsuka. I'm a friend of hers, and I was told she'd be here by Miyamoto Iori."

"My, is that so?" the woman said with a surprised look before she said, "Then I take it you're Iori's friend then?" She then placed her hands in front of her and gave them a polite bow, "Very well, then. Since you've come all the way here to Yoshiwara by Iori, please, come in, Ritsuka Fujimaru, and the rest of you, too."

"Really?" Ritsuka said, surprised, "Thank you very much, ma'am. By the way, I'm sorry if this is a rude question, but...are you perhaps Miyamoto Musashi's Master of the Waxing Moon Ritual, Takao Dayu?"

"Oh, my, how observant of you!" the courtesan giggled before she introduced herself, "Yes, I am Takao Dayu, the Master of Musashi-chan who is a Berserker-Class Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual, and proprietress of the Miura-ya Brothel."

"Huh, I knew it." Ritsuka breathed out, feeling both relieved and anxious before he asked Takao, "Um, Dayu-san, can we see her, Musashi, please?"

Takao Dayu gave a smile as she answered, "Of course. If you're friends with Musashi-chan, then I will not turn you away, young man. Besides, she's been waiting for you."

"Really?" said Ritsuka, shocked, "She has?"

"Oh, yes, she has." Takao Dayu said, "She was so eager to see her old friend since you and your Servants came here. Come, follow me."

"Of course, we will." Ritsuka nodded, eager to see his old friend, his old Servant, Miyamoto Musashi, face to face again after what seemed like so long, before he told his Servants, "Everyone, let's go."

"Right." Jeanne and the others nodded before they followed the high-class courtesan upstairs to her room, where Miyamoto Musashi was sitting by the window admiring the cherry blossoms.

"Musashi-chan," Dayu called to her Servant, "you have visitors."

"Hm?" Musashi hummed, before turning her head to look at the courtesan and asked, "Visitors?"

"Yes." Takao Dayu nodded before stepping aside and showing the Chaldeans.

Ritsuka's eyes lit up before he walked forward and smiled at the familiar sight of the Heroic Spirit he once summoned as one of the Servants of Chaldea.

"Musashi!"

Musashi blinked when she heard her name, and then her eyes widened as she saw Ritsuka, her old Master of Chaldea, standing before her, and his Servants as well who were with him.

"Ritsuka?" said Musashi with a surprised look as she did not expect to see Ritsuka again so soon since last night, "What're you doing here?"

"Musashi!" Ritsuka cried out again with a bright smile as he ran forward, tears were streaming down his cheeks as he embraced the Heroic Spirit who was also his friend, his dear, dear friend, before he cried out, "I-I can't believe it's really you, Musashi! It's been so long, but you're here, and I'm so glad to see you!"

Musashi looked down at the young man who embraced her, her old Master from Chaldea, Ritsuka, with a surprised look while she let out a surprised yelp from his sudden embrace and said in slight confusion, "Wait, Ritsuka, hold on, what's going on? I-I'm so confused. Why are you hugging me? And why are you crying, Ritsuka? And, more importantly, what are you guys doing here in Edo, and why and how're you even here?"

"I-It's a long story!" said Ritsuka, trying to calm down while keeping his hold on her, "B-But we're here because we came to find you, Musashi. We wanted to see you so badly, so Iori and Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual told me to find you here in Yoshiwara, and...and...I'm so happy, Musashi...I'm so happy! I'm just so happy to see you again!"

Seeing how Ritsuka was like a child, despite the confusion of what was going on even with Ritsuka, Musashi couldn't help but smile and giggle before she returned the hug and said, "Aww, jeez~. You must really miss me, don't you, Ritsuka?"

"You have no idea..." said Ritsuka as he let go of her and wiped away his tears before he said, "I really miss you...so much! I-I'm really happy to see you again...I'm so happy, but I'm so sad...we didn't get to say goodbye before the end of the Lostbelt...I-I'm so sorry, Musashi! I'm so sorry I couldn't save you!"

"Huh?" said Musashi, confused, before she asked, "Uh...Lostbelt? What's a Lostbelt? What're you even talking about, Ritsuka?"

Ritsuka looked at Musashi with a look of surprise and confusion before he said, "Huh? Musashi, what do you mean? Don't you remember?"

"Remember what?" Musashi asked, now getting confused herself, "I'm sorry, Ritsuka, but...what are you talking about? Did something happen back in Chaldea?"

"Wha--? Wait, don't tell me...you don't remember anything?" Ritsuka said in disbelief, "Musashi, you disappeared after we stopped the Alien God! Don't you remember the Olympus Lostbelt and what happened to you?"

"Uh...what're you talking about Ritsuka?" Musashi asked, even more confused as she had no idea what the Chaldean Master was talking about, "Seriously, what's a Lostbelt? Olympus Lostbelt? I don't know what any of those things are. You're really confusing me, Ritsuka. Can you tell me what's going on? How did you even get here to Edo, anyway?"

"Musashi..." Ritsuka breathed, shocked, as he realized that his friend, the Berserker-Class Servant and Swordswoman, Miyamoto Musashi, did not have her memories of the Lostbelts, including the last one, and what happened to her, "Musashi, do you not...?"

"Hold a moment, Master." said 'Void' Shiki as she stepped in before the Saber-Class Servant asked Musashi, "Musashi, what exactly do you remember? And, do you know what Singularities are and what Chaldea Security Organization is?”

Musashi looked at ‘Void’ Shiki before the Berserker-Class Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual smiled and answered the latter questions, “What do you mean? Of course, I know what those are! Singularities are anomalies that change history at some point in the past, and the Chaldea Security Organization is an organization of geniuses and mages dedicated to studying the cause of the anomalies and destroying them in order to protect human history, right? And you guys are members of that organization, aren't you?"

"Yes." 'Void' Shiki answered, "That is true, however, what we're wondering is...what do you remember, Musashi, as in before you came to this world as a participant of the Waxing Moon Ritual?"

Musashi blinked in confusion at 'Void' Shiki's question before she began thinking about it for a moment, and then she answered, "Hmm, let's see...well, I remember that, after I died in one of the Pseudo-Singularities and became a Heroic Spirit, I was summoned by Ritsuka as one of his Servants of Chaldea during the Grand Order in order to help him clear out Singularities to restore human history.” She then laughed a bit and added with admittance, “A-Although, because I tend to travel from one parallel world to another thanks to my ability to drift to places, I don't come over and help Chaldea often. I can only stay in one place and move on to the next and can’t go back to the same place I visited, after all. Anyway, after traversing to some worlds, I ended up here, summoned as a Servant participating in the Holy Grail War, or the Waxing Moon Ritual as every participant here calls it!"

“Then, tell me, Musashi,” Jeanne asked, “Do you recall…ah, no, rather, have you ever been to a place called Las Vegas before?”

“Las Vegas?” said Musashi as she thought about it for a moment before she gave out a goofy smile with her tongue stuck out and said, "Nope, never been to Vegas before! But I bet it's fun and I'd probably have a great time there, though, right?!"

"And do you know what Lostbelts are?" Jeanne asked.

Musashi gave out a confused look and asked, "No. Seriously, I don't know what you guys are talking about, what are Lostbelts?"

"Oh, no..." Jeanne realized before looking at 'Void' Shiki and began, "Shiki..."

"Yes, it's just as we thought." 'Void' Shiki nodded, "This is indeed Miyamoto Musashi, but she's not the Miyamoto Musashi that we all know."

"Huh?" said Ritsuka, confused, "Wait, what're you saying, guys? Is something wrong?"

"Master," 'Void' Shiki began, "This Musashi, the Musashi of this world, the Berserker-Class Servant serving under her Master, Takao Dayu, is the Musashi that came to Chaldea during the events of the Grand Order, which was the only time that Musashi has ever come to Chaldea."

"And seeing that she has absolutely no knowledge of what Lostbelts are, she does not know about what happened at the end of the last Lostbelt." Jeanne added, "And, seeing how she has no memories of what happened in the previous Lostbelt, she likely does not have memories of what happened in any of the Lostbelts. It's likely that the Musashi of this world has never once been to the Lostbelts, not the Olympus Lostbelt, and not the Atlantis Lostbelt. This Musashi is not the same Musashi that fought together with us in the last Lostbelt she had been in, which means..."

"This Miyamoto Musashi is a variant," said 'Void' Shiki, "The Miyamoto Musashi of the past, after the events of the Pesudo-Singularities, and before the events of the Lostbelts, including her final moments at the Olympous Lostbelt."

Upon hearing that the Miyamoto Musashi in front of them was not the Musashi that they knew who gave her life to protect Chaldea until her Spirit Origin was lost, but the Musashi from the past, a variant, before the events of the Lostbelts, Ritsuka's eyes widened in utter shock from what he heard from his Servants, and he remained silent for a moment as he took in what he just heard before all he could say out loud was, "Oh..."

Chapter Text

The Berserker-Class Servant sitting down, the one known as Miyamoto Musashi, raised an eyebrow when she heard 'Void' Shiki's words and looked at the other Servants in the room before she said, "Uh...I-I'm sorry, I'm confused. What's going on here, and what do you mean that I'm a variant?" She then looked at Ritsuka who looked at her with a shocked and sad look on his face before she asked the Master of Chaldea, "H-Hey, Ritsuka, what's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that? What're they talking about?"

