Einzbern Castle.
Arthur Pendragon.
The name everyone in Britannia knew. It would be hard to describe how much influence such a simple name had on an entire society. From being the hero of kids to having the entire military dreaming of joining Knights of The Round. Even the capital was named after him. And of course, the Royal Family did everything in its power to claim itself as descendants of a famous warrior-king, even if it wasn't true. Anyone outside of Britannia knew that the Royal family was replaced many times and that there was no way Pendragon's blood could continue for a millennium.
'As a child, I was told stories about King Arthur. Probably some of them inspired my fascination about chivalry at that time.' Knowing how later it played well with the aesthetics for the Black Knights almost made Lelouch chuckle but the seriousness of this situation stopped him. A famous hero, a servant called from history, stood before him claiming to be the famous hero from his childhood and Lelouch believed her. 'I don't know why but something inside me screams that she is indeed Arthur Pendragon...or Artoria as she called herself.'
He felt something strange inside him when he looked at the blonde servant. Lelouch couldn't describe this feeling but the closest thing he could think of is respect. If he learned about her real name a week earlier the former emperor wouldn't have believed this woman to be the famous King who pulled Caliburn but Lelouch had Avenger, someone who should historically be a man but turned out to be a woman. So he kept an open mind about a Servant's true gender.
"...So," Rider broke the silence that started to become uncomfortable. "This boy is your descendant, Saber?"
"No." The King of Knights immediately answered. "I didn't have any children when I was alive." Or at least, those she acknowledged, Lelouch thought to himself.
"Eh? Really? And here I thought we'd have a happy family meeting...well, as happy as it could get with the two of you being enemies...Hm, now I'm curious if any one of my descendants survived in the modern age." Iskandar scratched the back of his head.
"Come on, Rider. There's no way any of your bastards could survive for too long." Avenger remarked with a smile as the male servant sighed.
"True, my time wasn't known for its hospitality or kindness."
Lelouch and Saber continued to stare at each other, not saying a word. Deciding it was too much, Lelouch was first to speak.
"I was told many stories about you. I remember reading tales about you and the other knights of the round. It was inspiring. The Great King Arthur." Artoria looked away with shame on her face.
"Great? There was nothing great about me other than my failure..." She whispered the last part.
"So you are a prince from the same place Saber came from but what are you doing here?" Rider inquired.
"Same as all masters, King Iskandar. Fighting to win the Holy Grail and make my wish." Lelouch said with a fake smile, hoping that answer was enough to Rider.
"And that wish is?"
The Master of Avenger thought about it for a second before speaking. No matter the world his wish stayed the same. "Protect the people I care about and make them happy."
Artoria looked at him with a melancholic smile while Rider laughed.
"Huh, not a bad wish for a prince."
"..." Avenger didn't say a word but Lelouch could tell that she was thinking about what his true intentions could be.
"By the way, Lelouch. I can see from here that my master still can't get over the fact that you are a prince from his country." Violet eyes turned to Waver who froze before quickly looking away. "It would appear to me that he nor the master of Saber have heard about you before."
Lelouch said nothing, right now he needed to learn more about his enemies. Avenger made an unexpected move. She showed him in front of others that she knew about his past. Both Rider and Saber might have been surprised by the sudden revival of his heritage but it was merely a quick surprise and nothing too serious to them. Of course to their masters, it might have been a different matter entirely. Fighting and even killing a member of the Royal Family is a serious crime. From what Kayneth told him, Waver was from a pretty young magi family and didn't have a lot of influence. Of course, trusting so easily words from someone like Kayneth wouldn't be the wisest decision.
'Still, I'm not related to this world's British Royalty in any way but they can't know that for sure. At best they might think that I'm an illegitimate child who was hidden away from the public.' Lelouch being Royalty won't matter in this war beyond a surprise effect that will be short-lived.
Avenger was the one who answered Rider's question. "Rider, this might be the modern age but humans stay the same no matter what. Royals going around and making bastards is still a thing."
"Hmm, I suppose that's true and I think we're getting off-topic here," commented Rider. The older man pulled out the barrel that he brought with him and crudely opened it by breaking the top off. Avenger's eyes immediately sparked with interest while Lelouch just rolled his. "What kind of banquet is this if we don't have anything to drink?" he said and offered some of the wine to both servants and one master.
Lelouch politely declined. Getting wasted was the last thing on his mind tonight. Both Saber and Avenger took the offer, his servant more eager than the blonde one. Lelouch almost felt embarrassed at how his servant was eager to taste wine, compared to the blonde woman who elegantly took a couple of sips before returning it to its owner.
"Not bad, Rider. And here I was afraid that I will have to drink sake the entire night...then again that doesn't seem too bad either." Avenger laughed while her master narrowed his eyes. Why was his servant an alcoholic?!
'Wait, can servants even get drunk?' Looking back at Rider, Lelouch noticed a pinkish shade and drunk smile. Well, here is his answer.
"Okay, that was a good start. Now, who wants to start firs-"
"You already met Caster, Avenger?" asked Saber, ignoring Rider.
"Yup and tried to kill him...sadly, the ugly bastard is persistent when it comes to surviving. We exchanged a few words, mostly honest insults from my side and crazy rambling from his. He did address you as Holy Maiden."
Artoria frowned. "That Caster, I swear..."
"Coming here tonight I thought I would meet Jeanne D'Arc but instead I met your majesty," Lelouch said in the last part with respect but noticed how Saber winced at his words.
"It has been some time since I was called like that," she said with a melancholic smile. "Master of Avenger, while I appreciate how you regard me with great respect I would be pleased if you stopped." Lelouch blinked before Saber cleared his confusion. "You and I are enemies in this war. Besides, I'm satisfied with my role as a knight rather than King this time… Still, I wouldn't allow my title to be questioned, especially by someone who believes in a suspicious individual." Her gaze fell on the redhead woman who simply rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah I made a mistake but to be fair Caster spoke so zealously of you, it was pretty believable at that time."
Artoria shocked her head. "Don't remind me. The Caster of this war is a true madman."
"Ladies, I think we getting off-topic here, again-"
"Mongrels!"
