chpater 4

Chapter Text

This certainly was a thing

My eyes flicked back and forth between the two Jeannes. The one I had formed a temporary contract with growled at her alternative self.

"Who knew," Jeanne Alter started to say, shaking her head in mocking disbelief. "Who knew such a thing could happen?" Jeanne merely glared at her alternate self as the latter began cackling.

"Could someone please pour some water on me? This is so bad, it's awful! I think I am really going to lose it." She threw her head back and released a full-throated laugh before continuing. "It's so funny I could die from laughing!" Behind her, the other four Servants merely watched, saying nothing.

"Take a look Giles! Look at that pathetic girl! What is she? A mouse? A worm?" Suddenly the cruel smirk twisted itself into a grimace as a look of pure disgust shone our way. "Either way, they're all the same! So funny, I can't even muster any sympathy."

"As if you were capable of any," I muttered darkly. Alternative Jeanne continue speaking.

"Ah…truly," the other Jeanne mock-sighed. "A country that could only cling to 'me'…comparing them to mice is an insult to mice. Hey, Giles, don't you think," she began to say, looking over her shoulder, only to stop and frown. "Oh, I see. We didn't bring Giles along."

Jeanne couldn't take it anymore, it seemed. "You…" she said. "Who are you?" She demanded. The other Jeanne stopped her mocking tirade, a serious expression appearing on her face as she looked directly at Jeanne.

"I could ask the same of you," she mused before shrugging. "Right, as a leader, let me answer that. I am Jeanne d'Arc. The saint devoted to France…the other 'me'." Jeanne gaped at the leering Servant.

"What?" She spluttered. "That's nonsense. You are no saint, just as I am not one. However, that is already a thing of the past. Why did you attack this town?" The other Jeanne laughed

"Why, you ask?" She asked, controlling her giggles. "As the same Jeanne d'Arc, I thought you would understand. Are you that stupid now that your alignment has changed? The reason I attacked this town? My, what a foolish question." My, how much this Servant enjoys monologuing.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Evil Jeanne asked, a cruel expression on her face that spoke of enjoyment. "It is for the sole purpose of destroying France. I am, after all, a Servant. Politically, economically, those methods take too long. Is it not better to simply physically crush everything?" For a few moments, none os us spoke. I had expected to hear something of revenge…but this just feels like she is doing it for the hell of it. Like a simple game to pass the time.

"Such foolishness!" Jeanne finally exclaimed, a look of horror and repulsion etched on her features.

"'Such foolishness?'" Evil Jeanne mockingly repeated. "The foolish ones are us, Jeanne d'Arc. Why did you want to save this country? Why did you want to bring salvation to these people? All the while knowing that they are the ones who spit on and betrayed us!" Jeanne Alter shouted, her eyes wide with rage. She took a deep breath, perhaps to calm herself somewhat, perhaps just so she could continue her monologue. Jeeze, I thought that this was the kind of scene for a Saturday morning cartoon!

"I will be fooled no longer. I will be betrayed no longer," Jeanne Alter resumed speaking, her voice even. "I no longer hear the voice of the Lord. The fact that I cannot hear His voice must mean that the Lord no longer blesses this country. Therefore, in accordance to the Lord's grief, I will cut away all the bad seeds at the root. As long as the human race exists, so will my hatred. I will remake this France into a land of dragons and the dead. That's how I shall save this country. By the hands of the new Jeanne d'Arc, reborn through death," she said solemnly, arms spread out to either side as if addressing an adoring crowd. Then she lowers them, smirking at her horrified other self. "I suppose you could never understand. You were always playing the saint. Impossible for a pretty little holy virgin who pretends not to see Hatred and joy and is incapable of human growth!" Jeanne Alter snarled, slamming her foot onto the broken back of a fallen townsfolk. Her words have been directed at only Jeanne, and I had grown tired of this.

I pushed myself forward, startling Ritsuka and Mash, who were unable to stop me in their surprise, and then past Sasaki and Jeanne, glaring at our opponents. Alternative Jeanne barely gazed at me, so I decided to change that.

"Enough with the monologuing!" I shouted, actually managing to stun the apparent 'Dragon Witch'. Her yellow eyes refocused on me with an intensity that I could have done without. I fought the urge to lick my suddenly-dry lips as I felt the temperature around me appear to increase slightly. My mind was cussing me out for my hot-headedness of the previous moment.

"Oh? What's this? A mouse, pretending to be a lion?" She finally asked, mockingly. "Mice should learn their place, or else be scalded by the fire," Jeanne Alter teased menacingly.

"Only over my cold, dead body!" Mordred snarled, breaking formation to position herself before me. Jeanne Alter merely rolled her eyes, however, and turned around slightly to look at the four Servants behind her.

"This has gone on long enough, though. Berserker Lancer. Berserker Assassin. Finish off that idiotic country girl. You're getting tired of small prey, aren't you?" Jeanne Alter cooed in a sickeningly sweet tone. "Rejoice then, for they are stronger. Among all the Servants I summoned, your thirst for blood are the strongest. You exist to crush the brave," She said as a man with pale blonde hair and turquoise coloration at the end, wielding a stake-like spear stepped forward, as well as a woman wearing a cruel-looking metal mask. Jeanne Alter waved her hand towards her other self dismissively. "Devour them to you hearts content."

Wait, so the Servants that Jeanne Alter was commanding had been given the Mad Enhancement trait?!? The way that the two were eyeing Jeanne hungrily gave me the shivers as they slowly advanced closer, while the fallen Ruler and her other two Servants watched idly.

"Very well," the male Servant said in a deep, rich tone. "Now, I will have your blood," he said, pointing towards the Ruler. The female Servant next to him clucks her tongue in disapproval.

"No so fast, 'my king'. I would like to partake of her flesh and blood, as well as her insides," Berserker Assassin chided Berserker Lancer.

"But not her soul?" Berserker Lancer asked rather skeptically, causing his comrade to cackle dismissively.

"I care not for souls, only the blood of maidens. The blood of those more beautiful than me, can only elevate my beauty!" Berserker Assassin said in an almost breathless, orgasmic manner that caused my body to shudder in revulsion.

"Well, well, well," Mordred muttered under her breath. "Another face from the Greater Grail War."

"You know one of them?" I asked, as Jeanne hurried over to join the Knight of Rebellion. The Saber grunted, tilting her helmet slightly towards the male Servant.

"He was the Lancer of Black, the opposing side. I didn't get a chance to go up against him, however. According to my Master, though, his True Name is Vlad III Tepes. Be glad we're not on Romanian soil," Mordred explained.

"Oh great. So, we have the man most associated with the word 'impalement' with Berserker traits!" I groaned, slapping a hand to my face. "What about Miss Crazy? Has any one here been summoned against her?" Said Servant merely smirked, her orange eyes blazing through the eye-slits of her metal mask. Vlad, however, frowned, clearly unamused by either my statement, Mordred revealing his true name, or (seeing as how our luck is currently shaping up) most likely both.

"Oh, stop pouting over the whole name thing," Berserker Assassin said in a tone of exasperation. "I would rather be remembered by a bad name than not at all. Besides," the Servant said, her tone adopting a sickeningly sweet aspect, "I prefer to be called by my True Name. Dread and despair, faintly spiced with hope. I am Elisabeth Báthory, though I prefer to use Carmilla. Now, give me your maiden blood," the self-proclaimed Carmilla cooed at Jeanne.

