In a place deep within the Moon Cell, amidst the crashing waves of the digital sea, a lone amphitheater stood amongst what looked to be an immense expense of ruins from many ancient civilizations that once upon a time inhabited, the now semi-dead, Earth. In place of what would normally be the honor tribune of such a building, there was a large, obelisk-like doorway, etched with seven seals radiating energy all over it. This door was nothing other than the accessway to the Moon Cell’s deepest level, its one true core, locked away for a reason that all of the Servants who began to materialize and fill a few of the theather’s seats would know already.

Even though the Moon Cell was bound to grant knowledge of the present circumstances for the Servants it summoned, an imposing red-haired woman, dressed in robes that left no doubts about she being a member of the Caster class, said as she stepped upon a podium at the center of the arena, “It’s an honor to be in the presence of so many legendary heroes that got summoned here for the sake of preserving the integrity of the true last beacon of hope for the Earth’s future. I’m Scáthach, the Queen of the Land of Shadows, chosen by the Moon Cell to be your guide in this conflict which exceeds the scale of even the greatest Holy Grail War ever fought.

I believe all of you are already aware of the circumstances surrounding the presence known as Moon Dominion and the locking down of the Moon Cell’s core, thus I’ll spare you of this repetition and cut straight to your first task.

Beyond each of these gates,” Scáthach said as she pointed to a set of seven gates distributed around the arena floor, one of which shone in an intermittent, dim green glow, “lies a different section of the SERAPH which lays unused in any of the previous Moon Holy Grail Wars. Your task is to retrieve an encryption key hidden somewhere in each of these areas. The first one of which this Great Hyperborean Lunar Sea. Based on our scouts, it’s a section of the SERAPH modeled after both Classical Mythology and American Folklore. We expect a fierce resistance of the both the Moon Dominion’s followers and other abandoned programs who inhabit the closed sectors.

I suppose this is all of the information we are certain of at the moment since Clairvoyance based skills don’t work beyond the boundaries of the SERAPH’s locked sections. Even so, if there’s still any questions you may wish to ask, do not hesitate. Otherwise, I’ll be waiting for your decision regarding when to leave.”

Hattori Hanzo

---

It was all she needed to hear. There was no need for specifics, no need for the whys, or whos. All she needed was her goal. Other information could be gathered on field. Well, for someone called the Demon Hanzo, that wasn't a problem at all.

Hanzo stood up, her clothing seemingly out of place between all these legendary heroes, akin to a civilian in the midst of an elite army.

"I do not have any questions." She bowed down towards Scathach. "I can deploy immediately. Retrieval of the keys will not be a problem."

There were many here that seemed like powerful heroes from across time, and she doubted she can match most of them in a straight fight. But, when it comes to information, she was very confident none of them could even match what she could achieve. Not that she was disparaging them; the ability to stand ground and fight was not something to be scoffed at after all, considering her experiences in war before, it was just that they had different specialties than her.

Hanzo stepped forwards, before turning around, as if awaiting for the rest of the gathering to proceed as well. There was no sense deploying alone if the rest was coming, and if the rest wasn't coming and decide to stay.... well, if it was just a retrieval mission, she was confident she could achieve it alone if need be.

...allow me to tell you a story.

Once, there was a boy. This boy was a brilliant genius. Under the tutelage of another, he fostered his talents at an astounding pace. In the most mundane aspects of the world, he found things to be admired, to be polished and crafted to a mirror sheen.

Innovations that hadn't been dreamed of before. Wondrous things perfect in their simplicity and yet sublime in their function. He created, and created, and created without pause.

And so, one day, his mentor asked of him: For what purpose do you create? Why do you strive into that frontier to give rise to new things? Why do you examine these systems and tie together the threads that others have missed?

The boy smiled.



Yes, for that boy, it was not for mere invention's sake that he invented. It was for that loftier goal, it was to create a system necessary for human flourishing, it was to pursue the end that laid forwards, that terminus of 'beauty' that his eyes could glimpse.

And so, his mentor looked upon him, looked upon that smile, and felt one of the same kind blossom at the edge of his lips. He set his hand down on the boy's shoulder, time-worn gaze looking upon him, and spoke.



...and then I pushed that idiot off of the Acropolis.

Come on! "Because I want to help people"?! "Because it's beautiful"?! How are you going to reach the apex like that?!

