Fate/Broken Melody Chapter 11: Assassin vs Rider

Lord El-Melloi II PoV

That priest…I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was something off about him. Ominous, more like. The lack of utter disgust at me being a magus was one thing. There were quite a few members that could disguise their true feelings quite well.

But there was just something else wrong with him. And that was without taking in the strange feeling Gray got from the church.

Having Reines stay back seems to have been the correct decision here.

"Sir, what is a heroic spirit like?"

Gray asked, as we headed back to the city. Reines was now tagging along as well after safely being left in a nearby cafe while we visited the the overseer of the Holy Grail War.

…Despite telling us pretty much nothing, he seemed to think that there wasn't a high likelihood of there being more masters in the war. Which either meant that most of the slots were already filled or…

No.

That wasn't something I would easily accept. Not now, and not ever.

…A heroic spirit huh…

After adjusting my glasses, I glanced over at Gray. Not her face, of course, but just the top of her head where her hood was covering.

I can still see the images of those servants at the banquet so vividly in my mind.

"…They are some of the greatest and most well known heroes of all time. They are prideful presences that are larger than life. Figures that command the very air around them."

The presence of a servant wasn't something to underestimate. Their legend preceded them. Even without being a master…there was no doubt in my mind.

"You will know when you encounter a servant on sight. There presence defies belief."

"Oho? I'll have to hold you to that…"

Reines finally spoke up. Placing her hand in front of her mouth in a teasing manner. She didn't understand-no, it was more that she couldn't possibly understand. It's one thing to hear about them. For someone to explain what they were or to even see what they look like.

It was something else entirely to truly see them with your own eyes.

My attention was brought back to the front as we walked deeper into the city. People were converging on some sort of street performance in the middle of the city. I wasn't really paying that much attention to it. It didn't help that the noise of the crowd helped drown out the instruments that-

"Take a breath. Hold it tight. Trace the memory in every line~"

The voice sung, no…it commanded my attention. My legs refused to continue to move, no matter what I attempted to do. I wasn't even in control of my own head either, as it was forced to move by itself.

A warning to the others was on my lips, but it couldn't get out of my mouth. No, if it was enough to get me…then they were likely already under it's spell as well.

"Does anyone feel what I feel? I know you're feeling what I feel, oh woah~"

The crowd cheered and surged in response to the loud and crisp voice. It wasn't just louder than the crowd, it was as if it was on a different wavelength. Almost to the point of being telepathic instead of being purely audible.

There was a band sitting on a small stage. Playing music in tandem with the singer. But their efforts were secondary to his own as he roared out loud with his guitar. Capturing the minds and hearts of the crowd.

His voice was taking shape in my mind. Forcing itself inside in order to establish itself. Despite only have taken a single glance at his figure, it's image was being burnt into my very soul.

Was this…some sort of charm skill!?

"And every word is a piece of me. Every single note, every breath I breathe!"

…No. I had only felt this kind of allure once before. And it was only due to that pull being stronger than this one that I could resist it. His massive back facing towards me as his cape flutters in the wind…

This was just pure charisma. There wasn't anything truly magical about it, besides the fact that the only people with that sort of pull were extraordinarily rare.

"Eugh…!"

I was able to break free due to a grunt from Gray. Allowing me to observe her as she seemed to bend over. Her arms covering her stomach as her face flushed with an uneasy expression.

Now that I was able to focus on it, there was a stirring feeling inside my own body. But it wasn't just situated near the stomach it was all around my body.

…No, this feeling…it felt similar to-

"Ghh!"

This time it was Reines who groaned out loud as her mystic eyes seemed to force themselves to be active. Yet she only seemed to be in pain for only a brief moment, before her eyes started to widen.

"Is a cry out 'Can you hear me?' Let me know if you can hear me!"

"…Reines…!"

"…Hey hey…are you kidding me…?"

There was no doubt about it. This power I was feeling…it was the same that was commanded by Melvin Weins.

It was the power of a tuner.

For some reason my magical circuits were being strengthened. Or at the very least, tampered with just by an audible cue.

There's no doubt about it. This man…was likely a master.

Whatever was keeping us in place had only been temporary. a minute or two at most. Which means keeping us in place wasn't the main purpose of the magecraft. Though I was already suspecting that due to the tuning process.

Any half decent magus would be able to recognize the signs of their magic circuits being tuned. Temporarily increasing their own abilities for a short time.

But the level of this…!

Melvin Weins wasn't anywhere close to a top notch magus, but his tuning magecraft was the real deal. It was the only part of him that I'd be hard pressed to find anything wrong with.

And yet this was several leagues above that.

Which made this only more stressful. There was no such thing as free power. It all came at a price somewhere down the line. Even Melvin's own power was only possible due to a ridiculously expensive mystic code.

There was no doubt about it. This must have been a form of some sort of unspoken magical contract. One that gave temporary power in exchange for something else. My own life force was a possible component, though it could be something more physical as well.

Either way, I needed to disrupt it before whatever penalty incapacitates me, or worse.