"Enough with the banter! Kill them," Jeanne Alter snapped, and the two Servants stopped talking. I looked at Ritsuka, a nervous but determined expression on his face.

"Ritsuka, have your Servants focus on Miss Bloodlust over there. Mine will deal with the Count," I said, and my fellow Master nodded, turning to his Servants.

"Good luck," the Japanese Master said before they dashed towards the Berserker Assassin. I turned to Mordred.

"Kick his ass," I muttered, receiving a soft chuckle as the Saber adjusted her posture.

"Understood, Master!" She said before pushing herself forward, becoming a blur of steel and red. Vlad's eyes widened slightly before he raised his spear, just in time. He grunts as Clarent pushes down on the shaft, Mordred using both her hands.

Vlad's right foot shot out, connecting with Mordred's midriff and sending her skidding backwards a few feet, but otherwise doing nothing besides irritating the Knight of Rebellion. Jeanne and Sasaki stay back for now, but still remain ready to assist the knight. I ignore the fight between Ritsuka's Servants and Carmilla, trusting my friend to hold off the bloody psycho (no pun intended).

Mordred was sent flying back by a shoulder shove from the inspiration for Count Dracula, briefly out of the fight. The Berserker Lancer charged at Jeanne when Sasaki unleashed his Noble Phantasm. Even thought it wasn't the first time I had seen it, as during the previous week the new Servants had agreed to demonstrate their ultimate attacks against simulated Servants, I still found it awe-inspiring to see the trio of blades appear.

Vlad roared in anger as one of the blades managed to nick his shoulder, drawing a thin line of blood, but otherwise causing no significant damage. It did, however, achieve the desired result of distracting the Servant from Mordred's recovery.

Shouting under her helmet, Mordred lunged forward again. Clarent swung in a blur of steel, sparks erupting whenever the Berserker Lancer blocked the attacks with his own weapon. I remain rooted to the spot, my eyes glued to the near-dancing figures as they tried to land a critical blow.

A kick from Mordred was deflected with a spear shaft. A lunge was ducked under as Mordred tried to throw a punch, trying to use the brawling aspect of her fighting style I had discovered her fondness for, and that which also made her a terrifying opponent to be against in battle.

A roar has me looking skywards, however, and I notice a trio of wyverns swooping down. If Jeanne Alter really was the one commanding these foul beasts, then they must have come here as a distraction. "Sasaki, Jeanne! Wyverns diving, 1 o'clock high! Take them down!"

"Hai."

 "Yes Master!"

My other two Servants adjusted their position to deal with the winged beasts as quickly as possible. Seeing nothing immediately indicating a higher threat than the average wyvern we've encountered thus far, I don't expect that it would take too long. In the meantime, I have the utmost confidence that Mordred could and would hold her own against Vlad, even with the latter having the Berserker trait.

And of course, I still had my Command Spells if needed. Turning back to look at my Servant, however, reveals that might not be necessary, or at least, not yet.

With a feral-sounding roar, Mordred swung Clarent, finally breaking through Vlad's guard. The long metal blade sliced through the clothing, and a slightly geyser of blood erupted diagonally from the Berserker Lancer's chest. Unfortunately, the wound wasn't fatal, but it was still enough to cause her foe to curse loudly before jumping back. His right hand clutched his spear, while his left pressed against the chest wounded, eyes burning with anger and loathing at my Servant.

"Nice work, Mordred," I called out to her, and she merely grunted in acknowledgement, her eyes focused on her now-injured opponent. I spare a glance to check on the rest of the party, making sure that they were doing well as well.

Jeanne stabs her flagpole downwards into the chest of a wounded wyvern, silencing the shriek of pain that it had been releasing. Meanwhile, Carmilla had just leapt backwards to avoid a beam of magical energy shot by a floating Medea, only to be rushed from the side by Mash. Unable to dodge in time, the Berserker Assassin was sent skirting backwards, wiping a drop of blood from the corner of her mouth with distaste, glaring at the Demi-Servant.

 "Group back up," I barked, continuing to take charge over the situation. Ritsuka rushes to stand next to me, eye glinting in concern for his own Servants. That in turn gives way to relief at seeing that only Chulainn has any sort of injuries, and even then, the claw marks over his right arm should heal within the next few hours.

"What's the plan?" Ritsuka asked me in a low tone. I bit my lip in thought, mind whirling. The normal thoughts of anxiety and self-doubt have been kept silent, perhaps because of the recent teamwork, or perhaps because there has been no time for it to set in yet.

"We're still outnumbered in a way. There are three fresh Servants over there, and I'm willing to bet my next paycheck that the other two share the Berserker trait. We have no idea about their Noble Phantasms, or if there are more of them hiding in Spirit Form," I observed, gritting my teeth. Fortunately, it appears that the two vampires were more interested in bickering over their unexpected defeats.

"You right there, the young lady with the purple hair." Carmilla's voice prevented any further thoughts or discussion on escape as the Berserker Assassin and the Berserker Lancer stared at Mash. "You smell horrible," she hissed. "A girl of such tender years, yet so battle-hardened. How contradictory. Who are you?"

It wasn't Mash who answered, but Jeanne Alter. "A Demi-Servant," she said, a thoughtful expression on her face as she regarded Mash. "An anomaly, a cross between a human and a Servant. I see now that I made a mistake. You two," her eyes flicked over at the two vampires, a critical and severe countenance being shown, "are crueler than the others, but that's why you're both so playful. Let the remaining three deal with them."

Vlad stared indignantly at the fallen Ruler. "Wait, Carmilla and I can still fight! The saint's blood belongs to us," he protested. "As if I would allow mere executioners who know nothing of the radiance of blood, the grandeur or blood, take…" his nauseating tirade was cut off.

"Shut up," Jeanne Alter said. "Know your place, Vlad III. No matter how much authority you may have had in life, you're all equals as Servants." The Berserker Lancer's jaw clicked shut, though he glared at Jeanne Alter as she continued speaking. "You wanted so badly to drain that fool of her blood that you held back. Regardless of if you meant to or not, you haven't learned a thing." She slammed the butt of her weapon against the cobblestone road, causing chips of rock to fly as she broke one of the stones.

"I hate people like that," she seethed, Vlad now wilting under her gaze. "Stay out of it this time. Understand?" Vlad nodded once, and fell behind with Carmilla.

Jeanne Alter proceeded forward, flanked by a female Servant with a staff topped with a silver cross and purple hair to her right. To the fallen Ruler's left was an androgynous-looking Servant dressed like a French musketeer of the last decades of the Kingdom of France, wielding a thin rapier.

Overhead, another dozen or so wyverns had been summoned, with more undoubtedly on their way to join in. The odds had gone from bad to worse. I racked my brain, trying to figure out what to do when my temporary Servant spoke up.

"Master, leave me behind. I will buy you time to escape," Jeanne insisted, leaving unsaid the fact that by doing so she would sacrifice herself. The idea of using someone else in such a way ignites a burning sensation in my stomach. My blood felt like it was starting to boil in anger. Next to me I could hear Mash and Roman talking in frantic and panicked tones, but I ignored the words, my eyes locked onto the pleading Ruler.

"Damn it, Jeanne!" I snarled angrily. "I said that I'm not leaving anyone behind to die, and an Aronson does not make empty promises! Mordred, you ready for round two?"

Before the prideful Servant could respond however, she stiffened as we heard the sound of something whistling through the air. A moment later, and peculiar object landed between the two groups, drawing all eyes and attention to it. I blink my eyes rapidly, not quiet believing that which I was seeing.