Before Rider could finish, a sudden voice caught everyone off guard as they looked at another side of the garden. Among beautiful flowers, a familiar figure materialised from golden light. Lelouch's eyes went wide for a moment while Avenger clenched her teeth upon seeing another blonde servant, however, unlike Saber, this one was irritating.
Rider laughed. "Well, you took your sweet time coming here, Archer!" The blonde male said nothing as he made his way towards them, only stopping when he noticed Lelouch.
"And this is?" He asked with the distant tone, something Avenger didn't like.
"My master. He has Royal blood in his veins and has the right to sit with us," she said proudly. Archer sent her an annoyed look before looking at the raven-haired boy before him again. Upon closer look, he raised an eyebrow.
"...there is something wrong about you."
Both Avenger and Lelouch froze, both for the same reason. There were many things wrong with Lelouch but only one of them could have gained the attention of a servant. Not wasting a moment, the Demon Emperor slightly lowered his head before Archer.
"While I do not know your true name, I can see that just like everyone else here you are, King, too, your highness." There was a long silence as everyone, including the other two masters, stared at the scene waiting for a reaction.
"..HA-HA-HA!" Loud laughter was the last thing Lelouch expected from Archer. Golden Archer laughed for a good minute before calming down.
"My, my, just having someone bow to me is enough to make me laugh. Just how boring is this world." Archer said to himself before returning to Lelouch. "I suppose for showing me respect, as you obviously should, I should tolerate your presence here, Master of Barbarian. Be proud!" he smiled.
Lelouch felt that correcting Archer now would have destroyed his good mood. Avenger on the other hand didn't feel so.
"Hey, blondie. I'm Avenger unless you already forget." She sent the man a death glare but Archer just smirked.
"I don't care what class you might be as long as you behave as a Barbarian." Archer's red eyes turned to a broken barrel that Iskandar brought. "Then again you aren't the only Barbarian here."
Rider laughed. "Heh, Thanks!"
"That wasn't a compliment." Both Avenger and Archer said in unison while Saber sighed. Lelouch looked at this entire situation and couldn't help but feel how normal it all seemed? They were all heroic spirits, kings and knights from across time but right now they were simply drinking and bickering among themselves like normal people. It felt almost comedic.
'Then again, when Avenger is not serious she will spend her time learning about the modern age and try to have fun.' Were other servants like his? Part of Lelouch was now a little curious about the servant's daily life outside of the Grail War.
When Rider offered Archer some of his wine, the blonde male looked at him as if Rider was offering piss in a cup. Clicking his teeth, Archer snapped his fingers and a small golden portal opened next to his arms. He pulled some sort of jug with glasses. He offered to Rider, Saber and surprisingly Lelouch but not Avenger.
"Your master seems decent enough to drink some of the finest drinks in my treasury." The golden servant laughed. "Unsurprisingly, you on the other hand can't have this honour." Avenger glared at him but stayed silent but there was something more important than her ego right now. Her eyes turned to Lelouch who took a sip.
"T-this is incredible!" Violet eyes went wide while Archer nodded proudly. Lelouch never was a heavy drinker. However, near the end of Zero Requiem, the Demon Emperor allowed himself to relax and enjoy some of the drinks in his last days.
Rider took a glance at the drink before drinking it all in one gulp. "Doesn't seem to be poisoned." he smiled happily.
"This is good." Saber said calmly. A smug smile appeared on Archer's face as he gained praises while Avenger tried to set him on fire with her gaze.
"At least all of you can appreciate a good drink. Now," his gaze turned to Rider. "You said that this meeting will amuse me. I'm waiting."
Iskandar placed his cup on the ground before speaking. "Today after meeting Avenger and Lelouch, we also ran into Archer. And I thought that someone like him should be at our banquet. Now, as I tried to say before, I gathered all of you here to learn about your wishes and reasons to fight in this war."
"I had nothing else to entertain me tonight and decided to give this banquet of yours a shot...Still, I suppose I share Rider's interest and curiosity to learn why you all fight over my Grail." Both female servants narrowed their eyes at the last statement.
Lelouch decided to speak before any of them, namely Avenger, made any rude comment. "Your highness, does this mean that the Holy Grail was once in your possession?" Lelouch heard a short story of the creation of the Grail but was it possible that Archer is somehow related to this?
"Hmm, child, I will have you know that every treasury in this world belongs to me. I have so many of them that I already lost count. In the end, this Grail is nothing but just another part of my Gate of Babylon."
"Oh? So this is the name of your portals. That gives me enough information to know who I'm drinking with." Rider smirked but Avenger, on the other hand, stopped with a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Babylon? But that's the ability of-"
"The King of Heroes." Rider nodded with satisfaction. "Now, this war is truly interesting if one of the strongest Heroic Spirits is fighting against me. Won't you agree, Gilgamesh?"
'Wait, Archer is Gilgamesh? That Gilgamesh?!' The king of the ancient city of Uruk and the hero of Epic of Gilgamesh. Lelouch wasn't too interested in Literature but during his time in Ashford Academy, he read some stories about it.
"Mongrel. I don't remember permitting you to call me by name so casually." Gilgamesh sent Rider an irritated look but the huge man just laughed it off. "And you have the audacity to call yourself a King. I am disappointed at how much standards have dropped since my days."
"Oh, really? Just how highly do you think of yourself, blondie?" Gilgamesh gave Avenger a boring look.
"High enough to distinguish the decent king from the illiterate mongrel. Can you guess which category you fall into?" he smirked when Avenger clenched her teeth.
"Unlike you, I wasn't born in Royalty and had to fight for everything in my life, even the right to rule my clan. If anything I'm more worthy to call myself a ruler than some spoiled brat who was born with a golden spoon up his ass." Both Avenger and Archer glared at each other. Lelouch could feel that both were ready to start a fight at any moment, he needed to do something. However, thankfully Saber was one to calm the situation.
"Both of you stop right now! This meeting was allowed only as long as no one started a fight. This rule applies to you as well, Archer. I will make sure of that." She said with a commanding tone that reminded Lelouch of his older half-sister. 'Cornelia would have liked her.'
"...I'm the rule-"
"Gilgamesh."
Saber said slowly with enough power to make King of Heroes back down but with a small smile. Lelouch didn't think it was because out of fear, maybe it was out of respect or acknowledgement.
