Caster was not at all happy with what she was seeing. She had decided to scope out the place that her master had summoned her in. To get a feel for the area. How else was she supposed to plan her future conquest in this war if she didn't get to know where she was fighting from. A small part of her thought that a master who could summon her was competent. That they would have accommodations that would suit her every need. She deserved only the best after all. A lowly human should know that.

Yet she should have known. He was a human. They could never understand the Fae. To Fae, humans were stupid and slow thinkers. It was true in her time and it seemed they had not changed one bit. Oh well. Once she won this war, she wouldn't have to deal with their idiocy. One such idiocy was the lack of real defenses in this place. Oh sure, there were magical defenses but they were paltry tricks compared to her own spells.

The physical defenses? None to speak of. Little to no active soldiers or mercenaries to fight for him. Not even the homunculi these mages of this era loved to use. None. He was relying on his own skill and hers. Which meant he wanted her to do most if not all of the grunt work. That was unacceptable. She was the greatest Fae of her time. Fae across the land would tremble at the mere mention of her name. Humans? Ha! They had not but a dream to match her power. Her death at the hands of a prince was a fluke. She would not allow such a thing to happen again.

No. This place would not do. She would need to find somewhere else. Somewhere more secure or at the very least more to her liking. Where she could practice her magic easier. A place over a layline or some sort. She needed to find one and quickly. If the other servants started pushing their weight around, she did not like the idea of fighting here. Oh she would probably win but she hated to leave things to chance. As well, she would not allow fools to find a good spot for her. She had used fools once and it had cost her years of searching for one woman.

A crow flew on her shoulder and she smiled, "My dear friend. You are the only one here with the ability to truly think beside myself. I trust you can find me a suitable place to stay."

The crow nodded and spread its wings before taking off. To many, that crow would be like any other. She knew better. It was a familiar of hers. Intelligent and cunning. While it wasn't a fighter, it was very good at getting things done when ordered. Better than her brain dead minions in her previous life. She knew her crow was probably smarter than her human master. So she just had to wait. She knew that it wouldn't take long for it to find somewhere for her to use. Whether her master wanted to move or not wasn't her concern. He would do as she told him.

Issei smiled as he walked through the hallways, making his way to the school's exit. Today had been a good day. His mentor and idol Souichirou Kuzuki acknowledged him this morning for his grades. Oh that set him on a good path given how much he looked up to the man. He was like a father or big brother to him. Not just that, Ayako seemed to be in a chipper mood as well as Sakura. Both of them even sat beside him at lunch. While he didn't have a crush on them per se, they were rather beautiful and to have such lovely women beside him was a plus.

And on top of that he had check the school board. He had come in first place. Over Rin Tohsaka. Ohohoho, that made him feel fantastic~ Rin could be said to be his rival. He didn't know why… Okay he knew why. She was egotistical and selfish. She always tried to put herself above everyone and say she was perfect. That was a lie and Issei made it his mission to put her in her place.

Today had been one of those days. He wished he had seen her face when she saw the board. It would have been one he saved forever. For now he would be content with the frustrated cry he heard as he left. He had gone into the restroom to laugh about it right afterwards.

Right now he was heading to his locker. Opening it, he frowned. Inside was all of his stuff, yes, but there was more. A letter and two necklaces. Both of which had a red jewel on them. He took the letter and opened it.

/Dear Issei,

Strange days are approaching and I want you to have these. They will protect you. Guard them with your life. If you don't, I will hunt you down and gut you like a fish, mongrel. Be honored I spared you the time to write this. I really dislike lowering myself to these levels but you are worthy of at least some attention. So take care of them and give the other to your mentor, Kuzuki. I will know if you have disobeyed me./

That was it. That was all the letter said. Issei just shrugged and pocketed the letter, putting the necklaces in his backpack. No doubt it was some sort of love confession but he wasn't one to worry about such things. Then again, given the day he was having, no doubt it meant he was going to meet the prettiest girl in school and fall in love as he made his way home.

"ISSEI!" A familiar voice shrieked, filling the air with murderous intent.

Ah, the exact opposite was approaching him. Splendid.

Rin turned the corner with her ever trusty lack, Kotone, close behind. She stopped less than a metre in front of him, snarling like a beast. "How dare you?!"

"How dare I what?" He quirked an eyebrow, knowing what she was talking about.

"How dare you get ahead of me," Rin pointed an accusing finger at him, "You must have bribed Kuzuki to give you better grades. I have to say that's a low for you, Issei."

Issei snorted, "Of course your feeble mind can't comprehend someone being better than you. I hope one day you can work past your obvious failings and grow as a person. Probably won't happen any time soon, but one can hope."

"Why you…" Rin shook her fist as she stomped her foot, "Why should I listen to a man who's the least popular guy in school." She grinned, "You can't even get a girlfriend, but that's not surprising. No girl would ever find you appealing." She put her hand in front of her face and laughed, which sounded like 'ohohoho'.

"I can't help but wonder why you keep bring that up," Issei crossed his arms and smirked, "Are you secretly pining for me?"

"Eh?" Rin pulled back, blushing slightly. Unbeknownst to either of them, Kotone looked like she wanted to murder Issei for the very thought. "I would never like a loser like you who wimps out in the gym."