Ritsuka's expression did not change even as he looked at the Musashi of this world, the variant, with a look of shock and sadness on his face, before he closed his eyes, sighed, and shook his head as he backed away, and then said, "I-I'm sorry, guys, but...I-I need to be alone." Then, abruptly, he turned away and began leaving the room and passing by Takao Dayu while saying to her, "Excuse me, sorry."

"W-Wait, Ritsuka!" Musashi called out as she watched the Master of Chaldea run away to go outside, "Where are you going?!"

While Musashi was confused as to what was going on with Ritsuka, 'Void' Shiki got up and said to Jeanne, Okita, Nobunaga, Tomoe, and Raikou, "I'll go and check on Master. Will you all stay here and tell Musashi everything? I believe she deserves to know what's going on."

Jeanne nodded and the Ruler-Class Servant said, "Yes, I agree. Very well, we'll talk to her."

"Thanks, I'll be right back." 'Void' Shiki said before she left the room and followed after Ritsuka.

Once 'Void' Shiki left the room, Jeanne turned to Musashi and asked, "Musashi, did you know why Ritsuka wanted to see you so badly and was very eager to see you?"

"W-Well, I-I thought he was just happy to see an old friend and fellow Servant that he hasn't seen in a long time since he was in the Singularities." said Musashi, feeling a bit concerned for Ritsuka's behavior, and then she asked the other Servants, "So, is there anything going on that I should know about? What's wrong with Ritsuka? Why did he act like that?"

"Ah, well, this might take a while." Nobunaga said before she let out a sigh, "It's a...really long story."

Okita then turned to Dayu and politely asked Musashi's Master of the Waxing Moon Ritual, "Uh, I'm sorry, Ms, Dayu, but can you...leave us alone for a moment?"

Takao Dayu looked at Ritsuka's Servants for a moment before she nodded and said, "Well, personally, I'd ask what's going on since I'm just as confused as Musashi-chan, but it seems that this is something that concerns all of you. I'll leave you to it, then. Call me if you need me."

"Thank you, ma'am." said Raikou.

"You're welcome." Takao Dayu nodded to them with a smile before she walked out of her room and closed the door behind her, leaving the Chaldeans alone to discuss with their friend and fellow Servant about what was going on.

"Alright, now that she's gone," said Nobunaga, "I guess we should start from the beginning."

"Right." said Jeanne as she began, "First, let me explain to you about this before going over with Ritsuka. You see, Musashi, Lostbelts are..."

As Jeanne and the others explain things to Musashi, outside on the streets of the red-light district, 'Void' Shiki looked around Yoshiwara for a moment before the Saber-Class Servant found her Master of Chaldea sitting by a small pond and looking down.

'Void' Shiki then walked over to the young man and sat beside him. She didn't say anything for a moment, knowing that Ritsuka was still upset about seeing the Miyamoto Musashi variant, and simply allowed him to vent out his frustration, grief, and sadness before speaking, "Master."

"Yeah?" said Ritsuka without looking up.

"Are you alright?" 'Void' Shiki asked her Master.

Ritsuka didn't say anything for a moment, remaining quiet before he began to let out a sad sob, slowly began crying as he couldn't hold his tears before he said tearfully, “I-I...I thought...I really thought that...that she somehow came back...that she’d come back with us...as a Servant again somehow, but...but...!” Then, distraught, he went and hugged his Servant and cried out while sobbing his heart out, "S-She's...she's not her, Shiki! S-She's not our Musashi! Our Musashi is truly gone, and we can't get her back! T-The Musashi we all know and love is gone...forever! A-And...and now, s-seeing the variant, the Musashi of the past, i-it just reminds me so much of how much I miss our Musashi and...how much I want her back! I-I'm just so sad and angry, and I'm just...I-I just can't accept the fact that...she's never coming back...! And...and...the fact that this Musashi...doesn't know about the Lostbelts...or what'll happen to her at the end of the Olympus Lostbelt, o-or the fact that she'll...g-give her life for all of us and Chaldea...just makes it so much more painful...s-so much more painful…when she disappeared forever and…I-I couldn’t summon her…from the Throne of Heroes…to Chaldea again...I-I'm so sad, Shiki! I-I'm so sad, and...a-and I miss Musashi so much!"

'Void' Shiki remained where she was as Ritsuka vented his frustration and sadness, allowing her Master to cry on her shoulder, letting out his sorrow. She did not speak a word nor did she try to say anything for a long while.

Deep down, however, ‘Void’ Shiki, like many of the Servants of Chaldea who can understand Ritsuka's thoughts and feelings at this point, understood why Ritsuka was so upset about why the Musashi of this world was not their Musashi whom he thought somehow came back as a Heroic Spirit able to be summoned as a Servant again but instead was a variant, the Musashi of the past before the Lostbelts and the Olympus Lostbelt.

To Ritsuka Fujimaru, Miyamoto Musashi was more than just a Heroic Spirit, a wandering swordswoman who jumps from world to world, more than just one of the Servants of Chaldea, and more than just a friend. To Ritsuka Fujimaru, Musashi was one of his many lovers of female Servants of Chaldea whom he deeply loved, just as much as he loved Mash, Jeanne, Tomoe, Okita, Nobunaga, Raikou, Shiki herself, and many other female Servants who loved Ritsuka just as much. And seeing a variant of one of his female Servants whom Ritsuka knew and loved that gave her life to save him and all of Chaldea in the Olympus Lostbelt, the Musashi of this world, the variant from the past, who has no knowledge of the Lostbelts, only served as a cruel reminder to Ritsuka and his Servants, that the Miyamoto Musashi that they all loved, was truly and permanently gone. 'Void' Shiki understood very much how much it saddened and hurt Ritsuka deeply, especially with how much he had lost since the final fight with Goetia and then the battle against the Crypters and the lost Lostbelts.

As Ritsuka kept on crying in sadness and sorrow over the fact the Musashi of this world was not their Musashi, 'Void' Shiki wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug like a lover would for a saddened lover, or even a big sister would for a crying little brother, before she said to soothe him, "Shhh. There, there. I understand, Master. I understand your pain, truly, but we have to move forward. We have to keep fighting, and we can't let our losses affect us. Not for too long. We can't afford to dwell on our grief forever, even for a moment. You know this better than anyone, Ritsuka."

"I know." Ritsuka breathed out, trying to calm himself as he hugged her back, "I know, but...seeing the Musashi of this world who isn't her is...so painful. I-I just can't bear it..."

"I know, I know." said 'Void' Shiki soothingly, "But, even though the Musashi we all knew is no longer here, we must remain strong, so that we can move forward in clearing Singularities and Lostbelts to save our Proper Human History. I'm sure it's what the people we have already lost along the way, even our Musashi, would have wanted us to do." She then let go of Ritsuka to have him look at her and said to him with a smile, "Besides, just because the Musashi of this world, the one that's not her, is a variant, doesn't mean she's not the same Musashi you once summoned and grew close to during the Grand Order."

"Really?" said Ritsuka before 'Void' Shiki cupped his cheeks, wiped away his tears, and smiled at him.

"Of course," said 'Void' Shiki, "If her personality's anything to go by, she's the same Musashi. She may not be our Musashi, the one who sacrificed herself to save all of us Chaldea during the Olympus Lostbelt, but she is still Musashi, the Musashi that you've grown to love, care for, and fight alongside as one of your Servants of Chaldea."

"You...You really think so?" said Ritsuka with a tearful smile.

"I know so." 'Void' Shiki smiled, wiping away the tears, "Just because she is not the same Musashi that gave her life to save you, Mash, Da Vinci, Holmes, and all of Chaldea from the Alien God and the Olympus Lostbelt doesn't mean that the Musashi of this world, the variant from the past, is not the Musashi that we all know and love. In fact, I'd say she is the Musashi we all know, care for, and love. Just the fact that she has not been to the Lostbelts means she is a different person, one that is not the same as the Musashi we knew, but not the Musashi that we don't care for and love, either. And, you're right, seeing the Musashi of the past does bring a painful reminder that the Musashi we lost, the one we know, is truly gone. But, as long as we remember her and the good times we shared with her, then I believe it will help us to move forward. As long as we continue moving forward, as long as we continue our mission as Master and Servants of Chaldea to save Humanity, the future will change, and we can have a better tomorrow. Do you understand, Ritsuka?"

Ritsuka listened to 'Void' Shiki's words and then he nodded and wiped away his tears as he said, "Y-Yes, I understand. Thank you, Shiki." His smile faltered a bit as he said sadly, "But, still, it's...it's..."

'Void' Shiki gave out a sad and understanding smile before she placed her forehead onto Ritsuka's and said, "I know. It's hard for you, Ritsuka. And believe me, it's also hard for us Servants of Chaldea, knowing that the Musashi here of this world is not the same Musashi who gave her life to save us Chaldea at the Olympus Lostbelt. We are sad, grieving, and angry as well, Ritsuka. But, as Servants, we are here to support and comfort our Masters when they're hurting, just like you're doing with Mash, myself, and everyone else." She then kissed Ritsuka on the lips, a kiss that Ritsuka accepted, before she pulled away and said, "And, as long as we have each other, I believe everything will be alright."

"Yeah..." Ritsuka nodded, smiling before he said to his Saber-Class Servant, "Thank you, Shiki."

