A/N: Hey guys! Sorry I've been gone so long. I have a real lazy phase after finishing a chapter it seems. Anyways, I'm still looking for a Beta Reader (don't worry I'll likely not have anything for you to review for about 2 months xD). If you review please tell me if I'm going to deeply into character's backgrounds, whether it be Solaire or actual Heroic Spirits I've drawn from history. Thanks to all of you who follow, favorite, review, and read. I hope you all have a wonderful day! \[T]/

"Admittedly, I did not believe you'd receive my vow to bear your burdens so literally." I remarked as Eliswaren's crimson hair tickled the exposed skin between my helmet and back collar. My master mildly chuckled from atop my back as she removed one of her arms clutched about my neck to brush away the offending strands.

"Come now Saber." She teased while I leapt the distance between two red brick buildings. "Abandoning your word already? Is this the esteemed honor of knights from your era? Besides, you transported my belongings through the Fuyuki wood without protest, and I think Bren may have exaggerated his limp to spite you." I couldn't help but bark an amused laugh at the thought. Upon discovering that my loyalty remained hers, my summoner had softened her cold demeanor, and light conversation now flowed steadily between us as I ferried her across the desert of golden tiled roofs.

"To think the vile fiend devised such appalling designs!" I zealously proclaimed for Eliswaren's amusement. She snickered lightly in response as I surveyed the imperial city from a stately rooftop. The six white towers that guarded the storm beset peek stood proudly over the sea of lowly structures. Each of them boasted a unique drawing Eliswaren had described as "Chinese," and their outer stone brimmed with the sun's radiance, accentuating each diagram. Although their architecture certainly differed from that of my homeland, their imposing stature managed to elicit fond memories of the formidable spires of Anor Londo. Before my banishment, I would, on occasion, steal my brother from his tedious lessons on court manners, so we might perch atop those grand steeples and gaze upon our kingdom. We'd mockingly imitate Dragon Slayer Ornstein as he whipped recruits into shape, gasp in amazement as Hawkeye Gough exhibited his mastery of the bow for visiting nobles, and nudge one another with devilish grins upon apprehending Knight Artorias and Lord's Blade Ciaran stealing a romantic kiss. However, no matter how entertaining the day's events, Gwyndolin would always pester me into evoking my lightning. I'd begrudgingly oblige my sibling, and he'd stare in wide eyed admiration as the symbol of our family's supremacy crackled betwixt my fingers. Until my final hour, I would always wonder if that same amazement captivated his eyes when my incandescent blade smote him down. Reminiscing on days of past lost unto me, I entrusted Eliswaren with an honest response. "Truly, I do not find your weight burdensome. Ironically, I find this task most alleviating. Two before you have swung from my shoulders, my sister, Gwynevere, The Princess of Sunlight, and… and my younger brother Gwyndolin, The Dark Sun." Although I couldn't see my master's expression from her position upon my back, I could discern a touch of sorrow clinging to her breath as she tenderly exhaled.

"I recall your tale." She murmured while compassionately resting her head to the side of my cold iron helm. "I won't pursue the subject if further discussion would bring you distress. Thank you for confiding in me. I've long desired to begin a family of my own, and if you can remember moments of bliss shared with your own blood, then perhaps my hopes shall be requited."

"So you yearn for a child? I questioned. "Once you're cured, I'm confident you'll find the task of child rearing a war all its own." As we laughed at my modest quip, I decided to press a little further. "So, mother to be, will you birth a daughter or a son?"

"A son," my master proudly declared. "I will have my son."

-scene break-

Eliswaren's cape like dress billowed behind us as we approached the base of one of the grandiose towers that loomed overhead. Its massive shadow blanketed our path, melding the amber roofs and maroon walls which spanned before us into a dark orange mass. To my surprise, the sudden loss of illumination failed to hinder my vision, and the information implanted within my vessel enabled me to easily identify the symbol adorning the nearing tower as "Hann," though I hadn't the faintest idea of its meaning. Bewildered by my heightened perception, I halted our advance, grating my titanite enforced boots against the tile beneath them. Eliswaren, assuming I'd spotted an assailant unbeknownst to her, hastily dismounted from my back to assume a defensive stance, crouching so low that she practically joined with the roof itself. Her auburn eyes darted about in search of an aggressor or recently noticed pursuer, but after determining none existed, the magus stood and turned to me with a slightly miffed expression.

