#emiya x reader

[jinnyurr]

Hi hello!! I want to request SFW, Archer Emiya x M! master where its the gruff care thingy, specifically the "Sit up and take the olate, im not going to handfeed you" i think that fits him very well

A/N: thank you for the first request, anon, i hope you enjoy this! Its kinda hard to write Emiya's stoic character, but i persist. A side of caster cu in the first half, i hope you dont mind.

3,07k words. Enjoy the read.

A thick layer of silence cloaked your room, broken only by the soft, rhythmic rise and fall of your chest. Curled beneath a mountain of blankets, you lay still, your face pale and etched with the strains of illness—albeit your face devoid of life, you feel your cheeks and forehead heating up with each intake of breath you take; your lungs ablaze.

You tilted your head with half lidded eyes, vision blurry as you slowly blink trying to make out the silhouette that's right next to you. You blink several times, attempting to get rid of the foggy haze clouding your mind. Not long, your head manages to recognize the patterns; blue fur robe, black tight crop top— your servant, Caster Cu Chulainn, sat perched on the edge of the bed.

No words were exchanged, instead, you feel his broad hand hovering over your forehead before gently placing it down. You wince slightly from the sudden contact, his hand cool against your fiery skin as your mouth opened slightly, taking in puffs of breaths.

Your heavy eyes are fighting to stay open as you try to peer into his gaze ; Caster's piercing crimson eyes, usually filled with a warrior's ferocity, held a tender concern as he monitored your temperature.

“Master, your temp ‘s way too high,” he sighs, pulling away his hand from your forehead while he lets out a small hiss, placing his hand back down on the sheets, “there's a cooling rune I could use, but I think archer wouldn't like that.”

Archer? Which archer?— your eyes squint as you're trying to figure out which archer he's implying to, that is until you saw the usual mischievous glint appearing in those crimson eyes, decorating his somewhat serious face.

You sighed, closing your eyes. Ah, Emiya. You remembered that Caster likes to tease Emiya about anything when it comes to you. Your archer has never been the type to directly say to you that he cares or worries for your well being, in fact, if you recall his words, it's anything but nice and caring.

You still remembered the moment he snatched the cooking utensils from your hands and said that you're better off not inside the kitchen. You saw the disappointed look in his eyes for a brief moment before your other servants snatched you away, trying to cheer you up.

“Maybe I should use it, see how archer reacts, eh?” your thoughts were broken off and your eyes opened as Caster stood up from the bed, now fully facing you with a sharp grin plastered on his face. One of his hands went up, index finger up and ready to trace shapes in the air, “cooling rune, was it..” his brows furrowed, focusing on his fingers.

With practiced movements, his fingers began tracing shapes in the air; your heavy eyes followed his movements the best you can, feeling tired midway as Caster does an elaborate gesture with his index finger.

Unfortunately, before he could finish, the door to your room opened with a smooth swoosh sound and not long after you hear Caster yelping, followed by the sound of the door sliding shut.

You shifted your head to the side again, facing the door; the pillow felt warm- unnecessarily warm from the effect of laying your head too long on one side. The smell of various foods infiltrated your senses, giving strength to your body as your eyes opened wider.

There, you saw your archer holding a silver tray filled with what seems to be a bowl of soup and some eating utensils, accompanied by some side dishes. The look on his face is the same as always; stern, firm and serious, however, your tired eyes managed to catch a slight glimpse where Emiya's gaze softened upon seeing your state- only for a brief moment before it was masked back by his usual demeanor.

A coughing fit attacked your throat as Emiya placed down the silver tray, laden with a steaming bowl with a quiet clink. A subtle frown creased his brow, a familiar line etched into his face. Your hand went up to cover your mouth as your throat felt like it was suffocating— this really couldn't get any worse.

The scent of the soup, a rich concoction of vegetables and meat, filled the air, mingling with the clinical odor of your room. Emiya's nostrils flared slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the warmth and nourishment it promised.

Unfortunately, You caught a fever during a mission, presumably because of the plants there throwing out some pheromones or something that tickled your nose buds and went further down into your system, causing a fever to ignite within your body as a defense mechanism.

Your servants easily got rid of the said plants, but their pheromones have already gotten into you, and you didn't mind it at first, which was a big mistake leading up to you getting bedridden in the present.

With a sigh, Emiya began to unpack the utensils, his movements efficient yet gentle. Swiftly, he pulled a nearby stool as he took a seat, crossing his arms in front of his chest while he faced your weakened body.

Your chest heaves heavily as your head feels like it's nailed onto your pillow; your eyes that were momentarily strengthened by the scent of delicious food quickly return to their previous state as they look up, searching for Emiya's face.

His expression remained unchanged, his face a mask of controlled indifference. A soft click of his tongue echoed in the quiet room. It was a small gesture, almost imperceptible, but it carried the weight of unspoken words. It was a silent reprimand, a chastising of his master's carelessness.

His eyes, a deep dark gray, scanned your form, taking in the pale complexion and the way the blankets were pulled up to your chin. You feel exposed albeit the weighted blanket covering almost of your entire body, his gaze left no place for you to hide.

For a brief moment, there was a flicker of something akin to disappointment in their depths, a stark contrast to the usual coldness of his expression. It was a fleeting moment, quickly masked by the familiar facade, but it was there, a silent accusation of weakness.

You blinked slowly. Weakness? Why was there weakness? Was your archer thinking you're weak?

You felt small under the weight of that gaze, a sense of inadequacy creeping into your consciousness. You huddled deeper into the blankets, as if seeking refuge from the penetrating scrutiny. Every imperfection, every sign of vulnerability, was laid bare under Emiya's unwavering stare.

The silence stretched on, heavy and oppressive, as you grappled with a mix of shame and helplessness.

Emiya's gaze remained fixed, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His lips were pressed into a thin line, a stubborn set to his jaw. It was a posture of defiance, a refusal to yield to weakness. Yet, there was an undercurrent of concern, a flicker of empathy hidden beneath the layers of stoicism—

—oh. He didn't think you were weak— no, not at all! Your hazy brain and the fact that you're pressured under his stern gaze made you think that you were perceived as weak for falling ill just because of some plant, but truly it was far from that.

Your archer was blaming himself.

He blamed himself for he couldn't protect you, causing you to be bedridden. He blamed himself for not noticing the symptoms sooner, if he did, at least he could have prevented all of this. He was the closest to you, he's been there when you were still learning how to be a better master, he—

"I'm not going to hand-feed you,"

The silence was broken. Emiya's voice was low, a stark contrast to the usual harsh tones. His words were a command, but there was an underlying note of exasperation.

"Sit up and take the bowl." he added, his voice firm, laced with a hint of impatience.

Just as your mind wandered to how Emiya was falling into the depths of self blame, his stern voice rang through your foggy head, clearing all your remaining thoughts about him and forcing you to focus on the possibility of how you were being reckless, causing the archer to be disappointed at you.

Suddenly,the weighted blanket feels a little bit too heavy— they felt like heated bricks stacked onto each other and placed firmly down on your chest as well as your head, your heart skipped a beat at the coldness in Emiya's voice. It was a sharp pang, A wave of self-consciousness washed over you, a deep-seated fear of disappointing your archer.

With a determined effort, you pushed yourself up into a sitting position, your body trembling with exertion as your head felt like it was filled with molten lead.

The world spun around you, a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. Your vision blurred, and a cold sweat broke out on your forehead. Shit. You moved too quickly. You subtly clutched at the edge of the bed, your knuckles slowly becoming whiter than it already is as you try to keep in mind that you don't want Emiya to see you struggling more than you have.

Emiya's figure was a hazy outline, a distant presence that seemed to grow larger and more imposing with every passing moment. The archer's arms remained crossed, his expression unchanged, a silent judgment hanging in the air.

Your body felt like it was on fire, a furnace consuming you from within. You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to block out the world. But the darkness was filled with the image of Emiya, his stern gaze and disapproving expression. A deep sense of shame washed over you, a heavy weight pressing down on your chest.

Your hands trembled as they reached up to touch your burning forehead. The coolness of your skin offered a brief respite from the fiery inferno within, however, the relief was short-lived, replaced by a fresh wave of dizziness.

Emiya watched with a critical eye as you struggled to comply with his command. There was a flicker of satisfaction in his gaze as he witnessed your determination to overcome the illness. He had always believed in his master's strength, your resilience in the face of adversity.

As your hands found their way to your forehead, Emiya's attention sharpened. Your breathing was labored, your face flushed with fever. A flicker of concern passed through Emiya's eyes, but it was quickly suppressed. He had to remain strong, to provide the necessary support without succumbing to weakness.

Your body swayed precariously; grip on the bed loosening. Emiya's heart skipped a beat. This was not part of the plan.

You were weaker than he had anticipated. Panic surged through him, a cold dread settling in the pit of his stomach. His arms, previously crossed defensively, relaxed, his hands hovering near the edge of the bed, ready to intervene if necessary.

Then, not even a moment later, his instincts had proved him right. Your head lolled to one side, your eyes glazed over as consciousness slipped away; you found your head landing against Emiya's broad chest with a soft thud.

Your body felt limp as you took shallow and ragged breaths,the heat consuming your vision. Your head could barely manage to register the soft hiss that came out of Emiya's mouth, let alone the feeling of his well toned arms wrapping around your weakened form firmly yet gently.

Emiya had his arms wrapped around you in a protective way while your temple rested comfortably against his chest; the material of his clothing cool against your constantly ablaze skin. He had miscalculated his master's strength, but he admired the way you're willing to push through.

A soft sigh escaped his lips as one of his hands went up, palm pressing lightly on your forehead to check your temperature.

…

Emiya wished he had asked Caster earlier about your temperature rather than just yanking him out of the room by that stupid blue robe of his. If Emiya had known that your temperature was this high, he would've loosen the gruff personality he had while handling you.

His calloused hand slowly pulled away, back to wrapping around your frame; it seems like he was more careless than he'd like to admit.

In your half dazed state, you'd half expect him to scold you for swaying and falling unconscious from such a simple command, but you waited and waited, and the words you expected to hear never came.

Instead, all you got was Emiya easily manhandling you as he lifted you up so that your lower half were now straddling his lap instead of uncomfortably planted on the bed while your upper half leaned against his body. He carefully placed your head so that your head could lean on his left shoulder whilst the rest of your body is nestled perfectly against his own.

The cool warmth of Emiya's body cooled your feverish skin, you squeezed your eyes shut, allowing yourself to lean against him, “..this… feelsh..nice” you muttered the best you can, enjoying his presence.

“..Master, are you okay?” He had questioned as he felt you sneaking your face into the crook of his neck, much like a puppy huddling closer with his litter to seek for warmth.

You answered with a soft hum as your arms went up to wrap around his neck, shifting into a more comfortable position, “mmn,” you had always liked the way Emiya's body would feel against yours— one time he had to carry you away swiftly because an aggressive enemy had ambushed you, and at that precise moment you realized that you wished Emiya would hold you more like this.

Emiya carefully adjusted his hold, ensuring you were comfortable. The young man was limp in his arms, a weight that felt strangely familiar yet utterly foreign. His heart pounded in his chest, an unfamiliar sensation that was both exhilarating and terrifying— he had never been this close to you before, never felt his body so intimately against his own.

Sure, he prides himself on being close to his master, but not in this way. Never had Emiya been this close to you, more like he never allowed himself to be this close to you. He cares for you, that much is true, however, he doesn't show it like your other servants.

His care is shown through the foods he cooked you after farms and missions, his care is shown through the way he shields you from attack and carries you away from danger— his care is shown through the way how he wants to see you grow and become a strong master, and he'll be there to support your every step, even if it means being tough on you.

His hands found a natural home, one resting on your back, the other gently tracing circles on your waist. The warmth of your skin seeped through his clothes, sending a shiver down his spine.

He fought to suppress the emotions swirling within him, to maintain the facade of indifference. But the truth was, he was utterly captivated by the vulnerability of the person in his arms.

A sense of protectiveness washed over him, a primal instinct to shield you from harm. He had always been the protector, the one who stood between you and danger. But now, in this moment of intimacy, he felt a new level of responsibility, a desire to care for you on a deeper level.

You stirred in your sleep, your body twitching involuntarily. Emiya tightened his grip, offering a sense of stability in the midst of your restlessness. He could feel the heat radiating from your body, a constant reminder of your illness.

Right. Your illness.

Emiya let out a soft sigh, the sound lost in the quiet of your room. He glanced down at his master, your peaceful slumber a stark contrast to the chaos that had preceded it.

His mind drifted to the bowl of soup, carefully prepared with ingredients specifically chosen to aid in recovery. He had hoped to coax you into eating it, to provide nourishment for your weakened body.

His gaze shifted from you to the tray on the small table, the steam from the soup now barely visible; a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. There was a part of him that wanted to shake you awake, to insist that you eat- It was his duty, his responsibility to ensure your health. But as he looked at your peaceful slumber, a different part of him, a softer, more vulnerable side, protested. You looked so small— so vulnerable in his arms.

A battle raged within him, a conflict between duty and compassion.The soup was cooling rapidly, its medicinal properties diminishing with each passing moment— the soup was indeed important, a crucial step in his master's recovery. But so was rest.

Perhaps a few more moments of sleep would do more good than a bowl of soup…

Emiya's fingers traced the outline of your face, a gentle caress that seemed to deepen their slumber.

With a heavy heart, he made a decision.

The soup could wait. For now, his priority was your comfort. He adjusted his hold, ensuring you were cradled securely against his chest. Your weight was a comforting presence, a reminder of your reliance on him.

Emiya closed his eyes, the rhythmic rise and fall of your chest a soothing lullaby. He allowed himself a moment of peace, a respite from the constant demands of his role as a Servant. In this quiet moment, he felt a sense of connection with his master, a bond forged in the crucible of their shared experiences.

Your room fell silent, the only sound was the ticking of the clock on the wall and the now soft and calm breaths emitting from you. Emiya held you close, a silent promise of protection and care.

For now, this was enough.

[kpop-anime-com]

🫣

Thinking of Emiya and the male lactation kink again and master having a praise kink, so Emiya praises her as she drinks from him 😳 and he'd hold the back of her head, to press her face into his chest more!

Oh my god 💦

He would say good it feels when you flick your little tongue over his nipple. You can hear it in the low groan of his voice how much he likes it as he tells you;

"Ah~ good girl, make sure you drink all of it❤️"

All the while pressing your face to his big chest a little harder.

[uponawhitehorse13]

For Saber, Caster, and Rider from FSN; how do you think they feel about their True Names vs their Class Names, especially once in a relationship??? Do they prefer for their lover to use one over the other??? Assuming this is either post Grail War or in an intimate setting where they are alone and there is no risk of their True Name being overheard by an enemy.

Ok so first and foremost we need to lay a lot of things down because this isn't as simple as it may seem. The reason servants are called by their class in the first place is that their identity could give away their powers and the element of surprise is important in a battle royale. Due to this there's also really no way to know you're not being watched at any point in the war. If we're talking about any post HGW relationship the usage of their class name would come about simply as a force of habit.

Second due to Fate being a japanese franchise a lot of the way characters use names and surnames is dependant on that culture with first name usage being seen as intimate or used to show a character's inexperience with societal customs or their different cultural background.

Saber wouldn't care about you continuing to use her class name and feels no shame towards her name or surname and would not mind being called by them. However neither really roll of the tongue so that would probably lead to some sort of nickname being used which would end up probably being Saber again with her real name being used in intimate moments.

Caster similarly wouldn't mind either her class or true name. I do feel she would have a leaning toward sappy couple stuff like "honey" and "dear". She does very much hate being called a witch.

Rider has a lot of self image problems so she might have a dislike for her true name due to what it's associated with. You could try to work with her through her issues getting her comfortable with it or maybe using a shortened version like "Dusa".

The most interesting would actually be Archer. Both Shirou and Kiritsugu are simply called EMIYA when they become counter guardians. I think this is because while they are their own people the Emiya name symbolises the self-destructive dream and sense of duty they both end up following (which they fucked up with Kiritsugu's dad but that's a whole new can of worms). So him getting called Shirou would be a really emotional moment with him remembering how much he has lost himself.

Sidenote but this is also why Saber x Archer is one of my favorite ships ever. Because Saber getting saved by Shirou and then seeing him after he ended up worse than her and having to "return the favor" in a way. Because while she almost destroyed herself for her ideal Archer basically ended up in a personal hell. So her calling him Shirou reminding him that even after everything he's still the boy she fell in love with. It's peak.

[fandom-go-round]

In honor of Shirou day coming some time later this month, can you write something for yandere Emiya Shirou who finds his darling heavily injured? Maybe reader participates in the Holy Grail war so they got attacked by other master? ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-

Warnings: Yandere, Implied Stalking, Implied Kidnapping, Implied Murder, Unhealthy Relationships

Shirou has no idea how you got away from him. It’s fairly easy for him to keep track of you on a good day, let alone during the Holy Grail War. It’s the perfect excuse for him to get closer, be around you more. The two of you are allies after all and it’s important to have your back. If you worry about how quickly he integrates into your life or how he seems to know your preferences, you never say. Shirou is over the moon that he gets to pamper and protect you; this is more than he ever dreamed.

All of that being said, tonight he’s lost track of you and is trying not to panic. You’ve been trying to convince him to do a two-pronged approach against Caster and Shirou is reluctant. He doesn’t want to leave the fantasy life he’s crafted in his head and as much as he wants to be a hero of justice, that would be hollow if you weren’t there. When Shirou finally finds you in a fight with another Master and sees that you’re injured? He sees red.

Everyone writes Shirou’s recklessness off as him being in love with you and they’re partially right. He’s also furious; at this Master, at you and mostly at himself. He promised to protect you and love you and he’ll do anything to prevent you from dying. He’s going to send Saber into fight, fight himself; no plan is off the table and Shirou isn’t going to plan too much.

If things aren’t turning around, he will use a Command Spell and may even ask Saber to use her Noble Phantasm. It’s too early in the war for rash moves like this but Shirou doesn’t care. Once the two of you make it out and you’re safe, he’ll never let you out of his sight again. Shirou will phrase it as being worried about your welfare but he wants you in one place so he can keep an eye on you. Welcome to living with Shirou. He’s never going to let you leave now.

[starlingaurora]

Asexual Cu Chulainn Headcannon

🖤🩶🤍💜

♡✧。。✧♡

Cu Chulainn is a master of cuddles. Casual, sensual, loving, tender, warm, his cuddles are always perfect and he figures out quickly what kind of cuddles and snuggles you prefer.

He actually really likes being a provider for the person he loves. He takes odd jobs so that he can have more freedom to see you, he knows his skills are good enough to take jobs that pay well for his labor and with that he always spends it on good food and good times with you.

If you are in a polyamory with Emiya, then you'd have two, basically Daddies, who love to take care of you and provide the life for you that maybe the 3 of you didn't get to have at first. It's a very cuddly polycule with lots of time napping in warm places and eating delicious food. Ingredients gotten by Cu Chulainn and expertly made into the best meals by Emiya with warm cuddles after especially good meals.

After the nap you all clean up the mess together.

☆♡☆

[cherry-flavoured-thot]

i just got a new vibrator today , and BOY IS THAT LITTLE BASTARD POWERFULL. so can i get some nsfw headcanons about my boi archer emiya .

i would give him the craziest head - like no cap

Emiya:

-Emiya, who thinks its amusing that your eyes do have a tendency to travel down along the lines of his abs because you can see them all the time. But can not cope when you wear an outfit that's only slightly slutty. "Change or I'll make you, you can't wander around here dressed like that." Hit him with a make me, and he will be taking your clothes off.

-And by that I mean, he'll take them off and show you what other servants might do to you if they see you in that outfit. You know, as an example, not because what you chose to wore had a effect on him. (Lies)

-He can be kind of mean. He's cockwarm you but won't let you move, and will chide you if you do. Then he'll try and make you do all of the work if you get too impatient. Only giving you a hand if you ask him enough to his liking.

-"Don't tell me you're giving up already?" He's got you sat on his lap at a weird angle that makes moving your hips difficult, you think it's on purpose from how amusing he's finding it watching you struggle to get the level of friction you want. "Maybe if you ask nicely, I might help you." He means beg. Because even when you do ask, he tells you that's not nice enough for his liking.

[yourimaginationrealm]

Prologue - Fate Zero/Stay Night x You

The beginning - Part two

Part 1

During the War, you had rarely contact to your step father. Once, you entered the church of Fuyuki to meet a friend of Tokiomi: Kirei Kotomine. Rin disliked him from beginning because he was emotionless and she can not trust this man. You somehow found him entertaining to tease. So you sneak towards his favorite room in the church to the wine cellar. Unfortunately,  you would not find him there. As you peek through the door slit, you saw blond hair lying on the couch while he spun a wine glass in his fingers. He hummed entertained when you noticed golden accessories on him. ‚Woah‘ You thought.’ He must be rich.’

„Did you enough googling or did you forgot your manners?“ His voice hollered through the room as you jumped and fell to your knees. He raises from the couch to look at you on the floor. 

„A brat? What do you want , child?“ You somehow found him memorizing. He is definitly not from Japan. The blonde hair were natural not dyed and hanged loosely around his face. But more captivating were his eyes. Red orbs like blood or ruby bored into your C/E.  His pupil resemblds a crescent.

„Woah, You are pretty.“ 

He blinked as he started to laugh with arrogance.

„ I know, child. That’s the reason why you just could not look away?!“

„No, I thought I meet Kirei…“ And wondered who you may be…“  You looked around in the room.

„You can call me Archer for now…“ You shrieked as you heard this. 

„Archer?! Like from the Holy Grail War?!“ You stepped closer to him. „You must be a servant and a hero from ancient times. Wow! Tell me about you.“ In an instand, you beamed thousand questions at him and sat like nothing is unusual next to him on the couch.

„Who allowed you little rat to sit next to myself?“

You blinked and jumped down the couch as you ask. 

„ Am I allowed to sit next to you and listen to your glorious stories…“ He raised an eyebrow. 

„Do you think be-„

„…Beautiful man!“

„Well, sat down…“ You did as he said and smiled at him. 

„A long time ago, I ruled…“ You interrupted him instantly. „Don’t tell me …. Don’t tell me! I wanna guess what kind of hero you are…. Just say what you did without hinting away who you are!“ 

His eyebrows twitched in annoyance as you screamed at him. A normal mongrel would be stabbed already to interrupt the King of Heroes from speaking. 

He coughed and looked at you sternly while you feel his strong gaze on you. 

You shift in you seats as you put your hands on you knee when you apologize. 

„Sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt your speaking…“

I forgive you because you so eager to listen  to my story from ancient times.“ He started to explain how the city looked like, he ruled and that a river was close by. You nodded to any information you could gather to find out who he could be. It was already a wonderful experience so sit with a hero and held a conversation with. He continued how he met someone equal his strength when you begin to giggle.

„… we fought three days… uh? What is so funny.“

„Hehe, no just…. Hehe I just like your story, Mister.“

His eyes blinked a few times and noticed how much fun you have. He smiles to himself. 

„You are an interesting human child!“ Suddenly, he opened a gold portal and a glass within a purple liquid falls to his palm. „Before, I continue any listener shouldn’t stay without a delightful drink!“ You blinked several times with a slight open mouth. The magic was so pretty and interesting. Then, you eyes wandered to his wine glass. „Archer, I think I am not allowed to drink alcohol…“ He chuckles.

„That is not wine… Back then, we were not so strict about the alcohol consume yet I know that a child like you shouldn’t drink it. It is a special juice from the past.“ You hands reached towards the glass while you stretched your body towards him. He held it a bit higher with squinted eyes.

„Can I have the special, pleaase?!“  You sent him you biggest and cutest eyes while he sighed. „I definitely need you to teach more manners but alright.“ 

„I thought you give it to me nonetheless.“

„And? You still can be more respectful and ask for it.“ His hands lowered to give the drink in your hands. You hold it carefully while saying loudly.

„Thank you very much, Archer!“

That is better!“ You take a sip while the sweet liquid makes contact with your tongue. You eyes shine while you wanted to tell him how delicious his drink is. You meet his gaze while he smirked knowingly. 

„I know, child. I loved it as a kid also.“

„Archer, did you meet a special woman?“ He laughed loudly as he told you, he met many women in his life. You snorted. „No, I mean the one?“ He just shrugged. „The one?“ You sighed annoyed which he rises one of his eyebrows.

„The one who sweeps you off your feet? The enchanting one? The one who let your  heart beat uncontrollable fast?“ Okay, the first two phrases came from a Taylor Swift Song. It was a special phase.

„You mean a witch? Nah, more like this one goddess can be called like one…“ Gilgamesh seemed not to get what you mean while you start to groan. „Nooo….“ Suddenly, the door opened and revealed Kotomine Kirei. „You… and you! Tokomi is already searching for you! Stay here, I call him!“ „Aww…!“ You hopped from the couch while resting the glass, he gave you, on the table with you head hang low. You pursed your lips because you know you had to leave the place immediately. Gilgamesh chuckled as he saw your triste facade. „How wholesome you liked my company.“

You nodded. „Yeah, the most other people are boring.“ „Tell me ,child….“ You watched him curiously. „What is your name.“ You excitedly told him your name.

„F/N. Tokiomi F/N:“ You caught him off guard as his piercing eyes checked you from head to toe. „You are not resemble him much, huh?“

„No… He adopted me…“ „So…“ He tried to change the topic. „Do you have a hint who I am?“  You giggled as he raised his eyebrows.