"Gray."

I called out, but to no avail. She seemed too wrapped up in her own little world, as she continued to simply stare off at the singer. Even Add who was shaking and attempting to get her attention was failing to do so.

Reines wasn't fairing much better. As while she was able to look away, she was just staring around herself aimlessly and wordlessly. Which a perplexed and shocked expression on her face. Her mystic eyes still activated.

…That would likely irritate her later.

Without a moment to lose, I carefully started to go around the crowd. Knowing better than to attempt to start something in the middle of so many people…unlike the magus himself.

Even if I could, it wouldn't be a particularly good idea. This power and potent magecraft…was likely only obtainable by the power of a servant. A Caster, if I had to guess, but it was too early to say so decisively.

A spell that targets specifically magus's…it's insidious nature was quite remarkable. I only wished I wasn't on the other end of it.

Getting away from the crowd wasn't particularly difficult. Most of them were barely moving or paying attention to anything outside of the music and themselves. As if their perception of the world was entirely cut off.

I grit my teeth as my body burned with power that wasn't mine. It wasn't a particularly painful feeling in the least, which only filled me with even more dread. At the very least, pain would be an indicator for how much time I had left. Not having anything kept me in fear of when the other shoe would drop.

…And then as the next song winded to a close, the singer stepped backwards.

The people that were in the crowd blinked a few times before quickly cheering out loud. Roaring with applause and approval, perhaps even with the wish of an encore performance.

Yet, it seemed that he didn't seem to be in the mood for it.

…Of course.

This hadn't been a targeted attack for me, or for Reines. It was to attack the other masters…and force their servants to fight at a disadvantage. And since no servants had shown up, they were throwing in the towel for this area.

This sort of scheme…yeah, there's no doubt about it. The one to come up with this plan must be from the clocktower. Only someone like that could think up such a unsavory plan.

…I had taken my eyes off of him for only a moment. No, not even that. It was the fraction of a second that it took to blink my eyes, and yet the entire band had disappeared before my eyes. Fading away into the ether.

Control of perception. Magic Circuit tuning. The ability to play music.

It would seem that this time it would be no different than the previous Holy Grail War in terms of talented opponents. That was fine. As long as I could summon him…

That's all that really mattered.

*~o~*

Orpheus PoV

I was a bit sad to see the skeletons that Medea had summoned get dismissed. They had been jamming out with me over the better part of two hours, which made us closer together. Sure, they weren't actually playing music, but it still counted damn it.

As I continued traveling down the empty misty roads of Fuyuki, I couldn't help but remember Medea's words before this trip.

Stealth…

Sneaky…

M-mmm…

Well, that might have slipped my mind a bit in the heat of the moment. Just a tad. Really if anyone was to blame it'd be…anyone that wasn't named Orpheus! Haha.

Although I seemed alone, Medea was monitoring nearby in her spirit form. Personally I didn't see the point in such things. Why not enjoy every moment of life that we were given? The smells, the sights, the sounds…

It was nice. Peaceful. Practically romantic, even.

Which is why I was a bit annoyed to hear the dark and ominous song once again. Causing me to sigh out loud. It was the same song that I had heard watching us when I had been fighting against Saber. It would seem as though I had an admirer…

Unfortunately, I wasn't the type to give out autographs.

"…I can hear you getting closer, you know."

I spoke out loud. Turning my head slightly in the direction of the sound. Medea reacted with confusion as to my actions, but I was used to things like that. They couldn't see and hear the same things I could.

The dark and rather discordant notes paused for a bit, before gradually receding back into the darkness. Medea decided to attempt to investigate the area, but I doubted she would find anything. Then again, if someone could, it would likely be her.

So I continued on my path home. That is to say, Illya's castle!

Despite the ominous noise having fallen into the background, my mood was still rather good. The impromptu concert had been a lot of fun. Playing music for others was my very calling. It was an easy thing to do that never failed to improve the moods of everyone involved, even back on the Argo.

And that included Atalanta as well.

Music was wonderful like that. It was the very breath of life. The rhythm of all souls moving in tandem. Most people couldn't see it, but everything could be broken down into notes. The fundamental building blocks of reality.

The world didn't sing, it WAS a song. Everything was. If it wasn't, then it wouldn't exist.

It was that simple.

Even a rather unnerving song was better than nothing at all. Because without anything you had nothing. Thus there wouldn't be a point in existing.

The sound of my footsteps stopped as I paused, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the sound didn't continue. Because it wasn't my footsteps that were echoing in the street.

I opened my eyes.

"Is your life difficult, or is it one that's as easy as breathing?"

The only other person on the street STARED back at me. Her EYES not giving any indication of having even heard my question. To a point she reminded me a bit of King Gilgamesh in her demeanor.

No, she didn't carry herself with the bearing of a king, or some self important and ridiculous beliefs. But what she did do was barely pay my words any sort of attention. As if I wasn't someone worth giving more than just the bare minimum of effort.

After what felt like several minutes of complete silence, she finally responded.

"…Huh?"