'Void' Shiki nodded with a calm smile before she got up and suggested, "Say, how about we go for a walk before we head back? The cherry blossoms are nice, and the scenery may get your mind off of things for a while."

"Sure." Ritsuka nodded as he got up and held his Servant's hand, "I'd like that."

With that, the Master and Servant of Chaldea began walking together, hand in hand, as they admired the sights and beauty of the Yoshiwara district of Edo.

After the two left, Takao Dayu watched from a distance as she leaned against the door with her arms crossed.

"Hmm, the poor boy. I wonder if he's alright." she said to herself, feeling a bit sorry for Ritsuka before her eyes widened in surprise as she added, "But, still, to think that Musashi-chan once worked for this young man who’s a Master of more than one Servant. And he’s from the future, no less. Well, I suppose that's just another thing to add to the list of strange coincidences. No, rather, perhaps it's more of a miracle, if anything.” She then muttered to herself, “Perhaps I should report about this.”

Meanwhile, back in the room with Musashi, Jeanne and the others, after having finished explaining to Musashi what Lostbelts were and what they do to them to save their Proper Human History, told Musashi about the Olympus Lostbelt, where Musashi, or rather, their Musashi sacrificed herself to seal away Chaos, a God in Greek mythology and source of all gods in Greek mythology which emerged through the rift in space destroying all life in the Olympus Lostbelt as its highest priority is preserving the fleet, so it will absorb every resource on the planet’s surface and return to its interstellar voyage. They told Musashi in front of them that the Olympus Lostbelt was, in their Musashi's words, her last stop as she could no longer travel to any more different worlds, even the worlds she already came to once, as with each subsequent drift, fewer worlds became available, which was how Olympus became her last stop. And after her sacrifice in sealing away Chaos to save Ritsuka and all of Chaldea, as well as having spent all her Spirit Origin, their Musashi disappeared from the world not just from existence as a Servant, but also from the Throne of Heroes, meaning that she could no longer be summoned as a Servant of Chaldea again as all her data as a Servant was lost forever, and her record on the Spirit Origin graph was only read as “Data Lost”.

"Eh?!" said Musashi, shocked after hearing about her, or rather, her variant's fate, and essentially, her soon-to-be fate, "Seriously?! That's what happened to me?!"

"Yes." Jeanne nodded with a sad expression, "And Master...Ritsuka was...devastated when you disappeared from us, gone forever, no longer able to be summoned to Chaldea as a Servant again."

"He was?" said Musashi, feeling surprised and sad before she felt concerned for Ritsuka, "Wow...I can't believe I would make him feel so sad. I never knew he cared so much for me. And he was sad and upset because I was gone forever." She then remembered how Ritsuka acted when they saw each other back in the forest last night and said, "I guess...that would explain why he was so happy to see me again when he saw me."

"Yes." Tomoe nodded, "Until he found out you were a variant, he thought that you somehow came back as a Heroic Spirit like how we were able to be summoned again and able to be sent to Chaldea again."

"Ah, yeah, that's why he was so shocked, sad, and angry, huh?" said Musashi before she sighed and looked down, "I see, I didn't realize it at first, but now I understand why he was so happy to see me and was so sad to hear the truth. It's like he's losing a loved one all over again. It must've been hard for him, huh?"

"Yeah." Okita nodded sadly, "It was."

"Hell, it was hard for all of us Servants in Chaldea!" Nobunaga added, "Losing you, our Musashi, and knowing that she won't come back was really rough on us. Especially for Master. He was so broken and sad. I think the only reason he didn't go nuts, or at least, crazier than he was, is because of the Servants he grew close to, like Mash and us. You know, the ones who are still here with him in clearing out Singularities and Lostbelts?"

"Mmm." Musashi hummed as she listened and nodded before she said, "I see. Well, I'm glad to hear that he has you guys to comfort him and take care of him. It makes me happy that he's not alone. You know, I was worried that he might feel sad and lonely after I had gone. I was worried that he would be depressed and not have anyone to help him and keep him happy. I'm so relieved." She then sighed and said, "Still, I...I didn't think the loss of me would hit him hard."

"And that's not even counting what happens next in the British Lostbelt." said Okita, "It's a long story."

Then, they heard the door slide open and everyone turned and saw Ritsuka, after calming down from a long walk with 'Void' Shiki, coming into the room before he said, "Um...hey, guys. Sorry that I left the way I did. I'm...feeling better now."

"It's okay, Master. You needed a moment to vent out your feelings, so it's understandable." Jeanne smiled, understandingly, as she and the others got up and walked over to their Master, "How are you feeling now?"

"A bit better, but still pretty sad and angry, but it's okay." Ritsuka nodded with a weak smile.

"That's good." said Jeanne.

"Anyway, sorry that I acted the way I did." Ritsuka told his Servants before looking at Musashi, the Berserker-Class Servant of Takao Dayu of the Waxing Moon Ritual, and said, "Musashi, I uh...I-I know you're not exactly my Musashi, but--"

"Ah, it's fine." said Musashi, getting up as she approached him, "I don't really mind being a variant. It's actually pretty cool, in a way. I'm still the Musashi that you once knew and summoned, and I'm still the same Musashi that fought by your side during the Grand Order. It's just...you know, not the same Musashi, that's all."

Ritsuka couldn't help but chuckle a bit as he said, "Heh, thanks."

Musashi smiled back before she asked, "Hey, by the way, Ritsuka...when I...sacrificed myself to save you and all of Chaldea, did I...did I, like, go out with a bang?"

Ritsuka smiled as he remembered how his Musashi saved him and everyone at the Olympus Lostbelt before she disappeared from Chaldea, lost forever, before he said, "Yeah, you did."

"And...was I maybe awesome at it?" Musashi asked.

"Yeah." Ritsuka smiled, "You went out...like a true badass."

Musashi smiled at that before she nodded and said, "I see. Well, good enough for me. At least I know how I'll go when the time comes, though, I can't wait. I'd rather not go until I've had enough fun and seen more interesting things."

"I know the feeling." Ritsuka smiled and chuckled a bit, "That's just like you, Musashi. Always the optimistic and lively one. And the stubborn one."

"Heh, I guess it runs in the family." Musashi smirked, "Although, I am a little curious. If I, or rather, my variant is supposed to disappear forever from Chaldea when I seal away Chaos at your end, how is it that you guys managed to find me here in this world?"

"Honestly, we didn't." Ritsuka chuckled sheepishly, "We rayshifted to this world by accident, thinking the Edo of this world was a Singularity."

Upon hearing that, there was a moment of awkward silence before Musashi burst out laughing as she said, "HA HA HA HA HA! Oh, wow! That's hilarious, Ritsuka! Seriously, are you guys, like, stupid or something?!"

"I'm not sure if you want an honest answer." Okita admitted with a smile.

"We were kind of busy at the time." Ritsuka said sheepishly.

"So, you guys came to this world by accident?!" Musashi laughed, "HA HA HA HA HA HA!"

"Well, I mean, how were we supposed to know that this was an alternate reality and not a Singularity?" said Nobunaga, "Besides, the technology is the same, so the fact that this world is Singularity is still very possible."

"No, it's not!" Musashi kept on laughing before calming down she looked at 'Void' Shiki and asked, "And what are you guys doing in this world anyway? What's Chaldea's business here?"

'Void' Shiki shrugged and replied, "Well before we found out it was an alternate universe, as we stated, we thought this world was a Singularity, because of the Holy Grail War that exists in this world, or what the participants here called the Waxing Moon Ritual."

"Oh, really?" Musashi asked.

Jeanne nodded before she said, "As I'm sure you know, the first Holy Grail War in our world, and likely in other alternate universes as well, started around the 1700s after it was made by the Einzberns, Tohsakas, and Makiri, and was later established as battle royale and the ritual could only happen in modern time every sixty years. However, what we found strange was that the Holy Grail War which was supposed to have happened around the 1700s was instead established and began around the mid-1600s in the Edo Period, though the participants here call it the Waxing Moon Ritual, and we found it strange and suspected to be a Singularity, so we rayshifted here as soon as we could to get rid of the anomaly."

"And that's when you later found out it was not the case," Musashi guessed, "But why didn't you rayshift out back to Chaldea as soon as you guys found out?"

"We tried." Ritsuka chuckled sheepishly, "But, unfortunately, rayshifting to another universe by accident caused the Rayshifting System to be jammed and damaged. We can still bring in other Servants from Chaldea to here, though."

"So until the Rayshifting System is fixed, we can't go back to Chaldea," said Jeanne, "At least for the time being, and not without us Servants leaving Ritsuka behind in this world's Edo Period."

"Ah, I see." Musashi nodded, now understanding, "So then, in the meantime, you're helping out Iori and Saber in the Waxing Moon Ritual by fighting other Masters and Servants who are participants, right?"

"Yup," said Ritsuka, "That's the plan, for the time being. Plus, we thought we might as well kill some time before we can head back to Chaldea, or at least, get the Rayshifting System repaired."

"Alright," Musashi nodded with a smile, "Now I get the picture. So, until you guys can get back home, you're staying here, right? Is that correct?"

"For the time being, yes." said Jeanne.

"Well, alright, since you guys will be stuck here in Edo for a long while, and since you're helping out Iori and Saber in the Waxing Moon Ritual, I'll help you guys out however I can, too!" Musashi smiled, "You guys helping out Iori and Saber in the Waxing Moon Ritual means you're also helping me and Dayu. It only makes sense. Plus, I'm sure having me fighting alongside you will make you feel like good old times, huh, Ritsuka?"