„Of, course!“ Surprised and excited he slams his palm on the table. „How enjoyable, Spill it.“

You put your pointing finger to your lips. „No, you know it is better to stay with you undercover name in this war!“ „Do you think it would make a difference?“

„No.“ You say again. He laughs. „F/N!!“ You mother calls out loudly above the cellar. „Yeaaah, comin’!“  Before you run off you turn around. „It was fun with you archer! Thank you for telling me the stories and the drink! ….“ He rose his wine glass with closed eyes and took a sip before you continue…

„… And also: I really think so too that goddess Ishtar in your epic was a ruthless witch!“ He almost spitted his wine out as you dusted off. He smirked evilly. „What a shame I haven’t been summoned ten years later….“

You still remembered when Tokiomi taught you the last time the magic spell of his family and you had problems controlling it. Yet, little Rin was above your level. Your frustration and the building up tears in your eyes didn’t help you to concentrate on the magic spell. The crystal broke and Tokiomi sighs loudly. „We better take a break here…“ Disappointed, he watched his true daughter Rin mastering the spell with ease. Of course, she was getting rain of compliments. You sighed to yourself as you stepped outside without their noticing. In the floor, you couldn’t contain the tears anymore. They run down your cheeks as you breathed harshly through your mouth. No matter how hard you learned or tried, you could not grasp the magic range like Rin has. Your shoulders shook as you wandered down to your room. Once, you halt and lay your forehead on the cold wall. You punched the hard wall ‚cause of your frustration and cried harder than before. 

„I wonder…. What had made you so upset.“ A familiar confident voice spoke to you calmly. You turned your head to the right as you saw a person leaning against the wall which you weeped. He was wearing a gigantic golden armor and his blonde hair stood to the air different like last time hanging around his face. 

„…Gil-…“ You stopped that his true name shouldn’t left your lips. „Archer…?“  His head turned towards you with an annoyed expression, his eyes squinted as if you are joking and his golden earrings jingled by his movements.

„Are you literally questioning my presence? I thought better of you! A slight change shouldn’t confuse you.“

His words hurt you more and much more tears falling down your cheeks. The blonde hero rolled his eyes. You started to hiccup as his patience is getting lower until he raised his voice. „Stop this wailing, immediately !“ Your lips are pressed together while you you hold your tears and hiccups back. Wet eyes and red cheeks were a funny sight as  the man in front of you watched you sternly. „Great and before you die because you don’t breathe, tell me why you cry like a siren.“ 

You fingers grasped your clothing tightly as you watched the ground fiercely but talked in a whisper.

„Louder!“

„Yes! I - I fail to use magic of Tohsaka or should be already advanced but the younger daughter, my sister is already better than me. I - I try and try but my father is already disappointed of my failure. I feel unable to fulfill his standards. I am just bad and stupid….“ You just spilled anything what was bubbling inside you. You thought, he laughs or is getting more annoyed about your complains as he listened cautiously. His eyes bored into your head as he stood in silence and waited for more to come. 

„Is that all?“ You nodded. „Are you just giving up because you tried a few times and failed? You never can be skillful in something when you just surrender that easily. If all humans act like this, this world has become a rotten place….“ He sighs loudly as you felt more worse than before. „So am I a rotten child?“ He blinked as his mouth corners twitch upwards. „Depends on what you do now?“ You just couldn’t take our eyes of him as he started to smirk while he had an idea. Normally, he would not waste his time with a tiny tot yet he is bored massively with his boring master so he can play a little, right? 

__________________________________

Part one

[marblesphere]

Fate/Alternate Reality (Part 2)

(Part 1)

“Hah! I win again!” I grin smugly at the fallen boy. Once again, I won our sparring match for the nth time.

“I will beat you next time.” the blonde boy glared hatefully at me.

‘Ah… how I relish this victory and his glare.’

“You are still 100 years early to beat me, boy.”

“Shut up, this chibi fairy!”

“Hey! I am older than you!”

“With a stature like that, everyone will think you are 5 years old chibi!” this time, the boy grinned.

“Seems like I haven’t beaten you enough,” I growled. “Prepare to die.” My eyes glint.

“THIS VIOLENT CHIBI FAIRY!!!!!”

I am a fairy… a fairy born of this planet’s inner sea. But strangely, I don’t know what kind of purpose I have. I don’t even know I am a fairy until Merlin, my teacher picks me up. She told me about my heritage and adopted me as her disciple.

That’s how I found out that my master will soon adopt another disciple. He is one destined to be the King, to lead Britain out of the Dark Age. And currently, the future king is just a 10-year-old prick.

At that time, I didn’t like the idea of master dividing her attention to another kid, so I secretly challenged him to a sparring match. The boy with his blonde hair shines as it reflects the sunset, the owner of the gentlest pair of emerald eyes. In a split second, I thought he was the incarnation of a prince on white horse… just like the prince I read in a book. I think my heart just skips a beat when he looks at me.

The boy with shiny blonde hair, the son of King Uther Pendragon, named Arthur Pendragon is just a boy spending his time in the countryside, dreaming of being a knight. And as his soon-to-be senior, I have to teach him the harsh bitter truth that he will experience.

The winner of the match? Of course it’s me. it’s my first win of many more matches that we will have. His cousin, Kay, who will later be called as Sir Kay, is also joining us. My master, who found out my secret hobby (read. tormenting Arthur) laughs until her stomach hurts. She then officially adopted Arthur as her disciple… to prepare him for his future. ~”~

“Ouch!” Arthur knocks my wooden sword out of my hand. The strength he used is no joke, my hand is stinging with pain. His wooden sword is pointed to me.

“Hah! It’s my win again!” he grins his triumphant boyish grin.

“Tsk.” I pout, pushing his sword away.

“Hehehe! It’s my win again, violent fairy.” He mocked.

“Shut up!” I puff my cheeks as I listen to his taunt.

It has been 6 years since our initial meeting. Under the guidance of Merlin and Kay and of course me, Arthur has grown into a healthy teenager, but still a prick. He started winning our sparring match when he hit 14 years old, and now he completely dominated the sparring match.

‘…Ouch…’ I feel stinging pain across my body. ‘Ah… it’s bruised again…’ a fairy… that should have been graceful and elegant and dainty… where would you find a fairy like me, who is covered in bruises because of a swordfight every day.

“I am going to wash up.” My body reeks of sweat. I ignore the still-celebrating teen. How long he is going to rub it into my face? Arrogant prick…

“Arthur, here.” Merlin throws the boy something, which he catches it easily.

“This?”

“Bring it to Rein, would you? She forgot to bring it with her. We don’t want her to suffer from bruises now, do we?’ Merlin smiles, though Arthur knows this smile is a smile when she has something up her sleeves.

‘…tough luck…’ he thought as he wondered what kind of prank his master cooked for Rein. Somehow, he feels a little sorry for the said fairy. As much as they fight like cat and dog, the only time they can bond together is when they are avoiding their master pranks or console each other silently after the said pranks.

“You think he will realize it?” Kay asks Merlin as he sees Arthur trudge further to a waterfall near their house.

“You think he won’t start getting flustered after getting ambushed by that kind of scene?” Merlin smirks as she hums. You can see a devil's tail and horns on her.

“…I hope those two will quickly realize that they have been in love since forever.” Kay sighs.

“That’s the fun part, no?” Merlin cackles. “…really… what a group of troublesome children they are. Fall in love at the very first sight yet neither side realizes it.” she sighs indulgently.

“So, I thought of making one of them realize their feelings. It seems to be way more interesting this way.”

“…just do it moderately…” Kay sighs in resignation.

Arthur finally arrives at the usual waterfall where Rein should be. “Oi! Violent fairy, Merlin told me-!” the teen stopped dead in his tracks. He knew the fairy was bathing… heck, it’s not like they never bathed together. They used to have a water war… granted that the chibi violent fairy back then still had some clothing that covered her body…

“*gulp*” Arthur unknowingly swallows the lump in his throat. Why does he suddenly feel so hot and his throat so dry… like he hasn’t drunk water. He swore he did after he won their sparring match.

He can’t look away from her. The way her soft, dainty body curves around the right places. Even though her hip-down body is in the water, it still leaves little to no imagination. Until now… he has never thought that her body is much much smaller than he thought. Granted, he calls her chibi fairy, but it’s just to tick her off. But the girl in front of him looks so fragile... like she will break even if he only uses a fragment of his strength.

The droplets of water slide down her unblemished skin as they rejoin the water. Her soaked fluffy glossy silver hair and also her gem-like deep violet eyes sparkle under the sun. ‘A fairy…’ the creature in front of him is unmistakably a fairy… A creature of beauty and elegance…

“It hurts…” her pained voice snapped him back to reality. It’s then he noticed various bruises on her body. Did he really… use that much strength when sparring? He starts feeling guilty. Rein… never once complained about it, so he didn’t notice at all. So, all this time he used his almost full strength to defeat such a delicate creature…? And he even gloated about it…? What if he accidentally breaks her?!

“Ha! I haven’t used my full strength yet!” such is the taunt he often throws out after he wins the match, and now he just wants to crawl in a hole for such an embarrassing display.

“Who’s there?” Arthur fortunately managed to hide himself or else he would have a hard time explaining himself.

“You forgot to bring your ointment, so Merlin told me to bring it to you.” Arthur should thank himself that his voice is steady.

“Oh, okay, just put it there.” he heard Rein’s answer.

“Then, I will put it here.” Arthur puts down the small container and walks back to his house, leaving Rein confused.

“??? He didn’t mock me? What kind of prank he is going to pull now?” I knit my forehead. I expect him to actually throw the container at me or do something along that line.

I go back to his house just in time for lunch, Kay just finished plating the meal. “Oh, Rein, good timing. The lunch is ready, eat up.” Kay called.

“Yes.” I take my usual seat, which is beside Arthur. Again, I hear no mocking or any semblance of making fun from Arthur. Because he usually goes, ‘Hah! I bet you were crying.’ Or something along the line. But he is strangely quiet today.

“Huhuhuhu.” Merlin giggles quietly.

‘…Merlin is having fun…? Did she do something?’

“I didn’t do anything at all… at least not yet…” Merlin quickly defends herself.

‘…As if…’ Kay and I made a face at her.

“It’s true! I didn’t do anything yet.” She pouts, faking a hurt as if she was truly wounded by us. ~”~

Arthur lets out another groan for the umpteenth time. He has been tossing around to get some sleep. Unfortunately for him, sleep is eluding him. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees the same thing over and over again. The scene that involved a certain fairy.

Arthur groans as he messes his hair, trying hard to cool down his heated cheeks. he pours a glass of water from the pitcher to quench his thirst. He will really go crazy sooner or later if he is coped here. Thus, he chooses to take a walk.

“You can’t sleep? How rare.” I say as I feel someone stops beside me.

“What are you doing?”

“Watching stars. The sky is clear tonight. I can see a lot of stars. It’s a great view.” I lay down on the grass. “If you can’t sleep, you are welcome to star gazing. As long as you are not noisy.”

Arthur wordlessly plops on the space next to me. And just like that, the two of us are enjoying the stars… a rare moment where we are not bickering.

“So, what did Merlin do to you?”

“Ah?” Arthur is taken aback by the question.

“You were so quiet, while Merlin was giggling like she was enjoying something. So, she must have done something to you. You might feel better after you let it out.” I said.

“Merlin… didn’t do anything…?”

“You sure about that?” I frown. “Then, are you feeling sick?” I sit up and pull him to me, forehead against forehead.

“…you are warm… a fever?” I opened my eyes and saw how red his face was. “You definitely got a fever!” I gasped. “Let’s get Kay and-bwah!” Arthur pulled me back and now I crashed into him. My face crashed into his abdomen and my nose suffered the most damage.

“I don’t have a fever.” He growled.

“But your face…”

“It’s all because of you, stupid fairy!” with that he stood up and briskly went back to his house.

“…what did I do?” I blinked owlishly. ~”~

‘…Strange…’ I frown. ‘This is completely and absolutely weird.’ I narrow my eyes at a certain teen. Arthur hasn’t bothered me for a week straight. We don’t even have our daily sparring match. Instead, he opts to spar with Kay. What's more, he doesn’t talk to me at all.

Usually, I won’t be bothered so much… I mean, we had our fair share of fights where we didn’t talk to each other afterwards for a few days. Kay always drags us and makes us apologize to each other and then we will talk again.

But somehow… I don’t like this… I don’t like how he avoids me without explanation. We didn’t even have a fight yet he refused to talk to me. What’s wrong with him? And Kay refuses to meddle this time. I don’t hate Arthur… even if we bicker every day, even though I don’t like that he is a prick to me if he really hates me… then…

‘…Did I really do something despicable to him? Unknowingly…?’ I clenched my fists hard.

“Did you two get into a fight again?”

“Merlin!” I gasped, not noticing her presence.

“So, what happened?”

“…I don’t know…” I shake my head. “He just… stopped talking to me suddenly…”

“So, what did you guys talk about before he stopped talking to you?”

Then I explained what happened on that day. How he was so quiet and I thought Merlin pranked him. And also what we talked about when stargazing. The last time he talked to me.

Finish listening to this, Merlin is officially clutching her stomach. “He…help… my… my stomach…”

“Merlin, this is not funny…” I pout. “…forget it. I am the idiot for talking to you.”

“Hey hey hey. It’s not a nice thing to say about your teacher.” Merlin pouts. “If it bothers you so much, why don’t you just apologize?”

“Apologize? Me?” I blink, pointing to myself.

“That’s right. You said it yourself. You are not sure if you have done something wrong to him. So, just apologize to him and ask what did you do wrong. I don’t think Arthur will keep ignoring you after that… rather… he can’t… the more he avoids you… the worse he will dream of you…”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.” Merlin beams. “Anyway, just talk to him and he will definitely crumble down to your feet.”

“…why are you saying something so scary?” I sweatdropped at my inhuman master.

So, following my dear teacher’s advice, I decided to talk to Arthur. At the very least, I want to know what did I do wrong. I gingerly knock on the door, waiting for him to answer.

“What’s… Rein…?”

“Umm… I just want to say sorry.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know you are that uncomfortable having your forehead touched. I have been thinking about what made you avoid me and this is the only thing I could think of. So, I am sorry. If you are still uncomfortable, I will stay out of your sight… That’s all I want to say. Good night.” I finished my piece.

“Wait!” Arthur grabs my wrist.

“Yes?”

“You… don’t need to apologize.” He mumbles. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” He grumbled.

“So… why are you avoiding me?”

“It’s…” he averted his eyes.

“It’s?” I urged softly. The next thing I know is, I stand on my tiptoe, head awkwardly on his shoulder. “Arthur?”

“…let me stay like this for a moment… I want to make sure of something…”

“Oh… okay…” I don’t know what kind of thing he wants to make sure of, but I kind of feel guilty so, I let him do his thing.

Meanwhile, Arthur… who has been battling with his sleep because ever since that day, his dream is not as wholesome as he would like. He will wake up sweaty, hot and bothered and pent up. And it’s all starring a certain delicate fairy pinned underneath him, crying and writhing in pleasure.

Thus, he avoids her altogether. He thought it must be because he accidentally saw her naked once and after some time passed, he would return back to normal. Except it’s not. The longer he avoids her, the worse his dream becomes. And in his waking moment, every time he catches her figure, he has this impulse to want to hide her away from prying eyes.

The worst part of all of this is Merlin knows and relishes in his agony… truly, sometimes he wonders why she is his teacher again. Merlin explained that he was born with a dragon trait because he has the concept of a red dragon heart. And dragon is known to be very possessive of the things he likes and has a tendency to hide a treasure in his nest.

Arthur begins to put two and two together. “Do you remember what you thought when you first met her?”

“…I thought a fairy has come to human world… she was so pretty… ethereal and very otherworldly… And I want to hide her away so Kay wouldn’t see her…” he recounted his feelings at that time.

He still remembers how a fairy-like petite girl who is actually a real fairy suddenly appeared one day. She was breathtaking, and literally stole his breath away. Her shiny fluffy silver hair and gem-like violet eyes. He did think they were real gems.

“…But her first sentence ruins everything…”

“I challenge you to a duel of honour!”

“Ahahahaha!!” Merlin laughed at that.

It’s not like his possessiveness is gone after she ruined his first impression. It’s just he was so vexed being beaten by such a petite fairy that his competitive spirit was ignited. He wanted to be recognized as her equal… not some weakling, thus begins the day they bicker and fight with each other.

“…so I… have fallen for her at the first sight…?” Arthur slowly comes to realization.

“Yep, I swear you two are so slow. Even Kay caught on 5 years early.”

“That long ago?!” he gaped.

“You… really didn’t notice that you want to hog her attention all day long?” Merlin is amused at her disciple. “I remember seeing you trying to get her attention when she talked to Kay, or anybody of the opposite gender for that matter.”

“That…” Arthur blushed as he scratched his cheek. He might or might not have done it…

“Well, I guess you finally realize it now.” Merlin shrugged. “Seeing her naked must have made your feelings explode.” She cackles, revealing that it was her scheme.

“Merlin!”

“Well, good luck in making her realize her own feelings too. Rein has absolutely zero sense about herself.” Merlin wished her disciple good luck.

And that’s how the future King of Knights realizes he had long fallen in love with a fairy. A beautiful, ethereal, cute smol fairy who is actually strong enough in swordfight and a genius in magecraft. ~”~

“So, Rein, what kind of man you like?” Such is Merlin’s weird question in one morning.

“Ah?” I blink. “Why are you asking that?”

“Just curious. I mean, you are 16 years old now and are considered as an adult fairy. I wonder what kind of quality you seek in a partner.”

“Fairy reproduces differently from humans. If we died, another one would be born.” I said.

“No no no. it doesn’t work like that, my darling disciple. You know very well that fairy is capable of human-style reproduction. I just want to make sure my cute disciple won’t make a mistake picking up trash.” Merlin grins.

“It’s pointless to think about it now. I live a lot longer than a human and will age slowly after passing a certain age. I have a lot of time to think it slowly.” I sighed.

“Eh~ but I want to know. Come on, it’s just qualities you seek from your partner. Tell me~” she basically will pester me until I answer her question.

“Then… someone who is gentle with me?” I said after a consideration. “He won’t yell or scold me, pamper me to death, and will only look at me even after his death?”

“…the last one is really a requirement?” Kay sweatdropped.

“Unlike human, fairy really takes things seriously about their possession. Well… I know it’s rude to say your partner is a possession, but that’s how fairy sees things. Fairy hates it when other people covet their possessions. Or… if the fairy senses their partner has a change of heart… be prepared to accept the wrath of fairy. At best he will die, at worst he will die after being toyed by fairy.” I explained.

“…scary…”

“That’s why I don’t think I will have any partner,” I said. “Humans are different from fairy and fairies don’t need to actually mate to reproduce, thus most are indifferent in this regard. I do know few fairies that take humans as partners and well… some couldn’t accept fairies’ possessiveness and died a gruesome death. I have no wish to impose that on other people.”

“What if there is someone out there who can rival your possessiveness? If you two are madly in love (read. possessive of) with each other, then the problem will be solved.” Merlin smirks.

“Another mythical creature that can rival fairy in terms of possessiveness…” I sink into a thinking mode. “…probably a dragon.” I mused. “But dragon is no more.” Forgetting the fact, there is a human with dragon traits sitting with me, calmly calculating his next move. ~”~

Arthur is…being weird… That’s my current assessment even after we have made up with each other. He is…odd… like he has 180 degrees of complete change of his attitude to me…

For example, we usually have a morning routine of sparring matches, but he refused to do it again… granted I lost to him for the nth time and I am originally is more proficient in magecraft. I guess he doesn’t want to spar with a weakling. And I do half expect him to say something like, ‘You are still 100 years early to spar with me’ or ‘We will have a match after you train more’

Instead, he says, ‘…You are more proficient in magecraft, you should hone it to perfection. I will cover the swordfighting part. No worry, I will buy you enough time to cast a spell…’ and he pats my head. I repeat, he pats my head.

I… for some reason… actually enjoyed his head pat? Me? Of all people?

And he also doesn’t make fun of me anymore. instead of calling me ‘a chibi violent fairy’ he calls my name. Umm… it doesn’t feel bad hearing him calling my name. In fact, I quite like it.

But… is this some kind of new prank of his? Like he is getting all friendly and then suddenly, ‘I got you, chibi violent fairy!’ or something like that?

“Rein…”

“Yes?” and lately Arthur likes coming to my room. If I am to be honest, I like this version more than the previous one. At least, he is not being a prick to me.

“…can you help me comb my hair?”

Yup, Arthur request is simple like this. He said I comb a better hairstyle and frankly I agree. “Okay, come here.”

Arthur sits on the chair and I take a brush from the vanity table, gently threading his soft tresses before finally getting to work on combing it. “It’s done.”

“Thanks.” Arthur shot me a grin. A boyish grin that I am very familiar with and I think… my heart skips a beat again… I wonder why…

“Rein? Are you alright?” Arthur looks quite worried at my silence.

“Don’t worry. I am fine.” I said, assuring him.

“Really? Are you sure? You are not hiding something, aren’t you?”

“…”

“…why are you staring at me?” pinkish hue covered his cheeks.

“It’s…odd to see you openly worry about me.”

“Th-there’s nothing weird about worrying you. We have known each other for so long.”

“I know. But usually, you will act like a tsundere. For example, ‘I-It’s not like I worry about you. It’s just I prefer you are healthy so I won’t need to take care of you’ something like that.”

“…I am not doing that anymore!” he cried out.

“That so? I did enjoy your reaction back then, but I like this more.” I grin. “Yup, I like this version more.” I repeat with more confidence.

“…you are really… clueless, aren’t you?” Arthur traps a lock of my hair between his fingers and presses a kiss on it.

“Eh?” I blanked, literally, my mind blanked. I... my mind fails to comprehend the situation right now. The sight of that unusually gentle boy… no, he is a man now, he is kissing my hair, keeping his gaze on me.

I suddenly feel my ears and cheeks getting warm at top speed. “I guess if this is your reaction, I still have some hope. I will satisfy myself with this for now.” he tucks my hair behind my ears, flashing a mischievous grin that definitely spells trouble for me… and my heart. ~”~

Arthur pulls out the Sword of Selection, Caliburn and then obtained Excalibur and becomes the King of Britain. And he will lead Britain out of its Dark Age. Such is the prophecy that was told. But now, there is one more additional prophecy so that Britain will be everlasting.

“…marry Princess Guinevere and use her dowry, a round wooden table to establish a foundation of Knight of Round Table.”

This prophecy is splitting Camelot into two factions, those who agree and those who don’t agree. I… along with Merlin have been given position as Camelot court mages right after Arthur ascended as King.

Those who don’t agree with the prophecy factions are a group of people who believe that their king has given his heart to a fairy. Most probably stemmed from the testimonies of people who saw a silver-haired with violet gem-like eyes lady enter their king’s bedroom at dead night. And also, the rejection statement from the king about marrying noble daughters of Camelot.

“I have given my heart to a fairy, you see. I’d rather not suffer her wrath.”

They thought it’s a joke at first, until the testimonies of people who work in the castle prove it to be the truth.

The fairy they are gossiping about is in fact me. Why do I enter his bedroom dead at night? Obviously, because he is mine. Is there anything wrong with a fairy to seek out her beloved? Nope, there’s nothing wrong. So, there, you have it.

Due to the possessive nature of Arthur… whom I finally realized he was born with dragon traits, he refused the notion of me being exposed. So… I wear a hood and cast a disguise spell in the daytime.

Eh? You want to know when we affirmed our feelings? And who confesses to who? Well, I guess Arthur has been wooing me ever since that fateful day… I was just… realizing my own feelings shortly after he ascended as King. It’s truly a heaven-defying, earth-shattering revelation for me.

“Now that he has become a king. It probably won’t be long for him to take a wife.” Merlin said.

“Yeah, actually, there is already a list of noble daughters being put up as the candidate for his wife.” Kay nodded.

“Eh? Why?!” I gaped in shock.

Merlin and Kay look at me weirdly and then at each other, “Because… right?”

“Right.” Kay nodded.

“I don’t want that!” I blurted out.

“Why?” Merlin asked.

“Be-because…” I stuttered. ‘Why am I so against this? This is what naturally will happen, no? A king can’t be without a queen. And… I… shouldn’t meddle much in Arthur’s affair. He is a human… A fairy… will make his life complicated. But… I don’t like it. I want to stay with him. I like him.’

“Oh…” A small gasp escaped my lips. I finally understand… everything makes sense now… I… I am in love with Arthur. That’s why I am so against his marriage. The revelation is truly a heaven-defying and earth-shattering for me.

‘Why am I just realizing it now?!’

“Because?” Kay waited for my answer.

“Be…because he won’t give me headpats anymore…” I spouted a ridiculous excuse instead. It’s not completely false, I love his headpats. It became a thing that I expected daily. But…

‘…I will need to bury this feeling. After he found a wife… he won’t look at me like that anymore…’ ~”~

After the coronation is over, next is the ceremony of me and Merlin being given position as court mage. I am glad that all went well smoothly and I can keep my feelings in check.

“…Stupid Rein… why do you have to realize it now…” I scold myself. “It’s better if I stay oblivious forever. But now I have gone and done it.” I groan, pulling my knees to my chest.

“…why don’t you confess your love to him?” Lady of the Lake rolls her eyes.

“Eehh… I can’t do that. Fairy has a different fundamental value from humans. They don’t take well with our possessive nature.”

“…Are you an idiot?” Lady of the Lake looked at me with deadpan eyes and flicked my forehead hard. “You do know that he is born with a dragon heart. He possessed the nature of a dragon.” She sighs. “And let me tell you something about a dragon. They like to hide away the things they like.”

“…he is born with a dragon heart? Who? Arthur?” I tilt my head, it’s my first time hearing this.

Vivian, the name of Lady of the Lake, hand chops my head, literally. “This stupid fairy!” she hisses and gives me a noggie.

“I give… I give… I am sorry!” I cried for mercy. “But Merlin never told me those.” I defended myself. “…or maybe she had and I had forgotten it?” I mumble softly to myself.

“Haaa…” Vivian exhales a long, loud and tired sigh and I flinch at that, afraid of her wrath. “He is here now, so you can take your time confessing your undying love.” Vivian motions her head to the direction behind me.

“Ah? Wh-” she disappears before I could finish my words.

“Rein… I finally found you.” the familiar presence of Arthur’s mana floods my senses. “I was worried that you were not in your room.” He sighs and plops on the grass beside me.

Yep, I sneaked away from my room to the forest near the castle. This forest clearing is a place where I can meet with Vivian after all.

“Oh…” I draw my knees to my chest again, feeling a little awkward. ‘Now… how do I talk to him without accidentally spilling out everything?’

“Haaa…” this time it’s Arthur who lets out a long exasperated sigh, with his head down.