THAT'S WHY YOU LOST, KIDDO, TO NONE OTHER THAN-

THE GREATEST-

GENIUS-

IN-

HISTORRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

---

"A single giant hyperpure photonic crystal! 「GREATO」! Do you realize what that means? Even a fist-sized one of sufficient purity can manage the simulation of multiple worlds! If you gain access to its functions, it's undoubtedly a 「GRAND WORLD BREAK」! Ah, wait---!"

Standing amidst the other gathered Servants, the telltale swirl of magical energy formed in the hand of a raving madman, and condensed into something that even the least competent magus would have scoffed at: Ether Clump. A worthless byproduct created by the lone manifestation of the Fifth Imaginary Element, an 'accident' that arises when one fails at performing magecraft, where the formless void of the Fifth Imaginary Element is not assigned another meaning by which it can gain shape. Indeed, it is useless; its value as a magical reagent is near-nonexistent. It is, in most respects, no different from clay.

However, clay was all that this madman needed.

His hands whirred to life with a frightening dexterity, molding the clay in his hands as a manic fire glinted in his eyes. The 'presence' he gave off, his radiance as a Heroic Spirit, had been minute at best in the earlier moments, but now it shined brightly.


It took a moment. Energy consumption, material requirements, time requirements, and so on were about as low as they could get. For something as simple as this, something trivial beyond all nature, an inventor of Caster's rank could create it as easily as breathing.

...perhaps easier, given how he had habits of entering monologues and forgetting to breathe.

Regardless, what looked to be a wooden ruler of the same sort that one could find in the classrooms of the Earth was now in his hand, molded from that 'clay'. The madman squinted at it as he held it up, as if trying to measure something in the air before him. A soft thrum ran through the ruler for a moment in response, before it shattered apart, dissolving into motes of light. Caster seemed utterly unsurprised by this.

"As expected! The 「Super Daedalus Spiritron Gauge Mk I」 isn't even able to calculate the full spiritron value energy of the system, and broke merely from attempting it! The total sum of this place, it's probably a level not far from the value of a star! Do you all realize what this means?! We cannot possibly leave this place without adequate preparation- allow me 10⁶⁰ days to prepare suitably! And, moreover-"

In a single fluid motion, an electric guitar was withdrawn from the guitar case at his side, and was profusely wailed on at random as he turned to face the other Servants.

As it turned out, he was actually playing pretty well.

"WHAT IF WE USED THIS MOON AS THE CORE FOR A GIANT ROBOT?!"

Daedalus showed no signs of stopping.

---

Standing amidst the servants, close towards the back was a woman dressed in well, not exactly all that much considering some of the other servants present that left quite little to the imagination. She gazed at the others gathered, a rather cool expression upon her features as she took note of them one by one. So this was the little group of servants that were to fight some unknown entity and gather keys.

Hmph...like she'd ever take orders from anyone, but this was quite the pressing problem, wasn't it? Yet the thrill of a potential hunt couldn't be something she denied. If she was a human still, her blood would have gotten pumping at the thought of it. Hunting an unknown foe in an unfamiliar land - a thrilling tale that would make all mothers proud of their children, and she was no exception. That said - she also knew rushing in simply head first was likely to end in disaster.

That said, a certain loudmouth was making introduction and potential planning quite difficult. Glancing coolly over to Deadalus, a swirl of magical energy formed into an unmistakable Nile Crocodile at her feet. With a brief pat on its snout, the crocodile began slinking away on the ground towards Deadalus, making sure to stay in the back as Neith made her presence known.

"...I see." The servant finally replied from her seat, reclining lightly in it. "First, allow me to say it is a pleasure to meet so many servants." Neith stood, turning slightly to her comrades. "I am Neithhotep, Mother of Egypt and wife of Unifier Menes. You may however, refer to me as Neith, if it pleases you."

It was just about then, Deadalus may feel slightly unsafe, just before the Crocodile lunged upwards, aiming his teeth right for the other servants backside, aiming on taking a chunk out of him.

"I do hope we can get along well, my Children. If I may - perhaps we should take a moment to discuss a plan of action before we head forwards?"