"Tired already?" she gibed with a slight scowl as she crossed her arms over her chest. However, I remained too entranced by my perplexing state to answer, causing my master's minor annoyance to shift to worry. She stepped forward to tentatively touch my arm, concern etched in her face. "What's wrong?" She inquired. "Is the Reality Marble affecting you? I can't locate any malignant Thaumaturgy in our immediate vicinity." I could barely shake my head in response. In addition to my enhanced vision, a sudden energy, akin to a brilliant warmth, had begun to blossom within my breast. At first I sensed only a mere spark, flickering like a singular candle in a barren cave, but in all the ages to which I'd born witness, rarely did embers of such sincerity exist. To my awe, the budding flame swelled, filling my person with such vigor that I could not help but tremble with excitement.

"Astounding," I murmured in a reverent whisper. I turned, albeit somewhat hastily, towards the scarlet haired mage who shrank back in surprise at my alarming speed. Attempting to calm myself as much as my master, I voiced my confusion with a measured cadence. "Eliswaren, did you recently supply me with additional prana?" My companion shook her head with a nonplussed disposition.

"You know I can't endure such inefficient prana usage. I'll certainly lend as much of my magecraft as the situation demands, but unless you suffer a debilitating injury, I believe diverting more of my strength to you would border upon negligence." I nodded as a detached frown formed upon my face. I had already predicted my summoner's response. However, the unanticipated emergence of power had beguiled me, and I could not permit any potential solution to remain unaccounted for. My master furrowed her brow as she pondered the implications of my question. "Although I'd welcome any boon in this conflict, we should at least attempt to determine its origin." She finally decided. Motioning for me to join her, the intrigued magus sat upon the roof's apex, and began to unconsciously curl the hair about her right temple with her pointer finger while she studied the Reality Marble's illusory horizon. My ring mail clinked gently as I took my position beside my summoner, and after a brief pause, the young woman offered her speculations. "Your legends tell of how you absorbed the souls of your defeated foes, and from the information you and my runes have gathered, I know that both Lancer's master, Aldyn, and several of Assassin's bodies died in your presence. Did you perhaps, unintentionally absorb their power?"

"You raise an interesting theory." I pensively responded as I observed the dark silver cliffs which constituted the Marble's frontier. "Unfortunately, you overestimate the breadth of my skill. From what knowledge I've gleaned through inhabiting a servant's vessel, I understand that the process of soul absorption differs little in regards to people of my time period and servants involved in this war. If a Heroic Spirit slew an innocent civilian to prey upon their essence, the act would mirror that of an undead growing from the life force of his fallen adversaries. Having informed you of the nature of my ability, I presume you understand why I couldn't have claimed their strength." Eliswaren nodded solemnly, and for a slight second, her eyes regained the cold demeanor they'd once possessed at my summoning.

"Yes," she agreed. "Until a servant and master attain The Grail, the souls of this war's participants shall remain tethered to it. I'd only thought that your method might break those shackles. Regardless, our course is set. To ensure my survival, the other participants must perish, no matter the cost." As she finished speaking, the magus lightly flinched upon truly understanding the abhorrent nature of both her words and her mission. Hoping to repress her revulsion, the disillusioned mage feigned a dejected smile. She maintained her facade for a brief period before an irrepressible misery overcame her countenance, causing her lips to curl inward as she clamped her eyes shut. "My apologies," she breathed. "I had forgotten the vileness of this Grail War; this slaughter masquerading as holy conflict. It burdens me to consider how my salvation will arise from the extinguishing of twelve lives. However, terror truly grasps my heart when I envisage fate ordaining that I perform the deed, for in that defining moment, no sympathy of heart would elicit my mercy." Consumed with distress, my partner lapsed in her customary rigid posture as she buried her face in her hands to conceal her dismay. However, the anguish preying upon my distraught comrade had doggedly plagued my past, and I would not allow its persistence. Steadily, I brought my calloused hand to her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"I implore you. Do not falter." I encouraged. "Amidst our enemies, hesitation precedes death. Indeed, only the foolish loath a decisive heart. Besides," I chided in a lighter tone. "Only six must fall. We servants are ephemeral. When slaying us, you do not commit murder. You merely dash the aspirations of humanity's greatest champions." Eliswaren smiled sheepishly. She rose and offered me her hand as her eyes reclaimed their purposeful gaze.