"Very well, Saber. Your house, your rules. However, I will let you know, Avenger," Lelouch's servant blinked, surprised that Archer didn't try to insult her again. "Not everything in my life is easy for me to accomplish... I had my own battles and made my own law that I follow no matter what."
"Aren't you the perfect King, Archer?" Iskandar laughed but asked further. "And what law is that?"
"It is pretty simple. My law is to punish anyone who dared to put their dirty hands on my treasures and anything I can consider as such." He finished and took another sip.
Avenger looked puzzled. "That's all? Sounds pretty underwhelming."
"Not exactly." Everyone turned to Lelouch who suddenly spoke. Seeing how he gained their attention, the Demon Emperor spoke, "Treasures aren't just artefacts or weapons, it can be people or memories as well." Avenger narrowed her eyes as she looked down, Rider smiled while Gilgamesh nodded approvingly. Saber clenched her working hand.
"Indeed. Only fools would think that the true King only treasures his material possessions. Since the Grail is just another part of my Gate, I should treasure it as any of my possessions." His red eyes looked carefully at the master before him. "You seem to understand this concept, Master of Avenger."
Lelouch stared at the red liquid at his cup. He thought about what he considered his treasures. There weren't too many of them but one stood out among others.
"...I had my own treasure, who I was ready to do anything for." He raised his head and looked straight into Gilgamesh's eyes. Violet met Red. "I'm still ready."
The golden Archer raised his eyebrow. A little impressed with what he saw, Gilgamesh stated. "Not bad. Seems this age isn't without some hidden gems. Good, you will make good entertainment for the duration of this war, Lelouch." The master in question felt chills run down his spine when the King of Heroes said his name like that but didn't show any weakness before Archer.
"Oi, Archer. He is my master, not some whore to humour you." Avenger said with venom but Gilgamesh just sighed.
"...I suppose I have to tolerate you too," he said with clear disappointment.
Rider looked at this conversation with curiosity. "I get what you both mean but Archer," The huge man placed a cup on the ground. "Even if you follow this law of yours I will still take the Grail. I'm the King of Conquers after all. Have to live up to the name, you know."
"You can always try. And I can always use the target practice," The Golden Servant smirked. Both Iskandar and Gilgamesh stared at each other with such excited expression. 'Thank God, Milly isn't here to make an inappropriate comment.'
"...you both can kill each other after I'm done with my sake...or right now, I wouldn't mind a little show." commented Avenger before turning to Lelouch and whispering. "My money's on Rider."
"Thanks!"
"Rider," Saber suddenly spoke and everyone's attention focused on her. "Are you truly ready to take the Grail by force even if it isn't yours? What kind of wish do you have to go so far?"
The servant in question stopped and made a thoughtful face before taking another sip of Archer's wine. Everyone stared at him waiting for an answer. He was silent for a moment before speaking.
"Reincarnation."
'What.'
"What?"
"WHAT?!"
"...You gotta be kidding me."
Waver ran to his servant and started to hit his back. "Wait! You said you wanted to conquer the entire world!" but was quickly tossed aside as Rider snapped his finger.
"Fool! What is the point of wishing world conquest from some Grail if I can do that myself? Conquest is my desire and something I should do with my own hands." while Iskdandar was speaking, Lelouch couldn't help but feel little, what was the word Avenger used earlier, oh, underwhelmed.
"World Conquest? Well, I suppose that's something the King of Conquers can dream of...Can't say that I share his interest." said the Emperor who did conquer the entire world in his past life.
"Easy for you to say." Avenger pouted as her red eyes stared at her master with jealousy. For a moment Lelouch forgot that she knew about his former life.
"We will discuss our dreams after the banquet, Fool of Owari," Lelouch used their connection and smirked when Avenger stopped and looked away with a slight pink shade on her face. He still needed to deal with that issue but it could wait for now.
"Speaking about dreams," Avenger whispered before glaring at Rider. "Why do you have the same wish as me!?" Rider blinked while Archer burst in laughter.
"Wait, what. Avenger, you want to be reborn in this age as well?" The King of Conquerors inquired with a stunned expression. The redheaded woman angrily pointed at him.
"That's right! And not only that but I want to finally create my own empire and spread my hegemony across Asia!" Avenger declared excitedly with sparkles in her eyes as a red blush appeared on her face. "First I will reconquer Japan, then Asia, and then the world!... Portugal can stay. I don't mind them."
Rider stared at her before starting to laugh like a madman. "HA! And I thought my only enemy would be this Clinton guy! But now I have a rival with the same wish! Avenger, we might have a small skirmish yesterday but from now on I shall fight you with everything I have!"
"Hoh. What is this? A formal declaration of war?" The Fool of Owari smirked with murderous intent but Lelouch could feel that she was excited.
"Yup. And I'm going to defeat you no matter what. That's a promise in my honour as King of Conquerors!" Rider declared as he raised his cup. Avenger stared at him with a dark smile before laughing.
"Very well, King Iskandar. I shall accept your declaration but know this when I win I will take your title for myself."
Rider smirked."What? You gonna call yourself Queen of Conquers?"
"Ara, Demon Conqueror sounds better to me but I will think about this stuff after my victory… Although that title might be taken."
Lelouch was the only one who understood what she meant but didn't show any emotions. Avenger just wanted to mess with him further and see his reactions. He wouldn't give in.
"What predictable and boring wishes, don't you agree?" Archer asked as he turned his attention to Lelouch and Saber. Both Rider and Avenger were busy with promises of what they will do after they are reborn.
"Your highness, I'm sure many kings would share their desire to be among the living again-"
"Would you?" Gilgamesh smirked when Lelouch stopped. "If you were a ruler who died and had the opportunity to wish for anything, what would you wish for?"
Lelouch froze for a second, thinking about how to answer. Giving a vague answer to Archer didn't seem to be the best option. The blonde servant wasn't openly hostile to him so losing it right now wouldn't be a wise move. His wish? Lelouch had no wish at this moment other than to see his mission completed no matter what.
"...As I said to Rider my wish is to protect people I care about or in other words, follow your law and protect my treasures." Demon Emperor said with a sweet tone, hoping this answer would be okay with Archer. Gilgamesh's smile didn't disappear, after a short moment, he turned to Saber.