A wry grin found it's way onto my face as I looked apologetic. Rubbing the back of my neck in an awkward manner.

"Ah, sorry. That must have been a strange question huh?"

"…Hmm."

The girl in the red jacket merely hummed in response. Her EYES just barely tracking me. I decided to continue the conversation as she seemed unwilling to make the first move.

"It's just that with such beautiful eyes I thought to myself that either this person has had to struggle constantly in life or…"

It would seem as though I finally had more than an ounce of her attention, as she was now LOOKING directly at me silently. Gauging my words as I trailed off.

"…That this person was an irredeemable monster that needs to be put down."

I smiled at the red jacket girl who didn't so much as physically react in the slightest. Instead lazily locking EYES with me until she finally craned her neck.

"Hmm…an irredeemable monster huh…"

She muttered more to herself than me. As if I wasn't even a part of the conversation at that point. Her EYES turned skyward for a brief moment before coming back down and GAZING at me.

"Oh. I'd also appreciate it if you didn't turn those eyes towards me. You know how people like to pinch the cheeks of children that are cute? I have that feeling with your eyes."

She let out another grunt like sound at that as her EYES narrowed slightly. Her posture shifting until it was finally facing towards me. She jutted her chin out a bit as she spoke.

"Are you…hitting on me?"

…Hmm?

Huh?

What? No seriously, who's first thoughts were anything like that? Was this girl some sort of idiot!?

"That's what you took from that. That…I was hitting on you."

Any cool and mysterious allure that I held went straight out the window as I stared dumbly at the girl. Squinting my eyes in an attempt to make sense of it all. In turn she didn't react at all.

"…You're not?"

Huh. Alrighty then. We're doing this I guess.

"Yep. That's exactly what I was doing. I fell in love with you at first sight! Please go out with me!"

I yelled out before bowing my head in her direction. Ah, ever since I saw that on TV I've always wanted to try that line out. The Japanese people seemed so fun and dramatic. I know for a fact the muses would have enjoyed life here.

Her attention was fixed on me for a few seconds before finally facing away. Seeming to have lost interest.

"I'm not interested."

AH! I was rejected! I hadn't even been serious but…that still stung! Is this what they call 'easy to love, but hard to lose'!?

I gripped my chest before falling back a bit, catching myself at the last second before wincing.

"It's painful to not love, but it's even more painful to not be capable of it."

"What?"

"RECONSIDER! Give me your affection before you're cursed!"

I exclaimed to the girl in the red jacket who finally started to show emotion. That which was a raised eyebrow in confusion before a small and faint smile appeared on her face.

"You. You're a weirdo, aren't you?"

Shiki Ryougi PoV

One. Two. Three. Four.

The weirdo kept talking. His movements were heavily exaggerated, and yet somehow they were still eye catching. It was like watching a live performance of a TV show. It was fake, and yet still entertaining.

Five. Six. Seven. Eight.

He was interested in me. His energy was practically palpable as he bounced around the place. Usually such people weren't worth paying attention to, and yet…

There was something off about him.

Something almost…familiar. In a sense. Like a memory that you can't quite recall, but is still on the cusp of being remembered. Yet focusing doesn't seem to help at all.

Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve.

Hmm…if I had to compare him to someone, it would likely be Touko. Yet he was also fundamentally very different. He was a hard person to categorize, as he seemed to slip between whatever label is put on him. An interesting gimmick.

Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen.

He was interested in what I was doing here, but I only told him the bare basics. That I was here for work. Despite obviously being unsatisfied with that answer, he didn't ask for more.

Which would be a very Touko like thing to do…except he blatantly stated how interested he was in knowing more. And that I was a 'cheapskate' for not telling him anything.

Instead of hiding his thoughts, he spoke them out loud. He was both showing his hand, and yet hiding cards on the table…only to quickly reveal those as well.

I disliked him, and yet, I would also like him.

Then I would dislike him again, only to like his next action.

People weren't very complicated. Not as much as they believe, at any rate. Even in this situation, I don't think this guy was as such either. If I had to describe him as something, it would be…

Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty.

…a pet.

"Well, it was nice meeting you Shiki!"

It was a rather abrupt ending to the conversation. I hadn't expected him to be the one to end it either. His actions were hard to predict. As if he was intentionally doing things in such a manner to continuously surprise me. Even him walking away was quick.

Hmm.

There was something scratching at me. A curiosity that suddenly found itself at my feet. What would I see if I looked at him now?

And that errant thought was all it took for me to try it.

I knew it.

That guy…

"Ah! You peeked!"

He wasn't human at all, was he?

*~o~*

Rin Tohsaka PoV

Sleep has been rather elusive this past week. The cause of which didn't even need to be pointed out. The stress of this Holy Grail War was pressing down on me. As well as the responsibilities that come with being the Second Owner.

That bastard Kirei told me that he had been visited by magus's from the clocktower. One's that notably didn't greet me themselves. Causing even further stress to build up on my shoulders.

What, they respected the church not the Tohsaka family!? Or were they already planning some sort of attack…

There was just too many things I didn't know.

