Final Wish – Chapter 1

I do not own the Fate franchise. It is the property of Type moon, and as such not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

It looks like her part in the Holy Grail war was at an end. That assassin was defiantly no push over though given she cheated and was more a kin to caster soothed her ego a little. Still she thought that Sieg would prevail in the end and there wasn't a chance he`d use the wish for something heinous so she and her master had fulfilled their objective if nothing else. She'd come a long way since her summoning and it was all thanks to the man dying before her.

There was nothing to be done. His fate sealed as surely as her own. Yet as he shares a final cigarette with her, his contentment is plain though their connection. No regrets. For a brief time she had known what it felt like to have a father despite how unconventional the whole situation was. It was through that relationship that she had come to understand her biological father better. There was still a part of her that wanted to kill him, to prove she was better than him. That he was wrong to reject her. Yet it was tempered now. As Saber of Red fades away she can't help but wish she could meet her Father again and show him how far she had come.

Mordred was many things but polite was not of them. This was especially true when it came to dealing with the Fae folk who she viewed with a deep rooted contempt for their connection to magic and her father. It is no surprise therefore that upon opening her eyes for the first time since fading away on assassins floating garden that she snarls demandingly at one such creature, "Who the hell are you!?"

The small blue nymph that had been smiling serenely down at Mordred recoils, its large black eyes widening in shock as it flutters backwards on translucent wings. It quickly recovers its composure however and precedes to scowl in return as it humphs indignantly and points at Mordred with an accusatory finger.

"What kind of greeting is that Human?" The creature begins irritable as it fixes its ruffled long black hair back into place behind its dagger like ears, "It's no wonder so many of your kind never make it here. Why it's like I always say to Lilith you savages are not fit see one of us let alone set foot in this place." The fairy stops its tirade for a moment; looking the sitting Mordred up and down as its scowl only deepens into open disgust.

"Keep looking at me like fairy and ill cut you in half." Mordred bites out, springing to her feet and gesturing as if to summon her trusty sword as she had down so many times during the grail war. "Mordred Pendragon, the future king of Britain stands before you and I will not be looked down upon by anyone let alone a cur like you."

Under normal circumstances such a proclamation would make even the most veteran of soldiers pause given the renowned prowess attached to that name. However instead of the radiant blade Clarent appearing to enforce her statement nothing materialised. An ill omen that would have caused Mordred great distress if she had the time to process the failed summoning.

As it was the flying imp burst into hysterics in that moment of failure which had the side of effect of overloading Mordred`s confused mind with pure rage instead.

"Oh there's no weapons allowed here monkey." The Fae titters with mocking joy as it floats closer, its elegant long white gown just centimetres from brushing up against the lush green glass below. "How a simpleton like you managed to get here ill ne-Ugh..." The Fairy stops mid sentence with a pain filled gurgle as Mordred`s hand shoots forward around its neck and begins to squeeze.

"Who says I need a weapon Fae? Now unless you want me to strangle the life out of you I suggest you tell me who you are and where I am right now." To add to the threat Mordred squeezes that little bit tighter though not enough to kill. Despite her initial anger at the Fae Mordred`s blood lust had quickly faded as the significance of the Faes presence finally registered within her mind.

"I guess I should be glad I was summoned as a Saber rather than Berseker or this could have gone decidedly different." She admits begrudgingly, finding the image of that scenario rather appealing despite herself. "If a Fae is here then it can't be the mortal plane and I can remember the grail war I just fought in so I can't be in the throne of hero's. Where the hell am I?"

"I believe I can answer your questions Mordred Pendragon." Another voice cuts in from behind them before Mordred`s captive can answer, the owners tone serene but with an undercurrent of power than she knew should not be trifled with. "That is of course providing you release my misbehaving subordinate who seems to have allowed her dislike of humans to colour her duties again. For that I can only apologise and hope you won't take further offence and ruin your chance at of obtaining peace."

Looking back over her shoulder, her hands still firmly on the Fae`s throat, Mordred takes stock of the new arrival as they emerge from the dense forest surrounding them. She was similar in frame to the first Fae though from the stories her so called mother had told the knight as child that build was the norm for those of their kind.