"I do not wimp out!" Issei's eye twitched before he calmed himself, "Besides, you've missed your chance." He patted his coat, "I've got a confession letter."

"Impossible," Rin pointed at his face, "Who wants to date a four eyed freak?"

"We're 16," Issei shouted and shook his fist, "Get better insults, you twintailed jerk."

"Oh you're trying to tell me to insult you better, eh?" Rin snarled, "I'll do that but I think your 'date' will do that for me. It's obviously a prank or a girl who's so delusional, she'll drive you up a wall on your first date."

"I'll show you," Issei moved forward as did Rin till their foreheads touched, glaring into each other's eyes with hate. "I'll be as successful on this date as I am on the board today."

"Fat chance," Rin scoffed, "This was a fluke. I'll win the next test week and rub it in your fat nose."

"My nose isn't fat."

"Umm," Kotone looked between them nervously, "Can you stop fighting? It's not exactly proper-"

"Stay out of this," Issei said to her.

"Don't shout at Kotone," Rin snarled and pushed his shoulders.

"I'm sorry," Issei bowed his head to Kotone, "That was wrong of me. I shouldn't shout at your girlfriend."

"She is not my girlfriend," Rin shouted.

Kotone grumbled angrily about that.

Issei guessed this day took a downhill spiral after this. He couldn't just let this argument die here. He hadn't won after all so they stayed like they usually did and Kotone, bless her heart, tried her best to keep the peace. Failed each time but she tried.

Travelling by boat was the only way the current Lord El Melloi was going to travel to Japan. He did not trust aeroplanes. He had no fears of flying, given that his previous servant was a dragon rider. It's just that there was so much wrong with the experience. You didn't get to feel the wind in your hair. Just the stiffy air trapped within the confines of some metal. It didn't help that they were liable to explode if another master decided to 'hire' someone to take care of you. He was in a new Grail War. Someone would want him dead for sure.

Yes, Kiritsugu was dead. He knew that very much but that didn't mean others couldn't take their place. Oh they could blow up a boat too. However, you could escape a boat easier than a falling plane. That and his own servant was a shipgirl. It gave an advantage to be out at sea. If a fight broke out, she could bail him out and destroy anyone in this environment with ease. On top of that, Bazett's servant could fly. They had the clear advantage in every aspect.

Gray's servant was a bit of a hassle here though. Dealing mostly with electricity, he wouldn't be that useful in a fight unless the enemy boarded the ship itself. Then he would be good at stalling or tearing apart any foolish master or servant to cross him. Every servant had weakness and it was up to a good master to cover them while utilizing their strengths. El Melloi would not leave anything to chance. Not when he had a grand wish to make come true.

She was smiling at him in bed, whispering 'I love you'.

Yes, it would become a reality. He would hold her once more and there was not a damn thing anyone could do about it. Altair would be by his side. They'd have a small home where they could raise their kids. He'd teach them his magic. Start a new lineage and do it with her. Every night they would kiss, snuggle, whatever they wanted. He… he just wanted her. The Holy Grail would make that happen.

The door opened up. In walked Gray, who shyly looked at him as she closed the door behind her. Again, she looked so like Saber that he couldn't help but picture it was her walking inside. He flinched slightly, half expecting to be hit by an attack. He didn't let that show but Gray could tell. He sighed when she seemed to draw into herself.

He stood up and walked over, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Is everything alright?"

Gray nodded, "I just wanted to come over and make sure you are alright, master."

El Melloi let a small smile come across his face, "I appreciate the concern but I am alright. You should look to yourself. I want you in tip top shape in the coming war."

"I understand."

"You don't," El Melloi said firmly, "Not entirely. This war will be unlike any battle you've fought before. We must be ready for anything."

"Admiral!" Rider kicked open the door and spread out her arms, "I've come to give you my burning love!"

El Melloi's eyes widened in terror and tried to run somewhere. He was not prepared for this. He was caught by the strong arms of Kongou, who rubbed her face against his back.

"Awww," Rider plopped him onto the bed, "My admiral is so anxious. You've probably built up a lot of stress about this war so you're jumping about. Don't you worry a hair on your head," she headpatted him, "I will make sure you are loved and taken cared of."

"That's what I'm worried about," El Melloi muttered, causing Gray to let out a little chuckle.

"And you can help out too, Gray." Rider said, pulling Gray into a one armed hold around her shoulders, "Our admiral needs extra care to ease his burdens."

"Easing master's burdens?" Gray blushed.

El Melloi shivered slightly as he was scared for his life, "Now Rider-"

"You're so lucky to have me, admiral." Rider chuckled, "I'll make sure you're life is full of passion and never have a dull moment again."

El Melloi groaned. This was just what he needed. He'd take anything to get out of this. Anything.

The boat rocked violently. Gray was safe as Rider kept her sturdy. El Melloi wasn't so lucky. He was sent tumbling to the ground. He quickly pushed himself up and shook the small slights of pain away.

"What was that?"

"Master," Gunner came running into the room with a gun in hand, "I saw it."

"Saw what," El Melloi didn't like the sound of this.

"It's a monster," Gunner answered, "Unlike anything we've ever seen. It's attacking the boat. What are your orders?"

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and sorry for the wait. can't wait to read your feedback as it really does help motivate me to continue. Until next time, take care and stay safe.