With an exhausted sigh, I stepped back into class. Several of my classmates were able to see through my act and noticed how tired I seemed. To which I simply waved off politely.

They couldn't understand. No, it wasn't possible for someone like them. Not without understanding the truth of this world.

…I couldn't do anything about Shirou or Saber at this point. It was highly likely that by now they were both killed. But even if they weren't, there was no way to win a fight against THREE servants.

Orpheus, the musician. He was apparently the weakest of the bunch, and seemed rather kind. Yet he was much stronger than I had been expecting. His attacks weren't even able to be perceived visually. Likely due to producing some sort of soundwave via musical magecraft.

It was a fighting style highly reliant on surprise and speed. In other words, it had a gimmick, but it was still a strong one.

Then, according to Atalanta, there was Medea the witch. The wife of Jason who killed her own children after he announced he was to be married to another. Atalanta seemed to be familiar with her, and her magecraft seemed to be the real deal. So she was definitely a caster.

And then there was the biggest threat of all.

Hercules.

The one who undertook the twelve labors and rose to become a god on Olympus. Even just looking at him I knew he was a threat like none other. Atalanta wouldn't admit it, but she at noted that if all possible, she'd like to avoid a head on fight with him.

He was just on another level.

I couldn't take on three servants. That was pretty much an impossible task for anyone. Not to mention that there was obviously an Einzbern helping lead them.

No matter how I wish to change things, I simply couldn't. In this matter I was practically powerless. So instead of focusing on things I couldn't change, I needed to bide my time and work on things that I could.

That being investigating the bounded field that was still around the school. Atalanta let out a loud tsking sound as the school bell rang, and the door to the classroom opened.

"Good morning, class. Mr. Nakamura was feeling under the weather, so I'll be the substitute teacher for today."

I hummed at that without looking up. I've heard about people being found unconscious around Fuyuki. They also seem to be happening around the school. It was possible that it was related to a servant.

The sound of chalk met my ears as the substitute teacher wrote on the board. Making clear lines as marked them and hummed while doing so.

"Please refer to me as Euripides. Today I will be teaching you all about music theory."

…Hmm? Music?

Master, I have the shot.

Huh? What?

I looked up to see the class whispering loudly to each other. Their hands covering their mouths as they all seemed to be looking in the same direction. That of course being the substitute teacher who was a bit tall, and had a muscular form that formed around his clothes.

He was also incredibly familiar looking.

"Uh, sir? This is a math class…"

My eye twitched as he seemed to make a face that was thinking hard about something before responding to the student who had spoken up.

"Then we better get to counting beats per minute, huh?"

Orpheus responded while offering a smile.

This bastard…

Orpheus PoV

Hmm, miss Tohsaka seemed a bit upset at me. And if I wasn't imagining things, I was quite certain that a close by Atalanta was taking a pretty hostile stance. One that I could simply feel rather than see.

Like master like servant, I suppose.

Even still, I had a class to teach. Which meant I couldn't afford much in the way of distractions.

The most basic teaching of music was of course about notes themselves, and what they signify. As well as whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes. Which seemed to be a decent starting point in their education. And much to my delight, the students seemed to enjoy learning about music. At least half the class, by my estimate.

Several students called me to their desks in order to get more specific advice or words of wisdom. Smiling and laughing as I helped them out with a smile.

…That being said, I couldn't help but notice the half of the class that enjoyed my subject were predominantly girls. And the half that didn't and were currently glaring at me were predominantly guys.

Hmm…

This teaching gig was a bit complicated, wasn't it?

I had only intended on scouting the area, but after talking to the principal on the street, one thing lead to another and well…here I was. Besides, I couldn't turn down another chance to meet Rin and Atalanta again, could I?

"Mr. Euripides, when does the bass clef end?"

A female student asked, raising her hand while turning her head to the side. I turned my attention to her and smiled.

"Ah, well it doesn't. It's kind of like the bounded field around the school, in a way. It probably won't stop until everything in it is gone."

"!?"

I blinked in surprise before looking over at Rin Tohsaka. Something that most of the class did due to her sudden outburst by standing up. Her face was rather red as she seemed to be attempting to control her expressions as she looked at me.

I made a tsking sound and frowned at her.

"Miss Tohsaka, outbursts like that are not conducive to learning. Please remain quiet in the future."

Her eye twitched before she was finally able to get ahold of herself. Taking nice and long breaths before smiling and nodding her head. A smile that most definitely didn't meet her eyes.

"Of course, Mr. Euripides. I apologize."

Oh…she was mad, wasn't she? I'm quite certain that there was some animosity there waiting for me. And to think, I've been nothing but kind to her and Atalanta…

Well, that's just how these things go, I guess.

"Mr. Euripides?"

I looked over to the male student who raised his hand. Offering him a nod in order to help him speak up, as he seemed a bit unsure of himself.

"Yes?"

"W-what does this have to do with math?"

I smiled at him for several seconds, until finally the unsure look on his face disappeared. A slightly embarrassed but warm look taking it's place.