"And what about you Saber? What is your wish?" The King of Knights immediately answered.
"...I wish to save my country. With something like the Grail, I shall change the fate of Britain." as she said this both Rider and Avenger stopped their conversation and turned to Saber. Iskandar's smile slowly disappeared while Avenger raised her eyebrow. Gilgamesh didn't say anything, while Lelouch stared at Artoria Pendragon, with a shocked expression.
After a long silence Rider was first to start speaking."So, King of Knights. You are going to change fate? That means changing history as well?"
"Indeed. I believe that with something as powerful as the Grail I can make it happen." As Saber said this, Archer started to laugh non-stop. Saber wanted to comment but Rider intervened.
"Wait, Saber. I'm trying to understand this. Does that you mean you want to change the history of Britain? The country that has fallen during your rule?" Rider's eyes turned to Lelouch. "His country?"
The Master of Avenger stayed silent, observing Saber as she spoke. "The Britain of today is different. The present and the past are far different from each other. I failed to accomplish my responsibility and cannot accept it. That's why I'm grieving over it. I'm the one who is to blame and nobody else, that's why I should do it." as she spoke Gilgamesh laughed louder and louder. "What's so funny, Archer?"
"Hey, King of Knights," Avenger called out. "Do you mean you want to carve your reign from history?" she asked with a serious tone. Her eyes moved from Artoria to her master. Avenger had a bad feeling about how Lelouch might react to Saber's wish.
"Yes! What's strange about it? The country that gave me my sword, the country I dedicated my life to had collapsed. There's nothing wrong with my regret."
"...and I thought Rider was the biggest fool here," Avenger commented before drinking her sake. Gilgamesh laughed as he turned to Lelouch.
"Say, Lelouch. What do you think about this? What do you think about this little girl's dream?" he asked with an amused tone, not caring that the master in question stayed silent. Violet eyes focused on the legendary king from his homeland but inside he had mixed emotions.
'Such a wish...'
"The king must make sacrifices for the prosperity of the nation."
"You are wrong."
Saber turned to Rider. "It isn't the king who must make sacrifices but his people and nation. Not the other way around." Artoria looked at him with disbelief.
"Those are the words of a tyrant!"
"You still didn't get it, Saber?" asked Avenger as she waved around the banquet. "We are all here because we are tyrants in our own right. Every ruler here has done whatever it takes to accomplish their goals, no matter the consequences. That's what makes us heroic spirits… Or do you want to tell me that you were a perfect king who hasn't done any wrongs?"
Artoria looked at the ground with shame. "I wasn't a perfect king. I tried my best to rule justly but I failed."
"You regret your rule so much you want to change everything, Saber? What a foolish desire. No king should regret his rule otherwise he is a fool." Rider's tone was getting lower.
"Iskandar, your empire has fallen soon after the demise of your successors. Don't you regret it?"
"Saber, you asked me if I regret my rule." started Rider. "Truth is, I don't and never will. How can I call myself a king if I regret my decisions, good and bad that I made? If I make such a wish I will only disrespect all those who followed me and make their sacrifices for nothing!"
"Only bloodthirsty warmongers see honour in destruction and chaos! A King must rule with justice and devote his whole life to the people."
"Hey Saber, do you think every King should be a perfect being with no flaws to lead his people?" asked Avenger. "That every king must be a God-like being who sacrifices his every desire to accomplish this goal?"
"I'm only saying that a King should rule justly, a King should devote his life to his nation. That's what it means to be a king! To give up your life for the sake of your people."
Avenger stared at her before spitting on the ground. "What a terrible life to live. Living solely for the sake of your people? Who would want that?" Artoria's eyes went wide.
"Wha-"
"Foolish knight, I see why people might think of you as a hero of childish stories. Everyone here has his own ideals and we died following them one way or another. I had my own dream and ideas but was betrayed. However, I do not wish to change my fate. Why would I? My death is a result of my actions, changing them would be a coward's way. If I spent my new life as a servant only thinking about my failures and regrets I would only live in the past." Avenger took a pause and drank a little. "Artoria, your ideals might be naive but they're not wrong but because of them, you can't move on. That's not the life of a king." Avenger shook her head with disappointment. "I thought that you and I had similar hardships and fates but I had clear goals and ambitions which I don't regret. However, you are stuck in the past because of your own failure that you cannot accept. I would recommend getting over it and continue living."
"You wrong, Avenger. Both you and Rider are just tyrants who want to please your own desires. I have ruled Britain when it was facing its darkest time when it was being invaded. I had no time for foolish ideas of conquest like you."
"Saber, let me ask this. If you are such a fair King who rules with justice then how did your reign end?" started Gilgamesh. When Artoria opened her mouth to argue, Archer continued. "It was rebellion, wasn't it? And by those, you considered a loyal subject out of all people. Your most loyal servants went against you."
Artoria didn't say a word. It was painful for her to think about that moment of her rule. Saber's eyes turned from Avenger and Rider to others. Gilgamesh stared at her with a smirk before speaking again.
"Master of Avenger, Lelouch. You, a prince from modern Britain, you read stories about our naive Saber and said that they inspired you. Tell us what do you think about it?"
The raven-haired master was silent until now, thinking about her wish. Truth be told, he could understand why Artoria might have such a wish. In the end, Lelouch had to admit that the chance to fix everything was appealing. Nonetheless, it wasn't something he could allow himself to admire.
"...King of Knights. I know why you might think so and want to change your life-" Saber's eyes sparked with the hope that someone understood and shared her view as Lelouch continued. "Your way of Kingship isn't wrong or right. None of the Kings here is absolutely right but it doesn't mean their way of the rule was wrong. King Iskandar," he turned to the huge man who was silently drinking. "Your words might be true but they cannot be applied to Artoria's rule since her nation was on the verge of destruction. Britain of that time needed a protector. Someone ready to defend them from all dangers since they couldn't do it on their own. It was Artoria's responsibility since her birth. However, this responsibility has become her burden as well."