“…sorry…” I must have made him worried sick if he acted like that.

“…Did Merlin force you into that?” Arthur takes a peek at me.

“That?” I tilt my head. “Ah! You mean this dress?” I stand up so he can see better. The dress… is a spaghetti strapped short lacy white dress, which falls down to my mid-thigh. I also wear the provided accessories, like silk lace cuffs and also a ribbon lace on my right thigh.

Actually, it looks more like a negligee by human standards because no woman would dare to dress like this. But I guess, being a fairy, it doesn’t matter much to me. My wardrobe is full of Merlin’s choices anyway.

“…You shouldn’t wear anything Merlin wants…” he groans, closing his eyes.

“But I am cute, aren’t I?” I giggle, dipping my bare feet into the small lake. “Hehehe, the moon is pretty, it’s a shame for you to come without enjoying it.” I giggle.

Arthur finally opens his eyes and looks at the moon (read. me), “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“…yeah… very…” Arthur enters the lake and stands in front of me. “…you are so beautiful.” His hand gently tucks my hair behind my ears.

I feel heat creeping to my cheeks again and I quickly slap my palms on them, cooling them down. Arthur chuckles at my weird reaction. “Arthur…” his gentle eyes are hypnotizing.

‘No, I can’t….’

“I…”

‘Stop! I can’t say that!’

“I… love you…” just as my confession falls into my ears, Arthur stops smiling and his eyes open wide as if he is in disbelief.

“Ah…” I slap my mouth due to my blunder. “I… I am sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” I quickly added. “I know you are going to take a human wife and we won’t be able to spend time like we used to.” I blabbed. “I am sorry that I made you uncomfortable, I… I will give back the court mage title and disappear from your sight.” I turn around to escape from this predicament.

“No.” my back collides with his strong chest. “You can’t… you are not allowed to run away.” His arms tighten around my shoulders and stomach. “Stay…” I feel the weight of his head on my shoulder as he whispers to my ear.

“Ar…Arthur…” I squeaked.

“Hm? Let me enjoy this for a little longer.” His soft whisper, accompanied by his gentle kisses on my ear and neck… not to mention, his other hand is drawing pattern on my stomach… sometimes dipping lower and going upward again. My heart is thumping like crazy… he is driving me crazy.

“Your face is so red… so cute…” he chuckled as he continued his ministration. “You don’t know…*chu* how long I have been… *chu* waiting for this…” he finally turns me to face him.

“You are really… adorable…” another kiss on the forehead.

“You… you… are you sure you want to be mine?” I exclaimed, shattering the sweet atmosphere. As much as I enjoy it, I still need something to be clear.

“Rein…”

“I am a fairy… I have told you how possessive fairy is. It’s not a joke. Once you vow yourself to me, you won’t be able to escape from me. Even when you don’t want me anymore, I won’t let you go.” My chest heaves up and down.

“That… that should be my line, my silly dense fairy.” Arthur pulls me into his arms again. “I am born with dragon heart. You also know the nature of a dragon, don’t you?” he spoke softly. “I have wanted to hide you away from other people's prying eyes for a long long time ago. In a place only the two of us exist. So you can only look at me.” he lifts my chin up, making me stare at the bottomless hunger in his eyes.

“Since I know our feelings are mutual, I won’t hold back anymore. Even if you run away to fairy world or back to Avalon, I will still chase after you… Your place is only beside me… forever and ever…”

My heart thumps and my body shivers at his declaration. To humans, his declaration will invoke fear, but to me… there’s nothing sweeter than this confession. ‘Ah… I want… I really want him… I want Arthur…’

“I… want you…” I reach up to cup his face. “Give me… give yourself to me, Arthur…”

“Your wish is my command, my fairy…” And so, we sealed our fates with a kiss. ~”~

Anyway, the other agree to take Guinevere as queen faction doesn’t believe it at all. It’s not like they don’t believe the existence of mythical creatures, but they don’t believe that their king has a fairy lover. If he has one, they want her to show up. Having a fairy as queen is actually beneficial to Camelot, her existence itself will deter a lot of nations from conquering the kingdom.

But the fact their king never revealed the said fairy, only by hearing the testimonies of the palace workers, they believe their king is only stalling the marriage problem. So, with this prophecy being told, they pushed him to take her as his wife.

While I trust Arthur that he will stay committed and faithful to me. Sometimes, I mull over the fact that I am a just a fairy… who doesn’t even know her own purpose of being born. Technically, I am a failure of a fairy. I keep thinking if we affirmed our love before he ascended as king, would it be different?

No one can say for certain, but looking at the state of Camelot retainers, I will say they might force their daughters to be taken as wife to help the commoner me sorting the internal affairs. But when they do, their daughters will probably die a gruesome death. Fairy doesn’t take well seeing people covet her possessions.

For now, nobody knows I am a fairy except for a few close knights, but they do know about Merlin being a half succubus. I am sitting in this position comfortably partly because of Merlin’s influence.

“…should I… whisk him away to Avalon altogether? Then we don’t need to listen to this nonsense?” I seriously think about this, but Arthur will definitely reject my offer. He… takes his responsibility as king very seriously. Completely different from when he was just a carefree little boy and also when he is on the journey across Britain.

“Who do you want to whisk away without my knowing?” I jump at the sudden intrusion in my ear.

“Ar-Arthur!”

“You haven’t answered my question. Who are you going to whisk away without my knowing?” he smiles ever so gently. But this time it’s a scary gentle smile.

“…someone…” I avert my eyes.

“Hmm… my fairy is being naughty today. What to do, hm?” Arthur sits beside me, patting his lap while smiling at me, looking at me expectantly.

I sigh and crawl to his lap, resting my head on his broad chest. “Are you worried about the prophecy?” his hand comes up to pat my hair.

“…If I am to be honest, I fear for the princess’ life,” I said. “You know how fairy is.”

“You don’t need to worry about it. I will take care of it,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss on the crown of my head. “My fairy… just need to stay beside me.” a kiss on the forehead, corners of my eyes and finally my lips.

“As long as you are here, I won’t fall.” ~”~

“Kya! This is the rumoured fairy!” Princess Guinevere walks in a circle around me while gushing about my appearance. “No wonder King Arthur forbids you to show off your true appearance! You are so cute!”

The rumoured Princess Guinevere is… vastly different from what I had imagined. After our last secret rendezvous in the garden, Arthur went on a business trip so to speak and came back very happy like he accomplished his mission. I know he is happy because he is particularly clingy and needs more praise than usual. It’s times like this that I think Arthur is a Golden Retriever rather than a lion or dragon. I can practically see the imaginary wagging tail and ears and a sign with ‘praise me more’.

And few days later, Princess Guinevere is visiting Camelot. If I wasn’t in a special circumstance, Princess Guinevere might have perished on the very same day she visited Camelot. On that day, I couldn’t walk… let alone getting out of my bed…

‘Curse him and his A+ endurance.’ He did try his best to appease my mood for a whole day though. Princess Guinevere has no intention to marry Arthur, that’s what he told me. But she did make a deal with him. In exchange for the much-needed round table, he has to fulfil her requests.

One of the requests is, want to meet his rumoured secret fairy lover, a.k.a me. That’s why we are having a secret tea party in Merlin’s tower, just the two of us.

After her few rounds of gushing out loud, we are finally settling down for tea. I use magic to pour the prepared tea. “Ahem.” She cleared her throat. “As King Arthur has explained. I come here not with the intention of marrying him.” she started.

“If I am to be honest, King Arthur is not my type at all.” she dropped the bombshell while smiling.

“…” I blink.

“You don’t believe me?” she frowned.

“No, I do believe you. I can see through lies after all. it’s just a little unexpected.” I said.

“Unexpected?”

“Yes, he seems like possessing all the attributes that many women seek out from a male. Isn’t that why all the noble women in Camelot and some even from kingdom far away are vying for his attention?”

“…You sure are bragging out loud…” Guinevere is absolutely sure the fairy doesn’t know how terrifying he is.

“Bragging?” I tilt my head.

“…Fairy-chan…”

“Yes?”

“Even though he possessed a lot attributes that women find alluring… I still don’t like him. That guy is definitely a black belly type.”

“Black belly? He doesn’t have any black spot on his belly though?”

“…Too much information…” Princess Guinevere facepalmed. “What I mean is, he is the type that will scheme behind the scene to get what he wants.” Actually, as for why Princess Guinevere is so sure about this was because he visited her to make a deal. The deal for the round table she possessed and clearly, the fairy doesn’t know about it or the king didn’t tell her the whole plan.

“And I like black haired man better than blonde. That’s the most basic attribute I won’t give up.” Princess Guinevere said in excitement.

“Ah, Arthur has been disqualified since the beginning.”

“That’s right. Thus my second request is involving you, Fairy-chan.”

“Me?”

“I heard you are a genius at magecraft. So, I want you to create a disguising potion. One potent enough to stay permanent.”

“Can I know the reason?”

“I… want to elope with my escort knight.” She began. “But that damn prophecy destroyed everything!” she growls in frustration. “In the end, Camelot only need my dowry to establish the Knight of Round Table or whatever it is.” She sighs.

“So, when King Arthur came incognito and offered the deal. I accept it immediately. The deal is, by giving him the table, he will help me with my elopement plan… and also I have always want to meet a fairy, that’s why I came here.”

“Ah…” I let out a small ‘ah’, finally understanding everything. So, the reason Princess Guinevere came was to truly meet me. Now, I do feel a little guilty. Arthur must have known what my reaction would be, so he made sure I would be confined in bed for that day.

“I suppose I owe Princess Guinevere an apology,” I said.

“Why?” she blinks owlishly.

“Because I wasn’t told anything, I almost murdered you on the very day you arrived,” I say casually.

The cup she is holding falls to the floor, Princess Guinevere is staring at me with wide eyes and mouth agape.

“Oh, I will clean it up, don’t worry.” With a wave of my hand, the cup’s pieces gathered on its own, along with the tea. They easily make their way to the trashcan.

“W-why?” her voice trembles, her whole body is trembling.

“Because I thought you came to marry Arthur. I apologize for my almost-blunder. Fortunately, Arthur seemed to know what would happen so, I was confined in bed due to special circumstances.” I answer casually.

“Rest assured, I promise not to lay a hand on you under any circumstances. Unless you are aiming for him.” I smile as I put down my teacup.

“…fairy is… scary…” ~”~

So, the exchange is successful. We got the table and Guinevere eloped with her lover. While there is some dissatisfaction from marry the princess faction, the fact that KoRT is successfully established even without marrying her is used to pressure them. Now, Camelot is entering the era of peace.

But as always, peace doesn’t last long. King Leodegrance, Princess Guinevere’s father rallied neighbouring kingdom to invade Camelot, the reason being Camelot killed her daughter and stole the table. Princess Guinevere did pull an extreme stunt. She faked her death on her way back home. Of course she faked it after she had gone outside territory and she also gifted the table to us formally, but King Leodgrance didn’t believe it… and the war broke out. While Camelot managed to repel their invasion, again and again, it was an exhausting endeavour for humans.

I also sense Arthur’s fatigue is piling up day by day. And, this is the countdown of our doom. “Arthur… you are not thinking about weird things, aren’t you?”

“Thinking about a weird thing? Me? I don’t think so.”

“The speech you did in the morning… about making Camelot an eternal kingdom. That’s a dangerous thought, Arthur.” I narrow my eyes.

“It’s just a figure speech. There’s no need to worry about it.” he smiles… his smile looks so tired.

“…If you say so…”

“Come here, I want my fairy to recharge me.” he holds out his hands for a hug. ~”~

“Arthur, is there any need to conquer any neighbouring nations? Camelot is plenty vast as it is. I don’t think you need to expand more territory.” I frowned.

“You don’t understand anything, Rein. I need to nip trouble in the bud.”

“But there’s no trouble. You are so aggressive lately that even allied nations are afraid of you.”

“That is necessary for Camelot to survive. Camelot will be the strongest… and then… there will be no more…”

“There’s no need to shoulder the burden alone.” I bite my lips. “If there’s one thing I learned from humans is that they are capable of passing wishes to the future”

“There won’t be any future if I don’t protect present.”

“That’s not what I mean, listen Arthur…

“Rein.” He shushed my lips. “It’s okay. You don’t have anything to worry about.”

“I have! I worry about you!” I finally had enough. His mind is clearly distorted. Arthur… my Arthur isn’t like this.

“Arthur, if there’s one thing I learn from humans, to them nothing is eternal.”

“…how ironic. Then are you telling me my love for you is not eternal, I am a human too.”

“No, I don’t mean that. Because to human, there’s nothing eternal, that’s why they strive their best today to connect to tomorrow. To pass their wishes to future. It’s something that only humans are capable of… I really… really admire that.”

“You don’t have to worry about me. As long as Excalibur is here, I will bring victories to Camelot. The past, present and future too. I will protect them all.”

“No! You are…not Arthur… My Arthur isn’t like this! Give him back!”

“THEN LEAVE!” he raised his voice. It’s the first time he ever did it to me. “If your Arthur is not here then feel free to go. I don’t need a useless court mage. You don’t have the right to order me, your king. If you are not satisfied with this, you can leave like your master.” For a while, neither of us are speaking.

“…you… don’t want me anymore…?”

“That’s what I said. A court mage who didn’t participate in a war is just baggage. It’s better for you to go back to your fairy world.”

“…Oh…” I feel something shatter inside me. By the time I have come back to my senses, I am already outside Camelot and in the forest’s clearing where we swore our oath.

“Ha…hahahahaha!” tears stream down my face as I laugh. And just like that, I disappeared from his life. ~”~

Is it weird that my shattered heart can still and want to weep for him? For my beloved who severed our bonds by his own hands?

I guess it’s a yes, since I am still crying for him, amidst a mountain of corpses. The remnant of a big battle. The Battle of Camlann. The battle that brought downfall to his kingdom, his era.

“…I…am sorry…”

“…don’t talk… I will take you somewhere safe first.” The heavy stench of blood is making my skin crawl.

“I…always… want to… apologize…”

“I will listen to you later.” I heave his dying body up.

“Rein… my… beloved…fairy… I didn’t mean… to make you…cry…” his dull eyes are getting dimmer.

“If you die now, I will hate you forever.”

“…aahh… it’s what… I deserve…”

“You… dummy! Big idiot!”

“…sounds… about right…”

“Arthur!”

“Rein… I…love…you…always…not a…single day…without missing…you…”

“Don’t die… please don’t die… if you die… I will…”

It’s all my fault. I was a useless lover and even more of a useless court mage. I can’t save him or his heart. A fairy without a purpose like me… is nothing but a bearer of misfortune. ~”~

Arthur who put me on the bed, fusses around the medicine cabinet for something. “…I am not sick… I don’t need medicine.”

“Rein, you say you feel under weather. It’s a symptom of an early stage of sickness.”

“You worry too much.” I deadpanned.

“I can never not worry about you… nor I can stop worrying about you…”

“…Archer must have influenced you too much.” I let out a mushroom sigh. “…If you are so kind to me… I will go ahead and fall in love with you, you know.”

Arthur’s whole body freezes in shock and he looks at me with wide eyes and faint blush. “Just kidding!” I added the punch line.

“Ahahaha! I got you, didn’t I?” I laugh gleefully and jump down from the bed. “Let’s see if Archer will remember. Maybe I should pull the same prank? I wonder what’s his reaction will be?” I slide open the door, only to have a shadow towering upon me.

“What if… what if I want you to fall in love with me?” our gazes meet and he looks so serious.

“…pfft…” I giggle.

“R…Rein…”

“You are so funny. Don’t take my joke seriously.” I stand on my tip-toe to pat his head. “Even if you are a servant now, you do have a wife when you are alive.”

“I-I don’t…”

“You can’t make your true love cry. It’s not good. Not good at all.” I shake my head in disappointment as if scolding a child.

‘…Make Ayaka happy, you big idiot…’

His attraction to Ayaka is clear as day. I have no intention of getting on both their ways. For I am... nothing but a bearer of misfortune. A fairy that doesn’t have a purpose, a fairy that will forever wander on Earth. Our fates… had been severed that night…

The first thing we do is to recover my friends’ memories. Apparently, the scene of me being carried by Arthur is a hot topic now. Hakunon is practically pestering me to spill all the beans.

“He carried me because I felt sick. That’s all. No need to exaggerate anything.” I said flatly.

“But why?! He doesn’t even know you… Huh…? That’s… not right… How can he not…know…” Hakunon becomes confused.

“That’s because I am his master and he is my servant.”

“Master… servant…I…Master…Archer…Ah!”

“Have you remembered?”

“Rein-chan! This!” I shushed her.

“Calm down, right now, only you, Saber (Male) and I remembered. We need to act without the dungeon master knowing.”

“I understand, I will get Nameless back in a jiffy.”

“Yes. In your case, just flash your panties to him and he will remember.”

“Rein-chan!!!!” I laugh at her shriek.

But really, the next day, Nameless remembered. “Wow, so the panties flashing did wor-”

“Rein-chan!!!”

“Panties flashing…?” Saber is stunned.

“No! I didn’t do it! I just did it normally!”

“Did it normally? Like?” we tilt our head.

“That’s… Why are we talking about this?! It’s fine as long as Nameless remember!” flustered Hakunon cried out. Teasing her sure is fun.

In the next few days, we recovered our allies’ memories. Archer is pretty easy, I just called him Super Maid-san and he would snap on his own. And as we expected, the bosses of this dungeon are Souichirou-sensei and Caster.

“Stay still.” I smiled at Caster with glinting eyes. I will need to undo her spell like the others.

“No… no… Don’t come near me! Help me! Souichirou-samaaaa!!!!”

“Again… I just undid the spell…” Excellion is joining me in my ‘woe is me’ corner. We are back at our home base operation for now.

“That’s right. I am just a talking book. Not scary at all.”

“R-Rein-chan, as an apology, here, I will give you this.” Caster handed me something.

“This is?”

“A charm. I heard from Saber (Male) and Archer that you are so gullible so, they want me to make a tracker charm for you.”

“…I am not going to follow a stranger just because they give me candy…” I sweatdropped.

“It also doubled as a good luck charm.”

Caster’s good luck charm = luck = free foods. “Okay, I forgive you.” I nod, slipping the charm into my pocket. ~”~

“Rein, can I sit here?”

“Go ahead.” I smile back to Ayaka. Right now, I am chilling on the rooftop.

“What are you doing here?”

“Hmm… just thinking about a lot of things. “How about you, Ayaka?”

“Oh, I… I actually want to talk to you.”

“Talk to me?” I pointed to myself.

“Yes. It’s about Saber and I…”

“Oh! You two are going to be official now? Congratulation! Now, let’s share the news with others! Ah, let’s have Archer cook too.”

“No, not that!” she grabs my hand.

“No?” I tilt my head.

“No. Saber and I are not in that kind of relationship. Never have and never will.”

“…Even if he is my servant, I won’t restrict him not to have a relationship, you know.”

“As I said, you got it all wrong.” Ayaka sighs.

“Really?” I blink.

“Yes. Positively, absolutely. I don’t have that kind of love for him. It’s true that Saber is my saviour, but he is strictly some kind of brother figure to me.”

“That so?” I sit back down. “That’s too bad. He really likes you though.”

“…I guess everyone is right about saying how blind you are…”

“How mean.” I pout. “I still can see clearly. Too clear in fact… about myself…”

“…no no. I am absolutely sure you are blind.” She waved her hand. “Saber… already has someone he loved for a long long time ago…”

“Ah?” I blinked. “Well, he is a servant now. None of that matters. Go for the kill, Ayaka. I will support you. In fact… I can use a spell to make him horny for you right away.

“I don’t need it!” Ayaka cried out. “Mou… listen to me first!”

“…yes…” I sit quietly and prettily in seiza.

“Ahem.” She clears her throat. “So, Saber told me about someone precious to him when he was my servant. He never said her name, but he did tell me she is a fairy.”

“…fairy…?” my heart thumps loudly. “Like, the small creature with bug’s wing?”

“…not that… well… normal human’s concept of fairy is like that…”

“…I am just kidding.” I giggle. “So… Saber had a relationship with a fairy?”

“Yep.”

“Woah… that’s amazing. I wonder what kind of fairy she is…” I mused.

“I heard she is so beautiful… like a beauty that can ruin a nation.”

“…???”

“Because she is so beautiful, Saber hides her true appearance. And also, she is good at swordsmanship and a magecraft genius. Saber said she beat him a lot in their early training.” Ayaka excitedly chatters away about what the fairy looks like.

“…he is exaggerating…” I sigh. “She is just a failure of a fairy.”

“Rein…?”

“A fairy is born with a purpose, yet she doesn’t have one. She doesn’t even know what she is until someone tells her her true heritage… she can’t follow her king’s order and become a useless court mage… and most importantly… though she vows she loves him deeply, she still fails to save his heart…”

“Rein, you…”

“To sum it up, she is just a failure. She is nothing like what she had been described. She must put him under a spell or something.” I laugh. “But I suppose… the fairy owes you her thanks.”

“Eh?”

“Thank you, for saving his heart… for she had failed to…”

“You are…”

“The fairy told me to thank you like that. I met her in a dream. However, I was quite confused when a girl who claimed to be a fairy suddenly appeared in my dream. Well, this talk is over now. I think I am going to sleep… hm?”

Why… why suddenly I see a hand wrap around my mid-section. “Thanks, Ayaka. I will take it from here.”

“Ah, okay.”

“Bwah!” I let out a very unladylike voice as my view suddenly distorted and finally realised that I was being hauled like a potato sack. “A…Saber?”

The said servant either doesn’t hear me or just plain ignores me. I am starting to sweat a bucket. “I…I am sorry if you are offended by my description of your lover. I will apologize, so… let me down?”

“…”

I am sweating even more profusely, ‘He is angry… He is definitely angry… Angry Arthur is not good…’

“Ah, Archer hel-”

“Good luck, Saber.” Archer who just standing there praying for my servant's luck instead of mine.

“You traitor!!!” my screech echoes in the hallway.

Saber dumps me on something soft… ‘A bed?’

*Click* and I definitely hear the ominous sound of the door being locked. My eyes dart back and forth to secure another escape route. ‘The window!’

“The window is locked too.” a calm voice whispered to my ears, making me jump.

“!!!!” In a next moment, I am pinned in between the mattress and Arthur.

“Um… um… I am sorry.” With swimming eyes, I mutter an apology. “I am sorry for bad-mouthing your lover. Umm… I will apologize to her too later. So-!!!” I blink rapidly as I feel something soft touch my forehead.

“Ar…!!!!” this time it’s on the corner of my eyes and then my cheeks. “You…” my breath hitches when I stare back at him. His gaze is way too intense for me. I can see a lot of emotion swirling inside, and he is holding them back at bay, like a dam waiting to burst.

I avert my eyes, “…you shouldn’t do this…” a rejection with a soft voice. To be honest, it feels weak.

“Rein… it’s not your fault…”

“…”

“It’s not your fault. You are not a failure. You are not useless. My death is not because of you… so don’t blame yourself. It was never your fault…” he looks so sad. “It’s all mine. I made you cry, I got angry at you for worrying about me, you can hate me, but please… don’t ever blame yourself…” he looks like he is almost crying.

‘Ah… he is crying…’ Even though I know I shouldn’t do this, my hands still reach out to cup his cheeks, wiping his tears away, “…don’t cry… I am not worth your tears.”

“You are worth it. You are worthy of my everything.” His hand covers mine. “I am the one who is not worthy of you. You gave me your heart, yet I shattered it. I am sorry… I always want to apologize to you… I always regret that day… not a day passed without regretting it… without missing you…”

“…I know… I forgive you…”

“I am sorry… I am sorry…” he mutters the apology repeatedly, like a kid begging for forgiveness. For now, I will let him do it until he is satisfied.

“…I will try to tell the fairy about this… really… you shouldn’t just pin your master down even if I look like her…” I sigh. Arthur has finally calmed down after his small mental breakdown.

“…” Arthur looks at me in disbelief. “…you really… still want to stick to your lie?” he sighs. “…I did expect this though…” I heard him mumbling softly.

“Ah? What do you mean?”

“You know, Rein…” I was once again pinned underneath him.

‘Huh? What? Why? How?’

“When you lie, your mouth twitches.” His eyes are glinting with mischief. In response, I slap my hands to my mouth.

“Ah, it’s not that actually.”

“You lied?!” I glare at him.

Merlin had told me everything.”

“Tsk… Merlin, you traitor…” I grumble.

“But you do have a bad habit when you lie. I am not going to tell you what though.”

“Tell me!”

“No.”

“Tell me?” I pull a puppy dog's eyes on him.

With a smile, he answers with the most gentle tone, “No.”

“Arthur! You meanie!” instead of continuing this game, Arthur smiles at me, a bright smile, his boyish grin.

“You finally called my name.” he leans in and peppers kisses on my face again.

“S…stop…”

“No. I have been *chu* waiting for *chu* so long… hey, call me more *chu*.”

“Sa…S-”

“Wrong.” As a punishment, my lips are blocked and bruised to his liking. My body reacts much more honestly than my brain. I carve for his kiss. Years and years of longing and yearning are so tangible, to the point the two of us can taste it. The way he nibbles and sucks my lips, the way he stuck out his tongue, slipping the hot appendage to my cavern. The way all of him floods my senses to the point of overdrive. My body shudders delightfully, finally finding the place it belongs to rightfully. He is intoxicating.

A streak of broken saliva, teary eyes and the puff of breaths that are escaping from our lips are the leftover evidence of the said kiss.

“Arthur… you… meanie…” My whole body is hot. I don’t know how much I have missed this until now.

“Yup, so call my name again.” he laughs lightly, obviously enjoying my predicament. And his expression turns to ‘that’ expression which is bad for me and my heart. The mischievous face that says, be prepared, I am going to tease you a lot until you cry begging for me.

“I remember you are weak around here.” his hand slides to my back, rubbing that one particular weak spot, on the lower back… right above my rear.

“!!!!” I let out a soundless scream, squirming and wriggling my body away from him.

“Nuh-uh, nope, you are not getting away from me.”

“huff…huff…” my face is flushing, my teary eyes are glaring at him while being bundled with a blanket and I puff my cheeks.