"Twelve," She stated assertively. "I'd prefer my companion's existence hold meaning, for it does to me." I firmly took her hand as an approving grin etched itself across my face.

"A strong heart indeed!" Upon standing, I reexamined the Marble's bordering cliffs as Eliswaren bit her lip in an attempt to muster the courage to order me to carry her again. My enhanced vision had allowed me to discern an oddity in its silver hue, and just before my summoner decided she'd simply mount me without permission, I voiced my concern. "Eliswaren, do you observe any unsettling quality in yon bordering cliffs? Their color seems almost unbound to them." My partner followed my gaze, and affirmed my suspicions with a perplexed nod.

"I agree. The texture of their faces flows downward as if it were water." Eliswaren's eyes widened as realization dawned upon her face. "Damn it!" She spat. "How did I overlook this? Saber, take me to the peak at the Marble's center, now!" Without pause I took her upon my back and sprinted towards the mighty tower obstructing our path.

"What's wrong?" I hurriedly questioned. My iron boots pounded the tiles beneath me, scraping amber flecks of stone into the alleyways below as I pressed on. The concerned inflection of my summoner's voice had riled my nerves, and the air ominously stirring about us as we approached the tempest assailed peak did little to steel them.

"It's mercury." Eliswaren anxiously replied from behind my round shield. "Mercury is flowing down those cliffs and steadily flooding the area. Thankfully, we had already initially chosen to move towards the Marble's center and confront Caster. "

"What in Gwyn's name is mercury?" I asked. I could hear my master click her teeth in annoyance at my display of ignorance.

"A toxic metallic liquid Caster ingested far too much of during his life." She promptly responded.

"You've uncovered his identity then? Furthermore, how can a metal be liquid at this regular a heat?" I questioned.

"Don't worry about the mercury any more. Just keep moving on, and avoid anything silver." The annoyed mage answered. "I was quite certain of Caster's identity from the events at the pagoda you recounted, and the Marble has only confirmed my beliefs. Besides the mercury, the symbols upon the towers read Hann, Zhao, Yan, Wei, Chu, and Qi. Caster's identity is Qin Shi Huang Di, the First Emperor of China who united the warring kingdoms that held those titles. I had hoped to reveal his identity when I'd devised a plan to defeat him, but now, we can only hope that you or another servant can slay him before we all- Watch out!" She screamed as the ground beneath us violently quaked with more than enough force to hurl me off balance, breaking Eliswaren's white knuckled grip about my neck. The overwhelming tremor flung my companion towards the roofs edge as I regained my footing. She flailed in the air like a wounded bird buffeted by a ruthless wind as I lunged forward to aid her. The new strength within me emboldened my footsteps, planting my boots firmly in the crumbling terrain. I roared defiantly as I raced onwards, each panicked step closing the distance between us. However, each panicked step I took also signified another moment in which she fell, and for all my effort, I could not reach her in time. I cringed as she struck the ground. The ceramic plating of the roof cut through the back of her dress to scrape open gashes upon her exposed skin as she tumbled downward, and her arm bent in a grievous manner as it failed to halt her momentum. Fortunately, I reached her before she suffered further harm. She moaned in pain, arching her bloodied back and clutching at her limb in agony as I held her.

"Eliswaren, can you move?" I bellowed over the resounding quake.