'Japanese needed someone to lead them, someone, to give them hope and a chance to fight against Britannia. It wasn't my responsibility but I did this anyway. I didn't lead them for the sake of their nation but rather to achieve my own goals. It seemed a fair trade, they would give their cooperation and loyalty while I gave them back their country.' Of course, there were many challenges and problems. Lelouch as Zero got betrayed but like Iskandar said this failure was the result of his actions. Maybe if Lelouch was more open with his followers at that time he could have avoided it but it doesn't matter since he achieved his dream.
"That might be true, Lelouch. But nobody should live in regret by their own choice. Saber can't accept the fate of her people and her ideals make her think that by sacrificing herself she will make them a favour." Lelouch knew that Avenger had a hidden meaning behind her words. His servant was questioning his decisions in his past life as well.
'However, unlike Artoria, I didn't die for the sake of my people. I hated Britannia ever since I and Nunnally were left to die in Japan. Even as emperor, Britannia was nothing but another resource to use to achieve my goal. I died for the sake of people I cared about. I died to give them, her, a world where they can make a change from scratch. I destroyed the old world and made a new one so they could improve it. We have different circumstances but I can see what made Artoria go on and become the King she is. And yet I do not regret my choice, there are a lot of moments of my life I will forever mourn but I won't regret my journey because I know I made a difference.'
"Avenger, you and Artoria had a somewhat similar history. Both of your nations were in chaos and someone needed to stop it. However, your difference is that Artoria was chosen to bear this responsibility while you made the choice on your own. As you said to earlier, anyone else could have done it but you wanted to make it yourself, Avenger. You wanted to create a new system according to your desire. None of the kings here can criticize Artoria's rule more than they are willing to criticize their own." His servant didn't say anything, no one did.
Rider wanted to argue but was stopped by Gilgamesh.
"The boy is right. Only I can criticize your Kingship. Besides, you wouldn't be able to change Saber's mind anyway. Stubborn people like her won't change their mind until they see the consequences of their actions. Saber, your wish is both foolish and ridiculous at the same time. Coming here just to listen to it was worth it." laughed Gilgamesh. "Your tragedy makes excellent comedy."
Artoria frowned upon those words.
"There's nothing hilarious about my wish, it-"
"Your wish is wrong, Artoria."
The blonde woman froze as she looked at Lelouch who calmly smiled at her with a sad smile.
"W-what? But you said-"
"I only said that your Kingship couldn't be criticized. You are the King that people needed at that time. However, you wish to remove yourself from the history and fate of Britain. That's wrong. You are saying you must make the sacrifice for your people but to me, it seems like you are trying to run away from your failure."
'C.C asked me if I'm ready to continue my path no matter what. I said yes. I suffered, I lost so much but I continued to move on. There were moments in my life when I was at my weakest. When I wanted to hide away and pity myself but I didn't. People around helped me and I moved on...Could I desire the same wish as Artoria does?'
"No matter how bad you might think of your rule, no matter how many people died during your reign, wishing to remove yourself from history won't fix anything, Artoria. You will just make all the sacrifices you and people who followed you meaningless. Their deaths, their wishes. Are you ready to get rid of them so easily? What about the Knights of the Round and all the connections you made? Don't they mean anything to you?"
"I-I!"
"You never thought about this, Saber." Iskander said with an angered tone, "You claimed that a King needs to make sacrifices for his people and yet you forgot how much your people sacrificed for you. Your friends, comrades, your followers. All of them fought for you and you just want to spit at their memories like that?!" Rider slammed the wine barrel near him. "I cannot accept such a wish, Saber! I'm the King who ruled to inspire my friends and who will never forget their sacrifices! If you can cast away the lives of those who followed you so easily then I won't let you win this war no matter what! I will do whatever it takes for the sake of their memories."
Saber was stunned, unable to utter a word as she looked around. Avenger looked at her with disappointment. Lelouch had a sad smile but said nothing while Gilgamesh's face was more serious.
"Saber, a King should lead his people with pride no matter the consequences. If you are dissatisfied with your rule so much, it must mean you were never meant to be a King." The Golden Archer took a sip before his face became darker. "Wasting sacrifices, your people and friends made for you so casually. If I weren't in a good mood tonight I would have killed you for such foolish words." Lelouch could tell that this aspect of Artoria's wish was angering Gilgamesh.
'Who can blame him...Forgetting all the pain and suffering your loved ones experienced because of you. That's something I will never allow myself. If I do that I will be no different from Charles...' The thought of becoming similar to his father, to see everyone around him nothing but a means to achieve his goals, made Lelouch sick. That was something he could never allow himself.
"...Can your wish even be granted?" asked Avenger. Other servants turned to her with a questionable look. "I'm not too experienced in magecraft but even I can understand that some wishes cannot be granted or allowed."
"Huh, I almost forgot about that." Gilgamesh commented before looking at his cup. "Maybe it is due to the alcohol. But the Barbarian woman is right. Such a wild wish as yours Saber might not even be able to be granted." he smirked when he saw the panic on her face.
'I almost forgot about that too...'
"What are you talking about, Archer?" Artoria tried to make her voice sound powerful but she got desperate.
"Fool. Do you think that either Alaya or Gaia will allow you to have such a wish?"
Lelouch watched as Artoria's hands started to shake. Her eyes lost its previous spark and now she was looking at the ground as the realisation hit her.
'...Even if she managed to defeat all servants and claim the Grail, her wish would still not be fulfilled. And yet seeing someone who had good intentions for her country like this isn't pleasant.' The Master of Avenger thought if it was worth trying to cheer up Saber but decided against it. It wouldn't help her.
Suddenly, Avenger jumped from her seat and stood next to him. Before Lelouch could ask what she was doing he heard a scream that belonged to Waver. Turning towards the master of Rider, Lelouch saw Assassin. And then another, and another and so on. The entire garden was filled with them as they surrounded the Kings and their masters. Lelouch turned to see that the master of Saber went to Artoria who was prepared for a fight.
"Hey, Archer, are they with you?" asked Rider with a calm yet caution voice. Gilgamesh looked irritated.
"Tokiomi, don't you have any shame." Lelouch immediately remembered his talk with Kayneth about the head of the Tohsaka family and Kirei, master of Assassin.