“Rein… I am sorry… I got carried away… come here, please…” he coaxes gently.

“…fshaaa!” I bare my teeth instead. Unaware that I was being seen as a cat throwing a tantrum.

“…” Arthur’s body is trembling, trying hard to stifle his laughter. ‘…She really doesn’t have any awareness of how adorable she is.’

“…hiss…” Arthur suddenly lets out a pained hiss.

Worry and panic overtake my body. ‘He is hurt? When? Did I hurt him?’

“Where are you hurt?!” I throw the blanket off and crawl to him. I stretch his hands up, check his face and grope his body to see where it’s hurting.

‘He is trembling so much… does it really hurt? Where is the wound?’ I knit my forehead.

“Arthur, where are you hurt…” I pouted when I finally realized I had been played. He is not trembling because of pain, because he is holding his laughter. He is looking sideways while using his palm to clamp his mouth shut.

“…” I get my blanket back, burrito myself and try to crawl back to the corner, ignoring this man. Keyword ‘try’

“Where is my fairy going again?” Arthur pulls me to his lap and I glare at him with an unamused face. “You are not allowed to disappear again… No more… I don’t want to… through that anymore…” he nestles me into the crook of his neck.

“…It’s your fault…”

“Yeah, I know. I am sorry.” His fingers trap my hair between them, playing with it… my black hair which turns back to silver.

“You broke your promise.”

“I am sorry about it too.”

“…you said… you don’t want me anymore…”

“…I am… sorry.” He brought my hand to his mouth, pressing kisses on the fingertips. “It’s a lie… I can’t not want you…”

“But… I failed to save you and… your heart…”

“You did not…” a light feather kiss upon the crown of my head. “Rein… you can’t save people who don’t want to be saved. I… was in that state for some time… but the first Holy Grail War made me doubt my choice and Ayaka gave me the final push.” He smiled bitterly.

“It’s ironic… you had plainly told me at that time, yet I was too blind to see it. It takes me to almost destroy the whole world to realize that the answer is always in front of me.” his digits mindlessly play with my hair.

“This time… I will finish this with my own hands. These rotten intertwined fates… with this sacred sword, I shall sever it. That’s why… please, always stay by my side, my beloved fairy.” Tucking a small lock of my hair, he leans down to grace my forehead with a soft light kiss.

“…when you make a deal with fairy, you should be prepared to give something precious to you.” I smile cheekily.

“What should I give to my fairy so she shall agree?” he smiles fondly.

“I want… this.” I lift myself up a little and plant my lips on his. “Okay, now the deal is made. You have my word. I shall stay by your side.” I grin.

“…” stunned Arthur lets out a soft chuckle after a moment of silence. “But…”

“Hm?”

“I hope you know that… a kiss is not enough to satisfy this man who has been deprived of his lover for so long.”

“…”

‘I have a real bad feeling about this…’ I am starting to sweat a bucket again, trying stealthily to escape from his arms…

“Erm… I… I have something to tell the others…” I said timidly. If there’s one thing I know… is that I won’t be able to escape…

“Hmmm~” he sang. “That can wait.” His strong limbs tighten around me, fingers hovering dangerously close to my weak spot. Now, I have only one option left…

“…be gentle with me?” I squeak out softly.

His smile drops and his eyes turn a shade darker. “Yeah, I promise…”

‘Liar! That’s not the voice of someone who will hold up his promise!!!!’

So, the dragon finally captures the fairy and spoils her a lot for the rest of the night… and they live happily ever after… ~”~

“…mmmn… still sleepy…” I mumble as I feel gentle touches across my face. “…Why are you so energetic in the morning…?”

“I actually feel a lot refreshed and better than ever.” Arthur smiles.

“Even though you were… doing rigorous exercise yesterday?”

“Yes, since I am a servant now, I got a lot of mana from you too, which is good for a servant.”

“…No, you were like this too when you were alive.” I stare him dead in the eyes, remembering the countless morning after the deed, the man was more vigorous and full of vitality than ever. Isn’t this weird? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? How come common sense doesn’t work for him?

I get a small poke on my forehead. “You are thinking weird things again.” Arthur laughs lightly.

“I am not.” I pout, Arthur just looks at me with mirth and amusement.

“Okay, let’s have a bath together.” ~”~

“Good morning…” I trudge downstairs while yawning.

“Good morning, Re…in-chan?!” Hakunon is gasping

“Huh? Why is your hair silver?” Rin is shocked

“I guess you two finally talk about it.” Archer sighs.

“I am sure they did more than talking.” Lancer whistles.

“Agreed. Saber (Male) must have done something else.” Proto Lancer agreed with his older self.

“I thought it would take forever for you two.” Saber (Female) smiled.

“Yeah, we talked it out and resolved everything.” Arthur is smiling happily.

“So, what’s the deal?” Nameless smirks.

“Actually…” it’s as if everything becomes a slow motion. The faces of my friends morph into horror.

“Oh…” I am falling. Something is pulling me down…

Arthur reaches out his hand to me, trying desperately to grasp my hand. “Don’t worr-”

“REINNNNNN!!!!!!” ~”~

I think I lost consciousness due to the sudden kidnapping. Because the moment I woke up… my still bleary eyes saw my friends and their servants, weapons drawn ready to fight with… a monster, a black reddish beast-like dragon with seven heads, wearing ten crowns symbolizing the sins and greed of humanity and a woman…

‘I thought Manaka is a little…ah, astral projection doesn’t need to follow the original shape…’

“Ah… ah…” The woman’s eyes clearly have become heart eyes and of course her target is… “You finally come to me, Saber.”

‘…haaa…’

“Manaka! Give back Rein to me.”

“That I can’t do. Even if it’s your wish, Saber.” Manaka spoke softly. “That’s because… that’s because she stole what’s mine!” she snarled.

‘I didn’t steal anything of hers though?’

“Saber is my prince! I will be the one who will grant his wish! Even if nobody understood him, I do! That’s because I love him!”

“…Listen, Manaka… My wish… has been entrusted to the future. I always thought if I can’t protect my ‘present’ the future will be lost. That’s why I wished… just before my demise, I wished for it strongly… my ideal world.” Arthur said.

“But I was wrong. What I did was not in vain. To humans… nothing is eternal… that’s why they entrusted their wishes to future generations. I was too blind to see that. In turn, I hurt someone important to me. Someone who is always staying beside me, supporting me, even going as far as punishing herself for my fault. She tried to save me and Ayaka’s words finally got through me. I have been released from that wish. I don’t have anything to wish for as a king. Just… as a man, I do have a small wish… to be reunited with my fairy…”

“I won’t allow it!” Manaka’s face is distorted with rage. “I will make Saber’s wish come true. And then… and then you will finally look at me…”

“That fairy…” murderous intent suddenly directed to me. “As long as that fairy doesn’t exist… that failure of a fairy… Beast!”

“Manaka!/Onee-chan!”

“Devour that fairy!”

Just as I feel the entity known as ‘Beast 666’ draws closer and closer and almost touches me, a magic circle appears beneath it, trapping and sending it a shockwave as a gift.

“You!”

“Manaka… there’s one thing you need to know about her. My fairy is strong.”

“I have been listening… you… really ran your mouth as you pleased…” I look at Manaka disdainfully.

“What I said is truth. You are a failure of a fairy! You were born without a purpose, let alone know what you are. You are not fit to be by Saber’s side!” she glared at me with unconcealed hatred.

“That’s right. What you said is true. I didn’t know for what purpose I was born, nor did I know my own heritage until Merlin told me.” I don’t deny the truth. “And some part deep in my mind is still uneasy about this. Fairies are born with a purpose… and if they fail to achieve it at the end of their lives, a new fairy will be born. But… what about a fairy without a purpose? Are they doomed to wander the planet for eternity? Or is this some kind of punishment? That kind of thought keeps gnawing at me.”

“Even if Arthur said I was not to blame, part of me still thought maybe everything would turn out differently if I had known my purpose,” I said. “But… I finally realized the reason for my existence.”

“Hmph! You think you can just make out a random purpose and call it a day?” Manaka snorted.

“No. it’s not a random purpose. I am a fairy… a fairy born in the planet’s inner sea… from Avalon itself. I am a Fairy of Paradise… my purpose is to defeat you and fix that stupid knight’s mistake!”

“…” The shocked and flabbergasted expressions of everyone are priceless. I should have captured the moments. Ah… I think I heard something being stabbed.

“WHAT?!”

“Stu-stu-stu-stupid, you say?! How dare you to call Saber stupid?!” Manaka shrieked.

“What’s wrong with calling a stupid person stupid? Arthur is stupid.” I blink. Ah, there it is, I hear the sound of something being stabbed.

“Saber is not stupid!”

“Well, if he is not stupid then he won’t make this stupid mistake, no?” I said. Ah, this time I hear the same stabbing sounds twice.

“…Master, I don’t think Saber (Male) will hold another ‘stupid’ word coming out of your mouth.” Archer sigh.

“Ah.” I look at now dying Saber with only 1 hp.

“You!” Manaka turns to me with a renewed hateful glare. “I will never forgive you!”

Well… to be exact my purpose is to help him with his Beast hunting mission, but… if he doesn’t wish for it… then he wouldn’t meet Manaka and then Manaka wouldn’t go blind because of love and make Beast and we wouldn’t be in this kind of situation…

To sum it up…”Yup, Arthur is stupid.”

Finishing blow to Arthur, now his hp is 0,1.

“Saber! Hold yourself together!” (Archer)

Manaka… the omnipotent child who was connected to Root since her birth, due to that, every magecraft that is known to humanity is in her grasp, and she herself is stronger than regular servants… with her magic circuits’ quality is immeasurable and unprecedented and a talent that surpassed magi in the Age of Gods era. But… that is only if she is still alive.

Now, Manaka is only an astral projection of her real body’s strong lingering attachment… while she looks like a separate entity from Beast, that’s actually not true. She and the Beast have combined into one. The only way for her to survive until now.

A single woman who astride a red beast… This beast, whose entire body was full of numerous blasphemous names, had seven heads and ten horns. The beast and woman, while two, are as one, and it is impossible to think of them separately. Beast of 666 or known as Beast VI/G, the Evil of Humanity which manifests in civilizations which have reached the height of their prosperity and are now past their transitional period.

“Excellion.”

“Yes, Master.” Excellion flies to me and the moment I touch it, it shines brighter and brighter… turning back into a familiar-looking large sword that has the appearance of a staff.

“Thank you for coming back to me, Marmyadose.” I smile at it. The only thing that always accompanies me in my journey…

Beast VI/G breaks out of the entrapment. “Everyone, I need help. Buy me some time.”

“Heh! Don’t blame me if I kill it first.” Proto Archer grins and they start attacking the Beast.

“Rein…”

“Sorry to make you worry, Arthur. I am fine. Let’s talk a lot more after all of this is settled.”

“…yeah… we will…” Arthur smiles as he cups my face. “Then, I am going.”

“Yes.” Arthur joins the battlefield.

“Now…” a magic circle appears beneath my feet. First… I will need to connect to the planet itself. The gems on Marmyadose shine as golden lines appear on my feet, arms and neck.

The temperature surrounding me drops rapidly, a thin layer of frost covers my whole body and the place I am standing on is frozen. ‘Still not enough…’

I concentrated more and the mana condensed even faster, the ground beneath me, the water molecules in the air froze within 10 meter radius. ‘A little bit more…’ my breaths come out as white puff and my feet have been frozen.

“Maximum output: Niflheim!” A large-scale magic circle appears right above Beast VI/G. The servants quickly retreat to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Thousands of icicles rain down on it, freezing whatever they touch.

Obviously, Manaka doesn’t just sit and take them all. She retaliates back, the seven heads each spit out scarlet-coloured flame, burning the icicles.

Archer, Nameless and Proto Archer fire their arrows to the heads. “This is annoying!” Proto Archer clicked his tongue and drew his twin swords from his back, combining them into a bow.

“As a special service, I shall show you my Noble Phantasm.” With an arrogant laugh, he fires his bow to Beast. “Behold! The inferno of destruction fills the heavens! Come forth! The surge of Utnapishtim! This is what it means to destroy the World! Beast of 666, suffer the curse that the insolence of challenging the King of Heroes has brought upon ye!”

The arrow fired at Beast acts as a tracer round, as his true trump card is deployed high in satellite orbits beyond the sky…

“Everyone, take cover!” Proto Lancer and Arthur shouted at the same time. I quickly conjure a forcefield for each person, protecting us from Proto Archer’s Noble Phantasm. Utnapishtim… the true form of it is a giant tsunami that deluges the myth of Noah.

A spear falls toward Beast and disappears in the sky and in an instant a giant Magic circle appears, cleaving the space itself to summon the Surge of Utnapishtim. The tsunami quickly drowns Beast… along with us…

A red circle appears on the spot where Beast is, the circle shines brighter and then explodes, evaporating the water. Beast lets out a deafening howl. Most of its body is already being frozen or torn by the tsunami.

“Not yet… this time… for sure… I shall grant Saber’s wish…” Beast… murmured. “I won’t let anything obstruct me! Especially you, Fairy of Paradise! You better not think you can kill me easily.”

“I know. I never thought that was enough to kill you. That was just a distraction.” I replied. The dimmed line markings shine once more. “Loading… Rhongomyniad: Spirit Vein Closing Armament. Round Table Holy Lance, 12 units anchored in parallel. Anti-Calamnity Grand Ritual, open. O’ Sacred Lance, grant this pitiful creature a salvation.”

Twelve giant magic circles appear, circling Beast. Rhongomyniad shoots out from the twelve magic circles and explodes into a pillar of light as Beast screams out loud in agony.

“Did we get it?” Lancer trained his eyes on the light.

“Oi oi, are you serious?” A bead of sweat rolls down Proto Lancer’s head. Not only Proto Lancer, but everyone is clearly shocked at this scene. After the pillar of light dissipated. Beast… is still standing… even if it’s already half destroyed.

Manaka laughs in madness and glee with her half-destroyed body. “It’s my win!”

“That’s incorrect. Rhongomyniad is also a distraction. The one who will finish you is… the knight who swore to hunt Beast down and annihilate it before going back to Avalon…” I speak softly.

“EX…”

“Eh?” Manaka turns her body.

“…CALIBUR!!!!!”

“Ah…” the beam of light swallowed Beast. “Saber… I…”

“…love you…” her last words echo before vanishing completely. Beast of 666 has been completely annihilated… along with the corrupted Holy Grail.

“…Manaka… I hope next time you will be reborn as a normal girl… away from magecraft and magus…”

“Oh…” I fall onto my knees… my legs have lost all of their strength.

“Rein!” Arthur rushed to me. “Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

“Don’t worry. I just cut off the connection with the planet… just a little tired that’s all.” I smile, assuring the knight.

“We won, right?” Ayaka is still in daze.

“Yes, we won.” Proto Lancer said.

“Onee-chan won’t be coming back again…will she?”

“Don’t worry. She could revive because of Beast. But now, Beast is no more. She won’t be coming back for the third time.” I smile at her.

“…I guess…so…” Ayaka murmurs. “Really, I still couldn’t believe that it’s all over now.” she continued. “But… I do pity her a little. She… I always thought of her being a superwoman, but I was wrong. She was lonely… and I never noticed it… As I thought…I… still like her… even though she is like that. She is my one and only sister after all.”

“That’s also fine.” I smile.

“And Saber… here…” Ayaka gave something to him.

“This is…” Arthur’s eyes widened at the item given to him.

“It’s Avalon. Excalibur’s scabbard… well, it’s originally yours to begin with. Now… it can finally back to its owner.”

“Thank you, Ayaka.”

“You are welcome.” Ayaka smiles. “Oh…” Ayaka, Proto Lancer and Proto Archer shine.

“Ah, it’s time for us to go back.” Proto Lancer said.

“It was quite a venture. Fortunately, it’s not boring. Nothing is more troublesome than a bored king.” Proto Archer smirked. “On that note, Ayaka-san. Become my wi-”

“I refuse.” Ayaka rejected him firmly.

“Bahahaha! You got rejected!” Lancer laughs. “This is how you woo a girl.” Our blue Lancer approaches Ayaka. “You, become my woman.”

“I refuse.”

“That’s the same thing that he did…” Arthur commented.

“But… I am a bit sad, we get along so well… yet we can’t meet each other anymore.” Ayaka said.

“Even though we are far apart, we are still friends.” I grin.

“That’s right… See you again, Rein, Saber (Male), everyone.” Ayaka smiles.

“See you again.” with a last smile Ayaka vanishes along with Proto Lancer and Proto Archer.

Golden light also starts enveloping us. “Looks like our time is up too.”

“Rein-chan!” Hakunon tackles me into a hug. “Really… thank you for everything…” she cried.

“Will you be alright?” I asked.

“…” Hakunon tilts her head and then a big smile appears. “Yes, I will be fine now. These memories… I am sure I will remember it even my real body wakes up. Thank you, Rein… I am glad that I met you.”

“Me too. I am glad that I meet you, Hakunon.”

“Yes.”

“Well, I hope you will get a break for a while,” Archer smirks at his counterpart.

“I hope so too.” Nameless agreed. Then Hakunon and Nameless vanish.

“Well, it’s one hella adventure.” Lancer grinned.

“Haaa… if only you can fix your manner.” Rin sighs.

“Rein.” Arthur ruffled my hair. “I am glad you grew up well.”

“But of course. Because you raised me.” I giggled.

“…Just for a short 7 days though…” he smiled.

“Saber…”

“Shiro…”

“Be well…” They smile at each other.

“Rider, take care of yourself.”

“Yes, Master Sakura.”

“Berserker!”

“!!!!!” Heracles lifts Illya up for one last time.

“Souichirou-sama, I…”

“Caster… thank you for your hard work…”

“Yes… thank you to you too, Souichirou-sama…”

“Arthur, you finally finished your mission. You can now finally rest in Avalon.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Arthur said.

To be honest, I want him to stay longer with me. But… I can’t. This is for the best. He has worked enough. It’s his time to rest. Arthur must have realized it too. The two of us now live in a different world.

“Be well.” So, I give him my biggest smile, wishing all the happiness there is for him. I blink owlishly at the next moment. I couldn’t comprehend what had just happened.

“It’s a deposit.” Arthur sticks his tongue out mischievously. “So you will keep thinking of me.”

“!” A pinkish tint appears on my cheek.

“I will definitely…” I couldn’t hear the rest of his words because we were sent back to our world.

“…stupid Arthur…” my lips are still warm from the kiss. “…I love you…” ~”~

2 years later

I have graduated from high school and am now in college. Rin goes to the Clock Tower, Shirou and Sakura go to the college in Fuyuki. Illya is in the middle school. By the way, they live together in Shiro’s house with Taiga-sensei.

With my mission finished… I should be able to go back to Avalon… Yet… Avalon seems to be adamant not to let me in. Maybe it got angry when I called Arthur stupid? …That can’t be right, no?

“Rein, watcha doing?” my teacher, Merlin is communicating to me using Excellion… Marmyados turns to Excellion for easier-to-handle purpose. I can’t bring a staff out every time I go outside.

And now that Merlin meddles in, all my wardrobe is getting a makeover. To be fair, Merlin’s choices of clothing is very cute and fashionable and always have the newest update.

“…doing homework…” Yes, I am currently in the living room, doing my college homework on coffee table.

“Boo… that’s so boring.”

“Then, Merlin you go watch some drama or better yet play those ikemen games you are into.”

“I have finished all the events so, I am bored.”

“…”

“Well, I guess I will give you some privacy for a while.” She giggles with a mischievous tone. A tone she often uses when she is up to something bad.

“What are you planning?”

“Me? I don’t plan anything at all. I am just being a nice teacher by giving you privacy.” She giggled. “But I will ask for the detail later though. See ya!” she ran away before I could ask for more.

“…Let’s not try to think what Merlin had planned… I will just have a headache.” I gave up after contemplating for a while.

A few minutes later, my phone rings, indicating an incoming call. “Hello, Rin?”

“The homestay guy is on the way to your house.”

“Home… oh, the foreign exchange student. Understood, he is on his way here? Should I pick him up?”

“There’s no need. He will get there eventually.”

“Eeeeh… will he really be alright? Japanese is not exactly the easiest language to learn.”

“No problem. He had that down on pat.”

“So, Rin. You haven’t exactly told me who this person is. All I get from you is his gender. Are you sure he is safe to be around?”

“Well… he is…”

“Hmmm… Rin who always nags me for being cautious suddenly sent some unknown guy to my house for homestay. Suspicious…”

“Sh-shut up! You will thank me later for this anyway.”

“Hahaha…” I laughed dryly. “Well… if he passed your security check, he must be a good guy.”

“Then, this is it. I have to do my homework. Call me later. If you have a holiday, come to Clock Tower.”

“Okay, good luck, Rin.” Then she hangs up.

“Foreign exchange student… well… I guess it’s okay. The house has been pretty quiet. A little noise should make the atmosphere better. He will use… Archer’s room. I guess I will have to clean it up right now.”

*Ding Dong*

“Huh? He is already here? So fast!” I quickly open the door. “Welco…me…”

“Ah, this is Mutsuki residence, isn’t it?” the same appearance with the same voice and the same politeness.

“…Ar…thur…?”

“Yes, I am Arthur Pendragon, a foreign homestay student. Nice to meet you.”

“…oh…”

‘Silly me, what do I expect? He is just this world Arthur. There’s no way he is him. Even if he is, this person… doesn’t have any memories of me.’

“Welcome, my name is Mutsuki R-”

“Rein. I know your name, Mutsuki Rein.”

“Oh, Rin must have told you about me. Why don’t we talk in the living room?” I smile.

“I am back, Rein.”

“You… what did you say…?”

“I am back, Rein. I am sorry I have made you wait for so long.”

“Ar…thur…?” I mumble his name. “Are you really Arthur? My Arthur?”

“That’s right. I am your Arthur.” He draws me in. “I am back, Rein. I am really here now. I am not going anywhere anymore.”

“Really?” My voice trembles, tears pooling in the corner of my eyes, threatening to flow down.

“That’s right. I promised you after all, I will definitely come back.”

“Arthur… I miss you… I really really miss you so much.”

“Me too. I really miss you too. From now on, we will be together.”

The tearful reunion lasts a lot longer. Arthur told me that he told Avalon that he would pick me up first… so… Avalon decided to grant his wish as a reward for all of his hard work.

So, the whole reason Avalon doesn’t allow me to go back…

“So I can finally realize my longstanding wish… to live with you forever.”

“Let’s stay together… even after we go back to Avalon.”

“Yeah, let’s be together… forever and ever… my fairy…” ~”~

“Hmmm? Arthur?” I woke up groggily. “Arthur?” I blink when I hear no response or warmth from the said person beside me. I become alert instantly. ‘Was it all a dream?’ I throw the comforter off and get out of bed, only to collapse on the floor.

“…my legs…” Then, memories of a few hours ago are starting to play back. “Oh…” I finally remembered why my legs were rendered useless. Not the first time happening…

“Rein, I heard a loud sound, are you alright?” Arthur pokes his head to the room. “Rein! Are you alright?” with ease, he lifts me up, sits me on the bed and fusses over me.

“Arthur…”

“Yes?”

“You went overboard,” I say with a flat tone and a dead stare at him.

Arthur blushes and scratches his cheek sheepishly. “Sorry… does it still hurt?”

“My legs… have no strength.” I pout. My other body parts are not as sore as I imagined…

“I will give you a leg massage later.”

“Okay… where were you? I thought it was all my imagination…” Arthur seems to catch my worry.

“I am very real. Here.” he puts my hand on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeats.

“You were nowhere when I woke up. I…”

“I am sorry, Rein. I was making dinner for us. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“…okay… I forgive you…” I nod. “And…”

“??”

“Carry me, I want to have a bath,” I mumbled.

“Let me finish dinner and we will bath together.” Arthur kisses my cheek and goes back to the kitchen downstairs.

The bath… actually ends without any further disruption and we have supper after that. ~”~

Omake

“Rein-chan, spill the details.” Few days of peace and Merlin is back bothering me.

“Nothing to share,” I answered.

“Eh? You are lying. What kind of position Arthur made you do?”

“*cough**cough*”

See, even Arthur is choking on nothing now. “…Merlin… I don’t think I need to disclose our privacy.” Flustered Arthur who finally calm enough to speak told his master.

“But I am bored here!!!” we can already imagine her flailing her limbs.

“Why don’t you do something worthwhile then?” Arthur suggested.

“Like?”

“Helping people.”

“…Yup, I will watch my drama and play my games. Oh, I think I will also do a streaming video. I think it’s trending to have an anime character as your avatar and interact with your fans.” She babbled. “I will go make one and join into streamer community. Bye.” Just like that, she is gone.

“At least she leaves us alone now,” I said.

“Yeah.” Arthur agreed. “So…” Arthur looks at me.

“Hm?”

“Which position you enjoy the most?”

“…” I blink owlishly and then smile as I suddenly have an idea. “If you want to know…” I crawl to his lap, straddling him perfectly, squishing my chest against his, “Shall we try and see which one I like?”

“A tempting idea…” Arthur murmurs, his eyes are trained on my lips.

“Just kidding.” I stick out my tongue. “I still haven’t finished my homework…hmm?” I can’t seem to get up from his lap.

…I look at Arthur who is beaming gently… at me. “I have homework.”

“I will help you do it later.” Arthur attacks my neck, nibbling and sucking it. “Since my fairy wants it. I will have to grant everything she wishes for.”

…Somehow, I managed to finish my homework late at night… ~”~

[jinnyurr]

NSFW + SFW ASKS

I wanna write about my fate boys (CHECK PINNED POST), do send me requests to get me started before i get beat up by uni again on monday. Here's a few prompts I'll provide, youre free to not use any of these and ask for your own prompt, i will most likely write them either way.

Template here if youre gonna ask for the prompts provided! Youre free to use it or not, just make sure to include the name, the prompt, gender of the reader, and which version you want.

(SFW VER, (dialogue here), (character here), (scenario here [optional]) )

(NSFW VER, (name of the tattoo here), (character here) ,(scenarios here[optional]) )

SFW VER

NSFW VER

okay thats all for now! Feel free to barge into my asks. Thank you for taking the time to read!