"I wonder if that sword of fathers also passed on the ability to maintain a slim figure no matter how much you consume." Mordred muses with a degree of melancholy, recalling how her father had managed to consistently eat an armies worth of food and not show a sign of a widening stomach. Something Mordred had taken great delight in mimicking once she joined the round table given her similar disposition towards food."Kinda sad to say but it was one of the few things we were able to bond over...even if father only saw me as a fellow knight."

Pushing those conflicted thoughts of her father aside, Mordred acknowledges that this Fae was indeed markedly different from her captive. Indeed beside her braided long blonde hair and additional set of wings this creature's aura was as powerful as her voice suggested.

"I hate backing down but tangling with that thing is probably not a good idea right now. Best to do what it says so I can find out what's going on". Mordred decides reasonable before adding with a smirk to herself, "And hey I can always cut its head off later if needs be."

With her course of action decided Mordred reluctantly lets go. "Fair enough." Mordred agrees with a shrug before grinning wolfishly at her former prey, "Scram Fae before I change my mind. Oh and if I ever catch that kind of attitude from you again you better bet you wont be so lucky.

The newly released Fae rubs her neck with a scowl, looking as if they were going to argue before they catch the look of reproach from her apparent senior. The Fae`s head quickly looks down with a mix of shame and anger before quickly leaving the scene. Yet Mordred couldn't help but notice a look of fear materialising on the Fae`s face as it passes its counterpart. A barely audible "We will speak about this later." uttered by the blonde haired Fae as its fellow passes by.

Feeling somewhat vindicated now knowing her antagonizer would likely be punished in some form, and by the look of fear it would not be pleasant, Mordred greets, "I'm glad to see someone has manners up here. Honestly looking down on someone you just met is a bad way to end up dead."

Moving to meet the Fae, Mordred maintains an open demeanour having decided the less confrontational approach would maybe serve her better on this occasion. That being said the creature was still a Fae meaning Mordred`s guard was still up all the same. "So you apparently know my name but I'm at a disadvantage here. What's your name and more importantly why am I here?"

Maintaining a serene smile, one that would probably annoy Mordred given time if she was honest, the Fae responds, "Apologies I am Lilith, the custodian of these lands and all its inhabitants. As such I can again only apologise for not instructing Aoife more thoroughly. As a greeter she should be above such petty prejudice but alas her passed experience with humans has apparently left a greater mark on her than I feared."

Lilith bows slightly, her voice tinged with regret, "Please do not allow that to impact on your experience going forward. " The Faes head rises, her impressive aura rising a hundred fold as her voice takes on an edge of warning, "However you must know that violence is strictly prohibited outside of the sparring arena. As a newcomer there is some leeway but please refrain from further displays of aggression. The results would not be pleasant."

Sensing the overwhelming power a part of Mordred almost leaps at the chance to prove herself against such a seemingly powerful being. But as before Mordred is happy that she was not summoned as a Berseker .

"Maybe if I had Clarent I could take her but even then it might be pushing it." Mordred ponders, envisaging all the possible moves she might make to take down such a creature. "Still there's nothing to be gained from antagonising her and I need to know what's going on before i can decide what to do. I'll give it to father this diplomacy crap is harder than I thought."

Swallowing her pride at the implied threat Mordred responds as calmly as possible, doing her best to suppress the discontent she feels "Ok your house your rules and as for the other stuff its water under the bridge. Consider it apology accepted ok." Seeing the small nod of approval from Lilith Mordred continues with barely concealed impatience, "Now with that out of the way can you tell me what the hell is going on."

Either not noticing or ignoring Mordred`s mood, Lilith smiles amicable. "Of course. To answer your question your soul has passed on to the Land of the Eternal Spring thanks in part to your actions in the Holy Grail War."

It takes a moment for Mordred to put the pieces together and realise what the Fae had said, "Avalon? " She breaths out in shock, taking a step back from the Fae in sheer disbelief, "H-how can that be. I-I can't possibly be there. It's said only those of Britain that the Fae deem worthy may reside." Casting her gaze away from the Fae, Mordred adds bitterly, "I sullied every good deed I ever did by letting Britain fall to the Saxons ... All because I couldn't stand father rejecting me...just as mother said he would."