'So Archer is his servant. That means Berserker's master is from the Makiri family.' his thought was interrupted as one of the Assassins spoke.
"We are one divided into many."
"An army and also one."
"A servant with many shadows."
Waver was terrified. "This is their ability? A servant with separate bodies for each of their personalities."
"No wonder they didn't care about losing some of their own," commented Avenger. "Say, master, do you want to see fireworks? One word and they all will be dead." She licked her lips with anticipation.
Lelouch stayed silent looking at the three other kings. If Gilgamesh was a servant of Tokiomi Tohsaka, it should have meant they are on the same side and yet he knew nothing about it.
'...If they wanted to kill any of the masters they could have done it already. They aren't as strong as four servants together, so the open battle is pointless unless they are here to test us...to see the noble phantasms of servants here.' Lelouch's eyes went wide for a second before a wicked smirk formed on his face. 'Very well, let them have their way. But my Avenger won't be the one using her secret weapon.'
"King Iskandar. What do you think?" Rider turned to him with a curious look. "Maybe the Assassins come here to enjoy a drink too?"
"Hmm, you might be right." nodded Rider.
"Wait! Are you really going to invite them too?!" shouted Waver but Rider already stood up.
"But of course. A King's words are meant for all to hear and absorb. Doesn't matter if it's friend or foe. Hear me Assassins! Any of you who come to speak with come forth and take a cup." Iskandar smiled as he raised the cup in the air. "This drink is as your blood!"
One knife immediately hit his cup as it fell on the ground, spilling the red drink. The Assassins around them started to laugh among themselves. Lelouch made a gesture for Avenger to sit down, without a word, his servant realised what was going on and with a smirk joined her master, eager to see a show.
"Very well. Like I said, this drink is as your blood. If you are willing to spill it, you must be ready for your blood to follow it." Rider said with a calm tone as a powerful wind started to circle him. In one moment Rider's appearance changed to combat attire. "Archer, Avenger, Saber. I have a question for you. Does a King always stand alone?"
Gilgamesh stayed silent while Saber spoke as she covered herself from the wind.
"A King must indeed be alone. Always."
Avenger narrowed her eyes but said nothing.
"No, no. You obviously don't understand this. I suppose I just have to show you all right now exactly what a real King is all about when with adversity like this one."
As Rider said this light covered the entire garden and everyone in it. Lelouch closed his eyes but when he opened them he froze from what he was seeing. Suddenly he got nostalgia feelings and memories of C's world. Instead of the night sky, it was day. Instead of the garden in the castle, it was an endless desert. He turned around to see all the Assassins standing before Rider.
"Now, let me show you the power of the King of Conquerors!"
_________________________
Fuyuki City.
Diarmuid cursed under his breath as he dodged another attack from Berserker. The mad servant was using whatever was available as a weapon in their fight. Whatever his ability was, it allowed anything the black knight used as a weapon strong enough to hurt him. Right now, the mad servant was using the construction saw and Diarmuid would admit that the modern tool, covered in black and red in the hands of a deranged warrior was slightly terrifying.
This construction site was a trap but something was telling Lancer he wasn't the one meant to fall for it. As he raised Gáe Dearg to block and changed the direction of Berserker's attack, he made a quick jump to the side.
"This trap was meant for someone else right? If you wanted to fight, you could have made your presence known and yet you made a trap." Diarmuid said before dodging Berserker's attack. The black knight jumped at him, with a saw and hammer in his hands. Trying to go past his defences with brute force. Lancer used the shorter Gáe Buidhe and knocked the hammer out of his hands. He then pointed the golden spear inches away from the throat of Berserker. However, his opponent moved to the side quicker than Lancer could strike. "You were expecting someone else tonight right? Was it, Caster?"
"AGH." was his only answer as Berserker used the saw and went for Lancer's head. The Knight of Fianna raised both of his spears to block the direct attack. Sparks flew around them as a modern tool was stopped by ancient spears.
"At the very least try to sound interested in our conversation," Diarmuid smirked before kicking Berserker and forcing him back. "I would like to know which knight am I fighting. At the very least your order."
Berserker said nothing as he charged at him, picking up a pipe that was sticking out of the ground, and making it his weapon as well. Diarmuid had to go into defence as the black knight started to use the pipe like a sword and tried to knock out his spears and kill him with the saw. Lancer took a few steps back before deciding to change their arena of fighting.
It pointed Gáe Dearg at the ground under them and with enough force tossed it. Berserker immediately jumped back but the spear was aimed at him. Gáe Dearg made a giant hole in the poorly made floor and Berserker didn't have enough time to react. Lancer smirked when his opponent fell into the hole before jumping after him. Now, the two servants were a floor lower. Quickly picking up his red spear, Diarmuid rushed forward at Berserker, red spear pointed at him.
The unknown knight quickly managed to react and block the upcoming attack. Berserker grabbed the spear, avoiding its head. Diarmuid's eyes went wide as he used Gáe Buidhe and went for the head. However, Berserker grabbed Lancer's hand and moved it away before moving forward. Both Servant's hands were busy, therefore Berserker decided to use his head. Moving closer to Lancer, the black knight started to bang his helmet against Lancer's head. Diarmuid was caught off guard but quickly answered back. He used his free leg and kicked Berserker back.
The mad servant was about to charge again but stopped when he felt something. He raised his left hand and saw that black smoke around it disappeared and the noticeable wound was seen on his palm. It would appear that he accidentally touched the tip of Gáe Dearg. Seeing this Lancer couldn't help but let out a short laugh.
"Would you look at this? I got you even if it was just a tip," he smirked when Berserker clenched his wounded hand as it became covered by smoke again."Come on, no reaction. Not going to say a word? At least Saber was a talkative type compared to you."
This got a reaction from Berserker as he raised his head once he heard the title of another servant. Diarmuid noticed it and stood in a fighting stance.
"So, you are interested in Saber? Sorry friend but get in line. Saber and I have a duel to finish and I don't want anyone to fight her yet." However, Berserker didn't listen to him. Unknown to Lancer, the wild servant was having his thoughts about the servant of the sword.