[cobaltperun]

Hi there!

Upcoming stories/updates (request named could be changed) Eternal Flame 8 Eternal Flame 9 Lost (Prologue) - One day too late Eternal Flame 10 Request - Shouldn't have jumped Eternal Flame 11 Eternal Flame 12 Request - Put it all on a bet Eternal Flame 13 Request - A Poet Savin' Me 1 Eternal Flame 14 Request - Hellhound Eternal Flame 15 Savin' Me 2 (finale) Eternal Flame 16 Eternal Flame 17 Request - Family Eternal Flame 18 Request - Perfect Date Eternal Flame 19 The Future is Now 1 Eternal Flame 20 Lost 32 Eternal Flame 21 The Future is Now 2 (final part) Eternal Flame 22 Lost 33

And in case you didn't see it up in the description.

Main Masterlist

Several things.

Playlists for Lost, WOTS and Genius

Closed the requests because I'm not keeping up with what I'm currently doing, let alone adding more requests. The requests I'm doing are under 'keep reading' (now also adding upcoming long stories and current works in progress)

Tara x fem R - playing strip pool (not specified, but I'm guessing smut is acceptable ending to this) 🔞

Wednesday x fem R - enemies to lovers with hellhound R and jealous Xavier

Tara x male R - R, the doctor, helps Tara give birth to their first child. (Sidenote, I'm not getting technical with this, it will get really fluffy though.)

Tara x male R - they are dating, smut happens 🔞

Jerks With Hearts of Gold - first kiss, bed breaking 🔞

Cairo x female R - Poetry reading

Upcoming long stories

Mystery of You - Tara Carpenter x female Reader (She's a mystery, she's more guarded than anyone you've ever met, except maybe her older sister, but you are just drawn to her)

Endless War - Female Reader (EMIYA inspired powers) x Tara Carpenter (Being a hero was fine, until people you loved became involved)

The Future is Now - Vada x female Reader (Vada meets you on the rooftop)

Savin' Me - Lorraine x female Reader (Cop Reader comes just in time)

Unnamed - Mabel x female Reader (You and Mabel have secrets, ones you keep even from one another)

Unnamed - Wednesday Addams x Wolverine female Reader (Wednesday ignores Rowan and escapes)

Leave out all the rest - Natasha Romanoff x female Reader (Starting this again, since I didn't really like where the original was heading)

Works in progress:

Eternal Flame - Jenna Ortega x female Reader

Lost - Tara Carpenter x female Reader

[uponawhitehorse13]

Archer SFW alphabet

Author's note: This was made as a gift for @shikiii-skadi for helping me with my fate writings. I still have to see if I'm going to be taking requests for him or even writing for any other male characters. Also shout out to the like 2 female followers I have.

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Archer is a huge mom. It’s not even that his love language is acts of service, it just comes naturally to him. He brings a giant duffel bag filled with food, drinks, medicine and really anything you’d need to all your dates.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

For you to even meet he has to be summoned by either you or someone else unless we’re doing some AU shenanigans. As a friend he’s quiet and distant but supportive.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

He’s a bit too restless for cuddles. He doesn’t like sitting around doing nothing. He’d sooner give you a massage but will cuddle if you insist.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

What is there to say other than malewife. He will cook, he will clean and he will do any other chores without even getting asked.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

He’d just disappear and stop all contact.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

He kind of wouldn’t care. He’d never ask for marriage or even think about it but he’d go along if you wanted it. 

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He can be blunt and sarcastic but he’d never do you any harm.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

He’s not a big hugger. He will hug you back if you hug him. If you jump at him while he’s carrying something he’ll catch you but without dropping it.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

It’d take him a very long time to say it. Even after that it’s an incredibly rare occurence. For the most part he lets his actions speak.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

He’s not one to get jealous but if he feels someone is trying to get too close his intimidating presence is enough to discourage them.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

He’d kiss you on your forehead.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Kids love him and he’s surprisingly capable with them. I can imagine him working with a baby carrier on his back.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

He’s making breakfast.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

He’s making dinner.

O = Open  (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say  everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

There’s not much of his past he remembers and what he does remember is better off forgotten.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

It would take an intentional effort to piss him off.

Q = Quizzes  (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little  detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

He’d definitely remember any food preferences you have and also any medical conditions.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

He’s similar to Saber but for him it’d be the moment he realised just how much you loved him. If he were to disappear you’d probably cry and he can’t be having that so maybe it’s for the best he stays with you.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Very protective. Always puts himself between you and anything he considers a threat.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

He always tries his best, especially in regards to cooking and housework.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

He may seem distant and indifferent to your relationship but he just prefers to let his actions speak louder than words.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

He doesn’t really care.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

He wouldn’t let it show. 

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

There is only one thing you should never do with him on a date and that is walk through a forest. This is because he will divert all his attention to sticks on the ground. If he finds one sword shaped enough he will be bringing it home. So by the end you will be left ignored helping him bring them all home for his collection of rare sticks.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

He’s not too fond of lazy people.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

He doesn’t sleep often. He doesn’t need to and when he does he’s prone to nightmares. He’s used to them enough that he won’t have visceral reactions but it’s easy to tell with how tense he gets.

[simping-overload]

♡ ʙʟᴏɢ ʀᴜʟᴇꜱ + ʀᴇQᴜᴇꜱᴛ ɪɴꜰᴏ ♤

request are: CLOSED

commissions are: CLOSED

characters that i write for

shows/movies

fate series: cu, gilgamesh, diarmuid, archer(shirou emiya), etc

bungo no stray dogs: yukichi fukuzawa, atsushi nakajima, doppo kunikida, isamu dazai, ranpo edogawa, chūya nakahara, ryūnosuke akutagawa, fyodor dostoevsky, etc

dungeon meshi: laios, chilchuck, marcelle, senshi, kabaru,

bnha: shouta aizawa, keigo takami, mirio togata, mirai sasaki, snipe, taishiro toyomitsu, tamaki amajiki, rumi usagiyama, etc

jujutsu kaisen:

trigun stampede: vash the stampede, nicholas d. wolfwood, knives millions

lego monkie kid: mk, macaque, sun wukong, red son, mayor, tang, huntsmen, syntax

blood of zeus: heron, ares, apollo, hermes,

spiderverse: miguel o'hara, peter b. parker, the spot/jonathan ohnn, spider noir

hazbin hotel: valentino, vox, husk, alastor

helluva boss: blitzø, stoles, asmodeus, frizz, stricker,

transformers bayverse, knightverse, prime, animated, beast wars, wfc show,

bots: optimus prime, ratchet, bulkhead, bumblebee, wheeljack, blurr,

megatron, starscream, knockout, breakdown, dreadwing, skyquake, predaking, soundwave, shockwave,

transformers animated: optimus prime, ratchet, bulkhead, bumblebee, blurr, blitzwing, megatron, shockwave, starscream

transformers bayverse: optimus prime, bumblebee, ironhide, cross hair, drift, megatron, shockwave, soundwave,

transformers earthspark: optimus prime, bumblebee, wheeljack, grimlock, megatron, breakdown, starscream, swindle, hardtop, skywarp, nova storm, soundwave, shockwave, trrantulas, skullcruncher

games

modern warfare: john price, john "soap" mactavish, simon "ghost" riley, kyle "gaz" garrick, phillip graves, nikolai

destiny 2: cayde-6, banshee-44, osiris & saint-14, drifter, missraks, spider, varkis, shaxx, saladin, zavala

genshin impact: diluc, kaeya, kazuha, al haitham, kaveh, cyno, tighnari, zhongli, xiao, albedo, ayato, childe, itto, thoma, gorou, capitano, perrio, dottore

honkai: star rail: sampo, gepard, welt, dan heng, jing yuan, blade, kafka, himeko, natasha

undertale: grillby, gaster, sans, papyrus, ink, error, nightmare

undertale aus: underfell, underswap, swapfell, horrortale, outertale, mobtale, mafiafell

obey me: lucifer, satan, beelzebub, mammon, diavolo, barbatos, siemon

DNI if:

you're racist, homophoic, xenophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, misandrist, islamophobic, anti-semtic, are a pedophile/map/support pedophila/loli con enjoyers, pro-shippers. | under 13 yrs old | female or fem readers

i will write:

headcanons & fics

gn & male reader

fluff, angst, nsfw

tropes and aus

character × character

character x reader

non human reader and characters

omegaverse

polyamory

yan & darker stuff on @luvccm

i will not write

incest/pedophila

cheating

female reader

self harn/suicide

scat

[a-little-awkward-simp]

FGO Gawain x reader HCs

Hahaa I finally managed to write at least something that I could post! It's been way too long since the last time and it feels so good to finally post something. There are a couple of fics that are almost ready and only require proofreading.

Anyway enjoy these fluffy headcanons I made. <3 :D

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

fandom: FGO

Gawain x reader headcanons

Warnings: none, just fluff, but tell me if I missed any!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

-first off he’s super sweet and wholesome with you when you get to know him

-every time you see him, he will kiss the back of your hand and look into your eyes

-he will give you flowers every now and then. sometimes only individual flowers that he will put behind your ear and smile sweetly at you while doing so

-”a beautiful flower to my even more beautiful master”

-gives the best and the warmest hugs ever

-will give you his cloak whenever you’re cold. sometimes he will wear the cloak himself and wrap it around you so that you are both covered by it

-if you give him any gifts, and i mean anything, he will treasure it ‘til the end of time

-he probably has a box or a whole cupboard solely meant for the gifts you give him. he keeps it in the safest place in his room and every once in a while he goes through all the gifts you’ve given him, smiling at the memories

-never refuses to carry you anywhere if you ask him. will give you piggyback rides or carry you bridal style, smiling widely while doing so

-will compliment you every chance he gets, whether you’re romantically involved with him or not

-”you look stunning today, master!”

-will do anything to keep you happy and smiling and protect you from all things bad and scary

-always ready to help you with anything

-loves holding you close if you let him, but respects your boundaries and always makes sure you’re comfortable

-sometimes brings you breakfast and lunch from the cafeteria to your room as a surprise

-he once tried to make pancakes for you himself but failed quite miserably

-so from then on he just asked Emiya to make your favorite dishes and helps him in the kitchen as well as he can

-100/10, an absolute sweetheart of a knight (i would 100% date)

[discodreaming]

HELLO! i've now opened my inbox for my followers/mutuals to talk to their favorite character!

you can send in random sentences, inbox prompts that you see on my blog or even confess your love!

please be sure to be respectful and kind to not only me but the muses.

this will be very much like roleplaying. to continue communication you can send in more inboxes or you can even link the inbox to a conversation to communicate with your beau/family/friend!

please do not request any minors/anthropomorphic in romantic or sexual ways, I'm begging you. i will only reply to the platonic/familial ones.

you may talk to at least 2 muses at once in one message, all to prevent being overwhelmed. this may change once i get comfortable enough to handle more.

all romantic and nsft inboxes or starters towards muses will require slow burn

all ships are multishipped but can be single shipped if you guys can build up their romance meter!

this will only be reader x character, oc x character i will put on either another blog or a different post.

* note: i will accept 5 oc x character in this post for the time being: 1/5

however for certain events i can bend these rules for you to get a romantic scene with your crushes!

or even just hanging out with your friends!

characters i will write for right now:

note: this list will change every now and then as i advance further into the shows or a character is requested more!

if you don't see a character you like here and would like to see me try my hand at playing them, don't be shy to tell me!

bold = characters I've played before

one piece! ( pre timeskip )

romantic options: nico robin, nami, sanji, zoro, usopp, buggy, sir crocodile, dracule mihawk, shanks, portgas d. ace

platonic options: chopper, franky ( may change ), luffy ( im currently on the pretimeskip )

up to debate: please ask !

rwby ! ( all season 9 ages )

romantic options: weiss schnee, blake belladonna, yang xiao long, jaune arc, taiyang xiao long, raven branwen, qrow branwen, emerald sustari, sun wukong, neptune vasillias, james ironwood, winter schnee, mercury black

platonic options: ruby rose, nora valkyrie, lie ren, pyrrha nikos, penny polendina, professor ozpin, oscar pine, neopolitan

up to debate: salem, cinder fall

fruits basket !

romantic options: shigure sohma, hatori soma, ayame soma

platonic options: tohru honda, yuki sohma, kyo sohma

castlevania animated !

romantic options: trevor belmont, adrian 'alucard' tepes, sypha belnades

edens zero !

romantic options: rebecca bluegarden, weisz steiner, homura kogetsu, kris rutherford, shiki granbell, labilla christy

platonic: happy, witch regret, sister ivry, hermit mio, valkyrie yuna, elise crimson, justice

d.gray man !

romantic options: yu kanda, lavi, tyki mikk, howard link, cross marian

platonic: allen walker, lenalee lee, nea d. campbell, wisely kamelot

psycho pass !

romantic options: akane tsuneori, shinya kogami, nobuchika ginoza, shuusei kagari, yayoi kunizuka, shion karanomori, shogo makishima

platonic: tomomoi masaoka

owari no seraph

romantic options: guren ichinose, ferid bathory, kureto hiiragi, shinya hiragi, seishiro hiiragi, crowley eusford

platonic: yuichiro hyakuya, mikaela hyakuya, shinoa hiiragi, yoichi saotome, shiho kimizuki, mitsuba sangu, krul tepes

yuukou no moriarty

romantic options: william james moriarty, albert james moriarty, louis james moiarty, sherlock holmes, fred porlock, sebastian moran, mycroft holmes, james bond

fate/ ( /zero & /stay night)

romantic options: saber, kirei kotomine, gilgamesh, cu chulainn

platonic: shirou emiya, rin tohsaka, waver velvet

up to debate: kiritsugu emiya, irisviel von einzbern, archer emiya, tokiomi tohsaka, diamuid ua duibhne

please don't: shinji matou, ryuunosuke uryu

fairy tail

romantic options: lucy heartfilia, gray fullbuster, erza scarlet, mirajane strauss, laxus dreyar, gildarts clive, loke, elfman strauss, juvia lockser, fried justine, evergreen, bickslow, rogue cheney, sting eucliffe, kagura mikazuchi, aguria yukino, natsu dragneel, mystogan, cana alberona, gajeel redfox, erik, jellal fernandes

platonic: wendy marvell

record of ragnarok

romantic options: adam, jack the ripper, kojiro sasaki, qin shi huang, hades, beelzebub, hermes

platonic: souji okita

up to debate: the valkyries, nikolas tepes, thor, poseidon, apollo,

obey me

romantic options: lucifer, mammon, levianthan, satan, asmodeus, beelzebub, belphegor,diavolo, barbatos, simeon, raphael, solomon,

platonic: luke

up to debate: thirteen, mephistopheles

kingdom hearts ( kingdom hearts iii )

romantic options: terra, aqua, xemnas, zexion, saix, axel, demyx,

platonic: sora, kairi, riku, roxas, namine, xion, ventus, vanitas, ephemer, skuld, brain

genshin impact

romantic options: wriothesley, albedo, alhaitham, ayaka, ayato, baizhu, ajax, cyno, dehya, diluc, eula, ganyu, itto, jean, kazuha, kokomi, xiao, heizou, shenhe, kaeya, rosaria, yae miko, beidou, lisa, kaveh, zhongli, nigguang, neuvillette, yela, candace, thoma, yanfei

platonic: hu tao, venti, faruzan, sucrose, chongyun, freminet, layla, mika, fischl, collei, noelle, yun jin, barbara, xingqiu, amber, bennette, xinyan

up to debate: keqing, lyney, aether, lumine, wanderer, lynette, kuki shinobu, sara, kiara, gorou, mona, nilou, yoimiya, charlotte

please don't: klee, sayu, qiqi, diona, dori, nahida, yaoyao

final fantasy

romantic options: cloud strife, tifa lockhart, aerith gainsborough, zack fair, reno, rude, genesis rhapsodos, reeve tuesti, angel hewley, sephiroth, vincent valentine.

platonic: barret wallace, yuffie kisaragi

detroit become human

romantic options: connor, markus, gavin

platonic: kara, hank

devil may cry

romantic options: dante, nero, vergil

platonic: trish, nico, lady, v

jojo's bizarre adventure

romantic options: dio brando, joseph joestar ( part 2 & 3 ), caesar anthonio zeppeli, jotaro kujo ( 4-6 only ), rohan kishibe, bruno bucciarati, leone abbachio, narciso anasui, johnny joestar, gyro zeppeli, diego brando

debating: jonathan joestar, jolyne cujoh, weather report

[yourimaginationrealm]

Prologue - Fate Zero/Stay Night x You

The beginning - Part one

Part 2

Before you came to the glorious Tohsaka family, your parents started to live in Japan for better life. Basically, you were born in Japan and had no problem to learn their language. But the tragic began with you being two years old. The Holy Grail War started and your parents are killed amid it. You can not remember that you lain in a puddle of blood and cried. Someone saved you and you stayed two years in an orphanage. Yet, you remembered a tall man, Tokiomi Tohsaka, stand in front of you with a relieved face. As if he searched you for a long time.  You waited two years to be adopted and bubbly next to the stranger. Of course, you missed your parents even so you had no idea at that time what happened. And now, you gonna have a normal family again. Tokiomi told you that he knows your father from work and he felt responsible for your sake. „I am just happy you adopted me and we can be a  real family!“ He just smiled at you.

Rapidly, you learned that the Tohsaka Family is famous for magic. You loved it because it is like from a fairy tale. A year later, your younger sister Rin Tohsaka is born. Actually, you have two sisters, Sakura and Rin, but after a few years your are not allowed to talk about Sakura as your sister. She was sent to the Matou family. The reasons or formalities couldn’t you comprehend as a child. Even though, you were just adopted by Tokiomi of sympathy cause of his friend, he taught you the magic ritual of his family. He talked about the gem stones and the bond this family has. You find it really interesting to listen even so you had a hard time using the power. You don’t have his blood and so he still was strict. Aoi, your adopted mother showed some sympathy and whispers to you as she putted you to bed that he is doing it because he accepted you as his own. With new motivation, you succeeded to make him proud. After this, he talked about the Holy Grail War which is gonna held in four years. You loved his stories about this war and felt already excited even he said that he doesn’t want you, Aoi and your sister to be close when the Grail War started.

„And who are you  gonna call as your Servant, father?“ You orbs watch him with excitement of his answer. He laughed.

„We still have time… Who do you think I should call?“

You put up a thinking face as you recalled old heroes you heard. 

„Herakles? Wasn’t he super strong?!“ You giggle as you remember the Disney movie. 

„Yeah, but is  just strength important?“ You shake your head as you again start to think.

„Achilles! He is strong, fast and clever!“ „Oho! From here did you hear from this hero?“

„From school… In history, we talked a bit about Greek legends.“

„Ah… this explains a lot.“

At this you begin, to read old lores from heroes. You know about Arthur, nordic heroes like Ragnar or Alexander the Great. First, you ran with any added story to your father’s office and rant about the new great star you have found. Then, he told you it just can not be any kind of hero, it had to be a special one fitted for the Tohsaka family… After this, you became more critical. You searched for any witted characterized hero. A little disappointed you walk towards Rin who was now three years. „Little Rin, you have no idea how hard it is to find the perfect servant …“ you watch her reach out towards you with her little hands smiling. „Aw, you are so cute!“ You snuggle a bit with her. Again, you found yourself curled up in a corner of the Tohsaka library. You searched for any Irish stories and if they had any ‚wit‘ you searched. Bumping into a shelve you shriek a bit when a book falls to the floor. A very old book. You took it in your arms as you carry this heavy book to the couch to flick through it. 

„The Epic of… Gil-Gil-Gilgame- …“ You eyebrows twitch annoyed. Somehow, you can not speak it out. With one try you almost screamed this name.

„GIL-GA-MESH!“ You sighed. „What a weird name…“ More you thought was weird the story… You couldn’t understand it. Somehow …. It repeats so often and the text is over empurpled. You closed it annoyed and walked back to the shelves as you blink back. The book was so beautiful golden. It took seconds as you again sat in front of it and tried to understand this flowery language. Maybe, this story got you because you didn’t finished the book in a day or two. A whole year took you to finally understand his tale. You remember how you closed the book proudly and a bit sad that it was over. „Woow!“ Rin was four years as she mumbled. 

„Are finally done with this boring book.“ You look up to her as you begin to smirk. „It wasn’t boring. It was epic.“ You wanted to laugh at your own joke yet the four year old didn’t understand it. 

„Oookay? Can we play, sister?“ You nod and run towards her giggling. 

Your relationship with Rin was almost like a real sibling. You loved her and she loved you. Everything changed as she could partake into magic lessons. She was already with her six years so good like you with eleven years. Well, almost. Yet, you felt that she is close to get better than you. You heart sinks as you compliment her. She is jiggly when even Tokiomi praised her and boast with her skills to everyone. He never had done  that with you… You sadly watch him carry her around laughing as she perfected her first magic spell. You wanted to scream as you fake smile at their happiness. 

„Well, Well… Y/N!“  You shriek as you blink at him.

„You didn’t ever came to me to tell me what kind of servant should serve me in the Holy Grail War. It is only a year…“ You had your mouth a bit open as you looked down ashamed. 

„You were right when you said, it is not easy to find a fitting hero for our family yet…“ You put your beloved book on his desk. He watched it curiously with Rin in his arms.  Rin yelled in disgust. „Oh no! The boring book of yours.“ „The epic of Gilgamesh…“ Tokiomi read the title as he looked back to you. „I never heard of him…“

You red cheeks betrayed your excitement.

„Well, he is stronger than Herakles, faster than Achilles, clever than uhhh any Heroes and he was king in Uruk. Rich was he also…“ Okay, how you put your arguments are not clever. 

„He is not one of the oldest heroes. He is the first one who existed or who is written about it. That is why nobody seems to know about him. He didn’t start as a hero more like villain who…“

„Okay, Okay. I get it. You seem to be very convinced about him, right.“

„Yes. If I would partake this war, I would definitely take him as my servant.“ You clap your hand on this book like an adult. He laughs at your maturing acting. 

„So enough for today.“ When you two leave his room, he watches curiously the book you brought. After this, he did some research of your hero you found and what do we have here. You may lack at you magic skills but you don’t fail with your researches. It was decided: Gilgamesh is gonna be the servant of the Tokoimi Tohsaka.

_____________________________

Part two

Well, it is still a past story where you are a child and explains the background a bit. Yet, some flashbacks are about to come. The past of course is Fate zero and the real story is ten years later , Fate stay night which is definitely turning a bit different. I don't know how much time I have to upload but I thought I should start putting the Prologue online. If you find typos you can please tell me :D Next part, Gilgamesh is coming to action.

[marblesphere]

Fate/Alternate Reality (Part 1)

My version of what happened in the Fifth Holy Grail War in Fuyuki and the aftermath. This is sorta self insert fanfic, feel free to change the mc's name.

!!Warning!! Tooth rotting fluff, angst, suggestive theme, violence.

Happy Reading

Part 2

“…a little more… just a little more… I got it!” my small hand makes contact with a thick book in my late father’s study. It’s a book that contains a lot of pretty circles. I just love seeing those pretty things.

And so, today too, I am going to draw the pretty circle and play with it. “Today’s picture is…” I flip open the book to see which one caught my attention today. “…this! I am going to draw this!”

Humming a song, I draw the pretty circle on the floor. ‘Better finish this before Yume-san comes…’

Yume-san, is my guardian… at least until I am 18 years old. Papa and Mama are not here anymore… so… their assets will be inherited by me when I grow up. For now, my school fee will be directly paid each month by Yume-san and I will get my weekly allowance. Yume-san always plays with me if she has spare time… but…

‘I am a little lonely…’

“It’s done!” I cheer as I look at the finished drawing. “So pretty!!!” I gush as I run around the circle. “Let’s see what kind of pretty circle is this…” I look at the book again.

“…servant summoning circle…?” I tilt my head at the words. “…what is a servant?” a light bulb appears in my head. “At a time like this… here it is, dictionary!!”

“Servant… servant…” I search for the word in the dictionary. “Servant… a person who is employed in another person’s house, doing jobs such as cooking and cleaning.”

“Cooking and cleaning…” I gasp in realization. “It’s maid-san!”

“Amazing! This pretty circle calls out a maid-san.” My eyes sparkled. “If…if maid-san lives with me… then, I won’t be lonely anymore.” my small brain made that conclusion. “Yosh! Let’s call the maid-san.”

“I wonder what kind of maid-san will appear. I hope she is super pretty… she will become a super maid-san.”

Let the silver and steel be the essence

Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation

Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall

Let the four cardinal gates close

Come out from the crown

Rotate the three-branched road reaching the Kingdom

Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill

Repeat five times

But when each is filled, destroy it

Let it be declared now

Your flesh shall serve under me, and my fate shall be with your swords

Submit to the beckoning of Holy Grail

Answer, if you would submit to this will and this truth

An oath shall be sworn here

I shall attain all virtues of the Heaven

I shall have dominion over all evils of Hell

From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three great words of power

Come forth from the ring of restraint,

O Guardian of the Scales

A small whirlwind suddenly picks up around the pretty circle as it starts to shine. “Eh?”

It shines brighter and brighter until I can’t see anything. And when the wind dies down… someone is standing in the midst of the pretty circle. “Super…maid-san…?”

“Who summoned a needless servant like…me…” super maid-san bends down his tall body to look at me. “A… kid…?”

“I am Rein. Mutsuki Rein. Nice to meet you, Super Maid-san.” ~”~

Brown coloured big doe eyes and long wavy black hair with brown tips. ‘This… no matter how I see this… is not my own appearance.’

The assimilation is getting faster recently. ‘Well, if worse comes to worse…’

“Rein-chan?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head.

“It’s finally time.”

“Don’t be so nervous, Hakuno.” I giggle at her.

“How can I not be nervous? This Holy Grail War and mine are so much different.”

“The difference is only on how it was conducted,” I reply.

“But…”

“Don’t worry. Don’t worry. I will win this war and we will get our wishes granted.” I smile.

“Okay…”

“Come forth from the ring of restraint, O Guardian of the Scales.” The summoning circle shines bright and then fades away.