"What the…" Jeanne Alter asked in a rather startled tone, eyes narrowing in on the object between us. "A glass rose?"

"It's not elegant," a voice said as a pair of footsteps was heard. "Neither is this city, or that combat style. Quite frankly, I don't like your philosophy or principles either. You're so beautiful, yet you shroud yourself in blood and hatred." The voice sounded young and feminine, and was getting closer. The words seemed to be aimed at Jeanne Alter, who appeared to be becoming even more aggravated. "Whether it is for good or evil, shouldn't a person try to be freer?"

"Another Servant?" Ritsuka whispered towards me.

"Most likely," I whispered back. The question was, were they here to help, or were they going to turn this into a sort of Mexican standoff. Then the owner of the voice, and presumably the glass rose, appeared.

It was a young-looking girl, with pale white skin. Her bright, light blue eyes gleaming. Her hair was long and white, pure as snow, and she seemed to have an aura of royalty about her. She wore a red dress of sorts, complete with one of the most unusual headwear I have seen, real or imaginary. It vaguely reminded me of both a mushroom and a character from a certain platform game involving plumbers. If she wasn't a Servant, then she certainly had bravery somewhere inside her.

"Yes, that's right. I'm so happy," she nearly gushed. "This is what it means to announce oneself as a hero of justice!" Her mirth faded as she focused on Jeanne Alter, a sad expression tinged with pity showing. "I know who you are. I also know how powerful and terrifying you are. Truth be told, I must confess that I've never trembled in fear before anyone else. Despite that, however, if you intend on destroying this nation, then I shall face you even if I have to tear apart my dress. You may be asking why, and the answer is…" The Servant paused momentarily, displaying a love of theatrics perhaps. Berserker Saber, however, appears to have already known who she was, their jaw dropped slightly.

"You are…" They began to say, but not finish, perhaps unable or unwilling to utter another world. The girl gave the enemy Saber a small, soft smile.

"Oh my. So, you know my True Name? We've met before, haven't me, my splendid knight?" For the love of all that is holy, can we stop it with the word games?!? Jeanne Alter shared my sentiment, it seems, for the fallen Ruler looked at the surprised Servant.

"Saber," she said in a stern tone. "Who is this pest?" However, her subordinate didn't respond, causing the Dragon Witch to glare menacingly. "Answer me," she said in a warning manner.

"I can tell who she is, even with the murderous rage that is burning in my heart. Her beauty is as unmistakable now as it was in life. She is the Flower of Versailles. She is Marie Antoinette," the enhanced Servant finally answered, gaze still focused on the apparent former Queen. Said Servant released a soft giggle, her eyes twinkling in mirth once more.

"That's right!" Marie Antoinette confirmed with a wide grin. "Thank you for saying my name, splendid knight!" The joy on her face was toned down, a hint of steel appearing in both her eyes and voice. "And as long as that name exists, I will play my role, no matter how foolish it might be."

Notes:

So, now we get to see the delightful Marie Antoinette. Also, we're almost at 1,000 views for this story! I am so happy and proud of this work!!!! :)

So, the past few chapters I have felt like I was copying the dialogue way too much of the characters who are suppose to be present. Of course, in some ways, I guess it can't be helped, but I plan on trying to either mix up or reinvent some of the dialogue used in the game when it feels right to me, or skip over some of it like Roman's panic and asking his favorite internet idol for help.

Now, I am probably going to try to maintain my one chapter a week minimum policy that I have been doing recently, even though I am in college again, because, quite honestly, being there sucks right now. This story is my main way of coping, and I hope that it doesn't affect the quality.

Now, on a brighter note, the question(s) of the day! First: Out of the Servants in the original storyline for the First Singularity, which one was your absolute favorite? If you have multiple, then pick your top three

Second question: what are your thoughts about Marie's outfit?

As always, I look forward to your answers. Hope you enjoyed the story, and please let me know what you think, whether it is feedback or just simply parts you enjoyed! Thanks again for all the amazing support for this story so far, and I will see you in chapter 12!

Chapter Text

Marie Antoinette. The wife of King Louis XVI, and the last Queen of France.

Well, if one thing is certain about what our current situation is now, it is that Jeanne and her two fresh Servants were no longer advancing. I turned to Ritsuka and Mash. "Get ready. Either we will take our chances and rush them, try to break free." My two friends nodded in agreement as I turned around, listening in once more to the last Queen of France.

"Silence!" Jeanne Alter roared. Instead of cowing the verbose queen, however, it merely quiets her as she cocked her head slightly. "You lack the right to participate in this battle."

"Oh, and why is that?" Marie Antoinette asked innocently. Jeanne Alter's lip curled in distaste and contempt.

"You led a life of luxury in a palace and died without even knowing what happened! Are you saying that you can somehow understand our hatred?" The alternate version of Jeanne d'Arc spat, staring incredulously. For a moment, a thoughtful expression graced the visage of the newcomer. Then she shrugged and delivered her response.

"I suppose I can't," Marie Antoinette admitted, causing Jeanne Alter's hackles to rise once more. Before the fallen Ruler can retort, however, the Servant continues speaking. "But that just simply makes me want to know more, Dragon Witch." Said Dragon Witch's right eye began twitching violently.

"…What?" She finally said.

"What I don't know, I learn. That's my policy," Marie Antoinette explained, looking sadly at the enemy Servant. "That's why I can't bear to look at you like this. Oh, Jeanne d'Arc, beloved saint!" The shout caused the Dragon Witch to recoil in anger for a brief moment. "All I know is that you're taking your rage out on the innocent, and I've not the faintest idea why. Everything's disappearing into a haze, like a girl going for a Sunday walk. What I do know, however, is this," said the queen as she walked over towards us.

"Along with the Jeanne d'Arc over there," my temporary Servant blinked, startled by the gesture, "is that I will make your heart and body mine!'

"What?" Mash asked in confusion.

"The hell?" Chulainn said.

"Oh my," Medea giggled.

"Uh….huh?" Jeanne asked, her cheeks flushed with color as she stared at Marie. As to my reaction? I felt my right eye twitch slightly as the various implications behind that statement might be.

….Is it too late to resume the mortal combat that we were about to have now?

"Oh, my," Marie laughed awkwardly, eyes swapping from Jeanne to Mash to Ritsuka to myself. "Oh dear, oh dear. Um, please don't misunderstand me," she said, her pale cheeks becoming a rosy pink as blood rushed up. "I just meant that as a queen, I'm going to bring you to your knees." The air fell silent at that, as even Jeanne Alter stared with a slack jaw and a dumbstruck expression on her face.

"…what?" I finally manage to say, suppressing the urge to either slam my head against a wall or throw myself off of the tallest building in town. Seriously, did the Queen of France just propositioned Jeanne d'Arc? "Mordred, please tell me this is a fever dream caused by undercooked meat," I groaned to the armored knight that has now started to snicker quietly.

"Sorry Master, but this…this is comedy gold," she chortled. I rolled my eyes dramatically at the Knight of Rebellion. Over our open communication link to Chaldea, I can faintly hear Roman gurgling in dismay. For once, the sometime over-dramatic (at least, in my opinion) ginger was spot on as he moaned about his image of the queen before us was fading away before his eyes.

"Enough of this farce!" Jeanne Alter howled, and for once I found myself agreeing somewhat with the Dragon Witch. "Very well then," she declared, pointing her weapon at the French queen, "you are also an enemy to be crushed. Servants, silence that annoying brat! Then we will deal with the others.