"Arrr!" he roared before jumping at the side behind one of the walls. Lancer was about to go after him but was forced to fall back as dozens of black and red pipes were launched at him, crushing the wall and revealing Berserker that was picking them up from the ground and throwing them at him. Diarmuid had no problem blocking and dodging them. For some reason, many pipes missed him. Before the knight of Fianna could ponder what his opponent's strategy was, Berserker launched at him, pipes in his hands.
Lancer easily avoided a direct hit but Berserker's constant barrage of attacks was forcing him to move back. Every time he would try to knock one of the pipes with Gáe Buidhe, Berserker would just grab another pipe that he launched time prior. Diarmuid had to admit that even if Berserker appeared as a wild servant, his fighting skill would make knights of Fianna impressed.
Lancer tried to block another attack but Berserker was faster and managed to land a hit on him. Diarmuid could taste blood in his mouth as Berserker's last strike hit him across the face. At least metal pipe wasn't a sword otherwise Lancer might have died from it. Quickly counter-attacking back, he used a moment while black knight's right side was opened and went for the stab. His cursed spear made contact with Berserker's armour and penetrated.
It was a shame he couldn't deceive Berserker and force him to lower his guard as he did with Saber in port. His Gáe Buidhe was a cursed spear that would leave wounds that cannot be healed but it wasn't Gáe Dearg. A golden spear could cut the connection to mana like a red one could. Diarmuid had to do it the old fashioned way and hope Berserker's armour wasn't too strong. Lancer thought that luck was finally on his side when the black knight stopped his attack and retreated.
Berserker jumped back and placed a hand on his wound, his helmet didn't move away from Lancer. The charming knight himself wanted to know if the wild servant would react in a similar way to Saber and take precautions. If Berserker would leave right now, Diarmuid wouldn't follow him, the cornered animal was most dangerous and Lancer did have an ally at this war that could help with the wild servant.
"If I were you I would retreat, Berserker. This wound won't heal. Saber would prove that." Once again Berserker showed reaction as he clenched his fists and stared at Lancer, waiting for him to continue. "I told you already I have an unfinished duel with her. As a knight, you should understand that."
"Arr-." Berserker's entire body started to violently shake. Lancer sighed before preparing for the upcoming attack. It wasn't hard to read Berserker's intentions like this. In one second, the wild servant launched forward, abandoning his previous weapon and going at Lancer with an armoured fist. He wasn't silent and let out a terrifying roar.
"ARRRRTHUUR!"
When the black knight was a few inches away from him, Diarmuid moved to the side, his spear aimed at Berserker's defenceless torso. However, in one movement, the wild servant made a 180-degree turn. Lancer's eyes went wide when instead of dodging or trying to avoid the attack, Berserker allowed the golden spear to penetrate his hand. The tip of Gáe Buidhe went through his palm but Berserker didn't make any noise. He didn't flinch from the pain at all, instead, his pierced hand grabbed the golden spear. Before Diarmuid could do anything, the black knight kicked him in the chest with enough force to send him flying in the nearest wall.
Lancer wasted not a moment as he stood up in a defensive position but this time only with one spear. Just like any object Berserker touched, Gáe Buidhe changed its colour from familiar gold to ugly black with red lines. Diarmuid bit his lip. He didn't know if his spear would turn normal once it was out of the black knight's hands. It was bad. Now Berserker was in possession of his cursed Gáe Buidhe. Who knew what a mad servant like him could do with it. Diarmuid didn't make any move, Berserker with his spear was an unpredictable opponent. Any move the hero from Ireland makes right now might be fatal.
Berserker examined his newly acquired weapon carefully. Did Gáe Buidhe preserve its primary function? A test in combat would tell. Diarmuid expected him to attack but what he didn't expect was what Berserker did next.
"...Arthur." Unlike before, this time Berserker didn't roar or scream. Instead, his voice was empty of any anger or madness. Diarmuid could swear he sensed something akin to shame in the black knight's voice.
However, before Lancer could do anything Berserker took the golden spear in both hands. Diarmuid's eyes went wide but before he could even let out a scream, the black knight snapped his cursed spear in two.
"What have you done, Berserker?" Diarmuid glared at the servant before him but later showed no reaction. Instead, he stood calmly, waiting for Lancer to do anything. Unknown to the Irish knight, the Knight of the Lake was feeling something he didn't feel for a long time. Something warm, something familiar.
Seeing that he would get no reaction, Diarmuid decided to move first but soon he heard a familiar voice in his head.
"That's enough, Lancer! You already lost one of your noble phantasms! Return immediately!"
Diarmuid froze. Running right now? After Berserker destroyed Gáe Buidhe?
"But my lord! Our fight isn't over!"
"Don't you dare talk back to me, servant! Obey my order right now or I will have no choice but to waste another command seal on you!"
Knight of Fianna clenched his fist as he glared at Berserker who continued to stay menacingly there. Gáe Dearg pointed at the wild servant, Lancer spoke. "Enjoy your victory, Berserker. If not I then someone else will slay you in this war."
Lancer changed into spirit form and left Berserker alone. However, instead of following his example and leaving the place of battle, Berserker made his way to the nearest window and looked at Fuyuki.
The one who Berserker is after was somewhere here. Despite mad enhancement, Berserker still had the ability to think even if it is limited. In the depth of his twisted mind, the Knight of the Lake wondered if tonight his action helped his King. Berserker didn't have a problem killing all servants if it meant none of them would harm his king. Only he could fight and slay his King. Or in turn… be slain by her.
"...Arthur."
_________________________
Einzbern Castle.
Artoria felt chills run down her spine. She looked around as if someone had called her but found no one. However, she felt something else. Green eyes looked at the hand that was pierced by the cursed spear during her first encounter with Lancer. She could feel her hand responding to her as if it was never wounded to begin with. For a brief moment, Saber felt pleased to be able to fight properly again but soon realization had come to her. If the curse was lifted from her did it mean that Lancer has fallen?
While the King of Knights was busy thinking about what happened to her last opponent, the Demon Emperor looked around in awe.
'So this is what this world's magic is capable of.' Lelouch thought to himself as he glanced at what seemed like an endless desert. He had been in C's world before and saw things that a normal human mind wouldn't be able to comprehend but he had to admit that something like Rider's noble phantasm could amaze him. "What is this place?"