“Oh, Ar… who are you?” I ask the servant in front of me.

“That should be my question. Are you my mas…”

The servant in front of me is a man, in his late twenties with his tanned skin and slicked back white hair. Wearing red mystic code. This servant is…

“Archer…” my mouth moves on its own and I quickly clamp it shut. ‘As I thought, it’s not my Archer, it’s her Archer.’

“You are… How?!” he grabs my shoulders and I hiss at the sudden pain. “I apologize, Master.”

“Rein. My name is Mutsuki Rein. Your master in this Holy Grail War.”

“I am Archer…”

“I know.” I nod. “Let me take you to your room.” ~”~

“This is Holy Grail…?” I gape, looking at the big floating chalice that keeps pouring out black mud.

“Tsk. So it’s a corrupted grail after all. Fall back, Master. I’ll destroy that thing.” Archer summons Kanshou and Bakuya.

“But!” I open my mouth to protest.

“This is not the time to make a wish! The black mud will destroy everything it touches!” Archer growls as he engages in a fight with black mud. “Rin! Take care of my idiot master!”

“Eh? Ha?!” Rin is perplexed by the sudden command.

‘Then, what about my wish…’ I clench my fist.

“Rein, there’s no time standing here. We’re going to the bank before the mud reaches us.” Rin urged.

“…” my mind is conflicted. ‘Is there really no way for this grail to grant my wish?’

“Hurry up!” Rin snapped, unaware of the mud that had slithered right behind her.

“Rin!” I pushed her out of the way. ‘No! If that touches me, the two of us will die!’ my mind quickly turns as I use magic to push another soul out of my body.

*Stab*

A piercing pain shot through my body. The mud tentacle pierces through my chest. “Not…Yet…” I coughed up blood. Using my last strength, I transfer my command seals to her, Kishinami Hakuno-san. ‘I hope… at least she got her wish granted.’ I closed my eyes, welcoming the darkness. ~”~

“REIN!!” Rin yelled in horror as she saw Rein suddenly split into two and one of them was stabbed by the mud.

Her shout is heard by Archer. The servant quickly turns back to check his master and Rin, only to be shocked by the phenomenal sight. “No…way…” He muttered. Archer is running back to his master’s supposed safe zone, but in his mind only one thought running through, ‘Why is she here?’

She, Kishinami Hakuno. His previous master in another Holy Grail war. She is supposed to be an NPC made according to the data of the real Kishinami Hakuno. An irregular that had already been deleted by Moon Cell. So, how can she appear here? With a body no less…

‘No, that’s not a body.’

That’s just a materialized spirit much like a Heroic Spirit does. But why and how could she possess his current master? Is it because his current master is somehow her ancestor or predecessor or they are linked in a way or another, considering how much they look alike?

“Master.” Archer landed on the ground. “What…” His eyes widened.

“Re-Rein… What…how come…. Which one is Rein?” Rin panicked, looking at the two fainted females.

On the ground, instead of two look-alike females, one of the girls looks completely different. Instead of long wavy brown hair like his previous master, her long hair is as black as night. Not only that, even her face has changed into a completely different person. There’s nothing alike with his previous master, even her faint lingering magic also changed. Another thing that captures his attention is the command spells that are carved in his previous master’s hand.

“Hnnn….” Hakuno groaned before opening her eyes. “Re-Rein-chan!” She quickly scrambled to her feet.

“Hakuno…” Archer breathed out.

Hakuno turns her head, finding Archer staring at her. She can clearly see a lot of emotions reflected in his eyes. “Archer…” Her voice is barely above a whisper. How much she yearns to see her beloved again.

“Archer! Behind you!!” Rin’s warning snapped them out of their daze.

Archer quickly slashes the approaching mud.

“I know you have a lot of questions, but ask them later. We must deal with that first.” Hakuno also regained her composure.

“I know. Let’s go” Archer too, composed himself again. ‘Right. First, we need to destroy that thing. Everything else will come later.’

“Rin, can you heal Rein-chan?” Hakuno turned to the confused Rin.

“Mou… I don’t know what’s happening anymore. You better explain clearly later.” Rin said as she pulled out her gems.

But fighting a corrupted grail is no small task, the mud is unending as it keeps overflowing from the grail. “Archer, use your Noble Phantasm,” Hakuno said.

“If I were to use that, you’d disappear,” Archer argued. Using Noble Phantasm required a lot of mana supply from the master. He finally meets her again, there’s no way he’ll let her slip out again.

“Don’t worry. I won’t disappear. I promise.” Hakuno smiled. Yes, Rein has supplied part of her mana to herself every day. That’s why she can materialise her body.

“But-”

Suddenly magic circle appears beneath Rein’s body. “Wh-what’s going on now?!” Rin shielded her eyes from the gust formed around the magic circle. A book flies out from rubbles near them, floating right above the also float-standing Rein. The book opens by itself and the pages are turning with incredible speed.

“System activated.” A mechanical voice came out from the book.

“W-wha?!”

“Magic circuits scan complete.”

“Magic circuits condition all green.”

“Magic circuits connection complete.”

“Synchro percentage 100%.”

“Link complete.”

“Excellion Palladias, activate,” Rein said softly.

“Ignition.” Mana gathers around her, enveloping her in half sphere of light and suddenly bursts out, creating a pillar of light. As the light dissipates bit by bit. The fatal injury on her stomach is completely healed. Even the clothes have been mended. When her eyes opened, they were not the brown doe eyes like they used to see, instead her eyes were vivid purple, like a gemstone . ~”~

‘I can feel the mana is welling up inside me. A familiar and nostalgic sensation.’ I can feel how my magic circuits work and the flow of the mana even more clear than usual. It’s as if my body had woken up from a deep sleep. I softly land on the ground. The Grimoire is floating on my right hand.

The black mud is starting to attack again as it senses a new threat. I hold out my left hand, creating a magic circle which deflects the incoming attack.

“Niflheim.” Icicles formed around me and shot toward the mud, freezing it. But it only affects a small part. ‘I need more time to cast powerful spell.’

I narrow my eyes. Another bigger magic circle appears on the ground few steps ahead of me. “Servant summoning.”

“Summoning.” The mechanical voice of the book repeats. The magic circle glows brighter and brighter, creating a small whirlwind.

“Come, my servant.” Another pillar of light shoots up to the sky, and now standing in front of me is a familiar red figure… and another hooded servant. ‘??? …how come two of them came out when it’s supposed to be only one.’ I blinked my eyes rapidly.

“Which master summoned a needless servant like me.” The red figure spoke in a familiar manner and voice. “…That’s what I want to say. But this is the first time I have been summoned while facing a corrupted grail.” He leered. The hooded figure beside him is also staring at the Grail.

“You know Archer, you really should change your first words to Master. For example, ‘Defender of Justice is here!’ or ‘I will fight for your sake’.”

“What kind of creepy lines are that?! And just for your information, I am not some kind of defender of justice.” Archer turns his head to look at me.

“Are you my…master…?” Archer trailed off.

“You are… Saber?” I focused my attention on the hooded figure.

“Yes. I am Saber.” The hooded figure answered.

“Oi! Don’t ignore me!” Archer raised his voice.

“Oi oi oi. What kind of joke is this?” Archer (Nameless) frowned.

“T-there are two Archers…” Rin gaped.

“…the explanation will take a lot of time. I will explain it later. Besides, your first word is supposed to be ‘You’ve grown up’ or ‘Nice to see you again’… Well, I guess the nature of the summoning makes it impossible to retain any memories from previous war…” I sighed in disappointment.

“Hm… that face… no, I do somehow remember the memories of my previous summon…” Archer murmured. “You are…”

“Eh? You remember?! Why?!” It’s my turn to be surprised.

“Umm… Rein-chan, I think it’s better to focus on the Grail first…” Hakunon raises her hand.

“Ah, that’s right,” I said flatly.

“Don’t answer like you just remember it!” Archer (Nameless) exclaimed.

“Haa… I can’t believe my luck.” Archer sighed at his unfortunate situation.

“Aren’t you being a little mean to me?” I pout. “Well, whatever.” I sigh. “Archer, Saber, buy me some time. I will freeze the whole grail.”

“Roger, Master.” They replied.

The temperature around me drops drastically, a white puff of breath becomes visible and frost begins to form as more mana condenses. And then I shoot the condensed mana to the Grail, freezing it. Part of the frozen mud breaks off, revealing the core.

“Destroy it!”

My two servants are quick in their actions. The moment the core shatters, the mud slowly recedes and vanishes, leaving no trace at all. The only evidence of it was the destroyed properties around us.

“Good…work…” I suddenly feel all my strength leaves me and my consciousness is fading. ‘Still…need…to…explain.’  ~”~

“Good…work…” Rein swayed and collapsed as she finished her words, which fortunately was caught by the good reflex of the hooded knight.

“…Master, you can’t just faint like this. You still need to explain to us.” Archer sighed and picked up the fallen grimoire.

“Let’s go to Rein-chan’s house first. I’ll explain what I know.” Hakuno spoke up.

“Then I am going too. I have a lot of questions, especially about you and those two Archers.” Rin huffed. ~”~

The guests are seated on the sofas in the living room while Hakuno is taking a look at the storage, given her and Rein’s last conversation was, ‘Storage room, effigy for you.’

In the living room, Rin is looking back and forth at the two Archers. Somehow, the atmosphere is quite awkward.

“It feels weird seeing another me.” Archer sighed.

“Agreed. We always got to draw short sticks.” Archer (Nameless) nodded.

“You said it. I have a lot of questions to ask, but my master is still asleep. Yare yare… even though she understood the situation the most, at least I think so. But I never thought I would be summoned again, by the same master no less.” Archer said.

“You-”

“Sorry for the wait.” Hakuno came back to the living room.

“Master, are you alright?” Archer (Nameless) asked.

“I am fine.” She smiled.

“Your body…” Rin pursed her lips.

“Ah, Rein prepared an effigy for me. From now on, this will be my body.” Hakuno said.

“I see… Then, can you start explaining about this situation?” Rin flicks her hair.

“By the way, that Saber over there. Are you going to stay anonymous?” Archer told him.

“Ah. My apology.” Saber took off his hood, causing gasps of surprise from the others.

“Sa-Saber?” Rin pointed at him.

“Yes. I am Saber.” Saber nodded.

“No. That’s not what I mean. You… aren’t you a girl?” Rin gaped.

“Girl? I am sure I was born and raised as a man.”  Saber blinked.

“But you are…” King Arthur. The last word stuck in her throat.

“Did you mistake me for someone else?” Saber asked.

“Saber, is your true name, by chance King Arthur?” Archer looked at him.

“Yes. That’s true. My True Name is Arthur Pendragon, the King of Britain.” Saber affirmed.

“The King Arthur I know is a girl.” Archer’ knitted his brows.

“I see… so, this world’s Arthur is a girl,” Saber muttered.

“This world…?” They repeated the word.

“Yes. The girl Saber you know and I share the same past and legend with me, but we are different people. You can say I am King Arthur from a different world.” Saber said.

“It’s getting more and more complicated.” Rin sighed.

“Agreed, but we can sum up the most important point is she and he are different people. That much is certain.” Archer sighed.

“Then, don’t tell me you and her also came from a different world.” Rin raises her brow, looking at another Archer (Nameless) and Hakuno

“You could say it like that.” Archer nodded.

“The question is, how did you two come here? Saber might have to do with the summon system Master used. But you two…” Archer looked at them.

“If it’s about that, I’ll explain.” Hakuno finally spoke up.

“My name is Kishinami Hakuno and I was a winner of a Holy Grail War in my world. My contracted servant at that time is Archer. Our war was done inside virtual reality. We enter cyberspace and participate in the war.”

“The cyberspace we entered was not on Earth. It was in Moon.” Archer supplied.

“Moon?” The others blinked.

“Yeah... in the Moon, there is a massive collection of photonic crystals that comprises a giant supercomputer of sorts. We call it Moon Cell. The Moon Cell is the Holy Grail.” Archer (Nameless) explained.

“Wait a minute. Then it’s different from the grail we destroyed just now.” Rin knitted her brows.

“Yes. Actually, rather than getting Moon Cell itself, we gained the right to use Moon Cell after we won the war. And the war itself is different. In our world, each participant will enter the arena and have one on one battle, the last one standing will be the winner of the war.” Hakuno said.

“Then how can it grant a wish?” Rin frowned.

“Those two are still wish-granting devices but, since Moon Cell and the Holy Grail are fundamentally different, so the way of using them is also different. There’s no need to think too hard. In the first place, we also don’t really know the true nature of the Holy Grail.” Archer said.

“True…nature?” Saber mutters softly as he tries to remember something. Something that seems to be missing from his memories.

“What’s wrong, Saber?” Archer asked the dazed Saber.

“No… nothing. I was just thinking too much.” Saber shook his head.

“But unlike the life and death battle royal here. Your war is quite tame.” Archer said.

“I wonder about that. The losers of the war will be deleted from cyberspace and their real body will be eliminated as well.” Archer (Nameless) sneered.

“Haaa…. I take that back. No matter where it is, the nature of the Holy Grail War is still like that… Ruthless.” Archer sighed.

“I’ll continue my story. As the winner of the war, I was granted the right to use the Moon Cell. But at the same time, the Moon Cell recognized me as invalid data.” Hakuno took a deep breath.

“Invalid data? Bug?” Archer narrowed his eyes.

“The reason being, I was just an NPC which somehow gained awareness.”

“NPC? You mean, you aren’t….” Rin looked at her wide-eyed.

“Yes. I am not a human. I was an NPC made according to the data of the real Kishinami Hakuno, who is in hibernation due to brain disease. But strangely enough, in the preliminary round, Moon Cell approved me to join the war. My wish at that time was to learn about myself since I didn’t remember everything. But in the end, I was deleted due to being invalid data, since it took time to delete me due to the contradiction caused by the frozen body in the real world. I have time to enter my wish, to know the truth about me and send the information of my other half to Rin.” Hakuno said.

“Me?” Rin pointed to herself.

“The Rin in my world.” Hakuno smiled. “And I thought that would be the end of me. But the next moment I woke up, I was in some kind of dark place. I kept calling for someone but no one answered me, until one day I heard a reply.”

“I see, the one who replied to you is…”

“Yes. It was Rein-chan. The moment Rein-chan replied to my call, an exit appeared in that dark place. I thought I would get out of that place only to find I was inside Rein-chan’s body.” Hakuno finished.

“I understand how you were linked to Rein’s body. But how do you explain about her appearance? She looked exactly like you.” Rin said.

“This is only my hypothesis, it might be part of me still connected to the Moon Cell and at that time I wished I had a body, that might be the cause of how her appearance changed to be like mine. Rather, that’s the only plausible explanation.” Hakuno gripped her hands tightly. “And as for Archer being summoned here… must be because of me too.”

“This is really unbelievable…” Rin put her hand on her forehead.

“Haa… I also couldn’t believe this. At first, I thought she was related to you or something. But her personality is 180 degrees the opposite of you. But… she looked like she had a personality change after separating from you…” Archer (Nameless) frowned.

“Personality change? I thought she was still the same as 10 years ago.” Archer blinked.

“No, she’s definitely different. When she still looked like Hakuno, she was really handful, so haughty, arrogant, selfish, easily throwing tantrums and egoist.” Archer (Nameless) described.

“You sure you are talking about the same Master? How come I feel like you are talking about Rin instead.” Archer sweatdropped.

“Hey, how rude! I am a Tohsaka. A Tohsaka is always elegant.” Rin snapped. “I am not rude or selfish. Well, I don’t really know her well before the war but… she was very contradictory…” Rin said.

“Contradictory?” they tilt their heads.

“…It was like she was suddenly hot and cold to her servant,” Rin said. “…No, not only to her servant, she sometimes is contradictory in everything…”

“I bet the cold part was Rein.” Archer lets out a wry smile. “But handful is an exact word how to describe her, and I am afraid she’ll be getting more handful to handle.” Archer sighed.

“Rein-chan originally is a gentle girl. The reason her personality changed is because of me.” Hakuno bit her lip.

“You?” Archer knitted his brows.

“Yes. Think about it. You were possessed by another soul, and because of that, your original appearance changed and then that soul’s feeling influenced your own. Rein’s change is because she was trying to protect herself and draw boundaries between her and me.” Hakuno said.

“But that doesn’t mean she has to change her personality…. I see… it was my fault, huh…” Archer mocked himself.

“I see. I have a grasp of it.” Archer nodded.

“What do you mean? I don’t understand at all.” Rin frowned.

“Because I didn’t see her as Mutsuki Rein,” Archer said.

“Haaaa?”

“My actions thus far were treating her like my previous master, Hakuno. Given their similar appearance, I unconsciously treated her as such and if she did something different than what Hakuno should have done, I would feel uncomfortable. She might have seen through it from the start and she was trying to instil that she was in fact not Hakuno. It doesn’t help that sometimes Hakuno’s feeling spills out, thus the hot and cold treatment to me. How pathetic, I couldn’t even face my master properly….” He sighed forlornly.

“This is Rein we are talking about. If you apologize to her, she’ll definitely forgive you. Though there might be a consequence, she’s just unpredictable like that.” Archer sweatdropped at the last sentence.

“I see… Okay, I understood most of the situation already. It’s already late too. It’s time for me to go home.” Rin stood up and stretched her hands up.

“You are going home now?!” Hakuno blinked.

“Of course. I’ll come back tomorrow. I need time to process this information.” She sighed.

“But, it’s already late and it’s dangerous.” Hakuno frowned.

“She’s right, Rin. It’s better for you to stay here. Besides, we might need your help in case something happens.” Archer agreed.

“…You are a slave driver, you know what?” Rin stares at him with a deadpanned look. “...Fine. I’ll stay for the night.” Rin gives in in the end.

“I’ll arrange the guest room.” Archer stood up.

“You knew her house well.” Rin blinked at Archer's natural host-like movement.

“Didn’t I tell you I was summoned by her 10 years ago?” Archer said.

“You did say that…Wait… 10 years ago… the fourth Holy Grail War…” Rin stared at him wide-eyed.

“Yeah… But she didn’t participate in it. I was summoned here accidentally, at that time the war had begun and she herself refused to enter the war.” Archer explained.

“Hmm… Then why did she suddenly enter the war this time?” Rin blinked, she didn’t understand. It might be because she now has a wish to be granted.

“She might be, probably, no, certainly entered this war to grant her wish.” Archer turned his head to Hakuno. The said female nods her head confirming the suspicion.

“Haa? She entered a war for another people's wish?!” Rin’s jaw dropped. “Unbelievable. She risked her life to grant another person's wish.” Rin’s head is throbbing now due to the very unpredictable fact she was revealed to.

“She’s unprecedented. That’s our master.” Archer said as he had given all hope concerning his master.

“Pfftt….” Saber is trying his best to hold his laugh. That’s indeed true. He has met a lot of people and there was someone that fits into this ‘unpredictable’ category in his era. Someone he holds dear.

“By the way, I just remember this,” Rin said suddenly causing everyone's attention to focus on her.

“The war should have ended because we had destroyed the grail. So why are you all still here?” Rin blinked.

“Usually, we are sent back to the Thrones of Heroes.” Archer put his hand on his chin. “Might it be because the summoning was done differently?” Archer blinked.

“Rein might know something. Let’s ask her tomorrow.” Rin finally said. In any case, she needs time to process this and she is very tired too. Thus, they bid each other good night and rest in their respective rooms. ~”~

Corpses…

I can see corpses lying everywhere…

The staunch and heavy smell of blood invades my nose…

It’s as if I am standing in that place… even if I know this is just a dream…

The place that was the remnant of a battle…

In the midst of the unmoving corpses…

One person falls to his knees after being pierced with a sword to his stomach…

He won’t last any longer…

And then I see a blurry-faced girl crying…

‘Why… are you crying…?’

‘…Why… am I feeling so sad…?’

A familiar ceiling greets me when I open my eyes. It takes me a while to recognize it. “My…room…” I sat up on my bed and rubbed my eyes. “Yesterday…” Bit by bit yesterday’s memories come back to me. “I see… I summoned Archer.” I blinked. On my nightstand, a familiar book is placed there. “Excellion.” I muttered.

“Good morning, Master.” The book greeted.

“Ah, now that I think about it, you can speak.” I blinked.

“Yes, Master.” It replied.

“Then, good morning Excellion.” I smiled.

“Good morning, Master.” It greeted again.

“Please take care of me, Excellion.” I smiled.

“Likewise, Master.”

I take a quick shower after chatting for a while with Excellion. “Master, are you awake?” a question was heard accompanied by a knock on the door.

“Yes. I am awake.” I tie my hair in a low ponytail and open the door. Coming to my view is a handsome young man with familiar blonde hair and green eyes.

“Good morning, Master.” He smiled.

I blink owlishly at him, “Saber… since when did you become a man?” I asked.

“Yes?” Saber seemed to blank for a moment before he understood my question. “Master, I am the Saber you summoned yesterday.” He smiled.

“The Saber I summoned yesterday?”  I tilted my head.

“Yes.”

“But you really look like the Saber I know. It’s like her gender has swapped.” I said.

“Yes. You can say I am a King Arthur from another world. We are not the same person.” He explained simply.

“Oohh, I see… Hm? How come you know I was talking about the girl King Arthur?” I tilt my head.

“Everyone had the same reaction yesterday when I took off my hood. So, they talked about her a little bit.” He chuckled.

“Ah, no wonder...” I nodded convinced.

“Let’s go downstairs, Master. Breakfast is ready.” Saber smiled.

“Just call me Rein. Even though I summoned you, I’d like us to have a friendship than a master-servant relationship. I feel more comfortable this way.” I said.

“Of course, Rein.” He smiled.

“Nice to meet you, Saber.” I extended my hand to him.

“Nice to meet you too, Rein.” He shook my hand. ~”~

“Good morning.” I come down to the living room with Saber.

“Good morning.” Archer greeted back.

“Rein-chan! Are you alright now?!” Hakuno grabs my shoulders and checks for any leftover injury.

“I am fine. As you can see, I don’t have a scratch at all. How about you?” I smiled.

“I am alright. The effigy is quite comfortable. It’s good you are alright.” Hakuno smiled in relief.

“Rein.” Archer (Nameless) called suddenly.

“Yes?” I answered. ‘Come to think of it. This is the first time he called me by my name. Usually, it’s either ‘You’ or ‘Master’. Oh, there’s ‘Stupid Master’ too… Somehow, it’s irritating.’ I narrow my eyes.

“I am sorry. I failed as a servant.” He bowed 90 degrees.

“…Did you eat something wrong?” I blinked.

“I am sorry for not facing you properly.” He said.

“Ahh, that…. So, you realized it.” I sighed.

“Yeah… Even though I just realized it yesterday.” He said still bowing.

“Hmmmm….” I hummed and slowly walked to him. The said servant seemed like wouldn’t lift his head until I finished venting my anger. ‘Actually… there were times I got really angry…’ I raised my hand and chopped his head.

“We are even now,” I said.

“Eh?” The spectators are dumbfounded.

“Oww… What kind of head do you have? Why does my hand hurt so much?” I nurse my now poor reddening hand. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I looked at them oddly. Only Archer continues serving the breakfast without even batting an eye.

“…No, I know I am the one saying this but is that okay just like that?” Archer (Nameless) finally lifts his head.

“You let me chop your head for free so it’s even now. If you are still unsatisfied you can start crossdressing to amuse me.” I sat down at the dining table. “…I have a maid uniform that will fit perfectly for you.” I smile brilliantly. “I will go take it now.”

“No no, I am fine with this.” Archer (Nameless) said, grabbing the scurf of my neck.

“Didn’t I tell you she’s unprecedented? Common sense won’t work on her.” Archer said.

“Archer, why are you talking like I don’t have common sense.” I pout as I sit down on the dining table.

“Because you have none.” Archer rolled his eyes.

“So mean. I definitely have one. Boo! Boo!” I waved my utensils in protest.

“Only one then. And don’t wave the utensils. Today breakfast is Omurice.” He put the plate on the table.

“Desert?” I asked excitedly, not caring the dumbfounded look from others.

“Custard Pudding.”

“Yatta! It’s my favourite. Thank you, Archer.” I grinned. “Bon appetit… It’s so delicious! As expected from Archer. Hm? Why is everyone standing over there? Let’s eat the breakfast.” I look at them.

“Ah… yes…”

Archer only looks at them with ‘See, I told you, my master has no common sense’ expression. ~”~

“Hmmm…” I knitted my forehead.

“What’s wrong? It’s not to your liking?” Archer asked.

“That’s not it. I was just thinking how to call you two.” I said looking at the two archers.

“Why don’t you use a name derived from their True Name?” Saber suggested.

“That’s-"

“KYAAAA!!!!!”

“It’s Rin’s voice.” I blinked.

“Ah.” The four of them looked like they had just remembered about her.

Arriving on the second floor, we are just in time seeing something blue fly out from the door, crashing to the wall.

“Bwahhh!!”

“Pervert!” Blushing Rin glared from the doorstep, looking down at the so-called ‘pervert’.

“His scream seems familiar,” I muttered.

“Damn woman! Are you trying to kill me?” The pervert stood up and yelled back.

“Ah, Lancer.”

“Ha?” Lancer turned to us.

“I think that kick just now has messed up my brain. Two Archers and Saber becomes a man…” Lancer closed his eyes and started murmuring incoherent words while deep in thought.

“For now…. Let’s go downstairs and have breakfast first.” I scratched my cheek. ~”~

“Aahh… I am stuffed.” Lancer plopped down on the sofa.

“Lancer, mind your manner.” Rin frowned.

“…That sums it up.” Hakuno finished her explanation.

“I think I understood most of it. But I have one question.” Lancer said. “How do we call them? Faker 1 and Faker 2?” Lancer sneered.

“We were discussing about it just now, I was thinking about using names deriving from their True Names, but…” Saber trailed off.

“I am a Nameless Heroic Spirit. I don’t have a name.” Archer (Nameless) said.

“Archer’s True Name will cause a lot of complicated things, so I decide just to give him a name,” I said.

“Didn’t they have the same names? I mean their manner and looks are the same. They must be the same person.” Rin said.