"Definitely." Ritsuka nodded, smiling.

"Great!" Musashi grinned as she crossed her arms, "So, now that I know what's going on and what you guys will be doing, do you want to hang out tonight? Maybe go out to eat? My treat, of course. What do you say, Ritsuka? Will you join me and Dayu tonight for dinner?"

Ritsuka and his Servants looked at each other before the Master of Chaldea, after thinking for a moment, turned back to Musashi and said, "Sorry, Musashi, not today. We promised Iori that we'd meet him and Saber at Nihonbashi to help him find the other Masters and Servants, so we can't stay here for too long even for tonight, so...maybe next time when we're free."

"Ah, I see." Musashi nodded in understanding, "Well, alright then. Don't worry about it. Maybe some other time. So, will I see you guys tomorrow, then?"

"Yup, maybe, and hopefully we'll have the time to hang out with you, too." Ritsuka nodded, "Though we might have our hands full with other Masters and Servants, as well as Rogue Servants, so we'll be busy."

Musashi laughed a bit before the Berserker-Class Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual said with a wink, "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Just come over to see me and Dayu if you guys need anything, especially when the other Masters and Servants get tough. Oh, and tell Iori Saber that I say hi, okay?"

"Got it, thanks, Musashi." said Ritsuka.

"No problem." Musashi nodded before she held out her fist and asked, "Now, can we at least have a fist bump, at least?"

"Sure." Ritsuka smiled before he brought out his fist and bumped fists with Musashi, a familiar action between them before the young Master said, "Thanks for the offer. And hey, even if you're not my Musashi, it was great seeing you again."

"Of course," Musashi smiled, nodding, "I'll see you around, Ritsuka."

"Later." Ritsuka smiled as he and the other Servants waved goodbye to their friend as they left the room, leaving Yoshiwara to hurry on their way to Nihonbashi.

Once Ritsuka and the others left the room, Musashi's Master in the Waxing Moon Ritual, Takao Dayu, came into the room and asked with a smile, "You must be really close to that boy, huh, Musashi-chan?"

"...Yeah." said Musashi, nodding with a smile, "Very much."

"You know, it's funny," said Takao Dayu with a grin, "When we met today, he asked me if you were doing okay. He sounded pretty concerned and worried for you. It's almost like he's your boyfriend."

Musashi couldn't help but chuckle as she blushed at the thought of her, Ritsuka, and a future together before she shook her head and said, "Nah, he's not. Well, I mean, in a sense, he is, but...just not like 'my' my boyfriend."

"Because he's from another universe, yes?" Dayu guessed.

"Exactly." Musashi nodded, "But, still, the thought of him being my boyfriend is nice."

"I see," said Dayu, nodding in understanding before she asked, "I've been meaning to ask, but the way you and the other Servants of his interacted, and the way the others talk, it's like you and they are close not just as friends and allies, but as family."

"Hmm? Oh, yeah." Musashi nodded as she smiled at the memory of the moments she had with Ritsuka and the other Servants of Chaldea, "We've been through a lot together, even if I'm not the Musashi that THEY know."

"Musashi-chan," Takao Dayu asked her Berserker-Class Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual, "Are you going to form a contract with that Ritsuka boy?"

Musashi smiled sadly before she shook her head and said, "Even if I wanted to, it would be pointless, since he's not exactly a magus or a Master of this Holy Grail War. Besides, I'm perfectly fine serving you, Dayu."

"Hmm, if you say so." said Takao Dayu before she asked her Servant, "So, do you think that boy will be okay, then? He seemed pretty upset."

"Oh, don't worry about him." said Musashi as she crossed her arms, "He'll be fine. Besides, he has other Servants who will be there for him when he's not." She looked through the window with a smile on her face as she said, "Yeah...Ritsuka isn't alone. He has his Servants with him."

As Musashi looked through the window with a smile on her face, knowing that Ritsuka would be okay as long as he had his Servants with him, Takao Dayu gave out a sad and guilty look as, without Ritsuka or any of his Chaldean Servants knowing, she had secretly reported to the Overseer about Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants who entered their world and have participated in the Waxing Moon Ritual, allying themselves with Miyamoto Iori, the Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, before Dayu thought to herself guiltily, "Oh, dear...I really hope I don't come to regret this...or at the very least, I hope the Overseer doesn't do anything terrible to them after asking me to inform them about the Chaldeans if they come to Yoshiwara. I'm sorry, Musashi-chan, Ritsuka."

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, back in Nihonbashi, Miyamoto Iori and Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual headed to Gojiingahara to find the foreign sailors.

On their way, they saw a crowd gathered in the middle of the road cheering as two people were about to get into a fight as one ill-tempered man shouted angrily, "You rotten bastard! You got a death wish or something?!"

"What'd you say?!" the quarrelsome man shouted back, "You ain't gonna do nothing with that sword!"

"Why you...!" the ill-tempered man growled.

"Hm, what's going on here?" said Saber, "We can't get through..."

"Hey, it's just getting good!" said the gawking man, "Don't go getting in the way now!"

"That's right, don't be a bore!" the gawking woman agreed, "Just enjoy the show until the authorities come around!"

Saber looked at the fight that was about to happen between the ill-tempered man and the quarrelsome man before they said, "Oh. That man looks like he's about to draw his sword."

"What terrible timing." Iori sighed while shaking his head, "We need to get through as soon as possible. Well, let's take care of this. I don't want things to get out of hand."

Then, Iori and Saber approached the two men who were about to fight to mediate the conflict before, just when the ill-tempered man was about to deliver a punch to the quarrelsome man, Iori stepped in and caught his punch with his hand as he said to break off the fight, "That's enough already."

"O-Oh, uh...s-sorry." said the ill-tempered man as he calmed down and stopped what he was doing as he backed off, ending the conflict, much to everyone's disappointment as they then went back to what they were doing.

Iori sighed in relief as he said, "...Another case settled."

"Well, Edo is infamous for its quick-tempered residents." Saber smiled a bit, "I'm glad nothing bad happened."

Then the Master and Servant continued to head on their way to Gojiingahara.

Once they arrived, Iori and Saber found the foreign sailors they were looking for before Iori asked as he and Saber approached them, "Excuse me. Sorry, but do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Hm?" one of the foreign sailors said as he and the rest turned to face Iori and Saber, "What could you want from us--?" But then, just as they saw Iori, they immediately recognized him as one of the Masters participating in the Waxing Moon Ritual as one of them shouted, "Wait! That guy there! He's a Master!"

Alerted that the foreign sailors recognized him as one of the Masters of the Waxing Moon Ritual, Iori and Saber immediately got into their fighting stances as one of the sailors said as he and the rest readied themselves, "Get him before he calls his Servant! Don't just stand there – find the senior guildsman!"

As the foreign sailors began to attack Iori, who drew out his two katanas and got in his Niten Ichi-Ryū fighting style, Iori thought, "Damn, they recognized me? Maybe I should've been more careful..."

"Hehe!" Saber chuckled as they drew out their jaded serpentine sword and began fighting the foreign sailors along with Iori, "We'll get some answers after we teach them a lesson!"

Meanwhile, Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, who just changed back into kimonos to blend in the Edo Period, had just arrived at Nihonbashi from Yoshiwara and were looking around to find Iori and Saber, asking anyone who was passing by if they had seen them.

"Excuse me, sir." Ritsuka asked a man passing by, "Have you seen a man carrying two katanas and uh...a person with long braided hair wearing a white robe anywhere? We're looking for them."

"Hm? Oh, them? I saw them go to Gojiingahara not too long ago," the man replied, pointing in the direction where Gojiingahara was located, "I think they're there right now."

"Thank you very much, sir!" Ritsuka smiled, bowing his head to the man, "Appreciate the help!"

The man nodded with a smile and then walked away, continuing on his way as Ritsuka and the Chaldean Servants turned and headed on their way to Gojiingahara, where Iori and Saber had just finished fighting off the foreign sailors, who were now tired from fighting.

"Damn, this chump ain't bad!" one of the sailors grumbled, "And what's with the shrimp--? No, wait...that's a Servant! Retreat! All hands, fall back!"

Upon that order, the rest of the foreign sailors began to run off, retreating to wherever they were going, likely back to one of the Masters of the Waxing Moon Ritual who sent them.

As soon as they were gone, Iori sheathed his katanas while Saber dismissed their weapon as Iori said while shaking his head, "Man, they got away..."

"Agh, they sure run fast!" said Saber, irritated.

"Iori, Saber!" Ritsuka called as he and his Servants approached them, "Sorry we're late! We got here as soon as we could after leaving Yoshiwara! Did we miss anything?"

"Ah, Ritsuka, and your Servants, too." said Iori before he answered the Chaldean Master's question, "Not really. We just had a run-in with a bunch of foreign sailors after looking for them and we were about to interrogate them. Though, as you can already see, they made a run for it."

"Foreigners, in the middle of Japan?" Ritsuka questioned, "What're they doing here in Edo?"

"Could they be working for a Master of the Waxing Moon Ritual?" Jeanne asked.

"Most likely." Iori nodded, "They said something about going to Yoshiwara."