---

The Egyptian Servant wasn't the only one who stood near the back. Amid all the high profile servants, amid all the legends, stood a man, an ordinary, plain looking man. A pair of glasses rested on his face, a faint breeze making the mustache he wore shift slightly, a walking stick held in one hand, an umbrella in the other. He looked like the perfect American gentleman. It wouldn't take much to place him. Henry Ford, the man who had studied under Edison, and achieved heights even greater than the Wizard of Menlo, was among the ranks of gods, heroes, and mysteries. He was a self-made, ordinary man, a representation of that lost American Dream. But perhaps that was why he was one of those summoned. A man with no special powers or status, who had through determination, achieved his dreams.

A soft sigh had left him by the time the Queen of Shadows finished explaining, the male Rider mulling over what they had mentioned would be their challenge. Classical Mythology, and American Folklore...that made him think about what sorts of monsters they could come up against. His own knowledge of the classics wasn't the best, but he could imagine anything ranging from a Chimera to the dreaded Hydra, but on the other hand, he knew even less of American Folklore. A strange fact to most, but it stemmed from his time period being one that had heavily exploited the Native American population, abused them, without a care for what they believed in. They faced the unknown...a fact that made him shudder ever so slightly. Even with the yelling of the Greek Inventor, he was able to ignore him, Ford thinking about what he'd need to help. Raw materials...yes, they'd have plenty of that on the other side.

"If I may, while I don't know how much use I'll be from the outset...my Phantasms will become useful, as America is the land of my birth." Ford's voice was calm, relaxed, and though he had to raise it to hopefully be heard, one could feel his overall desire to be of help. "My name is Henry Ford, of the Rider Class. Whatever this... "Moon Dominion" is, we need to win the race, no matter what. I know this may be asking much, but if once we're on the other side, I could have help from one or two of you, I could set up a base camp using one of my Phantasms, a place for us to rest. I'll need mana and raw materials. I hope this isn't too much to ask for, of course." He was already planning. They'd need a base camp to recover between runs, and the thought of building Greenfield was a welcome one. Building a factory would also be beneficial, hopefully there would be enough lumber and iron to work with...

Taking in the introductions of the two who spoke up after him, the Caster's excitement only continued to boil.

-However.

That man, Rider-class Henry Fjord of America or something, had offered to create their home base.

Ridiculous! Absurd! Laughable!

For one such as Daedalus, crafting a territory equivalent to a great Noble Phantasm was mere child's play! He was already dreaming of what to include in it. It would have to be mobile, for starters, so it would need to be bound to a non-stationary keystone. It could leverage the nature of his Noble Phantasm's true name release. Automatic magical energy materialization. Mana domination. Standard defense loadout. Some of the traps from the Labyrinth but re-branded. A Super Daedalus Lounge with refreshments. It would be perfect!

And this Henry Fjord, how absurd! Did he not know that he said this in the company of the builder of the great Labyrinth, one whose aptitude for creating spaces stood at the pinnacle among Heroic Spirits?!

...oh.

Oh wait. He didn't. Daedalus hadn't introduced himself.

Whoops.

"There is no need for that, Henry Fjord! If it is the art of creating a 「HOME BASE」, look no further than the one standing before you! I announce, you are beholden to none other than Daedalus: THE GREATEST! GENIUS! IN! HISTORY! With the right 「MATS SOURCE」, I shall craft us a 「Super Daedalus Alien World」 that surpasses even my Labyrinth! Witness, and be amazed!"

A madman he undoubtedly was, but an idiot he was not.

Mostly.

Probably.

Regardless, the telltale concentration of magical energy that tied into summoning of a Phantasmal Species was something that would be obvious to any Servant, let alone a member of the Caster class. Similarly, the 'weight' that such an existence has in spiritual rank, its 'strength as an existence', is generally not inferior to that of a Servant. Were that not the case, they would not be of a Servant's concern to begin with.

As a result, the crocodile Neith had called forth was well within the notice of the man wailing on an electric guitar, from the moment that it had appeared. Really, the same would be true for any Servant with even a shred of competence. And, if it was a contest of observation, first impressions aside, Daedalus stood near the top among those Servants present.


It was only reasonable (for Daedalus, at least), that at the sight of a member of the Phantasmal Species attempting to be sneaky, he acted in kind. From behind the Caster, a pair of wings unfurled and he took to the air, still playing his guitar all the while.

It was when the crocodile was standing below, ready to pounce up at Daedalus, that the trap was sprung.

"Submit and become my experience points!"