“No.” We answered in unison.

“Eh?”

“No matter how similar they are, they aren’t the same person, though they are the same existence.” I shook my head.

“Same existence yet different person….” Rin muttered.

“Just call me Nameless, he will continue using Archer,” Nameless said.

“Eeeh… that’s pretty boring. I have a lot of names for Archer, for example, Shiya, Barcher (Baka Archer), Archie…nah, sounds funny, then Emishi… this actually sounds good…” I mumbled.

‘But it lacks an impact.’

“Ah! I know! Super Maid-san!” I remembered the nickname I gave to him.

“Objection!” Archer raised his hand in protest.

“Hahaha! This is priceless.” Lancer burst out laughing. “I love the last one.”

“Just like he said. He will stick with Nameless, I will stick with Archer. I tolerate no objection.”

“You are no fun.” I pout.

“Hahahaha! You are the best.” Lancer is laughing until his tears come out.

“Now, it’s our turn to ask. Lancer, how did you appear here? Who summoned you?” Archer asked.

“That’s what I want to know too. I am sure I was killed and sent back to the Throne of Heroes. But the next thing I know I was already in her room.” Lancer said.

“Rin, don’t tell me you summoned him while you were sleepwalking?” Archer asked.

“There’s no way I could do that. I don’t even have that kind of habit. Besides, there are no command seals at all.” Rin snapped back.

“There’s the strange part. My body and mind acknowledge her as my master, even without command seals. It’s like an instinct.” Lancer said.

“Geeeee…”

“Why are you guys looking at me like that?” Lancer frowned.

“That…” I grinned.

“Must be…” Saber continued.

“Love.” Hakuno finished.

“You like her.” We said in unison.

“There’s no way I/he like(s) her/me.” The people of interest slam their hands on the table and pointed at each other.

“You two are in perfect sync.” I giggle.

“Oi, you bastards,” Lancer yelled.

“Let’s get back to the topic.” Archer clapped his hands to get us back on the track. “We still don’t know how servants materialize even after the Grail is destroyed.”

“Hmmm…”

“Rein, do you know something about this?” Saber asked.

“To be honest… I am not completely sure about this. But the Grail we destroyed yesterday… that might be a fake Grail.”

“!” they turned to me.

“No… rather than a fake, it’s more like a small part of the Grail,” I murmured.

“What do you mean by that? How can you know?” Rin asked.

“Just… it’s just my hunch…” I scratched my cheek.

“Just a hunch?! We thought you have some kind of solid evidence here.” Rin stretches my cheeks.

“Sowwy…”

“But Master’s hunch might not be completely false. That theory is plausible. So, whoever has the Grail right now might tamper with it and the result is the summoning of servants.” Archer said.

“Speaking of summoning… Rein, you used a different kind of summoning ritual.” Archer said.

“Ah, that’s right… actually, I am not completely sure about it too.” I smiled sheepishly.

“You really…” Rin stretches my cheeks again.

“Sowwy…” I cried out. “But Excellion might know.”

“Excellion? Your grimoire?” Nameless asked.

“That’s right. Let me go and get it.” I ran back to my room and took the magical tome with me. “So, Excellion, how did I summon them?”

“It was FATE system. The FATE system allows a master to summon a servant per agreement of purpose between master and servant.” Excellion said.

“The book talked….” Lancer is looking intently at Excellion.

“But I didn’t agree or anything.” Archer denied.

“No, you agreed.” I smiled.

“What do you mean?” Archer blinked.

“10 years ago, you promised me, you’ll come if I call out to you.” I smiled.

“That counts too?!” Archer sweatdropped.

“Then, does that mean Saber also agrees to your purpose?” Rin blinked, fascinated by the summoning system.

“No, I think my case is a bit different. At that time, I think I was chasing for something.” Saber knitted his forehead, seemingly trying to remember.

“Chasing something?” Hakuno blinked.

“Yes…. Though I can’t seem to remember what I was chasing. It’s strange.” Saber says, looking very troubled that he is missing a part of important memories.

“Calm down.” I stretch his cheeks. “There’s no need to force yourself to remember. Take it slow, you will be able to remember in due time.”

“…” Saber’s eyes widen a bit. “That’s right. I shouldn’t be so hasty. My apology, Rein.”

“Hehe.” I grin. “Whether Saber comes here by accident or not, he is now my servant, right, Excellion?”

“Yes. Without a doubt.” the mechanical voice answered.

“By the way, does the summon system mess up the memories?” I shift my attention back to Excellion.

“This is the first time the FATE summoning system was used. It might be a side effect. I’ll keep a record for further use.” Excellion said.

“But how do we maintain our form? The command spell serves as a link between master and servant. It is used to supply mana from master to servant.” Lancer-san said.

“If we assume we can supply mana automatically to servants without command spell. I should have collapsed by now, considering the fact that I have two servants. But I don’t feel a thing. My mana is not flowing out at all.” I said.

“Ah, you are right! There is no mana leaking out!” Rin gasped.

“I also don’t feel my mana reducing at all.” Hakuno nodded in agreement.

“Then, there’s only one explanation.” Archer (Nameless) smirked.

“We, servants, can recover our own mana,” Archer said.

“That might be the only explanation left.” Rin sighs, massaging her head.

“Hmm… Saber, give me your hand.” I said.

“Yes.”

I grab his hand and pour mana into him. Trying to test if mana transfer is still possible or not. “…I can receive your mana…” He said in awe.

‘I know servant was summoned to be compatible with the master. But who would have thought that we are this compatible, even more so that he is an accidental summon.’ Our mana basically easily mingles with each other with zero resistance.

“So, the mana transfer is still possible,” I conclude. “Then next, Lancer, hand.”

“O-ou.” He obediently holds his hand out to me.

“You are really a dog.” Archer mocked.

“Don’t call me a dog!” Lancer snapped back.

The moment I pour mana to him, a burning sensation appears on our palms. The two of us quickly draw our hands back. “Are you okay?” Saber panicked. “Let me see.” He meticulously inspects the injury.

“Just a small burn. Nothing big.” I smiled.

“Here, press it to your palm.” Archer is back with a cold compress.

“Thank you.” Saber is pressing the cold compress on my palm.

“It looks like aside from our own master, we can’t receive mana from another person,” Archer said.

“Rein-chan, why are you getting hurt again? You should treasure yourself more.” Hakuno reprimanded me.

“I am fine. This is nothing.” I calmed her down.

“How can it be nothing? Yesterday too, you were stabbed-Mmmph.” I jumped across the table and clasped her mouth.

“Hooo… What does she mean, Master…” Archer glared at me. I can feel my back sweating buckets.

“Nothing. I am very healthy as you can see.” I quickly answered. ‘No no no, he mustn’t know, or else I’ll have to endure his nagging.’

“Mmmphhh!! Mmmmphh!!”

“No, but yesterday I saw it clearly too, you were stabbed-”

“Nameless, looks like the head chop was not enough. Maybe I should have you tried the maid uniform.” I smiled at him.

“No, sorry.”

“Master.” I was suddenly grabbed by my back collar. In the end, I have to endure Archer’s nagging for 2 hours in seiza.

“But but but…”

“No buts, how many times I told you ‘don’t be reckless’ why can’t you listen to me!?”

“I agree with Archer. That was a reckless move, Rein.” Saber too frowned.

“Then, Saber. will you ignore people in trouble?” I pouted.

“Of course I’ll help them.”

“See, I was right then. Hakuno was in a pinch, and I helped her. That wasn’t wrong.” I said, appealing to him.

“That’s…certainly true….” Saber hung his head.

“Didn’t I tell you common sense won’t work on her?” Archer sighed. “Besides, it’s already reckless enough you entered the war for another people’s wish.” Archer frowned.

“That, actually I have my own wish too, that’s why I participated in the war.” I scratched my cheek.

“Your wish?” Archer blinked.

“Yes. My wish can only be granted by participating in the war. Since I also wished to help Hakuno, so it was counted as killing two birds with one stone.” I said.

“…What kind of wish you have? Don’t tell me…”

“No, it’s not that. I’ve accepted that from a long time ago. You should be clearer than anyone else. This time I only wish to meet you again. To show you I have grown up healthily. That’s why I was disappointed when Nameless was summoned.” I pursed my lips.

“You…really…” Archer smiled, “ARE STUPID!!” Archer gave me a hard noggie.

“It hurts…hurts… my head…” I hit his arms. “I give…I give… I am sorry!!!” ~”~

I feel like my head is emitting smoke from the friction. “Are you okay?” Rin sweatdropped.

“I…I am fine….” I was lying down on the floor, still recovering from the punishment.

“But you are amazing too, you could tell he was not the same person.” Rin praised.

“What are you talking about? It’s so obvious, anyone can tell.” I blink, sitting upright. “Hakuno knew it too, right?” I asked the girl.

“Well, more or less?” She made a (strained) smile (and averted her eyes). ‘To be honest, I was not completely sure at the start… Let’s not say anything…’

“No, I think it’s only you.” Rin sweatdropped.

“Oi, you guys. I found something while you were playing.” Lancer said.

“What did you find?” Rin asked her servant.

“I can’t dematerialize,” Lancer stated.

“That’s it?” Rin looks at him with a deadpan stare.

“What do you mean that’s it? It’s strange.” Lancer retorted.

“There are already a lot of strange things happened, so much that I think ‘can’t dematerialize’ is possibly the most common strange thing that could happen.” Rin sighed.

“If that’s the case, let’s go shopping.” I clapped my hands, happy to find another topic to escape from punishment.

“Shopping?” They blinked.

“Yes. Since they can’t dematerialize, then you’ll need casual attire to wander around the town. They can’t possibly step outside using their servants’ attire. They’ll cause commotion.” I said.

“That’s true.” Hakuno nodded.

“We’ll need to fill your wardrobe too,” I said.

“Eh? Mine? You don’t need to.” Hakuno waved her hands.

“What are you talking about? Of course I need to, you have your own room now.” I blinked.

“I am staying here?” Hakuno asked dumbly.

“Did you hit your head? Why are you talking nonsense right now? Of course you are staying here. Where else will you be staying? Or maybe should I put you and Nameless in the same room?” I giggled.

“No no no no no, there’s no need to do that. I’ll have my own room.” She said flustered.

“But didn’t you two stay together in the previous war, in the same room no less,” I smirked.

“Th(That)-w(was) bec-(because)-“

“Anyway, tell me your preference.” I laughed.

“Aren’t we…going to shop together…?” She blinked.

“Yes. We are. but you and Nameless are on the grocery team.” I smiled.

“Eh? EEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHH??!! Rein-chan, that is, but I-”

“How do we explain about those two?” Rin asked.

“They are twins. Problem solved.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Ah, that actually will work…” Rin deadpanned.

“Listen well, Nameless, you have to escort Hakuno well, okay. Remember. It’s escort, not S-court.” I said emphasizing the words.

“Wait wait wait! What do you think I am?!” Nameless exclaims.

“Someone who has no experience with women,” I answer like it’s the most obvious thing to say.

“Who says I didn’t have any experience?!” He countered.

“That so? So, tell me how you treat your dates.” I baited.

“I… wait, why are we talking about this now?” Nameless changed the subject.

“Tsk. He escaped.” I pouted.

“You did it on purpose.” Rin sweatdrops, while Lancer is already on the floor laughing.

“You were playing right on her palm.” Archer laments in pity. ~”~

“Hmmm….”

“Do I look weird?” Saber smiles wryly.

“No. It’s the opposite. You look good in everything you wear, so I have a hard time deciding.” I murmur.

“Customer, please try this next.” The saleswoman excitedly brought another outfit for him.

“No, I think it’s enough.” Saber declines politely.

“It’s fine, just try it on,” I said.

“…I understand.” He took the clothes and went back to the changing room.

“Excuse me, Nee-san.” I smile looking at her excited face. “I will buy all the clothes he tried on.”

“Oh my, dear customer. That’s great. He looks perfect in all of those clothing.” The saleswoman nods her head furiously.

“I feel this one is more comfortable.” Saber comes out wearing a casual clothing.

“There’s no need to change, just wear that.” I smile.

“Yes. Thank you very much for your patronage.” The saleswoman nee-san smiled.

“You sure bought a lot,” Archer commented as he looked at our bags.

“Archer, did you finish yours?” I asked.

“Yeah.” Archer nods, showing us his few shopping bags.

“Not enough.” I frown.

“They are already more than enough.” Archer rolls his eyes. “Remember, you bought me some 10 years ago.”

“It’s not enough at all. Saber, please watch our bags, I’m going to help Archer choose his wardrobe.” I said.

“Understood.” He replied.

“Wait, for now, I don’t want to go to that store.” Archer sighed.

“Why?” I blinked.

“That.” Archer motions with his chin. The two of us follow his line of sight and we are greeted by the bickering Lancer and Rin. They seem not to notice the onlookers.

“They are like an old married couple.” I laughed.

“Agreed.” My servants sweatdrop. ~”~

We spend our time scouring Fuyuki for something strange to get any lead of this strange phenomenon or maybe evidence of my theory. Instead of leads, all we found is, our friends/former rivals disappear one another. It was Illya at first. Shiro notified us and we contacted other masters, including Souichirou-sensei. All of us agreed to search for the missing Illya.

“How was it?” we have our routine meeting in Shiro’s house.

“Nothing. I found nothing. Not even a trace.” Rider said.

“This is absolutely abnormal.” Caster said. “My magecraft couldn’t even track her.” She frowned. And if Caster says this is abnormal, then this definitely is. Caster, her True Name is Medea… nobody in modern times can beat her in a battle of magecraft. If there’s one, it will be servants from the age of gods… or the holder of True Magic.

“Not even the lingering traces of her mana?” I asked.

“Yes, it’s as if she has never existed at all. That’s why I said it’s absolutely abnormal.” Caster says, frustrated that she is beaten by whoever the mastermind is.

“We scoured through the city, but found nothing.” Archer (Nameless) quipped. “Her castle was left as it was, untouched. There was no sign of moving. Actually, it seemed as if they were still living there recently.”

“Then we can rule out she went outside Fuyuki theory.” Lancer narrows his eyes.

“Illya’s… maids…” I mumbled.

“Them too… I thought we might find them, but they were not there. Maybe they tried to search for missing Illya and vanished or…” Archer (Nameless) says.

“Or the two maids also vanished along with her at the same time…” Saber (Male) finished the hypothesis.

“There’s no other Einzbern coming here. So, Illya’s disappearance hasn’t been informed.” Archer concluded.

“…” gloomy silence fills the air.

“Caster, can you make protective charms for the kids?” Souichirou-sensei opens his mouth.

“Souichirou-sama…”

“Also, a tracking charm and one that can show the location of charm holders.”

“I see. If anything were to happen to us, the rest would be alerted quickly and rush to the site. Not a bad plan.” Archer said.

“Rather. This is the only option we have now.” Archer (Nameless) said.

“Understood, Souichirou-sama.”

“And it’s best we stay together before the charms are completed.” Souichirou-sensei is very decisive about this. But right now, this is the best option for us.

So, we are going to have a big sleepover party at Shiro’s house today.

“Okay, we have a lot of spare rooms here. Feel free to choose whichever you like.” Shiro nodded.

In the end, the girls choose to sleep together, including Caster, Rider and Saber (Female). The rest of the night… of course it’s full of girls talk… for example…

“Caster, which part of Souichirou-sensei do you like?” it started as a genuine question and genuine curiosity from me.

“E-eh?!” Caster squeaks in a high-pitched voice. A rare sight coming from her. “Which part do I like about So-So-Souichirou-sama?!” her voice even cracked at the end.

“Yup.” I nod, the rest of the girls who hear my question are also staring at Caster, waiting for her answer.

“Th…that’s…” she takes her soda and finishes it in one go. “...Of course it’s his everything!” now she is talking like a drunk. We have no alcohol here as we are minors, besides, can servants get drunk?

Then, Caster rants about how wonderful Souichirou-sensei is. From his looks, down to his personality and to his habits that sensei might or might not noticed himself. But… it doesn’t matter if they are servants or not. Girls in love will always be supported. Like now, everyone is talking about which outfit is suitable for Caster for her dates later.

Then we shift to Hakunon and Archer (Nameless) relationship. Poor girl is red from head to toe due to the teasing from the girls.

“So, how far have you gone with him?” Rin smirked.

“Umm… that…” her eyes are swimming as she is thinking how to answer Rin’s question.

“Um… senpai, what kind of romantic thing he had ever done to you.”

“Hmm… I can help you by providing information on how to please a male.”

“Hakunon said they have gone all the way.” I know what I am doing and I am telling them because it’s more interesting that way.

Six pairs of eyes are instantly on me. “Let me think, it was when she was pent up due to the lack of physical touch and she made the first move.”

“Hoo… not bad for a little girl,” Caster commented.

“Yes, very daring. Master Sakura can learn confidence from her.” Rider nods.

“Hakuno/Senpai, tell us more!”

“E…eeehhhh???!!!”

And then, to get her revenge, Hakunon, who escaped from interrogation hell, asked me this, “Which one you like more, Saber or Archer?”

“Ah?” I blink, tilting my head.

“You can’t escape by playing dumb, Rein-chan.” Hakunon is smiling, I think even her hair is moving on their own.

“Hmm… like… I like them both.” I answer and now they are looking at me. “Archer is like a brother to me. I was an orphan. I summoned a servant because I thought servant was a housekeeper. I thought I would have a friend to chat with… living alone is quite lonely. And when I did, Archer appeared.” I mused, remembering the past event.

“And I felt less lonely at that time. Archer basically did all the household chores and even fed me. He listened to my babbling too. Those days were the happiest.” I smiled.

“Oh… sorry… I didn’t mean…” Now Hakunon is feeling guilty.

“It’s fine. It’s not a big secret anyway.” I laugh it off. “Come to think of it, I never talked this to you. But I am glad I do now.” I giggled.

“Rein-chan…” Hakunon sniffled as she rushed to hug me.

“There there…” I pat her head.

“So, what about Saber?” Rin quirks her brow.

“Saber… hmm… he is like… a friend who is looking after his friend’s sister? Something like that?” I muse, giggling at my own thought.

“Then, if you were to choose as romantic interest… who would you go after?” Caster casually throws in her question.

“…” I blink rapidly while processing her question. “Hmmm… probably Saber?” it comes out as a question rather than a statement.

“Why?”

“I mean… I can’t seem to see Archer as a romantic interest… it makes… my skin crawl in a bad way. He is like the best brother ever existed to me. I can’t change that perception anymore.” I answered truthfully.

“Indeed, I can sense Master has zero interest in Servant Archer as a romantic interest.” Excellion

“So it leaves Saber as the only potential…” Saber (Female) stated.

“Yup.” I nod.

“So, what’s your opinion of him?” Sakura asked.

“Saber… Saber is… someone looks like a prince straight out of fairy tale?” a smile broke on my lips.

“Ah… he does give that feeling.” The women nod their heads, absolutely convinced that seems like the case.

Lastly, we shift to Saber (Female) and Shiro’s relationship… hmm… this is quite a pickle… because Shiro is in not triangle love or square love… he is in the pandemonium of love.

“Shiro likes this shirt better!” Rin argued.

“No. I know Shiro likes this long-sleeved one better.” Saber (Female) interjected.

“Se-Senpai like this one better!” Sakura is also joining in.

“So, actually… I am curious, how does Shiro transfer his mana?” my question earned me a look of gaping and jaw-dropping from the 3 heroines.

“I mean, Shiro can’t supply her mana effectively using the command spell, so… ah, do they-” I stopped when I saw them glaring at me.

“So, what’s Shiro’s favourite food?” I quickly changed the subject before I got murdered by the heroines.

Thus, the nth round of argument between 3 heroines who know Shiro the best continued. ‘Let’s slip away.’ I use this chance to sneak out.

“…you are evil…” but not before being told that by Rider and Caster.

“Teehee!” ~”~

I sit on the veranda, enjoying snacks I found in the refrigerator and a bottle of tea. The night breeze is really nice.

“Nicely done, Master.” Excellion state, it’s as if it is giving me a thumbs up.

“Hehehe, this is called the misdirection technique.”

“I will store this information.”

“I will teach you a lot of things, Excellion.”

“I will gladly learn everything.”

“Rein?”

“Hm? Oh, Saber.” I look at the newcomer.

“What are you doing here?” Saber (Male) asked.

“Escaping from pandemonium of love.” I laugh.

“…???”

“It’s girls talk’s secret.” I laugh at his confused face. “Come and sit here, I have a snack.” I pat the space next to me and he obliges. I share my snack with him, humming a random tune.

“Rein…”

“Yes?” I look at him.

“…no… it’s nothing… are you living well?”

“???” I stare at him for a few seconds. “Yes, I am living very well. Even though it’s not always peaceful.” I say, vaguely referring to Holy Grail War and the current strange phenomena.

“…Is that so… then, I am glad…”

“Why do you suddenly ask?”

“Oh… I heard few tidbits from Archer…”

“Ah…” I know now he is worried about me living all alone. “Don’t worry. I live very well. I eat well, sleep well and play well… ah, I study quite well too.” I added the last one after a beat.

“That’s good… I am happy that you are doing very well…” I feel a gentle palm on top of my head, stroking my hair.

‘It feels good.’ I think I almost purr like a cat and secretly nuzzling to his palm. A giddy and happy smile never leaves my face.

‘I think I will have Saber pat my head every day. This is a must-do routine.’ ~”~

The second one to vanish is Caster and Souichirou-sensei. They were out for an errand. And with Souichirou-sensei as a bodyguard… nothing should happen. But it still did, the gravity of the situation finally sank in. Whether they are alive or not now is also debatable. The charms did tell us the last location of Caster and her master. It’s right outside of the supermarket they frequented.

“…” The routine meeting is filled with nothing but silence. We found Caster’s message on that place.

“The enemy has Holy G-”

We can deduce the rest. The enemy has Holy Grail, which means, I was correct about the fake Grail. Sadly, she did not have enough time to tell us how many and who are the enemy.

“We will act in pairs… two masters and their servants…” Archer said. “When we are ambushed, one master will retreat as soon as possible to tell us about the enemy. Of course, I would prefer if all of the engaged masters to retreat with information.”

And so… even though we have acted in pairs… in the end… we are still being spirited away. Starting from Shiro-Saber and Sakura-Rider team, followed by Rin-Lancer and Hakuno-Nameless team and finally me and my servants. ~”~

“Ugh…” I groan and crack open my eyes. They feel so heavy as if being glued together. “This is…” pulling myself up, I am trying to squint and have a better view of my current surroundings.

‘Dark.’ That is my first impression. The room is too dark for my liking.

“Master, you are awake.”

“Excellion!” I grab my floating grimoire. “Do you know what’s happening?”

“We were sucked by a vortex of magical power. This is most likely a different dimension of our world.”

“Parallel world?”

“Not quite. To be more precise, this is the other side of the world. It’s like we are in the mirror version of our world. I analyzed the surrounding area and concluded as such.”

“A mirror version… Speaking of which… this is…my room…?” I squint to get a better focus. The position of the furniture, the colour of the painted wall, and even the books on the desk are in the same position as I had left them. And…

“…this is my handwriting…” I am unmistakably in my room and if Excellion is right, I am in the mirror version of my room.

“Ah! Where are the others? Saber and Archer?”

“I have detected Saber and Archer’s mana on the first floor.” With that said, I rush to the first floor.

“Saber! Archer!” I found the two collapsed on the floor.

“Mas…ter…” they groan and slowly open their eyes.

“Are you two alright? Feel hurt anywhere?”

“…we are fine…” they stand up and check for any abnormalities in their body.

“How about you, Master? Are you okay?” Archer asked back.

“I don’t feel anything weird in my body. So, I am fine.”

“Where are we…” Saber asked.

“Excellion.”

“I shall explain.” My floating grimoire repeated what it had explained to me.

“So, did the other masters and servants were transported here too?” Archer asks Excellion.

“I have no sufficient data to conclude. But this is a high possibility.” Excellion states with its mechanical voice.

“Let’s secure our perimeter first. We will see if this can used as our base of operation.” Archer’s suggestion is what we can agree on. We quickly found out that even though we can see the vast city in our peripheral vision, our room of movement is only limited to my house and the yard. In shorts, we can’t get out of my house. Some kind of invisible barrier enclosed this space. ~”~

“Seems like we are really on the other side of the world.” Archer sighed. The house itself is a perfect replica of mine, the only evidence that we are in fact, are not our world is the round big yellow moon that is hanging in the sky. The moon looks bigger and feels closer and it does exude eerie feelings to whoever gazes at it.

While in our small patrol, I cast bounded fields here and there to prevent anything jumps on us in surprise. From now on, at least temporarily, this will be our home base operation.

“Now, our next agenda is, searching for the exit along with the disappearing masters.” Archer continued. “Any idea?”

“…” We look at him with a blank stare.

“I thought so.” He sighed.

“Maybe we can blast the bounded field leading to outside?” I said.

“…Excellion also doesn’t know what kind of place is waiting for us outside. It’s best not to rush.” Saber said.

“Let’s take a break for now,” Archer says and I nod. “I will go make a drink then.” Archer then disappears into the kitchen, leaving me and Saber in the living room.

‘…I am worried… is everyone okay…? I hope nothing bad happens to-’ I blink as I feel a small poke on my forehead.

“Don’t get so worried, Rein.” Saber, the culprit who pokes my forehead smiles. “Everyone is strong, so they will be alright. We will find them and go back to our world. I promise.”

“…”

I wonder why… despite just knowing for 3 weeks at most. Somehow… I feel I can believe everything Saber said. What a strange and funny feeling.

“Resting your mind is also part of the job.”

“…okay…” I nod. I do feel better after his little talk.

“Good.” Saber smiles in satisfaction and pats my head. I blink and nuzzle my head to his palm, enjoying the gesture (of affection).

‘…Cute…’ the said knight thinks as he sees imaginary flattened cat ears and swishing tail and he is trying hard to stifle his laughter. ‘…I will protect you… this time… for sure…’ his eyes soften ever so slightly.

“I guess you get how to handle Master down to pat.” The amused voice of Archer rings out.