"Well, this is as good a time as any," Marie Antoinette sighed, staring at the advancing Servants. "Thank you for your patience, Amadeus. Crush them like bugs!"

"Leave it to me," another figure suddenly appeared in front of us. He had a slightly demonic visage that contrasted with the colorful robes of purple, black, and green. In his right hand he gripped a rod not unlike one that a conductor would use at a symphony. "Noble Phantasm, Requiem for Death!" With a wave of his rod, a host of phantom-like figures appeared and began to play music, directed straight towards the enemy Servants.

"Now then, good day to you all," Marie Antoinette said cheerfully, giving a simple yet elegant courtesy. "Au revoir," she said as she straightened back up. She looked back at us. "Come on, it'll only hold them back for a little bit. Follow us," she said in a softer tone. I looked over to my companions, asking silently for their opinions.

Seeing only nods or shrugs, we followed after the duo. Behind us, I could hear Jeanne Alter snarling in frustration.

"Looks like it is safe now," Marie Antoinette said. After having made our escape from La Charité, the French Servant and her friend Amadeus had led us to the outskirts of a decent-sized forest after forty-five minutes of running. For the sake of Ritsuka and I, a few five-minute breaks had been taken in between the two locations to allow us to catch our breath while the Servants with us stood guard.

Thankfully, however, it seems that whatever this Amadeus character had done did the trick, for our flight had been unmolested with combat. Looking at the French queen, I activated my commlink.

"Doctor Roman, any readings of Servants nearby?"

"None. It looks like you lost them for now. However, I am picking up Leyline readings from that nearby forest," the acting director for Chaldea reported. Well, looks like we might have found the location to set up our base camp.

"Very well," Mash said, turning to the two French Servants in our little group. "Jeanne? And…Marie?" Asked the Demi-Servant hesitantly. A feeling that I shared. Until now, the closest to royalty we had dealt with on a consistent basis was Mordred, who thankfully did not lord it about (over than her typical 'rants' about her father). The Servant perked up, staring intently at a now-uncomfortable Mash.

"Marie, did you say?"

"F-forgive me," Mash stammered. "I-" Before she could finish apologizing however, a wide and honest smile graced the queen's lips as she clasped her hands excitedly.

"Oh no, you weren't being rude! Quite the opposite, really, you made me so happy!" Her blue eyes once more twinkled with joy. "The way you addressed me was so adorable! Please, splendid foreigners! Would you mind calling me that from now on?" Marie Antoinette implored Mash, and by default the rest of our group.

"Uh, yes," Mash said, a bit awkwardly. "Miss Marie, or Mademoiselle Marie, perhaps?" She offered, perhaps not quite comfortable yet with addressing a queen so informally, even with the explicit permission/request of one. Marie pouted slightly as she shook her head emphatically.

"Nope, those won't work at all," she responded. "Just Marie! Like the sheep!" She added with a soft giggle.

"I'm pretty sure that was 'Mary'," I muttered, before nudging Ritsuka forward. I might be taking the lead for this mission at the moment, but I wasn't going to sideline my friend and colleague.

"It's nice to mee you, Marie," Ritsuka said with a smile, bowing slightly. Marie clapped her hands again. My god, is she just a bundle of joy and energy? It certainly was infectious, for even Mordred, whose helmet was now retracted, had a subtle grin on display.

"Yes!" She gushed. "Yes, yes, yes! Nice to meet you! I'm Marie. I love understanding gentlemen. Let me guess," she said, a mischievous grin appearing. "You must be very popular with the opposite sex, right?" She asked Ritsuka. Both he and Mash flushed. My, she certainly is willing to speak from the heart it seems.

"Um…Marie, may I speak?" Mash asked, cheeks still a faint red. Marie herself also blushes as she realizes what she just did.

"Oh, my apologies," she said apologetically, appearing to be calm again. "I got excited for a minute. How rude of me. So, how may I be of service?"

"A strong Leyline was detected in that nearby forest. we'd like to head there and make camp, if that is all right?" She asked in her typical, timid and polite manner. Marie nodded.

"Of course, that's fine. Is that all right with you, Amadeus?" She asked, turning to her rather quiet companion. He shrugged, closing his eyes and grinning softly at the Servant.

"There's no point in asking for my opinion," he said nonchalantly. "Do what you want, Marie."

"Well, it seems like we have a unanimous agreement," Jeanne said after none of the other Servants contracted with Ritsuka and I spoke up. Mash nodded, and then turned around towards our next destination.

"Let's start moving out. We can rest properly once we set up a camp. Then we can talk about our next move," Mash offered. I nodded in appreciation at the Demi-Servant.

"That sounds like a fine idea to me. Good thinking Mash," I said with a smile. With that decided, we began to move out once more.

Even though it appears that no more Servants are following us, at least for the moment, not a single one of us lowered our guards. Mash and Mordred were in the lead along with me. Meanwhile, Chulainn, Medea, and Sasaki silently brought up the rear.

It must have been less than five minutes after we entered the forest that I sensed something was wrong. My hands gripped the hilt of my sword, pulling it free from the sheath as someone from behind cried out my name in alarm.

The blow forced me down to one knee as I blocked a sword that was more of a club. My arms strained to keep it at bay as some spittle landed on my face as humanoid-shape attacking me snarled ferally. Thankfully, a familiar armored fist slammed into the face of my attacker, sending it stumbling backwards.

"Cowardly bastard!" Mordred hissed, her eyes burning in fury as my assailant shook its head. Finally having a moment to observe it, I clicked my tongue against the roof of my mouth as I stare at the red-furred, canine-headed humanoid.

"Ok, so first it is the undead. Then it is wyverns and zombies. Now werewolves?" I growled as a dozen or so more werewolves charged out of hiding. They surrounded us, not that it would do any good. "Mordred, you know what to do," I said calmly. The Knight of Rebellion nodded and charged forward. With a single thrust, she pierces the werewolf's heart with Clarent before kicking the dying body off of the blade. The other Servants began engaging the ambushers.

"Masters, it seems that just beyond these foes is the Leyline!" Mash reported as she blocked a club from a werewolf before pushing with her shield, throwing the attacker off-balance and therefore vulnerable to the shield bash that Mash followed up with.

In a matter of minutes, the last of the remains of our attackers finished dissolving. Honestly, it kinda felt good to finally defeat a force that was evil but also didn't have some sort of BS booster.

"Now, I will set up a summoning circle. After that, we can set up our camp," Mash said, before getting to work while Ritsuka and I, and the others, began to set up our camp and gather wood.

Once Mash had finished setting up the summoning circle, we then set up our camp again. Judging by the position of the sun, we were approaching the mid-afternoon. Marie coughed politely, after most of our Servants had decided to explore the surrounding perimeter to ensure that there will be no unpleasant visits. I turned to look at the French Queen as she smiled.

"Well, now that things have settled down for now, and that you are all set up, I'd like to introduce myself again. My true name is Marie Antoinette. I've been summoned as a Rider," Marie said, giving another elegant courtesy. "As for who I am, I'd be happy if you could examine me closely with your eyes and ears. As to why I was summoned, however, neither Amadeus nor I have a clue. After all, we both have no Master." At the mention of his name, Amadeus cleared his throat before speaking.

"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Caster-class. As for why I was summoned, however, I don't feel like I was a hero. Yes, I was great in life, but even so, I was but one of many artists," Amadeus shrugged before tapping a finger against his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well, I did apply magecraft in my music, but that was only because I was drawn to the sounds played by demons." For a brief moment, the clearing fell silent at that last part.