"Yoshiwara?" said Okita, "But, that's where we visited Musashi?"

"No way." said Tomoe, "If they're planning to go to Yoshiwara..."

"Hmm." Iori hummed before he questioned, "If they're trying to head to Yoshiwara, could they be after Dayu and Shishou?"

"In any case," said Saber with a determined look on their face, "We're going to capture them and have them tell us what they're up to!"

"...Just don't go killing anyone." said Iori.

"Heheh." Saber smiled with their hands on their hips, "I can use finesse when I have to. Leave it to me!"

"Ritsuka, I know you just got here, but do you think you and your Servants can help us out?" Iori asked the Chaldean Master, "We're a little short on hands, and we could really use all the help we can get."

"Sure." Ritsuka nodded.

"Then let's get going, shall we?" Iori smiled, "I'm not sure if they're still nearby or not, so we should hurry. Let's move!"

With that, Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants headed out and followed Iori and Saber.

On their search for the foreign sailors getting away, Saber pointed and said, "Iori, there they are! They'll get away if we don't hurry!"

"Hold on, Saber." said Crimson Codex as the sentient book appeared floating next to Iori, "We still need to settle things with the Spirit Font here."

"Are you talking about disconnecting from the leyline?" Iori asked, "But we're in the middle of a chase!"

"I hate to lose the Spirit Font's magical energy, but look – the path from Asakusa is exposed." said Crimson Codex, "If we keep moving forward, the stronghold might also come under attack."

"...That's true." said Iori, "We should listen to him."

"Then we'll proceed while you deal with disconnecting the leyline." 'Void' Shiki suggested, "I saw where the sailors were heading, so us Chaldea will go on first. Catch up to us when you're done."

"Okay, sure," said Iori, nodding, "Be careful, you guys."

"Same to you, Iori." said Ritsuka before he and his Chaldean Servants nodded at each other as they split up.

Iori and Saber stayed behind while the Chaldean Master and his Servants followed the path where the foreign sailors went in order to catch up to them.

"Alright, then. Now that we've finished disconnecting the Spirit Font..." said Iori, "We should hurry, Saber!"

"They're already getting away!" said Saber, "After them!"

Iori nodded before he and Saber ran off to catch up to Ritsuka and his Servants, who followed the foreign sailors to Zojo-ji, a temple near Akasaka.

Though originally built elsewhere, it was moved to its current location after being selected as the Tokugawa family temple. As it lies in the directly opposite direction from Ueno's Kan'ei-ji, it is believed to also protect Edo Castle from evil spirits. The temple's Sangedatsumon Gates is said to purge the worldly desires of those who pass through them and put them on the path to reach the Buddhist pure land Sukhavati.

Once Iori and Saber arrived at Zojo-ji, Iori quickly said, "...We need to catch at least one of them. They're in the area, and Ritsuka and the others must've caught up with them by now, so let's go!"

Iori and Saber hurried on their way to catch up with Ritsuka and his Servants who likely already found the foreign sailors. Once they caught up with them, they found Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, with their kimonos off and in their battle outfits, in the middle of a temple facing the foreign sailors and preparing themselves for a fight.

"Dammit!" one of the sailors cursed, "We were planning to split up so that they wouldn't track us, but I didn't think that guy would have allies!"

"Dammit, who is this kid?!" another sailor cursed, "Is he a Master, too?! And...wait...could it be...?" He looked at the Servants with Ritsuka, Jeanne d'Arc, Oda Nobunaga, Okita Souji, Minamoto-no-Raikou, Tomoe Gozen, and 'Void' Shiki Ryougi, counting them before his eyes widened in shock as he said, "One, two, three, four, five...wait...SIX SERVANTS?! But how?!"

"Wha--no way!" a third sailor shouted, also as shocked as his friend was, "We never heard of a Master in the Waxing Moon Ritual commanding more than one Servant!"

"Who is this guy?!" another sailor demanded, "What kind of Master is he?!"

"You know it's rude to ask questions when I'm standing right in front of you, right?" Ritsuka smiled a bit.

"Oh, well, in that case," one of the sailors said before he demanded Ritsuka, "Who the hell are you, and where the hell did you come from?!"

"Huh?" Ritsuka tilted his head, pretending not to know what the sailor was talking about, "You don't know? I'm from, well, um...Edo."

"Liar! You're lying!" the sailor yelled, not believing a word the Chaldean Master was saying, "There's no way you're from Edo!"

"Huh?" Ritsuka frowned before smirking, "What's so hard to believe about me being from Edo?"

"Well, for one thing, your goddamn clothes!" one of the sailors pointed at Ritsuka's clothes, which were his Mystic Code the Arctic Region Chaldea Uniform, "Nobody here in Edo of Japan wears clothes like that! They look too...strange and...f-futuristic?...to be clothes from Edo!"

"And another thing!" said the third sailor, pointing at Ritsuka's Servants, who stood next to him, ready to fight, "No Master in the Waxing Moon Ritual is capable of commanding more than one Servant, but yet, you're not just one, but you have six! How the hell are you able to command so many Servants at the same time?! Just who the hell are you?!"

"Um..." Ritsuka looked at his Servants, who shrugged as they had no idea how to answer that question without telling the sailors the truth about them being from the future.

"And there's no way a magus can use magic without their magical circuits!" the second sailor shouted, "You have to be some kind of monster to be able to use magic without magical circuits!"

"So, spill it, brat!" the first sailor demanded. "We'll ask again, who the hell are you and where the hell did you come from?!"

"I-I can't say." said Ritsuka.

"Huh?" one of the sailors said in confusion.

"It's complicated, okay?" Ritsuka continued, "I'd rather not explain it, since it's not exactly easy to understand."

"Well, make it easy to understand!" one of the sailors shouted.

Ritsuka chuckled and said, "Well, you guys wouldn't believe me, even if I told you."

Ritsuka's Chaldean Servants simply nodded in agreement with their Master.

"Oh, and by the way," Ritsuka said, looking at the foreign sailors, "I'm not actually a Master. I'm just a friend."

"Huh?!" the foreign sailors exclaimed.

"Or rather, I'm not really a Master who's a participant in the Waxing Moon Ritual, I'm just helping out a friend of mine." Ritsuka nodded with a smile before his expression became serious, "And I'm not going to let you guys get away. Not without telling me and my friend what you were planning."

The foreign sailors growled as they drew out their swords before one of them said, "Ah, you know what, screw it! Forget getting answers out of this kid! At this point, he's probably stalling for time until that Master and his Servant get here! Let's try to split up and run!"

"Stop right there!" Saber shouted as they and Iori quickly arrived before Saber pointed their finger at the foreign sailors and declared, "This is as far as you go!"

"Dammit, they're here!" one of the sailors growled.

"...They sure are stubborn." another sailor sighed.

"Glad you two made it." Ritsuka nodded with a smile.

"Yeah." Iori nodded back at Ritsuka before looking at the foreign sailors and said, "Now then, don't you think it's time to give up? Chasing you around will only tire us all out."

"Plus, you guys might be mages, but you're all outnumbered with nine of us here." Ritsuka added, "So give it up while you still can."

"Who do you think you are?!" one of the foreign sailors/mages growled, "We'll take care of you to Masters right here, even if we're outnumbered with your Servants with you!"

"Yeah, that's right!" another foreign sailor agreed, "Let's take them out!"

"Really, four of you against nine of us?" 'Void' Shiki sighed with a calm smile while shaking her head, "These men are perhaps maybe more stubborn than we are."

"Is this what they mean by 'the smaller the dog, the bigger the bark'?" Saber questioned.

"Y-You...!" one of the sailors growled, "W-Who are you calling a small dog?!"

"Hm." said Saber with an annoyed look, "Do you see anyone around here?"

"Yeah, what...uh...he...or she...?" Nobunaga tried to say while remembering that Saber was genderless before she shook her head and said with a boisterous smile, "What Saber said!"

"Oh, now you've done it!" one of the sailors growled as he and the rest prepared to fight Iori and Saber, as well as Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants.

But then, just as they were about to engage in a fight, someone grumbled and said, "...Ugh, shut your trap!"

Everyone turned around and saw someone, and to Ritsuka's and the Chaldean Servants' surprise and recognition, it was a Lancer-Class Servant that they knew. Or rather, a Lancer-Class Servant they knew who is a Rogue Servant tied to the Spirit Font of Zojo-ji as Jeanne could see and tell as a Ruler-Class Servant.

The Servant standing in front of them, Rogue Lancer, is a blue-haired, red-eyed man whose primary outfit is a deep ultramarine full body tights covered in Runic protections, grey metallic pauldrons, and a metal plate over his lowest abdominal section. He wears his hair in a rattail that reaches his mid-back. He also wears a pair of silver earrings. He gives off the impression of a beast, even carrying a bestial smell.

"You-!" said Iori, recognizing Rogue Lancer to be a Servant.

"What's with all the yelling?" Rogue Lancer complained, "Can't you take your fight somewhere else?"

"No way...!" Ritsuka gasped as he recognized the Rogue Lancer-Class Servant in front of them before he smiled and said, "It's Cú Chulainn!"

"Huh?" said Rogue Lancer, Cú Chulainn, looking at Ritsuka with a look of confusion and unrecognition of the Chaldean Master before he asked with a raised eyebrow, "And who the hell are you, kid? How do you know my True Name?"