"Arm broken… can't breathe!" She wheezed. "Carry me, now!" She winced as I swept her up from the rubble, but managed to brace her arm whilst panting an incantation. I spun about to face the mountain, eager to exact my vengeance upon Caster. However, the sight I met gave me pause. During Eliswaren's tumble, the resplendent stone of the gargantuan towers encircling the foreboding peak had begun to crumble from their foundations, revealing what had sparked the tumultuous quake. Beneath their opulent layer stirred all too familiar earthen limbs of tremendous proportion that gripped colossal variants of weapons wielded by Caster's army. As further brick dislodged from the diminishing spire, I caught a glimpse of the monumental effigy's daunting guise. The Chinese symbol for Hann decorated its brow, retaining the alabaster tint of its now collapsing restraints. Heavily pervaded with apathy, its heartless visage regarded both Eliswaren and me before locking upon my disabled ally. My eyes frantically darted about in hopes of discovering a safe haven for her as the imprisoned clay behemoth strained against its confines. I dove to a paved path below to hinder the warrior's vision before turning tail and dashing away in a bid to afford my search more time. The ground rumbled, causing wreckage to plummet about us as I weaved my way through the city's fallen masonry and transient inhabitants. I did not dare to venture a backward glance. As I retreated, the clamor of immense metal axes, blades, and armored boots cleaving apart the city resounded through the streets, signifying that not only had other heroic spirits engaged Caster's mountainous servants, but that my opponent had also freed itself. Finally, I spotted an already leveled shack spaced safely enough from its neighbors to avoid falling debris. Stepping over the threshold, I pressured half of a remaining wall to ensure it could support my wounded friend before leaning her against it. She smiled weakly through the thick layer of dust matting her crimson hair as blue tendrils she had summoned inched their way along her broken arm, slowly mending fractured bone and torn sinew.

"No further harm shall befall you here." I reassured her. However, before I could face my foe, Eliswaren's undamaged arm shot out to grip my leg. She inhaled wearily as she spoke.

"You must attack its heart. Automatons' cores must operate at a centralized point for proper energy distribution. I apologize, but I can offer no more after burdening you so."

"Nonsense," I scolded as I raised her chin. "I would have struck at its eyes." Without another word, I turned to square off against my enemy. The expressionless giant bore a titanic spear in its hands, and had already shortened a frightening amount of the distance between itself and Eliswaren. Aware that I needed to divert its attention, I vaulted up a nearby disheveled building and drew my sword as I pushed off the splintered tile, carving a rounded path about the approaching soldier.

"Sunlight Blade!" I cried as I thrust my straight sword into the air. Golden lightning fiercely burst outward from the hilt and enveloped the weapon's surface, ushered onward by the newfound power within me. However, the hulking clay construct had its course set, invigorating its reverberating pace as it trampled over the insignificant buildings barring its path to Eliswaren.

"Hold fiend!" I commanded as I stretched my free hand for the heavens and plunged my splendidly gleaming sword into the roof below me. The tremors of my opponent's earth shaking strides rocked the very core of the structure I stood upon as the massive titan barreled forward, raising its enormous lance in preparation to strike. While my fragile footing rattled below me, I held fast to my weapon's handle as I evoked my sacred birthright. The air about me crackled with energy as I forcefully compressed the surrounding light within my hand. Molding the power I'd claimed with my soul, I forged my family's noble miracle. First formed the core, a malleable, yet unbreakable frame in which I could imbue my strength. It resonated with my house's divinity as I crafted its brilliance, beseeching me to bestow it with my essence. Second came the lightning, surging forth from my soul to empower its host with a searing glare that disgraced the feeble blue strands clinging to the distant summit. I gritted my teeth as the captured rays within my palm screeched and writhed against my fingers while I awaited the bolt's completion. Only when sparks of my overflowing spirit broke from the luminous beacon to singe my iron helm and cloth tunic, did I hurl it forward with my unrestrained might.

"Great Lightning Spear," I chanted fervently as I loosed the bane of the Ancient Dragons.