"…Mr. Akihiko, please wait outside in the hallway until the end of class."

"Sir!?"

It only took a few hours or so for lunch to arrive. And once it did, most of the students excused themselves in order to go eat. Leaving me to hum along as they did so.

There were several students who politely asked me to join them, but unfortunately I had other more pressing engagements at the moment. Such as the girl who quickly exited the class and headed towards the rooftop.

It was quite obvious that she wanted me to follow her. As well as the fact that she'd be prepared once I did so. Even so, I practically had no other choice but to follow her.

As I stepped onto the final few stairs until I hit the door to escape onto the roof, my eyes blinked. A sixth sense of sorts let me know that despite there being no sound or any such indication, Atalanta was waiting on top.

Oh boy. I wasn't liking my odds here…

Of course the first thing I saw was Rin, who was staring daggers at me from across the rooftop. It wasn't a bad plan at all. I'd be completely exposing my back to Atalanta, who'd be easily able to take advantage of it with her speed.

There was only one problem.

Such an elaborate plan was overkill for me!

"Miss Tohsaka! What a coincidence…"

"What have you done to Shirou and Saber?"

The air about Rin was now completely different than it was in the classroom. A rather untouchable atmosphere clung around her. Showcasing how cold her emotions were at the moment.

She was ready for anything, it seems.

I chuckled a bit while closing my eyes.

"If that's your first question to me, then I have no doubts about your character, miss Tohsaka."

"Oh?"

Rin crossed her arms, the weight in the air getting heavier by the minute. Likely partially influenced by Atalanta knocking an arrow behind me.

"Yes…you are a good person!"

I cried out, causing Rin to be lightly startled, if her hands going to her jewels were anything to go by. After absorbing my words however…

"Hah!?"

It was an entirely different matter.

She glowered at me with her hands now on her hips. Staring up with a frustrated look as her ears burned red. Obviously she didn't very much appreciate my comment.

"Who's good here!?"

"You have no reason to worry. Both Saber and Shirou are completely fine. I've taken steps to ensure that neither will die."

Rin hummed at that. Her eyes narrowing as she attempted to discern the truth in my words.

"And you can guarantee that, even without being at the Einzbern estate yourself?"

"Of course-"

My eyes flickered for a moment as my expression froze. Rin wasn't nearly as good at schooling her emotions, as a small satisfied smirk traveled on her face. I can't imagine the castle Illya stays at is a secret, but even so I had confirmed their presences unintentionally.

…Whoops.

"I hope that the prior incident hasn't soured relations between us…"

"Are you joking!? Of course it has!"

Rin spat out vehemently. Sincerity clung to every word and syllable she spoke. Causing my smile to fade slightly in turn.

"…I'm sorry."

I apologized, only for Rin to let out a sigh and put a hand on her head. As if enduring a headache at this moment. Her left foot hitting the roof repeatedly indicating some sort of nervous tick. Or perhaps…an angry tick would be more accurate? Stress tick?

"…Do you really mean it?"

Rin asked, her tone having changed a bit as she spoke up. Her eyes not meeting my own. Even so, my sight flickered and narrow onto her. She was up to something…

"Of course. I didn't mean to cause you any sort of distress."

Rin nodded and then smirked.

"Then prove it."

"And how do you intend I do that?"

Rin closed an eye before looking more serious than before. Her arms raised before gesturing to either side of the school.

"The bounded field. I want you to help in getting rid of it."

Ah…so that was her plan. Using guilt and shame in order to gain something out of it. How ruthless…and yet at the same time…

She was truly a good person, wasn't she?

After lunch, I returned to class to teach again.

This time around things went even smoother than before. Though that may have been in part due to the lesson focusing on me periodically singing for the whole class. Thankfully I was still able to reign myself in a bit before continuing the lesson.

Examples were indeed helpful, but only to an extent. Knowledge was another part of the equation. eventually leading me to address the entire classroom.

Though my inexperience seemed to shine at times, as they'd obviously seem to not understand what I was talking about at times. The only expression I couldn't read…was miss Tohsaka's. Who simply rested her head upon a hand while watching me.

It didn't waver no matter what I said. Meaning she either wasn't paying attention at all, or understand everything I was saying. Well, at the very least it seemed that she trusted me enough to be in the same room as me without her servant nearby. As I could no longer sense Atalanta's presence nearby.

Eventually, it was time for the class to end.

"Mr. Euripides, I want to be a idol!"

I smiled at the students newfound enthusiasm.

"If you need help, I'll always be there to offer it."

She seemed to find that answer satisfactory, as she bowed her head in response. It was rather adorable looking.

"Do you have a girlfriend, sensei?"

"Hmm?"

I blinked in surprise at that surprisingly forward question.

"Well, that's a bit-"

"What kind of girl do you like?"

E-eh? Oh my, these girls were…much more forward than I had expected from the Japanese. Back in Greece, it had been the men who pursued the women, but it seemed to be an entirely different case here.

I lifted up my hands with a pacifying expression as I answered.