"Oh, um, well..." said Ritsuka, surprised that the Lancer-Class Rogue Servant in front of him didn't know who he was or recognized him, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled, "Oh, uh, it's me. You know, Ritsuka? Ritsuka Fujimaru? And these are my Servants."

"Wait, what? What're you talking about, kid?" Rogue Lancer asked with an annoyed and confused look on his face, "I've never seen you before, so I don't even know who the hell you are."

"Uh..." Ritsuka's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, along with the rest of his Chaldean Servants, upon hearing Rogue Lancer's response, "W-What? But, but...that's impossible! There's no way you can forget me, Cú Chulainn! Are you messing with me right now?!"

"Hey, don't blame me if I can't remember you." Rogue Lancer shrugged, "You and I have never met."

"But--"

"Uh, Master," said Jeanne, getting Ritsuka's attention, before the Ruler-Class Servant approached him and whispered, "Keep in mind, we're in an alternate universe, so Servants who we recognize don't recognize us, let alone have memories of us or Chaldea! It's the same with the King of Heroes back in Asakusa, remember?"

Upon hearing that and being reminded of that, Ritsuka widened his eyes in realization and said, "O-Oh, right! Right. That's...that's right. I completely forgot about that. Sorry, sorry."

"What're you talking about?" Rogue Lancer raised an eyebrow, looking confused.

"N-Nothing, nothing!" said Ritsuka before he smiled and introduced himself to the Lancer-Class Rogue Servant, "Anyway, as I was saying, I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru and these are my Servants. We're helping out Iori here who's participating in the Waxing Moon Ritual, though unlike him, we're not from around here. Hell, I'm technically not a participant in this war."

"Is that right?" said Rogue Lancer.

"H-Hey!" one of the foreign sailors shouted, getting Rogue Lancer's attention, "W-Who are you?!"

"Who am I?" Rogue Lancer smirked, "Good question. I guess I'm the watchdog of this place." He scratched the back of his head and added, "Let's just say I owe a mage who claims this place. So...if you won't leave, then I'll have to get to work."

Iori became alerted to that, his intuition as a warrior telling him that Rogue Lancer was in for a fight.

"...A Rogue Servant." Saber understood with a serious expression on their face.

"And a Lancer-Class, as well." Tomoe added.

Rogue Lancer brought his right hand out to his side, summoning his red spear that Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants recognized as his Noble Phantasm, Gáe Bolg, the spear of causation which carries a curse that reverses causality. The wounds inflicted by the spear cannot be healed as the curse of the spear renders them incapable of altering their fate, as long as the spear remains in the world.

"Oh, shit...!" Ritsuka whispered, recognizing the spear.

"You think so?" Rogue Lancer smirked as he placed his spear on his shoulder.

Iori was about to step forward before Saber stopped their Master by raising their right hand to halt him.

Rogue Lancer, whom Chaldea knew as Ireland's Child of Light, Cú Chulainn, got into his fighting stance as he said with a serious look on his face, "...If you're fond of breathing, then clear outta here!"

"Ngh!" Iori grunted as he got into his fighting stance, ready to draw out his two katanas for his Niten Ichi-Ryū fighting style.

"Here he comes." said Saber as they summoned their jaded serpentine sword, "Brace yourself, Iori! You too, Ritsuka, and all of your Servants!"

"W-Wait, what?!" said Ritsuka, shocked that they were going to fight against Cú Chulainn of this world, before looking at the Rogue Servant in front of them and grunted in hesitation as, even if the Cú Chulainn of Iori's world didn't recognize him nor his Chaldean Servants, Ritsuka didn't want to fight against the Rogue Lancer whom he sees as a friend as he said, "I-Is this serious?!"

"Heh." Rogue Lancer smirked, "What does it look like to you, kid?"

Ritsuka grunted, clenching his fist, before he said, "Fine then...guys, let's do this!"

"Right," said 'Void' Shiki as she summoned her katana, "Not like we have a choice in the matter."

"Everyone, prepare yourselves!" Jeanne declared as she brought out her spear with her battle flag.

As Iori and Saber, as well as Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, prepared themselves to fight against Rogue Lancer, who Ritsuka and his Servants know as Cú Chulainn, one of the foreign sailors behind them said, "A new Servant...! D-Don't we have any information on this one...?!"

"Spread out!" another foreign sailor shouted, "We must bring back some information!"

The foreign sailors then quickly began spreading out and running away, leaving the group behind to deal with Rogue Lancer.

"Ah, they're getting away!" Okita shouted.

"Gah!" Nobunaga groaned before she shouted, "Really?!"

"Hey, wait!" Saber shouted at the sailors running away, "I won't let you get away!"

"Hey, you're the ones who won't be getting away." said Rogue Lancer with a serious look.

"...I think there must be a misunderstanding." said Iori, trying to calmly reason with the Rogue Servant, "We're not with them."

"If anything, they're our enemies." Saber added, "They seem to be working for another Master of this Waxing Moon Ritual."

"That's right, Cú Chulainn!" said Ritsuka, trying to reason with his friend even if this version of Cú Chulainn doesn't recognize Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants, "You're making a big mistake, since we're not your enemies, and we're not with those guys either! If you just let us go, we'll explain everything to you and we'll try to help you figure out what's going on!"

"Hm, that so?" said Rogue Lancer before he looked at the Master of Saber of the Waxing Moon Ritual, who seemed to trust the strange boy and his multiple Servants with him before he then said with a serious look and said, "...Well, I honestly couldn't care less." He then smirked and added, "I haven't gotten much exercise recently, so you're gonna help me get back into shape!"

Seeing that Rogue Lancer was dead serious and a fight was about to ensue, as well as sensing such power coming from the Rogue Servant, Iori quickly drew out his two katanas while Saber got in their fighting stance and said, "What incredible magical energy! Iori, let me--!"

"No, I will fight as well." said Iori as he got in his Niten Ichi-Ryū fighting style, "...If I missed this, I'd surely regret it."

"Is...that so?" Saber asked before they said, "Well, at least try and stay out of my way!"

As Rogue Lancer got into his fighting stance, Iori told Ritsuka and his Servants, "Ritsuka, we'll handle Rogue Lancer! You and your Servants should go after the foreign sailors! You need to capture one of them alive!"

"Huh?!" said Ritsuka, "But, are you sure?! I'm familiar with Cú Chulainn! I can help--!"

"No!" said Iori, "The sailors are the top priority! We need to find out what they're up to! Now go!"

"But--!"

"Don't worry, we'll cover for you and your Servants to escape!" said Saber, "So hurry and go find and capture one of the foreign sailors! Iori and I can handle this!"

Ritsuka stared at the Master-Servant pair for a moment before he sighed and said with a nod, "Okay, we'll do that. But, just be careful about Cú Chulainn's red spear! It's a very dangerous Noble Phantasm! You get hit by it, and you'll get permanently wounded by its curse!"

"We'll keep that in mind," Iori nodded, "Now go!"

Ritsuka nodded before he turned to his Servants and said, "Let's go!"

"Right!" Jeanne and the others nodded before they and Ritsuka began running away to go and capture one of the foreign sailors running around Zojo-ji and the surrounding area, leaving Iori and Saber behind.

"Hey!" Rogue Lancer shouted at Ritsuka and his Servants, "I said no one's getting away--!"

But then he was stopped by a sudden gust of wind slash in front of him, which made Rogue Lancer turn to Iori and Saber with a glare.

"Leave them," Iori told the Rogue Servant, "They're not the enemy, so let them go. And besides, you'll only end up chasing them while trying to fight us. Is that really the smart thing to do?"

"What?" Rogue Lancer glared at the Master of the Saber-Class Servant.

"We're not going to let you fight them, so just let them pass." said Saber as they readied their weapon, "Iori's right. If you want to get to them, you'll have to go through us."

Rogue Lancer's glare was intense as he stared at Iori and Saber, but he quickly calmed down and said with a smirk, "...Hmm. Fine, fine. I'll deal with you two first."

"He's really not interested in them, huh?" said Saber.

"Well, now." Iori sighed, getting into his Niten Ichi-Ryū fighting style again, "Looks like we don't have a choice but to fight."

"Let's see what you got." said Rogue Lancer, readying to charge at them, "You better make this a little fun."

"A worthy opponent!" Saber smirked, "Hehe."

"This could get exciting." Iori nodded in agreement.

Then, Iori and Saber charged at Rogue Lancer and the Rogue Servant charged at the Master-Servant pair to fight.

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, Ritsuka and his Chaldean Servants ran to go after and capture one of the foreign sailors running around Zojo-ji and the surrounding area.

As they ran, Ritsuka picked up his Wrist-Mounted Multipurpose Terminal to contact Chaldea as he called his operator, "Ritsuko! Ritsuko, come in!"

In the command room at Chaldea, Ritsuko Fujimura immediately picked up her headset and put it on before she said to Ritsuka while monitoring Ritsuka's surroundings via GPS map of the Edo Period in the year 1651, "I hear you loud and clear, partner! What's up?!"

"Ritsuko, can you track the movements of the foreign sailors we're following?" Ritsuka asked.

"Hold on, I'll see if I can get the signal." Ritsuko answered before her fingers moved swiftly on her keyboard as she was typing and clicking her mouse on the computer while checking on the GPS map on her computer, then she found one of the signals on the screen and said, "Oh, yeah, got it! They're all running in the same direction, and the closest one is not far from where you are, but it's moving fast! Oh, wait--scratch that, they're splitting up into four directions! You might need a bit more backup! Let me send you some!"