A harsh chord was strummed along the guitar, and the guitar case left behind on the ground flared to life in response. Likely before the crocodile was ready to gauge what was happening, the guitar case did something that is not typical for guitar cases to do.

This being that it began shooting literal missiles at the crocodile, all the while Daedalus continued to rise higher into the air, playing away without pause.

Once the crocodile's demise was verified, the lunatic would descend back down to the ground, materialize another Ether Clump in his hand, and shape it into what looked to be a saw as he examined the body of the crocodile.

"EXCELLENT! Thank you for the 「MATS SOURCE」! I can utilize this to begin work on the aforementioned 「HOME BASE」, as well as begin work on 「Super Daedalus Armaments」 for our usage!"

And so he began work, as though he had done something entirely normal, as opposed to whatever the hell that had just been.

—There was once a certain man that walked the land of Greece.

Born with the destiny to be a hero and a king, he was raised in martial and ruling matters, and when he departed the home of his childhood in order to meet his father, he traveled the land and slew threats lurking all around Attica. He traveled in that ship that once held the greatest heroes of an era and met priceless friends.

He forged a genuine legend to leave to future generations, second only to a single man, and attained fame and renown as a hero before meeting his father — and when the woman that wanted her own sons to take the throne sent him on a suicidal task, he bested the impossible once again, reunited with his family and reinstated to his proper place.

He offered himself in place of others and swore to stop a foreign king’s tyranny over his people. He met a woman he fell in love with, slew the beast and broke the king’s hold over his country. He returned, beloved by the masses, and took the crown.

—Beyond any doubt, what a brilliantly heroic tale.

And yet—

His first love abandoned at the whimsy of a god because he did not have enough strength to challenge him. His mortal father killed by his own forgetfulness and grief. His second love murdered by her sisters. The loss of his mother and his sworn friend.

The death of a child he would always carry on his shoulders, his burden alone to bear.

The legend of a hero that never once lost to anyone. The tale of a man that lost everything he once cared for in the end.

—But it’s fine. It’s okay.

Because no matter how many bad turns it has, no matter how much grief you bear, no matter how many things you have lost, it is for the sake of that which you’ve left behind that you must face forward.

Your pride as a hero. Your sadness over those you let down. Both are equally important in order to face the future with your own hands.

Because if your mistakes cannot be fixed, you can only learn and hope not to repeat them. That is why, even if you are a slave to your own story — challenge it, with your own two hands.

So face forward with a smile, promise yourself that much, take a step, and never let it overcome you, even if it seems impossible.

. . .Then again, if something like that was enough to deter you, you would have never become a hero in the first place, right?

---

Amidst those figures in the chamber, there can be no second-guessing his “quality as a legend” as being top of the line.

The founder-king of Athens certainly left behind proof matched by few as the second greatest of his time, surpassed only by Heracles. His many glories and tragedies were recorded for future generations, and he had left his mark as a hero indelibly engraved upon the world.

Indeed, someone whose “brilliance as a Heroic Spirit” would not lose out to anyone else’s.

Yet, at the same time—

“—So this is how Hell in a MoonCell is gonna be held, huh?” He offered a carefree laugh. “Sure, sounds fine to me. Any ideas as to what the A-show’s looking like or is it going to stay a surprise?”

Was he supposed to be so relaxed? Between his easy smile and the apparel he had chosen to wear, one could not be blamed for thinking him some sort of beach-goer that had gotten lost along the way and wound up here.

But at the same time, his voice carried the sense of an unshakeable confidence in himself. That being said — there was a far more pressing matter than those Servants that surrounded him. To begin with, this was something he should have done from the start.

The ring he wore as a necklace gleamed softly under the light as he brought a hand to tap it, eyes closed as if concentrating on something else.

Channel open, establish communications, time to contact your manager.

“Dad,” He said, looking for all the world as if he was just speaking to the air in front of him. “You hear me?”

“Yo, T! Been a while hasn’t it?”

In all likelihood, this was not a voice any other Servant around the room would be able to hear or perceive, seeing as his Noble Phantasm only broadcasted it to Rider himself. The man in question allowed himself a small smile.

“Too long. Nice talking to you dad — did you get the memo on the situation?”