"I think that every-"

"Do you really thing that music is more important than math?"

My facial features froze up in surprise as I slowly turned towards the newest speaker. That of course being miss Tohsaka. She didn't seem to have asked that question with any sort of malice. Instead seeming much more genuinely curious.

So I responded.

"Of course it is."

"Then why isn't it a standard part of the school curriculum, along with the other major fields of study?"

I paused at that.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It's likely that whoever was in charge didn't think it was important enough."

"Then who are we to disagree with them?"

I blinked steadily for a few seconds. Watching as miss Tohsaka seemed to enjoy almost needling me with 'harmless sounding' questions. Unfortunately, while my voice was nice sounding, I wasn't actually a good debater. Thus this conversation could only ever end one way.

My eyes narrowed slightly at Rin.

"…Mr. Akihiko, please wait outside in the hallway until I'm able to meet with you."

"B-but I didn't even say anything this time!"

Getting rid of a bounded field…well that sounded pretty dang complicated, didn't it? To be quite honest, I didn't have even the most basic of ideas on how to deal with something like that. Medea possibly would if I asked her, but then she'd have to solve this problem instead of me, and I'd like to at least be somewhat useful.

Thankfully I was blessed with an ability that could solve all my problems.

That was of course, praying to the gods fervently for help and guidance. It was a move that has never failed me yet, and this time was no exception.

The great goddess Athena seemed to answer my plea. Offering a guiding light when I strung my instrument.

Thus after school I used it to it's full effect. Allowing it to guide me around in order to find whatever it was that the goddess was leading me towards.

The thought that the goal hadn't been stationary hadn't really entered my mind until I had traveled all the way through the school and to the tip of the east side, only to be lead back the way I had come. Thus a rather comical scene of me running about the place took place as whatever I was being led to kept moving and changing course.

Until eventually the guiding light disappeared. The bright motes of light fading away into the ether like a long forgotten memory.

And in their place…

Was her.

Hmm…

"S-sensei?"

It would be pretty difficult at this point to ignore all the signs around her. With not only Athena herself guiding me to this point, but also the irregularities that went on within her.

It was quite obvious.

"Um…"

She squirmed and wiggled under my gaze. Her arms pressing against each other as she looked askance. Nervously shifting her weight from one leg to the other.

In response, I simply held up a hand. The fixed smile on my face fading to a tenth of it's normal luster as my eyes opened up to truly regard her.

"Come now, do you really think I wouldn't notice?"

Her eyes widen in surprise and fear as she took a step back. Her hair and upper body bouncing as she did so.

…Not that I was particularly looking.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about…"

She was no longer looking me in the eyes, or even in the face. Causing my suspicions to only be further cemented. I harrumphed before crossing my arms. Lifting a finger and waving it around.

"There's nothing to be ashamed about. It's honestly quite impressive that you were able to hide it this far."

"…I…"

Her body shuddered a bit as I took a step forward. Wincing as she seemed to almost expect some sort of physical retaliation. Fearing the wrath of a teacher huh? Maybe the present era wasn't all that different from my own.

"You could say I'm an expert in noticing things like this. It's written all over you when you walk, talk, or even think."

I paused to consider her as she no longer seemed willing to talk. Instead she seemed to be considering fleeing…yet was indecisive when it came down to it. Unsure of whether to run or to face the music.

"You are…"

Her eyes drifted up. An almost defeated look entered her eyes…no, not quite. It was something close to defeat. A cousin of it, or perhaps a parent.

It mattered not. It was my duty to deal with such things. It fell squarely on my shoulders to kindle the flame of humanity. The passion that burned so brightly in people's hearts.

It was quite obvious what I was talking about.

And that was…

"…A maiden in love, aren't you!?"

I accused, pointing forward with a knowing expression. Matters of the heart couldn't be hidden from me. Especially from someone such as herself.

She paused for a moment. Blinking in incomprehension for a few seconds before her face reddened. Her hands drifted to the side of her face as she squinted and turned away completely, causing me to laugh lightly.

"There's no need to be embarrassed. Instead you should be laying your troubles of the heart at my feet! For what other worth does a teacher have than to assist their students?"

"B-but…I'm n-not one of your students…"

…Hmm? is that how the school worked? If they weren't in my class they weren't my student? Ah, well. It wasn't too important.

I disregarded her words with a wave of my hand.

"Semantics. Now, tell me of your boy troubles so I can start to help."

She blinked in surprise before tilting her head.

"I don't think…"

"Guaranteed results, or you get your money back!"

"W-what money?"

…She was a tough customer, huh?

"Like…this…?"

My student with a love problem, that is, one Sakura Matou, was asked while seeming rather flushed. Her arms and legs shaking a bit as she struck a pose.

It was quite obvious that she felt incredibly embarrassed by this, as she constantly looked left and right for anyone else on school ground. On the occasion that someone would walk past, she'd immediately stop what she was doing.

Even so, she was willing to take my advice. Despite denying that there was no special man in her heart.

Bah, who did she think she was fooling? Me? She was several thousand years too young for something like that.