Okaaaaaaaaaaay then," I finally said. "Now for our introductions. I am Jacob Aronson, a Master. It is nice to meet you two," I said, bowing my head slightly. While Sasaki and the others were standing guard for any wyverns, werewolves, or Servants, Mordred had stayed along with Jeanne.

"Mordred, Saber," my first Servant said curtly.

"I'm Mash Kyrielight. I am a Demi-Servant, and I have no idea what my True Name is," the Shielder went next, before gesturing to my fellow Master. "This is Ritsuka Fujimaru, my Master." The Japanese Magus waved one hand a bit lazily.

"Whassup," he said, causing me to resist the urge to slap my face. I thought that joke had died out years ago.

"Oh my! What an interesting greeting! Wh…Whassup! My homies!" I raised a hand over my mouth to hide the smile at the sight of a member of royalty tried to speak like a 21st Century girl. Mordred blinked slowly.

"Hmph," Marie sighed, slightly put out apparently. "It seems different when Ritsuka said it…maybe I need to think more like a peasant…" the Rider muttered, looking up at the sky as if for inspiration. Meanwhile, I notice Mash gently elbow her Master.

"Come on," she said quietly. "Don't teach her weird greetings." Before Ritsuka could respond, however, Marie snapped her fingers, an a-ha expression on her face.

"Oh, I've got it! I have to be more needy!" She turned to her friend. "Come on, Amadeus! Whassup!"

"Whassup! I like it, Marie. Keep it up! I can feel the love of a century beginning to fade!"

"…. say what now?" I notice as I said that how Marie's smile faded a bit.

"Hmmph," the Rider sighed crossly, glaring at her companion. "I'm sorry, Ritsuka. Whassup is a very stimulating greeting, but I must reluctantly refrain from it." At seeing the confused expression on our faces, she continued explaining. "If Amadeus likes it, that must mean it's not appropriate for a lady to use."

The Caster scoffed slightly and waved a hand dismissively. "Let's not be slanderous here. You're acting like I'm a pervert gentleman who loves dirty jokes."

"Don't blame me. You're a child when it comes to everything but music." Despite her choice of words, I get the feeling that there is not actual hostility between the two, and that the conversation is merely a playful argument between friends.

"So, you are Jeanne d'Arc, yes?" Marie asked, looking at the Ruler with a reverent expression. "The saint who saved France. One of the people I wished to meet in my life." Once more Jeanne looked down at her feet a bit awkwardly at the mention of her status as a saint.

"…I'm, not a saint," she finally said, unable or unwilling to look at her countrywoman. Marie shook her head slightly.

"Yes, everyone knows that's how you saw yourself. But the way you led your life was true, and we all know the results. That's why everyone will always remember and admire the name Jeanne d'Arc, and the miracle of Orléans." The words do little to sway Jeanne, and Amadeus sighed, rolling his eyes at the queen.

"Of course, your life ended at the stake and resulted in that witch. It's just like Marie to only look at the good parts," he said with lighthearted exasperation before focusing on the Ruler. "Am I wrong, Jeanne d'Arc? Your life was a little out of tune. Jeanne herself is the one who gets hurt when people call her a perfect saint. Listen, Marie. You always say what you think others want to hear, not what they need to hear. Sometimes you need to scold or deny others," he chided to his friend.

Marie crossed her arms. "I-I don't need to hear that from you, Amadeus!" She stammered. "You already tell me that every day! T-This is what you want, right? Piano-brain! Piece of human garbage!"

"Hey, Master," I turned to Mordred, noticing the bemusement in her eyes as she whispered to me. "Do you know if Roman is recording this?" I rolled my eyes good-naturedly at her comment, desperately trying to not giggle. Marie's face suddenly turned bright red as she continued ranting at her friend.

"You're a pervert who can only get it up for musical scales! If you like music so much, you should turn into a piano!" At that point, my resistance finally breaks. I bend forward slightly, unable to suppress my laughter. Ok, I hope Roman is recording this. Otherwise, I don't think anyone will believe what a queen had just suggested!

Amadeus has an expression that simply screams of conflicting emotions at that last insult. He took a few seconds before finally speaking. "….I don't know if I should say this, but when you insult me like that, I feel something indescribable," he mused, before suddenly smiling. "But see? You can do it if you try! Go on now, give the same treatment to Jeanne. Faster. Stronger. More violent! Tell her all of her flaws as you seem them!" 'This…this is the man whose music so many children listen to growing up…I'm semi-speechless…' I thought to myself as Marie calmed down, shaking her head at Amadeus's suggestion.

"Non, that's impossible Amadeus," she replied, a serious expression on her face for once. Human garbage like you has nothing but flaws. But Jeanne herself has none." Out of the corner of my eye, I notice both of my two female blonde Servants stiffening. Jeanne, I could understand. Why Mordred was reacting to that last part, though, I have no idea. I frown, wondering what could be bothering her, but elect to say nothing for the moment.

Amadeus runs a hand down his face, shaking his head sadly. "Are you serious? I didn't know you had it that bad. You really did love Jeanne d'Arc, didn't you?" Marie shrugged, the high energy and positivity I have quickly come to realize was usual of her still subdue.

"I would say 'worship', rather than 'love', And a bit of guilt as well," She added, glancing regretfully at the saint. "…a tiny 'sorry', the size of a teaspoon. The natural guilt we foolish royals felt towards the saint we did not rescue." Those words finally cause Jeanne to look up, a sad smile on her face.

"Marie Antoinette. Your words honor me, but that's why I must confess. In life, I was no saint. I held the flag high for what I believed in, and as a result, I stained my hands with blood. Of course, I don't regret that. Nor do I regret the Inquisition or my own death," she admitted. "But I shed too much blood. I believed in the dreams of a little country girl, but at the time, I never imagined how high the price of that dream was. I never regretted it, nor did I feel fear. And that is my greatest sin," Jeanne said sadly.

"Only the outcome of my actions made me a saint. I do not think it's the right word for a country girl like me," she finished. Marie said nothing for a long minute, her eyes examining the now-silent Ruler before finally nodding my head, apparently finding whatever it was she was looking for.

"…I see," she finally said. "So, you're not a saint, right? Then, may I call you Jeanne?"

"Y-yes," stammered a surprised Jeanne, though she recovered quickly. "Of course. It feels like that would bring back old memories. Good memories."

"Wonderful," Marie smiled. "Call me Marie, then. If you're simply Jeanne, and not a saint, then I want to be Marie, and not a queen. Please Jeanne, will you call me Marie?" The Rider implored with an earnest smile.

"All right," Jeanne nodded with a small smile. "Thank you, Marie."

"And thank you as well," Maire replied good-naturedly, her smile wide and full of teeth. "I am sorry for how I keep pushing my own views on you. You've lost your own answers about yourself, haven't you? Just like the day I died, not knowing a thing about what was going on. We'll have to find our own answers. I certainly want to treat you as a saint, but I'll stop myself!" Marie declared. "I won't believe in you, no, I will support you! Is that not what female friends are supposed to do, Amadeus?"

The Caster smiled slightly before shrugging. "I suppose so, yeah? You guys can go eat sweets or something," he said nonchalantly. As much as I was enjoying this moment, however, it was time to get back on track. I coughed politely, getting the attention of the trio of Servants along with my three friends.