"No need, we'll just split up and try to catch the closest ones!" said Ritsuka, "Just tell me which of the nearest sailors we can try to catch!"

"On it!" said Ritsuko, typing away and clicking her mouse on the computer and find one of the sailors' locations, and then she said, "Got it! The nearest sailor is going north of Zojo-ji's main entrance! The other two nearest are heading east and west, while the farthest is at the northwest!"

"Thanks, Ritsuko!" said Ritsuka, "Ritsuka out!"

"Good luck, Rituska!" said Ritsuko, and with that, the call was disconnected.

Ritsuka quickly turned to his Servants and said, "Guys, Ritsuko says the closest sailor is going north of Zojo-ji's main entrance. She said two more sailors are heading east and west, and the farthest is northwest. We're gonna have to split up and catch them." He looked at Okita and Nobunaga and commanded, "Okita, Nobu, you two go after the one heading east!" He then looked at Raikou and 'Void' Shiki and commanded, "Raikou, Shiki, go after the one at the west!" He then told Jeanne and Tomoe, "Jeanne, Tomoe, you two are with me at the north at Zojo-ji's main entrance!"

"Right!" said Okita and Nobunaga before they separated from Ritsuka, Jeanne, and Tomoe.

"Roger!" Raikou and 'Void' Shiki nodded before the motherly Berserker-Class Servant and her fellow Servant separated from Ritsuka, Tomoe, and Jeanne.

With that, Ritsuka, Tomoe, and Jeanne began running toward the north, following Ritsuko's direction on where the closest foreign sailor was headed, while Okita and Nobunaga headed towards the east and Raikou and 'Void' Shiki went to the west.

Meanwhile, back at the temple, Iori and Saber continued to fight against Rogue Lancer as they clashed their swords against his red spear, Gáe Bolg, in a sword-and-spear clash.

Iori and Saber tried to strike the Rogue Servant with their weapons, but Rogue Lancer used his speed and agility to dodge the blades as he spun around, using the momentum of his spinning to strike back at the Master and his Servant.

Iori and Saber dodged Rogue Lancer's attack as they jumped away before Iori charged at the Lancer-Class Servant again, his dual katanas swinging at him.

Rogue Lancer raised his spear to defend against the Master's slashes as he was pushed back before Saber joined their Master in striking at the Rogue Servant.

Rogue Lancer continued to spin his spear to block their attacks, then he spun his spear, swinging it horizontally to make his opponents back away before he jumped into the air and performed a downward swing, striking at the ground with enough force that a powerful gust of wind and sand kicked up from the impact.

"Ngh!" Iori grunted, covering his eyes with his arm, along with Saber.

Then Saber unleashed a wind-slash attack at Rogue Lancer before the Rogue Servant slashed it away with his spear, then they charged at Rogue Lancer and clashed their jaded serpentine sword against his spear as sparks flew between them.

"You're pretty good with that spear...!" Saber grunted, "I'd say you're a Lancer, just as Ritsuka's Servants said. Well?"

"Spot on, though it should've already been obvious given that kid and his Servants with him gave it away." Lancer smirked, "And from that sword you have, you must be a Saber."

Rogue Lancer then swung his spear to get Saber away before he laughed and said, "Hah! Today's my lucky day. I get to fight three Servants and their Masters! Not to mention that Master kid with more than one Servant with him once I'm done with you two! Nothing wrong with having a bit of fun, don't you think, Saber?"

Saber charged at Rogue Lancer before clashing their sword against his spear again, both of them delivering multiple strikes while parrying the other at fast speed before Iori charged from behind and clashed his two katanas against the side of the Lancer-Class Servant to help and support his Saber-Class Servant.

Saber then quickly got out of the way and Iori and Rogue Lancer continued their sword-and-spear clash as sparks continued to fly, the Master and Servant working together to strike the Rogue Servant as Saber watched while waiting to help support Iori.

"Not bad at all!" Rogue Lancer smirked while clashing his spears against Iori's katanas, "Even as a mere mortal, you're holding your own as your Servant's sidekick! This might be even more fun than I thought it would be!"

"I couldn't agree more." Iori commented while clashing his katanas against Rogue Lancer's red spear.

"Iori seems awfully fired up...but one wrong move and he's dead." Saber thought before looking at Rogue Lancer's red spear, Gáe Bolg, remembering what Ritsuka said about the spear as they thought, "...This red spear...Iori's in grave danger."

Then Rogue Lancer pushed Iori back, causing the Master of Saber to fall onto the ground and the Lancer-Class Servant pointed his spear at the Master and shouted, "You're wide open!"

Rogue Lancer swung his red spear to stab Iori, who raised his arms to try and shield himself from the deadly spear. But before the spear could reach him, Saber jumped in front of him and blocked the red spear with their jaded serpentine sword and grunted, "Tch! He's...so fast!"

"What's wrong, Saber?" Rogue Lancer smirked, "You look a bit worried."

"Heh," Saber grinned, "Not in the slightest!"

The Lancer-Class Servant swung his spear back before jumping into the air and throwing his spear at the Master-Servant pair. Iori and Saber were quick to dodge the red spear by rolling out of the way, and the spear struck the ground before disappearing.

"Gáe Bolg..." Saber thought, recognizing the spear's ability and the fact that they had nearly been hit by it, "He threw his Noble Phantasm. That's the spear that reverses causality. The wound won't heal as long as the spear remains in the world." Saber looked at Rogue Lancer as they thought, "And thanks to Ritsuka's familiarity with Servants, we know his True Name is Cú Chulainn, also known as the Hound of Ulster."

Rogue Lancer summoned his red spear back into his hand and smiled, "That was fun, you two. Now it's time to end this!"

Saber and Iori got themselves back up before getting into their fighting stances as Saber smiled and said, "Heh. I couldn't agree more!"

Then the Master and Servant charged at Rogue Lancer before the Servant jumped up to throw their jaded serpentine sword at the Rogue Servant, who dodged the blade as Saber quickly caught the blade by the handle and clashed it against the Lancer-Class Servant's red spear.

Iori jumped in and tried to strike the Lancer-Class Rogue Servant with his two katanas, but Rogue Lancer was quick to dodge the Master's swings.

"Hahaha, come on, don't make this so easy for me!" Lancer laughed, "You need to work on your aim!"

"Maybe so," Iori gave out a small smile, "But then again, I wasn't trying to hit you."

"Huh?" said Rogue Lancer, a confused look on his face.

"Saber!" Iori shouted, prompting his Servant to swing their jaded serpentine sword against Lancer's red spear before kicking him in the chest.

"Now YOU'RE wide open!" Saber shouted before delivering a strike, knocking Rogue Lancer's spear off his hands and striking him down, sending him flying into a tree and destroying it in the process.

Iori quickly rushed forward and struck the downed Rogue Lancer in the head with the back end of one of his katanas, knocking the Lancer-Class Servant unconscious as the Master of the Saber-Class Servant panted and sighed, "There. It's over."

"Indeed," Saber nodded before the Saber-Class Servant approached Iori, their weapon disappearing, and asked, "Iori, are you alright?"

"Yeah." Iori nodded, "At least the fight is over."

But then, Rogue Lancer quickly regained consciousness, alerting Iori and Saber as they readied themselves for another fight before Rogue Lancer smiled as he dismissed his red spear and said, "...Huh, not bad."

Seeing that Rogue Lancer no longer wanted to fight anymore, Iori put away his katanas while Saber dismissed their sword as they said, "You're not so bad yourself, Rogue Lancer! You wield your weapon well!"

"He's incredibly skilled." Iori thought, "Rogue Servants are supposed to have limited power, but...it feels like he could kill me with one shot whenever he felt like it."

"Heh. Watch closely, Iori." said Saber with a smug look on their face, "This is what someone with true strength looks like."

Iori merely sighed and grumbled at that before Rogue Lancer said, "You're pretty hard on your Master there, Servant. The man's a fine warrior in his own right." He then complimented Iori, "You should be proud of yourself. I may be hobbled by this Rogue's body, but you're holding your own."

Saber nodded and commented on Rogue Lancer, "Even with a Rogue's strength, he's just as remarkable as the big man in Yoshiwara."

"Yeah...he is." Iori agreed.

"To be honest, I underestimated you." said Rogue Lancer, crossing his arms, "I figured anyone foolish enough to stumble onto someone else's land wouldn't be worth it."

"Well, I am sorry about that." Saber apologized.

"Same here," Iori nodded, "It was rude of us. I'm sure our friends who're chasing after the sailors feel the same way."

"Eh, it's fine." Rogue Lancer waved it off, "It looks like you're in a bit of a pickle, yourselves." He then smiled and said, "Anyways, I'm glad I got to fight you. I haven't had a real fight since I materialized, so my whole body feels so stiff! But you two really bring the pain."

"Do we now?" Saber smiled and chuckled, "Hehehe! You're an interesting one, Lancer!"

"Haha!" Rogue Lancer laughed, "To be honest, I still got a little fight left in me."

"Oh?" said Saber.

"This might not be the best time to ask, but...what do you say to one more round?" Rogue Lancer smirked.