"Yes! With a little more confidence in your posture and expression, it'll be practically perfect."

Sakura sighed before resting her arms. Crouching down on the ground with a dour looking expression. The act caused my eyes to narrow in response.

"Sensei, I don't…think that dancing is…going to help things…"

Things huh? Oh, how little she understood of the world. Everyone longed for the eternal burning type of love, but shunned the effort and hard work it would take to get it. As if such gifts would simply fall into their laps one day if the simply longed for it enough.

There was nothing about this behavior that was detestable. Rather, it was a normal way to look at things from those who often feel powerless. Usually in other aspects of their life.

"Dancing with the rhythm of the music is only a step or two away from dancing within the beat of someone's heart."

Sakura gave me a confused look, causing me to further explain.

"Ah…to gain a man's love, you must enchant him first."

She looked away from me with a slight frown.

"…I…don't think that kind of love is…what I want…"

Ah, so she's dropping the pretense, huh?

"Of course it isn't."

I commented causing her eyebrows to raise up in surprise. Her face turning towards me with an almost hurt expression as she spoke up.

"T-then, why?"

"It's a starting point. Like any other. You wouldn't start a campfire without some kindling, would you? Likewise, you can't have a campfire that's suddenly ablaze without any sort of work."

Unless you were Medea, but I wasn't going to bring that up.

"E-even so…"

A hum left my throat as I tried to consider her own perspective. A girl from the modern era…

"Do you think using your body to attract others is debasing, perhaps?"

Sakura said nothing, but the look she was giving off was more than telling. I see…I see…

"I disagree. It's only natural to use what the gods have given us. There is nothing ugly or shameful about the human body. Love is not only emotional, mental, and spiritual, but physical as well. I think pretending otherwise is not only disrespectful to the gods, but yourself as well."

I was thankful for the body I had been born with. I thanked both the gods and my parents every day with a prayer. To be attractive or rather, to become more attractive to others was not some sinful act.

"Myself…"

Sakura muttered before looking down. Staring directly at her chest. It was sizable, I must admit.

…Not that I was particularly looking.

"If anything, to be nude is to be close to divinity as humanly possible."

"…Huh?"

I nodded to myself. It made sense after all. To be naked was to bare one's very being to the gods.

"Do you understand now, Sakura? If it is for love, one must be willing to bare it all."

"I d-don't think that's-"

She was unable to shake off the shackles societal norms and embarrassment. She lacked confidence in herself and her looks. Then it fell to me to take more drastic measures in order to help my student!

A garbled cry of emotions left her mouth as she attempted to avert her eyes from me. Causing me to shake my head.

"Watch carefully. I will show you that there's nothing to be ashamed of. To be naked is only natur-"

I had only finished stripping off my shirt before she quickly fled the premises. Jogging and quietly yelling out loud in a panic.

…To be quite honest, it was rather amusing, if a bit disappointing. Ah well. I'm sure she had more pressing matters to attend-

I quickly materialized the sword Medea had so graciously given me before blocking the incoming attack. The resounding clang letting me know that it was no mere arrow from Atalanta.

The sound of chains accompanied it, as it was quickly drawn back to the person who had thrown it. That being a tall looking woman with long flowing purple hair.

Due to the lack of power and speed, it was meant as a warning of sorts. And if she was giving off warnings, then she was likely willing to communicate.

She was kind of tipping her hand rather early, wasn't she?

She hadn't said a word so far, yet…I couldn't help but feel a bit…off when facing her. The songs that surrounded people is what helped quickly identify a hero, yet the songs around her were…

Well…they didn't seem heroic at all.

They say that the first step is always the hardest. And this goes double for achieving peace. First impressions are also the most important. Thus I needed to put my best foot forward with this new servant.

I'd also be a bit less nervous if I could easily pinpoint their class. Unfortunately due to Medea's actions, that was going to be much more difficult.

At the very least, she didn't seem to be an archer.

I decided that the best thing to do now, was to greet her in a disarming way.

"He-"

Almost immediately as I began to speak, she moved. Throwing out her chained weapon at my face. Now that I had a closer look, it seemed to be…a sort of nail?

Of course it was blocked by a basic guard on my part. Meaning it was nothing more than a feint. Something to get me into a better position for her to exploit.

Unfortunately for her, such extravagant movements were hardly necessary. If she was up against any other opponent, I'm sure her moves would be much more useful.

But I wasn't just any opponent. That's right. I was…

The absolute bottom of the barrel!

Rock bottom!

The runt of the liter!

There was a very good reason I wasn't known for sword play and that was…because I had never won a fight before! Should I be talking about this like I was bragging about it? Probably not, but even so, I had something on my side that she didn't.

Which was the ability to be completely unexpected. After all, how could the enemy expect my next move when I didn't even know what it'd be?

It seemed that my opponent preferred to beat me within an inch of my life using some sort of martial arts. Or I assumed that's what it was at any rate.

She was quick. Lashing out immediately with a roundhouse kick. One that was decently strong, but nothing that I couldn't handle. Which likely meant it was a set up for another move.