"A Reality Marble," answered Irisviel as she stood behind Saber. "A mental image materialized into the real world."
Lelouch looked at Iskandar and couldn't help but feel intrigued. A representation of a person's inner mental world in physical form. The desert was an interesting choice but he concluded that it might have something to do with Rider's battles in the past.
"My glorious armies once rode across these sands. A place where all heroes who stood with me through joy and sorrow."
Everyone heard a sound as an ancient army made its way towards. Lelouch looked wide, amazed eyes at how far this Reality Marble could go to manifest all of it. Counting how many of Rider's forces is there was pointless since no one could see the end of them.
"Amazing." The Demon Emperor commented as he looked at Rider who mounted a giant horse. Such a marvellous ability to create your own battlefield with your armies at your command. '...Fighting against it will require either something of similar abilities or something that will be able to wipe out the majority of Rider's forces.' Killing Rider theoretically should destroy this place as well.
"A King should live a grand life and embody his people's image of admiration! He who is worthy of all heroes' envy and who leads their way, that is a King! Therefore a King is not alone! For his will equals all who followed his ultimate glory combined!" As Rider shouted, all his friends and soldiers yelled in agreement. Iskandar smiled with pride as he looked at his people before turning his gaze to his current enemy. "Now, Assassins. Should we begin?"
The masked servants that a few moments before were surrounding the group and ready to attack now were without their advantage in an open field. Lelouch could see it end only one way.
"Annihilate them!"
As their King commanded, hundreds if not thousands of warriors charged forward with a battle cry. The Assassins seeing no hope didn't even try to fight back, preferring to run in any direction. However, all of them met the same destiny, only difference was being killed by a warrior or his King. The battle, no, the massacre was quick. As Rider let out one last battle cry, everything was over.
Lelouch looked around. Gilgamesh was sitting at his position, not moving or showing any reaction. Saber was protecting her master in case Rider decided to use the advantage while he could. Avenger was standing next to Lelouch, thinking the same thing as Saber but the Demon Emperor doubted Iskandar would attack them right now. Fighting three servants while your own master next to them isn't a good strategy.
His theory would appear corrected as soon as the same light covered them before appearing again. This time returning them to the real world. The Four Kings stood in the middle of the garden. Iskandar lowered his head and with disappointment said.
"I expected more from it. We said enough for one night." as he stood up and turned away, he added, "Avenger, I hope to fight soon."
"Hoh, so eager to die, aren't you?" Avenger taunted but smiled. "Very well, I will be the one to end your life in this war, King of Conquerors." Lelouch could feel that she was looking for an opportunity to defeat Rider.
'She said she will take his title. I suppose that's another motivation to fight him. Although we will need to prepare for his noble phantasm.' Avenger was powerful, especially in her home county but Rider's noble phantasm was still something to be wary about. Before Iskandar could leave, Artoria called him.
"Wait, Rider. I'm not finished."
"Be silent, Saber. Tonight I wanted to drink with fellow Kings. However, now I see that only Archer and Avenger can be called as such...What Avenger said earlier is true. Because you can't get over your failure you are stuck in the past. I would recommend accepting your past and move on before it swallows you completely." As Rider finished, both he and Waver went away.
Gilgamesh stood up and looked at his fellow blonde servant with a sadistic smile. "Don't listen to him, Saber. Follow your wish, the journey with all of its pain and suffering would be amusing to watch." Artoria glared at him but before she could say anything, Archer turned to Avenger and her Master. "This night wasn't as terrible as I thought. I found new entertainment, so Lelouch, don't die until I will allow it."
As Gilgamesh disappeared, Avenger spat in the place where he just stood. "Arrogant bastard."
Lelouch smiled at the man's antics before turning to the owner of the castle.
"I suppose it is time for us to leave as well. Don't worry, we will find an exit on our own. Thanks for your hospitality, Master of Saber." Lelouch slightly bowed before making his way out, Avenger next to him. However, before he could go far away Saber called his name.
"Lelouch, if you were in my place would you wish for the same thing?"
This stopped the former Revolutionary as he turned back and stared at Artoria with uncertainty in his eyes. Avenger too stopped, concerned how her master would answer. Lelouch was silent for a second before answering.
"No. Saber, you fail to see what your reign was able to achieve. You might not agree with it but your rule changed the fate of many people. I would never be able to get rid of that."
With those words, Lelouch turned away and left Einzbern Castle, leaving the King of Knights with her ghosts of the past. As both he and Avenger were making their way out of the forest. The walk was silent for time being but as they went far away from Castle, his servant said.
"...I'm glad that you didn't share Saber's view."
Lelouch glanced at her. "It wouldn't matter even if I did. My former life is forever sealed for me. There was no returning for me." And even if there was, he didn't know if he should have returned or not. "What happened tonight was unexpected, to say the least."
"I knew it would lead to this." Avenger sighed. "I suppose it is the moment when we talk about ourselves. Wouldn't you agree, your Majesty?" Lelouch smirked.
"Of course, my Daimyo."
________________________
Well, I finally updated. Now I want to clarify some things from the start, this chapter was focused on Lelouch and Avenger learning about other Kings and their wishes. Two of them will have their own talk next chapter. I never planned to make other servants see Lelouch's past life, this isn't reaction fanfic sorry. Only Avenger knows right now about his past. Also, Gilgamesh isn't going to be friendly with Lelouch or Avenger, it is Gilgamesh we talking about, he just sees him as an interesting thing to play with. Lelouch being a member of Royalty might seems as downplayed but I have some ideas for it in the future. Also, I know that Artoria and Lelouch cannot be related in any way but I always thought Britannian Royal Family would claim otherwise, I also have a plan for it in the future.
Now, difficult stuff. I want to say that none of the Kings is wrong about their way of Kingship. Fate Zero kind of made it look like Rider was absolutely right when none of them can be judged. They all had different environments to be king. Avenger and Saber might have been somewhat similar but Nobu decided to unite Japan and rule on her own while Artoria felt like it was her responsibility. People can argue about how Fate portraits historic figures but at very least Nobu carried one trait that IRL Nobu had as well, being ambitious. But I will talk about it more next chapter. There nothing wrong with Artoria's way of the ruling but her wish is wrong.