"Well, at least we have our own merry band of travelers," I said, smiling slightly. True, Jeanne Alter was still around, along with numerous over Servants under her command and whatnot, but now we have even more allies. Better yet, the lack of having summoned a Servant belonging to the Rider class was no longer an issue. "However, as much as I would love for us to spend the rest of the day like this, we can't ignore what we have seen today. Mash, do you mind filling in Marie and Amadeus about what has happened?"

The Demi-Servant nodded and turned to the two, who listened attentively. I turned and walked over to Ritsuka. "How are you doing?" Ritsuka didn't meet my gaze, shrugging.

"I'm okay." I frowned and looked at Mordred and Jeanne.

"Hey guys, you mind giving Ritsuka and I a minute?" Jeanne nodded in understanding, while Mordred just shrugged and walked over to the unlit campfire. Now that we were alone, I looked back at my fellow Master. "Ok. It's just us now. What's wrong?"

To his credit, Ritsuka kept himself composed as he looked up, a mixture of frustration and sadness in his blue eyes. "I-it's just…. I feel so helpless right now, and I hate it!" Ah. I had a suspicion this might happen. I find it a bit ironic that I was helping someone else out with self-doubt when I had gone through my own one not even a week ago. I reached out a hand and gripped his shoulder.

"Is it because of what happened in town, or the fact that you feel like you only contribute by providing Servants with contracts?" I asked.

"A bit of both, I suppose…" Ritsuka muttered dejectedly. I sighed internally. His heart is in the right place at least.

"First of all, you haven't been helpless or useless. For one thing, you saved my sorry ass from that zombie," I said, causing Ritsuka to adjust his posture, straightening slightly. "Secondly, on our first day, you risked your life to save a girl you barely met. That was a very brave thing to witness, you know?" For a few seconds, my friend was silent, and I was the same, content to wait for his response.

"Can you teach me?" He said suddenly, a rather intense look on his face. I raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Teach you what, exactly? I hope you're not talking about magcraft, because you're better at it than I am," I said, half-jokingly. Ritsuka rolled his eyes slightly, unamused.

"Can you teach me to fight, so I can defend myself?" He asked. I bit the inside of my right cheek, mulling over the request. I mean, it's not like I am a martial artist or something. I could teach him the basics of fencing, though…that might be a good idea.

Honestly, the idea of my friend being able to defend himself if ever a skeleton or something else got past our Servants and, as a last resort, myself, was rather appealing. It might also improve the way Ritsuka views himself. We're suppose to be partners. Equals.

Yes, I might be taking charge of this current mission, but that won't be how the next six will go. Presuming, of course, that we survive this one, but that's not the point right now, I suppose. I hummed at that, before finally nodding.

"When we return to Chaldea, I'll teach you the basics of fencing. However, don't ever think you are useless. Ok?" Ritsuka's eyes light up as he smiled excitedly. I guess he has no idea what learning to fight with a blade is going to be like. I don't have the heart, though, to pop that bubble of his. I looked over at our Demi-Servant friend.

"Now then, it looks like Mash has finished explaining the situation to our new friends. Let's go over and start discussing ideas for what to do next, yeah?" Ritsuka nodded, a determined smile on his face as we walked over. At least that issue had been dealt with.

Now all we had to do was to defeat a small army of Servants and mythical creatures and retrieve a Grail.

Notes:

So originally I was going to end this chapter with a cliffhanger before a Servant battle, but I forgot how long the section we would be in in-game was, and so I am breaking it up into two or three sections before we see the next Servant Battle (Not going to spoil it for those who haven't played the game yet). Marie is honestly a pleasant gal to write, and so I am looking forward to the moments where I shall write completely originally dialogues and all for her, especially after she is summoned properly in Chaldea!

So I plan on having Ritsuka be more prominent in terms of combat skill for the following singularities, though obviously neither he nor Jacob could go head-to-head with a Servant, even if it was a shadow Servant. However, I imagine that after being a bystander of sorts to all of the fights recently, he would be a bit depressed and question his value, and therefore ask his friend to help him out or something.

Chapter Text

"…Now I understand," Marie finally said. "Not just France, but the whole world is in danger. Although the form is different, we are still in a Holy Grail War, non?" She asked, receiving a nod from Mash. We were seated around some logs one of our Servants had placed around the campfire. Mash and Ritsuka sat on one, Marie and Jeanne on another. Mordred was sitting next to me, while Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (always wanted to say that name in its entirety) sat on the log next to the two female French Servants. Amadeus scoffed slightly, shaking his head.

"I knew it was dangerous when I learned that we had undergone Master-less summoning, but I didn't expect this. We are currently up against five Servants. That brings up the total to eight, plus Mash and your friends. That is too much, however, is it not?"

"It appears that like so many other things, the rule of seven Servants is no more. However, I doubt that this means there could be a infinite amount of summoned Servants."

"Nor would it be the first time more than Servants had been summoned," Mordred added, once again out of her armor. Having seen her in what I have secretly dubbed her 'lingerie' several times already, it no longer has quite as dramatic effect on me, at least in terms of outwardly appearances. The idea of being so close to someone so scantily clad though, of course, caused my cheeks to burn for a brief second before I had shaken the thought away.

If Mordred had found out, she'd probably punch me.

"The one that I had been summoned in had fourteen Servants in total, two of each class, as well as Ruler over there," she explained for the benefit of our two newest companions. Marie rubbed her chin with her fingers, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"However, we don't have an idea of why Masters weren't chosen. Perhaps-" I started to say before Marie interrupted me with her usual enthusiasm.

"Oh, I get it now! I've figured it out, everyone! The reason we," she gestured at Jeanne, Amadeus, and herself, "were summoned is so that we can defeat them, like the heroes we are suppose to be!" The idea caused me to pause for a moment before I started speaking again.

"Honestly, I think you're onto something there, Marie." The Flower of Versailles seemed to preen at my words.

"Yes, yes! I finally feel like I've found my job in life!" Amadeus looked bemused by his companion's antics.

"It's perfectly fine to be confidant, Marie. But we're up against powerful foes. Jeanne, Mash, Mordred…even Jacob and Ritsuka it seems, are used to combat. You and I, on the other hand, are not the fighting type. The numbers matter less than the fact that they're far stronger." I nodded in agreement.

"Excluding Jeanne and the two of you, Ritsuka and I have a total of five Servants. Assuming that this Jeanne Alter hasn't summoned other Servants, or that the Grail did, that would theoretically give us the advantage in terms of numbers," I said before nodding my head slightly to the German composer. "However, with the exception of Alter, the opposing Servants all have the Madness Enhancement trait belonging primarily to the Berserker-class, buffing their strength," I added my own observation that had the others nodding their heads reluctantly.

"Indeed, Jacob Senpai," Mash said in her serious tone. "Vlad III and Elisabeth Báthory. One carved their name into history as both a hero and monster, while the other as a murderess." Mash then turned to Marie with a questioning look. "The one that appeared to have been a Saber seemed to recognize you, Marie. Do you have any idea who they might be?" The Rider nodded a bit sadly.

"That's right. If they know who I am, then I suspect they might be Chevalier d'Eon. However, I've no proof for now." It was at that moment that Roman spoke up once more, as we had left the commlink active for the sake of keeping the good doctor informed.

"Chevalier d'Eon," he began to say. "A spy with Louis XV's intelligence agency, the Secret du Roi. They were also a Dragoon, and a plenipotentiary minister," he explained for our benefit.