She brought that same leg back only to lash out twice more with it. Kicking towards my left arm and then my right knee. To which I obviously blocked and evaded in turn.

Her nail like weapon was once more tossed in my direction, causing me to tilt my head to the side. Only to quickly realize that was the wrong decision, as instead of traveling in a straight line, it was curving. Which meant that the chain could strangle me if I wasn't careful.

Thus I simply ducked my head out of it entirely.

The opening wasn't missed on my opponent, as another nail was in her hands and brought down towards my chest. Thankfully Medea's sword was more than strong enough to fend off the attack.

After a few more stabs on her side, I frowned as she suddenly backed off. An uneasy feeling settled in my chest as we regarded each other.

…What the heck was going on?

Besides a few cuts on my clothes due to them being a bit loose, I hadn't taken any sort of damage. And while she showed a few openings, I hadn't taken them due to being obvious traps.

Was this what they called 'playing with their food'?

But that wasn't the vibes she was giving off. The music around her didn't indicate that she was sadistic. Er, that sadistic, at any rate.

Every punch she threw, every kick, every stab or slice. It was all fast and strong blows but…it was still…manageable?

Which wasn't something I'd have thought was possible, even in a dream. Especially considering that heroes were summoned to Holy Grail Wars. The cream of the crop. The best of the best.

What I was getting at, was that she couldn't possibly be this weak. That is, on my level. Quite literally any of the other argonauts would be able to put me out on my butt. Easily taking me down in a few moves.

Even Atalanta was counted among that number, and I wasn't even factoring in her archery skills!

So there must be something else here that I wasn't seeing. Why would she leave openings? Not attacking as hard as she could be? Going 'easy' on me?

It didn't make any sense. Because even after a few minutes the only thing that was getting damaged was…my…clothes…

…Oh my gods.

This…this woman…

She was a pervert!

"It took me a while to figure it out but you…"

My eyes narrowed before pointing the sword in her general direction. In which her facial features didn't budge a bit. The peculiar mask she had covering her eyes was no longer intimidating, but likely a sign of some sort of sexual deviancy!

"You're trying to strip me, aren't you!?"

I accused, causing her stance to momentarily fall apart as she leaned a bit too far to the side. Forcing her to catch herself lest she falls.

Her surprise only confirms my suspicions. I shook my head in distaste.

"…I thought it was strange for a summoned hero to be this weak. But the truth is, you're just sandbagging in order to savor cutting each article of clothing."

…despicable.

"…What."

She finally spoke, questioning me without even using a questioning tone. For rather obvious reasons, as she was only pretending to play dumb, when in actuality she already knew the answer. It was half hearted acting!

"Love isn't something you should take by force! It's something that happens naturally, over time!"

"…"

In response to my heartfelt words, she immediately started to attack once again. Obviously having decided to silence my cries instead of facing them head on. Everything seemed to almost be the same, but this time I could see a faint red dusting on her expressionless face.

I see now…my words had resonated with her, she just wasn't mentally strong enough to face them despite being the truth. Which meant she had never been called out for her actions before.

She likely lived a privileged life then…

My eyes widened in surprise as she finally parried my sword, leaving me wide open. I moved backwards as quickly as I could, but it wasn't fast enough to avoid a swipe of her nail-

Which instead of cutting into my skin, simply tore my shirt off my body. Leaving me bare chested near school grounds.

My eyebrow twitched in response as she simply stood there. As if nothing was wrong.

"…Really?"

"…That wasn't on purpose."

"IT OBVIOUSLY WAS! YOU PERVERT! DEVIANT! PERVE! DEPRAVED WOMAN!"

Each word was punctuated further by her moving her head slightly down with each accusation. As much as she was pretending to not be effected, it was taking a toll on her mentally.

"…You are mistaken."

"You had me dead to rights! It'd have been easy to have gotten a good injury on me, much less cut me down. No servant would be sorry enough to have whiffed that poorly!"

This time she had the decency to look away. Her gaze going towards the school before finally grimacing.

Ah, I bet even her master was calling her out on it!

"…We'll…meet again."

"You're running away."

I commented, causing her to purse her lips. She paused for a moment before regarding me once again.

"It's for unrelated reasons."

"Suuuuuure it is."

"…"

She shuffled her feet a bit awkwardly before nodding her head and slowly taking a few steps back…before beginning to fade into her spirit form. As she did so, I made sure to try to get through to her.

"Consent matters! If you're trying to be intimate with me, I'd prefer to be properly courted and serenaded first!"

"!?"

A bewildered expression found itself on her face as she disappeared from view. Seeming to practically wince backwards as if attempting to physically dodge my words before disappearing altogether.

I shook my head in disbelief. Of course I knew there were heroes with those sorts of predilections, I never thought I'd find myself on the other end of them.

Honestly…you'd think she'd have learnt some shame. Especially acting so callously this close to a school! What would the students have thought if they saw such an act!?

It'd be completely inappropriate!

Some people…