“Archer, I am not a pet.” I pout. “It’s rude… boo…” I puff my cheeks as big as possible.

“…you look like a squirrel.” Archer quirks his brow.

“Eeeh… I prefer cat though…” I protested.

“…then you look like a cat.”

“Much better.” I nod in satisfaction.

“…Saber, as you can see, our master needs extra protection against humans.” Archer looks at Saber.

“It’s most certainly so.” Saber nods in agreement.

“I am always worried if she would go with a stranger if she was offered a candy.” Archer sighs.

“I am not that gullible!” I exclaimed.

“Here, your favourite hot cocoa drink.” Archer takes one of the mugs.

“Oh! My favourite.” I bound to Archer to get my drink. I look at him expectantly while waiting for him to hand me my drink. “Mine.” I hold out my hand and Archer gingerly hands it to me.

“…” They look at me blankly while I sip my hot beverage.

“…I am really worried more than ever…” Archer lamented.

“Should we cast a magecraft that will beep loudly if strangers approach her?” Saber is seriously thinking about this.

“That’s a good idea. And when it’s activated, it will send her location to us…”

“Caster’s charm!” they look at each other in realization.

“Man, after we find her, we need to ask her to make one that lasts a lifetime.” Archer grins.

“It might not as durable as hers. But we certainly can learn that magecraft from her.” The servants’ discussion has certainly taken a strange turn.

“I will see if I have that kind of magecraft in me. I will offer my help too.” Even Excellion is joining the discussion.

The playful atmosphere disperses instantly the moment we feel a new  presence of a new mana. “It’s coming from the backyard.” I say, pinpointing the location.”

“Heh, even a bounded field is useless.” Archer sneered.

“Let’s go check it out.” The three of us cautiously go to the backyard.

“This… a Sakura petal…?” a pink small flower petal floats away. A breeze blows, carrying more petals. The strong scent of the Sakura flower makes us stop dead in our tracks. There, in my backyard, a large blooming Sakura tree is standing. The flowers rustle along with the wind.

“I will perform a scan.” Excellion floats near the tree and does its thing. “Scan complete.” It floats back to my side.

“What is that?” I asked.

“That is a gate.”

“A gate?” we blink.

“Yes, regardless of its appearance, it’s an entrance to another place. I don’t have sufficient data to pinpoint where we will end up. But it’s a high probability, it will be in some sort of space.”

“A space within a space…” Archer sighs.

“…my bounded field is still intact with no holes… Either the magus is a genius or this has been here from the start and now finally activated because we somehow fulfil its requirements…” I muttered, analyzing every possibility.

“So, this is an invitation for us then?” Archer quirks his brow.

“Most likely.” I nod. “It’s as if we are invited to play a game. Either we get out or we will be trapped forever.”

“…But we only have one option from the start,” Saber said. “…which is continue to step forward.”

“Then, we have decided our next course of action,” Archer smirks. “Let’s eat something before we go.”

“Macaroni gratin!” I declared. “I want to eat macaroni gratin!”

“Ah, macaroni gratin? Hmm…” Archer is thinking. “Let’s see if the ingredients are available.” Surprisingly, the ingredients are still edible, hence the hot cocoa earlier.

Not long after, a hot steamy plate of macaroni gratin is placed on the table. “Woah…” my eyes sparkle. “This looks delicious.” I almost can’t hold back myself to dig in.

“Better thank Saber. He somehow made it work.” Archer said. “It’s an eye opener to make a macaroni gratin like that.” I heard him mutter.

“Really?! Saber made this?”

“Yes. I hope it’s to your taste.”

“Then, bon appetite.” I chomp down on the meal. “…” and then I put down the fork.

“Is it not to your liking?” Saber becomes worried.

“…no… it’s just…”

“Just?”

“…Somehow… it’s a very nostalgic flavour…” I say while in a daze. ‘It has a very kind taste.’

“Oh…”

“It’s very delicious.” I beam and resume my eating. “Thanks for the food.” I finish it in a record time.

“I am glad you like it.” Saber smiled. “If you’d like. I will cook it again.”

“Really?!” my ears perk up. “You promised! No take back!” I quickly sealed the deal before he could change his mind.

“Well then, it’s time to see what kind of things they have for us in the store,” Archer said. ~”~

“Ah, heroes from another world, please help us to vanquish the Demon King Illya.” Row and row of people… in a very familiar wardrobe and setting are kneeling in front of us.

“…Demon King Illya?” Archer repeated the word with such an absurd tone.

“Ah… Shiro did say Illya likes to play JRPG old school game.”

“…so, we are the heroes now?” Archer feels like he is going to puke.

“It appears to be so.” Saber nods.

“I see. So, this fall into the isekai trope that is in trend right now.” Excellion flat tone is somewhat making the whole situation funnier.

“Umm… Heroes…”

“Tell me about this Demon King Illya.” We turn our attention back to the big shots of the country.

In short, Demon King Illya has been wreaking havoc for her last 100 years and every brave hero that ventured to the Demon King’s castle never made it back.

“Saber, can your Excalibur kill Heracles in one shot?” Archer looks at his fellow servant.

“…Heracles is known to have 12 lives. So, 12 times if I can take one live per shot.” Saber answers seriously.

“…Just keep him occupied long enough so we can knock some sense to Illya,” I say.

“I have some restraining magecraft at my disposal.”

“Are we going right away?” I ask my servants.

“I prefer to go after we prepared more thoroughly,” Archer said.

“And I concur.” Saber agreed. We are given rooms to rest, but Archer insists that it’s better for us to stay in one place for my protection, in which all of us agree. It’s better safe than sorry. Thus, the 3 of us plus a talking book are discussing our next move.

“Excellion, do you feel anyone we know here?”

“Although it’s faint, I do feel the mana traces of Tohsaka Rin and Rin nearby.”

“!!” that catches our attention instantly.

“You should tell us sooner!” Archer said.

“My apology. I will prioritize this information next time.”

“Where are they?” indeed, our first priority is to search for our friends.

“Northwest of the castle, approximately 60 km from here.” Excellion said.

“Let’s go. Saber, I will leave Master to you.” Archer opens the balcony and jumps down.

“Roger.” Saber turns to me and smiles, “Excuse me, Rein.” With ease, he lifts me up… using only one hand. I automatically wrap my hands around his neck to stabilize myself. “Then, I will jump down now. Please close your eyes if you are scared.”

The feeling of the wind whipping on my body as we jump down actually feels great. “Let’s do it again later!” It’s actually a very addicting feeling, granted I have been given a perfect safety measure.

“If you’d like, I will do it again and again.” Saber laughs a little and then rushes to keep up with Archer.

Archer… is fighting Lancer by the time we arrive at the designated site. “Tsk, a reinforcement.” Lancer clicked his tongue.

“Rin, are you here? We don’t want to fight, just want to talk. If you are here, please answer me.”

‘No answer… I expected this.’

“Do you know, Shiro told me a long time ago that he might or might not have a crush on Rin?” I pretend to talk to Saber.

A rustle on a tree and then, someone jumps down. “Tell me more about that.” Rin… wearing a black hooded cloak on top of her usual red-themed outfit finally shows up herself.

“Master, I told you not to show yourself no matter what.”

“I know. But they know about that man.”

‘That man?’ I blink.

“Name yourself.” Rin glared at me. She doesn’t seem to recognize me.

“I am Rein. A hero that was summoned to defeat Demon King Illya.” I used the handy identity I was given not long ago.

“Hero? You?” Rin is jaw dropped.

“Hahahaha!” Lancer laughs out loud. “What kind of joke is this? Did they seriously think a sheltered princess can defeat Demon King? I know they are getting anxious because no more people dared to challenge the Demon King. But to think they got so desperate that they sent a little girl who is still wet behind her ears…” he shakes his head in pure amusement.

“Eeehhh… I look that young? I am at the same age as Rin though.” I do think my features are pretty average, just a little shorter than average girls.

“…you will look more convincing if you don’t talk in that kind of position…” Rin deadpanned.

“…In what kind of position?” I blink and then make an ‘o’ shape mouth. I forget I am still literally sitting on Saber’s arm. “…It feels comfortable though,” I comment offhandedly. ‘And I oddly like it.’

“…” Rin and Lancer stare at me.

“I guess, I should get down first.” Saber gently lets me down at that.

“So, how and what do you know about that man?” Rin glared.

“That man? You mean about Shiro?”

“Yes. And you seem to know about me too. But I don’t know about you. Speak. What is your true purpose.” Rin said while pointing ‘Gandr’ at me.

“I know you, yes. And I know Shiro too, but in different way than you imagined. Rin… what is the last thing you remember?”

“What do you mean?” she narrows her eyes. “I am Rin, the guardian of this forest. I have been born and raised here. Until that man… stole this forest heart.”

“So you are hunting Shiro down now?” Archer quirks his brow in amusement.

“Spill everything you know about that man.”

“Okay.” I nod. “Shiro… his full name is Emiya Shiro, adopted son of Emiya Kiritsugu, 16 years old, currently living with Saber (Female) and Sakura, his kouhai visits him every single day. Rin, you too used to live with him.”

“?!What?!!!”

“And the four of you are engaged in pandemonium of love.”

“Don’t say that!!!! I am not in love with him!” Rin shrieked while blushing.

“But your face is red!”

“No! You see it wrong! I am-”

“Master, I have finished my scan. There is a spell put upon Lancer and Tohsaka Rin.”

“Can you undo it?”

“Yes, I have finished the counterspell.”

“Good. Saber, Archer.” They know what I am going to do, so they used this chance to subdue Lancer who realized a second too late.

“Restrain.” I use a binding spell on Rin and Lancer for extra measure.

“You cowards! You lied to me!” Rin hissed.

“I am not. Don’t worry. I will make you remember everything. In fact, you will be thankful for me.” I smile.

“No… don’t come near me! NO!!!!!”

“...I didn’t do anything bad.” I pout. Rin and Lancer have successfully regained their memories. “Why does she scream like I was going to harass her?” I sulk, drawing a circle on the ground.

“So-sorry, Rein. I didn’t mean it like that. Yo-you see, I didn’t remember who you are.” Rin tried to appease my mood.

“You even pointed ‘Gandr’ at me,” I mumbled.

“I told you, my memory was manipulated. Besides, when you smile like that in that kind of situation, everyone obviously will think you are going to do something bad.” Rin stretches my cheek.

“It hurts… It hurts, Rin. My cheeks are going to fall off.”

“So, what do we do next?” Lancer asked.

“Obviously searching for Emiya Shiro,” Archer said. “You two said he stole this forest’s heart. Which means, you two met him.”

“…wait a minute…” Rin takes a deep breath and begins to sort her memory.

“Excellion, how was it? Do you feel anything?”

“Yes. There is indeed a trace of Emiya Shiro and his servant, Saber here.” Excellion stated.

“Can you tell us where he is?”

“100 km from here, to the east,” Exellion said after a while.

“Then, we got ourselves a lead. Let’s finish this and smack whoever threw us here.” Lancer grumbles.

“We are in agreement for once,” Archer said. ~”~

When we meet Shiro and Saber, the first thing Rin does is... send Shiro off with a flying knee kick. The kick is so marvellous that Lancer and Archer are clapping their hands in awe. “I get Shiro-Saber team.” I giggle as if I am collecting Pokemon.

“So, our next team is Hakuno-Namless.” Archer cranked his neck. Someone recognized his face and told him to give his wife their best regard.

“So, they are married now?” my mouth turns into a cat-shaped due to excitement. “I guess I have more material to tease them more. Ah, it’s so fun.” I literally skipped due to the excitement.

“…Rein… I didn’t raise you to be like this.” Archer sighs.

“Eeehh… best friends tease each other, no? This also counts as a payback for Nameless.” I smile innocently.

“You are still holding a grudge about it?” Archer sweatdropped.

“Not really. My main reason is because Hakunon is fun to tease.” I answered.

And so, we finally arrived at the house where the two of them were supposed to live. I knock on the door, waiting for either Hakunon or Nameless to open the door.

“Yes…” Hakunon opens the door and is surprised to see a group of people whom she has no idea of, is crowding in front of her front door.

“I come to get(read. kidnap) you.” I smile.

“Yes?” Hakunon blinks, tilting her head.

~Hakunon-Nameless team… GET!~

“This leaves Sakura-Rider and Sensei-Caster… Illya is obviously in the Demon King Castle with Berserker and probably her maids.” Rin sighs.

“So, what is our plan next?” Saber (Female) looks at us.

“I don’t feel anything of Matou Sakura-Rider and Kuzuki Souichirou-Caster.”

“…Rather than wasting time with no lead. We should pick Illya up first. Who knows she might have known something.” Nameless suggested. And so, our next course of action is to pick (read. capture) Illya-Berserker team.

“Welcome to my castle, O’Hero.” Illya’s voice echoes in the hall, at the same time spotlights are turned on, revealing Illya on Berserker’s shoulder.

“…I have a feeling it will turn out this way…” Archer sighed.

“I commend your bravery to step into my castle. But from now on, it won’t be so easy. To conquer this castle and to conquer me, you have to show your dauntless bravery and wits.” Illya smiled.

“I will await you in my throne room. Don’t disappoint me, O’Hero.” The spotlights turned off and the hall lit up, but Illya and Berserker had gone.

“Huhuhu, before you can get to the throne room. All of you will die in my hands.” Another familiar voice said.

“Ah, Sakura.” It’s Sakura alright. But this Sakura… looks a little different. She is wearing a long black dress with red stripes, and bare feet, there’s a line marking like a tattoo from her neck to her cheek. One thing to note is the dress seems to be alive.

“I am Dark Sakura.” She laughs evilly. “I am the right second in command of Demon King Illya. Now, Heroes who came from far away, we shall have our showdown. I will present my liege with your heads.”

“Ah, Shiro told me he likes Sakura.” I suddenly said.

“Eh? I don’t say-” Shiro gaped at me.

“Is…is that right?” the Dark Sakura who was the epitome of evil has become a shy maiden.

“But you said, Sakura will surely become a good bride.”

“That’s! I did say it, but that doesn’t mean-”

“What’s the meaning of this, Shiro?” Saber narrowed her eyes.

“That’s right, Emiya-kun. You can’t just lead people on! It’s your bad habit.”

“I never lead people on.” Shiro tried to argue.

“…she is scarier than when she was being haughty and selfish…” Nameless shivered.

“Master…” Archer sighs with a pointed look.

“Don’t worry. This is the best method to not hurt Sakura unnecessarily.” I grin. Even though I like to stir the drama, I still do my work properly. I have been weaving a spell little by little to avoid being detected. Rider is nowhere in sight, but she is nearby. The moment my spell activates is probably the moment she will spring out to protect Sakura.

“Restrain.” A magic circle appeared beneath Sakura’s feet and a shadow sprung out.

“There you are.” Archer and Nameless fired their arrows at her to distract her, and I successfully bound Sakura.

“Master Sakura!”

“Rider!”

“Lancer!”

“Right o!” Lancer dashes forward, and spear clashes with Rider’s weapon. I quickly cast another restraining spell on Rider. Now… I have two of them, hands and feet being bound, kneeling on the floor.

“Excellion.”

“Yes, Master.”

“…I do feel like we are being villains here.” Hakunon sweatdropped.

“No… no… save me, SENPAI!”

“MASTER SAKURA!!!”

“…Why were they yelling again? I was not harassing them…” I grumble in the dark corner again, feeling sulky.

“So…sorry, Rein-senpai.” Sakura who is feeling mighty guilty is trying to cheer me up.

“I am very sorry.” Rider bowed her head repeatedly.

“Rin kicked Shiro, yet nobody said anything to her. I was only trying to undo the spell yet…”

“Ah, please, don’t cry, Senpai. I will cook your favourite later, okay?”

“…really…?”

“Really. I will cook a lot of your favourite.” Sakura nods her head quickly.

“…okay…”

~Sakura-Rider team… GET!~

Now, we are standing in front of the throne room. At long last, we will be facing Illya. I hope she has a lead about sensei though.

“Illya!”

“Huhuhu! As expected from Hero! You easily converted my second in command to your allies in a little time.” Illya laughed.

“…” all of them are averting their eyes, while I just smile at Illya.

“No matter. My Berserker is the most powerful servant in the world. He can easily squish your puny bodies. Behold, the power of Demon King. BERSERKER!”

Berserker lets out a loud roar, signalling the fight is on. With numbers on our side, an overwhelming win is not hard. The problem is we fight not to kill, but to restrain Berserker. That is taking a lot more than we would have thought. In the end, we managed to undo the spell after killing Berserker once and bound him before he revived. We are transported back to our base of operation right after we subdued Illya and Berserker.

“Ouch…” Illya finally regains her consciousness. “What happened?” she blinks.

“You don’t remember?” Rin sighs.

“I remember I was going to visit Shiro and then…”

“I shall explain.” Excellion floats in front of her.

“A talking book?” Illya blinks, and her hand tentatively touches my grimoire.

“…that’s about it…”

“I see… to be honest, I don’t know what happened to Sella and Leysritt. I think I was caught first… I also have no idea about Caster and her master's whereabouts.” Illya said.

“Don’t worry, Illya. Sella and Lyseritt will be right. They are strong, you know?” Shiro assures her.

“Um…” Illya nods.

“The grimoire did say that there is another layer of space after the first one. We might find something there.” Saber (Female) said.

“That’s right. Sensei, Sella and Leysritt might be there too. So, Illya, lend us your power.” Shiro extends his hand to her.

“Well… since Shiro asked nicely. I will help you just this once.” Illya, with her tsundere-like words, accepts the offer.

“By the way, Shiro.” Saber (Female) called out to her master.

“What, Saber?”

“I am hungry.”

“…”

“I am hungry too.” I look at my servants pitifully.

“Actually, me too. Even though I have no real body.” Hakunon raised her hand asshamed.

“Well, I guess after a fight like that, hunger is inevitable.” Archer smiled wryly.

“We will need to cook a lot to feed this army of hungry people.” Nameless sighs.

“Ah, I will help too,” Shiro said.

“Then, I will be going to help. Please endure a little longer, Rein.” Saber pats my head.

“Yes~” ~”~

“Hm? What was I?” I was suddenly gasping in realization. “Mutsuki-san, is there any problem?” Souichirou-sensei asked.

“Ah, no. it’s nothing. I apologize, Sensei.” I recomposed myself.

“Then I will continue the lesson,” Sensei said.

‘???’ I sort my memories bit by bit. I got up early as usual, freshened up myself, ate breakfast, packed my lunch and walked to school as usual… nothing is out of ordinary… so why… do I feel uneasy?

“Rein-chan! What are you dozing off for? It’s lunch break.”

“Ah?” I blink. “Already?”

“Yes… are you really alright?” Hakunon, my best friend asked worriedly. “It’s rare for you to daze like that in a lesson.”

“Sorry to worry you. I am fine.” I assured her.

“Oh, it’s Ayaka! As usual, Proto Archer and Proto Lancer are pushy as ever.” Hakunon sweatdropped.

“Aya…ka…?” I repeated slowly as I followed her eyes to see the scene beneath the window.

“Saber?”

“Ayaka?”

“Eh? Why? Why are you here? Where is this in the first place?”

“Calm down, Ayaka.”

“Jou-chan, what happe… you! Saber!”

“Lancer! You are here too!”

“Man… what the hell is happening?”

“Saber! This time for sure I will beat you and take Ayaka’s hand!”

“…Archer… I won’t allow it!” Saber's eyes are set to a glare.

“Wait wait wait! It’s not the time for that!” the bespectacled girl known as Ayaka quickly diffuses the tense atmosphere.

“So, everyone knows each other?” I finally speak up and in instant, they look at me.

That’s right. We go to the next dungeon after a break… and then… we meet Ayaka, (Proto) Lancer and (Proto) Archer… and then… what happened next…?

“Rein?! Are you alright?!”

“Ah… yeah… I am alright.” I nod. ‘What…was that…?’

“You really should go to the infirmary just in case.”

“Don’t worry, Hakunon. I will be fine after a while.” I smile.

“But…”

“Ah, it’s Saber.” I quickly shift her attention back to the Ayaka and Saber…

“Oh, Saber comes to save the day again.” Hakunon chirps. Saber who is always coming to save Ayaka from her pushy suitors… like a knight in shining armor.

‘…why is it… Ayaka… not me…?’ My eyes widen as certain memories begin to surface.

‘Oh! No no no!’ I shake my head. ‘I shouldn’t think about that… I am no longer…’ ~”~

“You sure as busy as ever, Ayaka.” Hakunon laughed as we finally had our lunch.

“They really should cut it out and give me a break. They are doing it every single day. How can they not feel tired?” Ayaka sighs.

“Ahahahaha! Don’t say that! Even though they look like that, they are still very popular.” Hakunon laughs heartily.

“I don’t need it.” Ayaka chomps her lunch.

“But you got to see Saber saving you like a prince on a white horse every single day. What’s so bad about that?” Hakunon teased.

Ayaka looks at her dead in the eyes, “Saber and I are not like that.” she says firmly.

“Eeehh… even though he keeps hovering around you like a bodyguard?” Hakunon put on her disbelieving expression.

“I see… I guess I sorta understood what situation we are in now…” Ayaka nods her head. “But… I have never thought I would see you again, Saber. I am glad you are doing well.”

“Yes. I am glad that you are doing well too, Ayaka.” Saber smiles.

‘Oh…’ I blink at their interaction.

“Keh! There they are being lovey-dovey again.” Lancer… or now to be called Proto Lancer made a face at them.

“We are not in that kind of relationship.” Ayaka sighed for the umpteenth time.

“But Jou-chan is clearly playing favourite.” Proto Lancer protested.

“Heee… what’s this?” Lancer smirked as he finally found something worth his time. “Saber… you sly dog, you have a cute girlfriend yet you were flirting with your current master.”

“Lancer, Ayaka is not my girlfriend.” Saber frowned. Now now, he can’t make his master misunderstand him now, can he?

“That’s right. Saber is like a saviour? A brother figure… he is like that for me. So, don’t go around spreading nonsense, errr… Lancer.” Ayaka backed him up.

“…”

“Rein?” I blink my eyes at Archer’s voice. “Are you alright?”

“Of course. Why won’t I be?” I tilt my head at my unusually worried servant.

“If you want, I can knock some sense to him…” he narrowed his eyes.

“…” I burst out to a little giggle. “Thank you, but it’s not needed. This is… what it should be…” I spoke softly… so soft that I am the one who can hear it.

“Rather, I am hungry, Archer. I want to eat.” I pulled a puppy dog's eyes on him.

“I will whip something real quick for you.” Archer sighs in defeat, not prying what I don’t want to say.

“Then, Archer’s special hamburger steak.”

“…you know that it takes a long time to make, don’t you?”

“Eeehhh… then, Archer’s special omurice.”

“Let’s go with that then.” ~”~

“…haaa…” I exhale a long sigh. “The same trick, but stronger…” I mumbled. But this doesn’t work well for me. Because I have started remembering what had happened before this and it couldn’t even touch the other part of memories… I guess that’s given with how I protected those.

“…I should lock them again… before… before it causes trouble for everyone… and… him too…”

I can already imagine how my teacher will nag at me because of this.

“You should just put him under your slave spell. I will bet my whole entertainment that even if he finds out, he will happily oblige to whatever you want. He’s just down that bad for you.”

“…you are wrong, sensei… He… had someone else saved his heart… a feat that even I couldn’t do…”

“…That’s why… I have no right to insert myself into his heart anymore…” a leaf falls down right on my awaiting palm.

“Rein!”

I shift my attention to the source of the voice. “Ar…Saber? Are you alright? Why are you so out of breath?” I get off the bench and walk to him. “I will go get some water for you.”

“Don’t go!” my hand was roughly gabbed. “Don’t go anywhere! Don’t disappear on me again!” and I was pulled into a tight embrace.

“Ah? I am not going anywhere nor I am disappearing though. I just want to get water for you.” I stated.

“…”

“Besides, I am your master. Where do you think I will be going without my servants?” I awkwardly pat his back, trying not to let him know how much I missed this.

‘Liar… you are a liar, Rein… You never noticed that your voice trembles ever so slightly when you lie. It’s the habit only I noticed…’

“Oh!” I pull back slightly when I realize something. “You remember!” I beamed.

“Remember…” Saber's eyes tremble. “Do you mean the time when we were a-”

“I am glad. I noticed everyone doesn’t remember that we were swallowed into a black hole. Their memories must be manipulated.”

“Oh…” Saber slowly blinks into realization. “We… where are we…?”

“What’s the last thing you remember?” I asked.

“We were attacked and a black hole opened up, swallowing us,” he answered.

“And this is the space inside the black hole. This space manipulated our memories. Must be made to trap us here forever… or until the time that the master of the dungeon feels she is bored enough and let us out.” I grumble in distaste.

We all know who the holder of the real Grail now. Ayaka told us she saw the attacker that transported them to the other side of the world. It’s none other than her sister, Sajyou Manaka, she was supposed to be dead… twice…

She was stabbed by Arthur when she was alive and Beast 666, the true enemy that Arthur must vanquish before he can go to Avalon. Beast 666 who was created by Manaka, imprinted to her as its mother and revived her. Manaka then was killed for sure in the Second Holy Grail War, which Ayaka accidentally joined in.

But now… for whatever reason she is still alive… but if I were to be honest… the reason she must still alive… no, she is not exactly alive. She is dead and now the one in front of us is her lingering attachment to… Arthur…

Her attachment is strong enough to form an astral projection and she moves solely based on her feeling to be with Arthur. She will do anything to be with him and that’s how she stole the Holy Grail from our world and dragged us to this mess.

Everything is for… him…

“Haaa…” I sigh. ‘Really… just what kind of seduction technique this guy used. He even managed to charm a ...supposed omnipotent girl.’

“What’s wrong, Rein? Are you feeling sick? Shall I take you to the infirmary?”

“…” When I look at him fussing around like this… I can’t help but want to tease him a little. “Yeah… I feel sick. I will feel better if you cross-!”

“That’s not good, I will take you to the infirmary now.” Arthur carries me princess-style straight to the infirmary, ignoring the shocked looks everyone gives.

‘Ah… I think I just made my life worse…’ ~”~