"It matters little, mage from a distant world," Marie responded. "While they served before my time, their splendid visage hasn't changed."

"I see," Doctor Roman said in a thoughtful tone. "It would be wonderful if they would join us…" he sighed wishfully.

"That might be difficult, I think," Jeanne interjected. "Remember, they along with the other Servants we encountered have been given the Madness Enhancement. Even if they wanted to join us, it would be extremely difficult. No doubt the ability being able to be given so freely was a result of the Dragon Witch's control of the Holy Grail."

"Hmph," Marie huffed. "The goal of a Holy Grail War is the get the Grail, but they already have it. It's not fair!" She pouted, looking a bit adorable while doing so. Jeanne gave the queen a soft and comforting pat on the back before speaking back up.

"But that leaves one mystery. Why were we summoned?" I tilted my head slightly, looking at the Ruler.

"Sounds like you have a theory. Care to share with the class?" I asked, playfully pretending to be a teacher to ensure that the mood doesn't go down somehow. MY words managed to make her cheeks flush slightly before nodding.

"Despite the fact that the Holy Grail War hasn't begun, someone already has a grail. Perhaps this is a reversal of causality. A bug, if you will, and perhaps the Grail is resisting it. The greater the opponent, the more powerful the Grail's reaction."

"Hold up for a moment," I spoke up. "You're speaking of the Grail as if it is alive. I thought it was simply a powerful object capable of True Magic?"

"Without going in depth and therefore sidetracking this conversation, it both is and isn't. If you want, we could go over this when we return to Chaldea," Mash offered. I shrugged and nodded at her.

"Alright. Sorry, Jeanne, you may continue now," I said, gesturing at the blonde.

"Thank you. Going back to the Grail's resistance, it is highly possible that there have been other Servants, summoned like Marie." Those words caused Marie to stop pouting, her normal excited smile back.

"Oh, my!" She gushed. "That means I can meet even more people, oui?"

"If we can find them. If I had the ability to detect other Servants, it would be easier. We'll have to rely on Doctor Roman, and perhaps any locals who survived," Jeanne sighed.

"I won't let you down," Roman promised. "While I might not match the ability of a full-powered Ruler, I can still search father than a normal Servant."

"Always a relief to hear good news," I muttered before speaking louder. "Okay then. Doc, can you send me a historic map of the region?"

"I should be able to do so. Give me five minutes or so," the ginger doctor replied. True to his words, my wrist commlink let out a quiet beep five minutes later. Pressing a button, I pulled up a holographic map of the area surrounding Orléans. Thinking ahead, Roman had also provided our location on the map. I reached over a picked up a small branch, standing up.

The others watched silently as I spent the next few minutes drawing a crude map in the dirt. "Alright, so we are here," I said, poking the appropriate area. "We know that La Charité has been destroyed, and that we're not ready to approach Orléans," I tap the two locations of the respective places, drawing an X over the former to signify its destruction.

"I think that we should head here, to Lyon. If it is still standing, we might find a Servant or two that Ritsuka and I could form a temporary contract, like how I did so with Jeanne," I suggested.

"What if we encounter Jeanne Alter or one of her Servants?" Ritsuka asked.

"If we're lucky, we might encounter them individually, if at all. If that is the case, we could reduce the enemy's numbers," I pointed out, earning nods and sounds of agreement. "So then, are we in agreement over this plan?"

"It's a little less fighting for the moment, but it is a solid plan nevertheless," Mordred answered. Of course she would be a bit focused on the idea of combat.

"Let's take a short break now," Marie suggested. "You're all tired, right?" I looked up and saw that it was almost evening. At the same time my stomach betrayed me with a loud rumble. I turn my eyes skyward as I feel my cheeks grow warm. Thankfully, it's only Mordred who snorted in amusement. Composing myself once more, I looked at the others.

"Yeah, I think Ritsuka and I need to have dinner. We can assign the shifts for guarding the camp tonight afterwards."

The next hour or so was rather enjoyable, filled with light-hearted banter. Even Chulainn partook in it, at least for a bit. Sasaki had said that he would remain on-guard, while Medea was her usual aloof self. The food was still rather bland, but at least it was filling. We only had a few more days left of the rations from Chaldea, however. Maybe in the morning we should see if Roman could Rayshift in a few more days' worth of rations.

After we had finished eating, Mash had insisted that Ritsuka and I start resting early, as today had been trying for the two of us both mentally and physically. Seeing no reason to disagree with the pink-haired girl, we agreed.

As I slipped into my sleeping bag, I offered a small, silent prayer for a dreamless night.

In hindsight, I should have known better…

Mordred turned her ahead away from the sleeping forms of the two Masters, content now that they were asleep. Amadeus and Chulainn had turned into their spirit form, perhaps desiring their own form of peace for the moment. At one corner of the camp, Ritsuka's Caster was staring intently into a crystal-like ball that she had crafted after taking some time to adjust to the Leyline we were standing upon.

She didn't feel comfortable being near the Caster. She hadn't missed the brief glint of her eyes upon seeing her face, nor the way her lips quirked upwards in a satisfied manner. It reminded her too much of mother.

She would work alongside Medea, but she wouldn't be friends with her, even if Jacob tried to ask it of her.

The sound of movement caused Mordred to look at a now-standing Mash. "Now that Senpai is asleep, I'm going to go on a brief patrol of the area," the Demi-Servant said to Jeanne, Marie, and Mordred. Mordred merely grunted, still out of her armor.

"Just don't take too long, Shieldly," she said, using the somewhat-affectionate nickname she had given Mash. She nodded, and Fou followed her as she quietly departed into the forest. For a few minutes there was a somewhat awkward silence as a depressed expression appeared on Ruler's face.

"Something wrong, Jeanne?" Asked Little Miss Energy, concerned. "You seem defeated…Are you tired?" While she hadn't exactly spent much time with her fellow blonde during the Greater Grail War, and even extorted some Command Seals from her at one point, it was clear Ruler was still bothered. She blushed though as Mordred watched on from the side, her arms crossed below her chest.

"Oh, no, Marie, I'm not tired. I am a Servant, after all." The Rider shook her head insistently, not content with dropping the matter.

"Perhaps you are saddened by the state France is in…" she murmured softly. At least she wasn't being her normal loud self. Last thing they needed was for noise to alert who-knows-what enemies in this forest to come bearing down at this hour. "I mean, are you disappointed?" This time it was Jeanne who shook her head.

"No, I'm not disappointed. Thank you for your concern, Marie," she replied, a soft smile on her lips for the faintest of seconds before fading. "But…seeing those familiar towns in flames is a bit hard for me to bear."

"Yes," Marie said sadly, nodding in understanding. "For you, especially, this era is the one you lived in. For me it feels different, memories still going on." Suddenly, the pipsqueak straightened up. Seems like she suddenly had one of her ideas form just now. "Yes!" She said quietly. "Why don't we take this time to talk? Girls' night out!" That certainly caught Mordred's attention. Ruler's too, if the polite but confused look she had was any indicator.

"…Excuse me?" She finally said.

"Oh, is that strange? But both you and I were summoned in the bloom of our youth. You see? I'm in the middle of puberty, right? So I love talking about love and romance!" Yeah….better not ask her to join the two if they were going to deal with that matter. Ruler laughed awkwardly, blushing slightly.

"I appreciate the offer, but that's hard for me. I know of compassion, but not romance." The answer caused Marie to stare at Jeanne with a mixture of shock and horror.