Saber gasped in surprise while Iori thought, "...He's like a completely different person from just a moment ago."

"Well, of course, you don't have to do it for nothing," said Rogue Lancer while thinking, "Let's see...well, I was thinking of telling you my True Name, but since that kid with more than one Servant already spilled it out for you to hear, I guess there'd be no point in me telling you. So, how about this? I'll become your ally, and I'll help you guys out with the Waxing Moon Ritual in any way I can."

"And if we lose...?" Saber asked.

"You tell me your True Name," said Rogue Lancer.

Saber smirked before they said, "...Not a bad deal. Unfortunately, it's not my decision alone." Saber then asked their Master, "What do you think, Iori?"

"...Fine," Iori nodded, "We agree to your terms. After all, even with Ritsuka and his Servants on our side, the assistance of a powerful Heroic Spirit is the best we could ask for in this Waxing Moon Ritual. So, we would be happy to have you, Rogue Lancer, or rather, Cú Chulainn."

"Hahaha!" Rogue Lancer laughed, "You're acting like you already won! Now we're having fun! Now let's get right to it—Unless...well...a Master is only flesh and blood, so I'll wait until you get your strength back."

"Are you sure?" Saber asked.

"There is one thing," said Rogue Lancer, "See, I've got way too much time to kill...so, why don't I help you out until you're fully prepared for our fight?"

"Help us until we can fight you, huh?" Saber smiled a bit, "Hehe! You continue to impress!"

"I don't mind, but...what do you get out of this?" Iori asked.

"I told you, didn't I?" said Rogue Saber, "My body's too stiff; I need a good stretch."

"I see..." Iori nodded, "Well, we appreciate the help, Rogue Lancer. We'll call on you when we need you. But for now, we have to hurry along."

"Right, you gotta hurry and help out that kid who's the Master with more than one Servant," Rogue Lancer nodded, "Sorry to keep you for so long. I'll see you again..."

"...Iori," Iori introduced himself, "I'm Miyamoto Iori."

"Iori," Rogue Lancer nodded, "I'll be sure to remember it."

Then, Rogue Lancer left, leaving Iori and Saber to look for Ritsuka and the others.

"You think Ritsuka and the others found those foreign sailors by now?" Saber asked.

"Who can say?" said Iori, "We've already lost them...for now, let's head south to the shore and search Shinagawa."

"Hmm...I think Zheng said he would look around Todoroki," said Saber, "Seems like a waste to do the same."

And so, Iori and Saber hurriedly headed to Shinagawa to find the foreign sailors, and hopefully meet up with Ritsuka and his Servants if they arrived there.

The Master-Servant pair arrived at Shinagawa, a port town and post station along the Tokaido Highway, a major road connecting eastern and western Japan. It has many inns and serves as a major way-station to and from Edo with plenty of merchant traffic.

"Well, we followed them all the way to Shinagawa..." said Saber before they turned to Iori and asked their Master, "Could they really have come here?"

"I don't know," said Iori, "But they are sailors, and there is a port here."

"A modern port, huh?" Saber smiled, "Hehe, I can't wait to see what it's like!"

They then began their search for the foreign sailors, as well as meet up with Ritsuka and the others if they hadn't caught them, though not before they took a bit of detour as Saber looked at the cherry blossom trees and asked, "Is that...a cherry tree?"

"Yeah, that's right," said Iori.

"Wow..." Saber smiled, "The cherry blossom is still as beautiful today as it was long ago..."

The two then moved on to look around Shinagawa to find the foreign sailors and find Ritsuka and the others.

"Foreigners here in Shinagawa..." said a retainer they passed by while they were looking around, "I can hardly believe it."

Along the way, they also took on several ronins.

"Who're you staring at, huh?!" one aggressive thug shouted, "Impudent bastard...time to teach you some manners!"

"More raddle to deal with..." said Saber as they and Iori drew their swords.

After dealing with and taking care of the thugs non-lethally, they continued onwards with their search. Though they would then encounter another group of thugs blocking their way as one of the aggressive thugs said, "Hold up, you! If you wanna get through here, it's gonna cost you!"

"Well then, have a taste of Niten Ichiryu," said Iori as he and Saber prepared to fight another group of thugs.

After dealing with and taking care of another group of thugs non-lethally, they continued onwards with their search.

"Ah, a new wind is blowing!" said a lively merchant they passed by, "The markets are bustling with all this foreign business!"

As they arrived at another part of the streets that had lots of inns, Saber said, "It's so lively here. The port is up ahead, right? So many inns, though...I suppose that's why they call it the Inn Town."

"Yes, these are called Shinagawa Inns," Iori confirmed, "Where did you hear about it, Saber?"

"Hehehe!" Saber laughed with a smile, "Not everything is completely new to me. Now, into the port!"

"Hey, Iori, Saber!" they heard Ritsuka calling them, and they turned to see the Master of Chaldea and his Servants approaching them.

"Ritsuka!" said Iori.

"Jeanne and the others, too!" said Saber before the Master and Servant of the Waxing Moon Ritual approached the Master and his six Servants of Chaldea.

"Glad you guys managed to catch up," said Ritsuka, "Did you guys manage to deal with Cú Chulainn?"

"Yeah, we took care of Rogue Lancer," said Iori, "Though in return for his offer to fight him again, he did offer to aid us in our fight."

"That's great!" said Ritsuka.

"What about you guys?" Saber asked, "Did you guys manage to capture one of the foreign sailors?"

Ritsuka sighed in disappointment before he shook his head and said, "No, they got a slip on us before any of us could get to them. So we have no clue where they went. We're going to have to continue looking around until we can find the foreign sailors."

"Are you serious?!" said Saber with a deadpan expression, "You all had one job, and you guys couldn't even capture at least one?!"

"Hey, it's not our fault!" Nobunaga shouted, "Those foreigners were fast! Plus, we had to take care of Okita after she spat out blood again and fell to the ground!"

"Is she okay?" Iori asked, "One of your Servants, I mean."

"Just recovered after a few moments," said Okita, "I'm fine now. Sorry, I made you guys stop to worry about me, Master."

"No, don't mention it," Ritsuka smiled at one of his Servants before he turned to Iori and Saber and said to them, "Anyway, we were lucky enough to catch them heading to Shinagawa, so we followed them as soon as we could, but we lost them."

"We suspected that they may have headed to port by now," said Shiki, "Though, unfortunately, the gate is blocked by a Shinagawa guard. So, we decided to play the waiting game: either for one of the foreign sailors to come out, or for you two to arrive."

"We can't leave the area because of the gate, but the gate won't open because the guards are busy with some ronins," Ritsuka sighed.

"If we're lucky, one of the foreign sailors might pass through the gate," said Tomoe.

"But if not, we have no other choice but to wait." Jeanne nodded.

"Hmm..." Iori thought for a moment before turning to his Saber-Class Servant and asked, "Saber, what do you think?"

"I say we should head to the gate that leads us to the harbor and talk to the guard," said Saber, "See if he can let us through."

"Right, good idea," Iori nodded, "Ritsuka, thanks for waiting on us, at least. Let's go and talk to the guard, see if he can let us through."

"Well, you can try, but I don't think he'll allow us in," said Ritsuka, "Trust me, we already tried."

The group then went to the gate that leads to the Shinagawa Harbor before the Shinagawa guard noticed the group and said, "Yes, yes, what do you want?" He then noticed Ritsuka and his Servants and said, "Oh, it's you people again. And you've got two new friends with you. Look, kid, I already told you, I'll need to see your permit if you want to pass."

"We need permits?" Iori asked, surprised, "But we just want to take a look around."

"Sorry, but as I said to the kid and his girlfriends with him, I can't let them in without permits," said the Shinagawa guard, "Besides, security has gotten tighter these past couple of days. There are foreigners around, so the authorities want to stop any trouble from brewing."

"Foreigners?" said Saber, "Then this could be the place."

"Yeah, we thought the same thing," Ritsuka nodded, "Unfortunately, though..."

"Hey, kid, I'm just doing my job," said the Shinagawa guard, "Besides, Japanese or not, I can't let you and your girls anywhere near here without permits. Especially when one of them happens to be a foreigner."

Ritsuka and the others knew what he was talking about as they turned to Jeanne d'Arc before the blonde Ruler-Class Servant apologized sheepishly, "Sorry, everyone."

"No, it's okay," said Ritsuka, "I mean, we are in the Edo Period. I'm sure they'll relax the rules if you were born here, but we can't do anything about it."

"Yeah, you can't help being born a foreigner," said Tomoe.

"A French one, no less," Nobunaga added.

"Well, no choice," said Iori, "We'll need permits, then. Where can we get them?"

"The headman of the port, of course," said the Shinagawa guard, "He represents the merchants who work here. He can be a bit hard to deal with, though, so you may have your work cut out for you..."

"The port headman, then," Iori nodded, "Let's go have a chat with him."

"Right," Ritsuka nodded, "Now that we're all together, let's go meet the headman and talk to him."

"Right," Everyone nodded before they headed off to find and meet the port headman so that they could receive permits for the gate entry.

Chapter Text

To all readers and future writers, I am cancelling and discontinuing this story as of today. And I am going to put it up for adoption for anyone who wishes to continue this story, so if you would like to continue this story in my stead, please feel free to have this story as you want, and feel free to make up however you please to make the story better. Thank you, and please, if you could, finish what I started.