"We prefer our name for this place as opposed to the human term but yes." Lilith confirms with the same unwavering tone of serenity despite Mordred`s now openly dark mood, "However it was judged that you are no longer the same person as the one who rebelled against your sire. Given your actions during the war you have more than made up for your past shortcomings."

Seeing Mordred`s incredulous look the Fae sighs and adds, "Most of what humans know of this place is poorly retold myth at best. Though rare it is possible for those with a less pristine past to be re-judged in light of new deeds as you were. Indeed though exceedingly rare even those not born of Britain but pure of spirit may find themselves here. So long as they are willing to defend Britain when the time comes for our islands to face its greatest threat we are willing to accommodate."

Mordred mulls the Faes explanation over in her head. The knights natural distrust of the Fae and admittedly people in general warring against her desire to be accepted. To be told she was worthy after all.

"And given everything I've seen there really isn't any other explanation." Mordred acknowledges with a welling sense of pride before reality sets in and her mood darkens again, "I guess fate as a twisted sense of humour if it wants Britain's destroyer to save it one day. Still that doesn't mean I'm happy being volunteered to be the Fae`s attack dog."

Staring defiantly at Lilith, Mordred voices her petulant annoyance, "Say I accept your explanation. Who says id want to be your little pet to unleash on your enemies whenever you please? You should know how it ended for the last person I had to serve unwillingly."

"Oh it is of course your choice whether you accept our offer." Lilith replies completely unperturbed a small impish smile forming as she tilts her head in question, "But are you saying you wouldn't wish to defend Britain when it needs it most?"

"Damn know it all Fae." Mordred curses knowing the creature had backed her into a corner. "I may have broken my vow to father but despite everything I can never go back on my word to protect Britain and she already knows that. Besides it may be the only way I can ever truly wash away my shame for letting it fall in the first place."

Seeing no way to save face Mordred `Humphs` irritably, "Fine that was a stupid question I guess. Of course I want to defend Britain. Even if that means having to work with the Fae." Mordred pauses as she loses steam and calms down, another piece of detail of the Faes words rolling in her mind.

"That aside..." Mordred begins hesitantly, not used to being unsure of something, "What about Kairi, my master? You said those not of Britain could make it here and he was just as instrumental if not more so in the wars conclusion. Hell if not for him there's no way I could have started coming to grips with what happened between me and father. I-I owe him more than one can made up for in one life time."

The Faes smile falters for the first time, a look of sadness passing through her features before her usual demeanour is restored. "I am sorry Mordred." She soothes gently, "Though your masters deeds were great in this instance he would not be considered eligible for a place here or in the throne of heroes. As I said it is rare for any human to reside here let alone a mostly normal one."

She frowns slightly while suppressing a grimace as if she had tasted something foul, something that boosted Mordred`s spirits despite the answer she was receiving."There is also the matter of his necromancy that has tainted his spirit so. He would not be capable of residing here even if we wished it."

Lilith pauses, looking into the distance as if searching for something before continuing with seemingly genuine sympathy, "There may yet be another version of this human from another plain of existence that would qualify but none have emerged as yet. It also must be said that even if such an individual did occur they would be unlikely to be the same person you knew or be sent to this plain. Im sorry Mordred but it is unlikely the master you knew would ever be able to join you here."

Having expected the response Mordred lets out a forlorn sigh, suppressing the feelings of resentment bubbling beneath the surface. "No I already guessed that would be the answer but hoped I was wrong anyway" She chuckles fondly, remembering her time with her master, "And yeah I've got to say the whole necromancy stuff wasn't my favourite thing about him either. Though it worked for him and saved our butts on a few occasion so I can't really hold against him... even if it means I can't see the idiot again."

"I can keep a watch on the throne for him if you wish. "Lilith responds with restored professional composure, "It will after all be some time before Britain faces its trial. Stranger occurrences though rare have happened. Your own situation being a prime example."

"The last thing I want is to be indebted to her any more than I already am." Mordred ruminates as the knights desire to help her master struggles against long held prejudice, "But even if it's a slim chance I owe it to Kairi to accept. Being petty at this point won't help anyone."

