The radiance of white subsided with each passing moment. Rider's Pegasus beneath us began to slow. Unlimited Blade Works surrounding us had dissolved alongside Archer's escape.
As for Lancer, he was nowhere to be seen. Most likely recalled by his Master, or simply caught and killed in our charge.
My thoughts were cut short as the Pegasus beneath us dissolved into particles, sending both Medusa and me plummeting. We caught ourselves mid-air, landing on the ground with effortless grace.
Medusa turned a moment later, fixing me with a flat stare. Her body language made her demands clear.
"Sakura Matou?" I asked.
She nodded, then shook her head.
"More blood to replenish mana?" My eyes followed her movements.
She nodded, then shook her head again.
Both, then.
"Let's go. You can have your fill on the way." I said, turning on my heel. "Remember our deal—you fight for me from now on."
Rider offered no reply, following me in silence.
We reached the Matou manor a short distance away. I walked straight through its devastated rubble, my steps unbroken as I bypassed the estate entirely and made my way to a nearby road.
Parked beside that road was R1.
I vaulted over its seat, grabbed its handlebars, and kicked up the side stand.
Rider settled behind me, pulling my coat aside to expose my neck. She didn't wait, her breath slightly hurried as she bit into the skin.
I ignored her.
VROOM!
R1's tires bit into pavement, and our surroundings blurred into streaks of light.
A few seconds later, Rider pulled back, blood dripping from her lips.
"Can't feed properly."
I tilted my head, glancing back at her over my shoulder.
"Come forward." My voice remained blank.
Taking the cue, Medusa slithered from behind me like a serpent, sliding forward to rest on the fuel tank. Her legs coiled around my waist, her arms looping around my neck.
She buried her face in my neck once more, sank her fangs into the skin, and began to drink deeply.
I looked past her shoulder at the road ahead.
My hand twisted R1's throttle further.
VROOM!
Our destination?
Shirou Emiya's home.
...
..
.
Artoria loosened her grip on Excalibur, its golden radiance dying down with each passing moment.
A chasm had split open, deep enough to seem unending from above, stretching from where she stood all the way to where Heracles had been moments prior.
Now?
Nothing of him was left.
God Hand? Battle Continuation?
In front of Excalibur... all of it was as fragile as paper.
All twelve of his lives were depleted. Heracles was no longer a part of the Holy Grail War.
However... Excalibur's destruction had halted just meters short of a certain location.
The exact location where his Master stood.
Illyasviel.
She stood at the edge of that chasm, trembling. Her lips moved—no sound came out.
Tears cut silent tracks down her cheeks, but her eyes never left the empty space where Heracles had stood.
Artoria took it all in and let out a complex sigh.
They had won... then why did she feel so empty?
Medea materialised behind her at that exact moment.
"Saber, why did you stop? Let's kill her and be done with it." She spoke, glancing toward Illyasviel.
Her words echoed across the area as she took a step forward.
She, however, was stopped.
Excalibur stood in her path.
"Saber, are you betraying Master?" Medea asked, her voice hardening, her hostility toward Saber escalating.
"I would never betray Master. Since that Master's Servant is gone, she is no longer a threat." Artoria replied, her voice unwavering.
"You know that is not the case. She can form a contract with another Servant if the chance presents itself." Medea pointed out, looking at Artoria sharply.
"Caster, the chances of that happening are very low." Artoria's voice wavered now.
"Leaving her alive could become a hidden danger for Master." Medea continued, leaving Artoria unable to retort.
Caster took in Artoria's conflict, then spoke with a calculating glint.
"Let's ask Master what we should do. But you'll have to accept a condition of mine in exchange." She continued, gesturing for Artoria to come closer.
Artoria leaned in, and Medea whispered something in her ear. Artoria jumped back, her face flushing scarlet—not with anger, but with something closer to mortification.
"Absolutely not!"
"Then I'll go kill that child right now." Medea released a wicked chuckle, typical of a witch.
Struggle flashed across Artoria's face as her grip on Excalibur became crushing.
Artoria glanced at Illya, then back toward Medea. Her stance broke, her tense shoulders slumping.
"Alright... I agree."
Yay.
Medea let out a cheer inwardly.
Artoria then reached for her Master through their connection.
Master... Heracles is dead.
...
..
.
I concluded as much. If he didn't try to dodge your Excalibur, he wouldn't survive, demigod or not. I replied back.
Master... the reason I contacted you was to ask how you wish to deal with his Master. Medea is suggesting we kill her, while I am opposed to it. Artoria's tone laid her internal struggle bare.
Tell Medea to strip that Master of her Command Seals. We can keep her under house arrest until the end of the Holy Grail War.
A beat of silence.
Thank you... Master. Artoria answered, her gratitude evident through our connection.
What about your end, Master? she asked after a moment.
Everything is settled here too. R1 roared beneath me, our path winding toward Miyama Town.
Then, will you be coming back soon? Artoria asked after a second.
No. I have something to settle first. My response was instant as I glanced at Medusa.
Master... are you alone right now? she asked suddenly.
No. I'm with Rider.
What!? Artoria's composure fractured.
...
..
.
"Saber, what happened?" Medea asked, her face turning grave at Artoria's shout.
Artoria glanced at Medea, her expression tight.
"Caster... Master is with Rider right now."
Medea felt her footing slip.
"How!? Why!?" Her voice was hoarse. "Home... Our home."
Artoria looked at Medea's reaction, her own expression twisting further.
...
..
.
[Authors Thoughts]
And this concludes the first half of the Holy Grail War. Some mysteries are still left to unfurl. Questions such as did Lancer survive? and who is assassin?
We're near chapter 40 by now. To be honest, now the last stretch itself is left. Probably around 10 to 15 chapters max.
...
Have a good day everyone!