"But…" She stammered, clearly fighting the urge to shout her words. "You're missing out on life! It's not too late to start! Fall in love with someone, Jeanne!" Come to think of it, didn't she seem a bit close with that odd homunculus during the War? Mordred shrugged to herself as she continue to half-listen to the only conversation going on in the camp.

As uninteresting as it may be, it was still better than leaning against a tree and watching more trees for hours on end. The words she once said in a crypt crept back into her mind, about it being boring on her own.

"If I get the chance, I'll give it a try," Ruler said, still unaware of the events of the Greater Grail War. "What about you? Have you fallen in love, Marie?" She asked the queen of France, who giggled softly.

"Of course," she smiled. "I fell in love with a boy who proposed to me at the tender age of seven. I think it was my first love. When I was fourteen, I fell in love again, this time the prince who I married." Huh, good to know that centuries later the habit of the young ladies of royal courts being engaged at such a young age was still on-going.

"Oh my," Ruler said in surprise. "When I was that age, I was either working or playing in the fields with the other children."

"That sounds just as fun! Between us, I find myself a bit jealous of that. It must have been such fun to be able to go wherever you wanted!"

"Yes, it was fun," Ruler agreed. "What I lacked in romance, I made up for in friendship." Images of moments in the halls of Camelot caused Mordred's hands to tighten momentarily.

"Did all the boys like you?" Rider asked, a bit hungrily. Ruler hummed in thought before answering.

"My hair was short then, so they treated me like one of the guys." Huh. Lucky her. There was a reason why Mordred refused to dismiss Secret of Pedigree unless she was alone. She could already imagine those idiots she served alongside flipping out if they had seen that she was a woman, as much as she disliked being called such.

"What about you, Mordred?" Said Servant flinched slightly, having been surprised by the question thrown at her by Marie. She quickly recovered before glaring at the two French Servants, scowling in displeasure.

"Oh, no, I'm sure as hell not going to be dragged into your little 'girls' night' thing. Talk all you want to one another, but leave me out of it," Mordred snapped. Ruler and Rider frowned at her, though whether it was in disappointment or disproval, the knight didn't know. Nor did she really care, to be frank.

The Rider opened her mouth, looking like she was going to try pushing her luck. Thankfully, Ruler rested a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't we sit down over

Happy to have avoided that mess, Mordred leaned back against a tree, closing her eyes to give the appearance of sleeping while she stood guard for Jacob and Ritsuka. For the next hour or two, the only sounds the former Saber of Red heard were soft snoring, the occasional local night wildlife, and the dull mutters of the two French Servants having their girls' night.

The sound of quiet grunting has her opening her eyes suddenly, looking over at the only non-Servants of the group. She saw her Master twitching and moving slightly in his sleep, his face screwed up in discomfort.

"Master…?"

When I opened my eyes, it was to see a familiar blonde girl standing a bit shakily. She looked a year or two older compared to the last two fragments that had troubled me. Her messy hair, tied backwards in a sloppy ponytail, was drenched in sweat. I took a moment to look around.

It looked like a small fighting pit, the sand covered with broken, bleached bones and rust-covered weapons. Mordred fell onto one knee, leaning against her sword, the tip buried into the ground as she breathed heavily. The sword was a simple one, meaning the future Knight of Rebellion had not yet received Clarent, nor her armor that she wore so often. Her clothes had been fitted to cope with her slight increase of stature due to aging. It was dirty and torn slightly, however. Who or what had she been fighting?

"Again." The voice that I was starting to loath came from behind me. I felt myself snarl as I looked up at the veiled visage of Morgan le Fay. She sat on an elevated platform, looking down at her child. She waved her hand, and several dozen skeletons armed with various Medieval weapons formed around Mordred. "When you finally confront your enemy, you must be prepared to fight even if you are exhausted and outnumbered. Today, you will fight on until you cannot stand. How much pain you will feel will be up to you, but either you will not rest."

With those words, the skeletons rushed the exhausted Pendragon. She managed to raise her sword to deliver a clumsy counter with the flat of her sword, but apparently having already been fighting for at least several hours already, was unable to react quickly enough to a club being swung at her exposed and unarmored back. I see her grit her teeth, refusing to cry out in pain, and punches the attacker with her bare knuckles, drawing blood while she swung her sword.

Despite her best efforts, however, numerous blows began breaking through her defenses, and she fell down to her knee again, refusing to cry out despite the pain being inflicted upon her.

The worst part about these dreams? You can neither look away or close your eyes, nor intervene. It was almost a miracle for me when I felt myself begin to wake up…

Once more I jolt upright from the ground, shoulders heaving as I pant softly. My forehead felt slightly damp, from sweat perhaps. I grit my teeth, trying to force the images I had just saw out of my head.

"Damn it," I muttered as I took a deep breath. I forced my body to stop shaking as I tried to calm down as best I can. I highly doubt that I can fall asleep anytime soon now, especially after what I had just dreamed. Was this really what my Servant's childhood was like for her?

"Another bad dream?" The voice sounded faintly bemused, lacking the exhaustion and pain that I had just heard it in. I didn't immediately reply to my Servant, causing her to walk closer, as I see her boots in front of me.

"Master…" she growled warningly. Not wanting to test my Servant's patience, I finally looked up.

"Yeah, a bad dream…" I didn't miss how Mordred seemed to be staring into my eyes, her brow furrowed while I hesitated, trying to decide on how to phrase the question I could no longer ignore.

"Mordred…I was wondering, since you never spoke about it, what was it-" Before I could try asking Mordred about her childhood in an effort to better understand what I had been seeing, however, the peaceful silence of the camp was shattered by the sounds of steel slamming against steel. Mordred cursed as her armor encased her body once more, Clarent held in her hands. I jam my cap onto my head and stand up, grabbing the sheathed sword next to me.

"Sounds like Sasaki may have found someone," I muttered. Ritsuka jolted upright, blinking wearily at the unexpected interruption. Next to us, Chulainn and Amadeus appeared from Spirit Form. "Rits, stay here until Mash gets back. Mordred, let's go," I barked, taking charge once more. Thankfully, my fellow Master didn't protest the idea of being left behind. I could see Marie and Jeanne, both closer to the edge of the camp, in particular the one that was closest to the sounds of combat, and waved at them to follow us.

In a few minutes, we arrive to see my Assassin Servant blocking the swing of a cross-topped staff with the flat of his nodachi. My eyes narrowed at the sight of purple hair, quickly recognizing her as one of Alter's Servants from the showdown at La Charité.

Apparently she sensed our arrival, for she leapt backwards and turned towards us, delivering a half-curtsey. "Hello there," she said, rather kindly. I looked at Mordred.

"Well, you kinda did say you were hoping for a fight," I joked, and she rolled her eyes at me. Maybe after we defeat this Servant, I will ask her my question. Not if, but when we defeat. They might have an advantage at the moment, but it looks like it is time to start chipping it away.

Notes:

So, this chapter was mainly to transition into the fight with Saint Martha next chapter, as well as also to experiment some more with writing from Mordred's perspective. Not much really to say other than the normal and also the daily question(s)

Also, did I just Kenobi/Grievous myself?

First question: If you could snap your fingers and summon any Servant from the game in real-life, who would you pick?

Second question: How did you first find out about the Fate series? For me, I found out one day on Netflix after trying Sword Art Online, and saw the title 'Fate/Apocrypha;' and soon met my most favorite Servant and anime character of all time, Mordred! :)

Hope you enjoyed. What did you guys think?