With that in mind Mordred infuses her reply with as much gratitude as she can muster. Something which incidentally would still be barely noticeable to most but not the empathetic Fae, "Ehh if you could that be great. Even knowing he found happiness somewhere would be nice ...So thanks I guess."

"Thats no problem." Lilith responds with a knowing smile, one Mordred has to trying really hard not to punch in response, "We have prepared a dwelling for you in the meantime. You can also meet your fellow denizens in the communal areas and use the sparring arena for practise as well if you wish." Fixing Mordred with an intense though seemingly still friendly stare, she concludes, "Hopefully that should prevent any more unauthorised acts of violence yes."

Rubbing the back of her head in slight embarrassment, though still believing the uppity Fae got what was coming to them, Mordred agrees unruffled, "Yeah yeah you wont be getting any more problems from me ok. Though id advise keeping what's her face away from me. For both our sakes."

Seemingly accepting her answer in good spirits, at least as far as Mordred could tell, Lilith turns to leave offering a simple, "That can be arranged."

"Hey wait a minute!" Mordred calls out in frustration while looking around the grassy clearing in utter confusion, "How do I get to my new place or any of that other stuff you mentioned?"

Turning back, Lilith lets out a small chuckle and a smile that she tries to hide with her hand, "Oh my how silly of me I almost forgot. Simply think on the place you want to be and a portal will appear leading to it."

"It's that easy? " Mordred asked with a raised eyebrow just as a wispy portal of cloud appears in answer, its depths a swirling pool of colour.

"Indeed." The Fae confirms with a smile before her mask slips momentarily, a slight frown of apprehension forming. "There is one other matter. You recall how I said your situation was an example of an unusual entry into our lands?"

Scratching her chin in thought Mordred replies with an uncertain scowl, "Yeah I remember. I thought you meant because of how chequered my past is?"

"That is part of the answer but not the main point." Lilith answers with care as if trying to figure out the best way to present the information, "For reasons unknown to ourselves it seems the grail of your war heard your final wish and granted it in some measure despite you not being the final servant."

"My final wish?" Mordred questions in confusion, struggling to remember her final moments as clearly as she would like. "Well I was dying and probably a little delirious from all the damage I took so I guess I can't really hold myself accountable. Still why the hell would I want to end up here?

"It appears so." Lilth answers seemingly as confused as her, "The magic that transported you here was unmistakable but its intent a mystery. All we knew was that you had been sent here from another plain of existence. While you remained unconscious we inspected the events of your grail war through the throne. Seeing all that had occurred it was determined you were indeed worthy to remain in our lands despite the unorthodox way you arrived."

Pausing Lilith seems to brace herself. At the same time Mordred had only been listening with half an ear, trying with growing frustration to figure out what her last wish could have been. However her attention is regained fully once more as she registered the uncharacteristic uncertainty in Liliths voice.

"It was not of course guaranteed that we would allow you to stay here given your past and noted mistrust of our kind." Lilith explains, studying Mordred`s reaction with interest.

Mordred having no comeback given what happened simply shrug's. Apparently pleased with her reaction, Lilith continues though with still a hint of doubt in what she was communicating. "In any case what secured your place was one of our denizens strong canvassing on your behalf."

"Well I'm not sure if I should thank them or punch them honestly." Mordred wonders out loud, her emotions still somewhat conflicted over the issue but her voice whimsical. However more pressing for the knight was her suspicion that whatever was making the Fae so uncertain was the identity of Mordred`s benefactor. "Ahh doesn't matter I'll decide when I meet them. So who are they?"

Grimacing slightly, the Fae responds, "They actually wished to greet you but given your past I suggested they wait for you to approach them. If you still wished to do so of course."

It was at the moment Mordred experienced a sinking feeling deep in her chest. There were many people she had called enemies in her life. Some undeserved and others very much so. But when thinking on the person who had caused the most grief only one name came to mind.

"Y-You don't mean...?" Mordred chokes out just as the memory of her final wish comes to the forefront of the knights mind.

Seemingly relieved to finally say it Lilith responds, "Yes. The person who spoke on your behalf is your sire, Arturia Pendragon."