“Sure did!” The voice sounded almost ridiculously youthful for who it was supposed to belong to. “The others are already asking me to share with them — it’s been a while since I saw a couple so legitimately stoked about anything. The PBO streaming service is shaping up to be a success!” An odd cracking sound came from the line, but Rider focused more on how eager his father seemed to feel about the whole thing.

Theseus let out a laugh at those words, extending his hand as though grasping something — which, in this case, turned out to be a can that had appeared from nowhere. This much was only expected in the case of his father.

“Well, I hope it does turn out fine. I’ll hit you up if something else happens.”

“No problem, T! To a good time!” The line was for a second suffused by the sound of his father drinking whatever it was he had gotten his hands on, before letting out a satisfied sigh once he was done. “Oh, and tell that Egyptian to feed her pets better, that croc’s a Divine Beast but its only ability is making me sad. Anyway, catch you when the action starts, got stuff to do.”

Well, his father was true to form as always. He probably meant he had found some "sick new waves" and he wanted to practice that human sport he had fallen in love with.

Sometimes, Theseus wondered why all waves he might find in his little corner were not "sick new waves," considering just who, exactly, his father was. But, well, not really his problem.

Opening the can and bringing it to his lips as he observed the mad inventor deal with what had come after him — what do you know, he could see where his father was coming from — he took a mouthful.

Then, he promptly spat the seawater out with a cough, getting the feeling that Poseidon was laughing at him.

Scáthach sighed as she sat in front of the podium, barely touching the crushed red clay below with the tips of her bare toes. If the Moon Cell expected her to scold these “legendary heroes” as if she was their tutor, or order them around as a Ruler would, it was very wrong. If these Servants couldn’t even agree on setting their egos aside and to work together, it would be better that they killed one another here and now. At least, like this, they could begin anew with a fresh summoning or continue the quest with only those really willing to participate.

The Queen of the Shadowlands only turned her eyes towards the seats, instead of the dirt below her feet, once Ford made his questions known. “You needn’t worry about resources, Mister Ford. We are being sustained by the Moon Cell itself. We’ll have enough Magical Energy to perform at our best, this I assure you. And, as far as resources are concerned, I believe you shall have plenty in our destination, according to the reports of our scout programs,” she said before tapping the ground with her staff, causing a holographic projection to appear in front of them. It showed what looked like a mix between the Appalachian Mountains in their virginal state and some old Hellenistic ruins, carved off pristine white marble and granite, with the sea extending away from the shore being easily recognizable as the Aegean, to any who ever braved its waters even though an eerie aura hovered over it like a thick, intangible mist.

Empress Jingu

Everyone was already getting to know each other it seemed. And by "getting to know each other" that meant "trying to kill each other." Had it been the case of a spar it would, perhaps, have been acceptable. In this case however, a crocodile sent to harm one's ally? For shame. Still... She watched as Daedalus started to take to the sky. "Have we found the enemy already? I think not." A confident, sly, yet cute voice called out as a flash raced across and grabbed the crocodile and proceeded to roll past into safety. It was a heavy thing, but they needed to keep themselves at full strength.

A young girl in armor fit for a samurai stood up and moved forth next to Neithhotep and thudded her crocodile on the ground in front of Nieth. She seemed young yet seemed to carry herself as a mix between a confident military commander and an old woman as she took her katana from her side and thudded it on the ground as if it were a cane.

"It is unacceptable to attack your allies, despite as much of a raving loon as he is. Cease hostilities young man, and keep your pet on a leash if it will attack as such again. The girl commanded so and sounded done with that subject as she moved on to a secondary matter altogether, her wording now sounded of scolding but the tone of voice declared excitement. "And telling our True Names already? Hmph. Very well. It will be difficult to address each other with multiples of the same class about. Be in awe, you are all in the presence of Empress Jingu, 15th in the Imperial Line. Class?" The girl smirked and shook her katana. "I'll leave it to the imagination."

---

Well, that was a surprise. Perhaps despite being an utter seeming fool, he had some use it seemed. If he was a normal human he'd have been dead. Still, that didn't mean Neith was not entirely fine with this. No, he had tried to harm one of her children. Such a bad child. Perhaps she'd need to use a bit more of force, though now was not the time for such things. Neith merely watched coolly, her friendly expression changing slightly as she watched Deadalus from a distance.

As Jingu hefted the crocodile, it flailed lightly, though didn't seem to mind too much as it was eventually dropped at Neith's feet. Hissing in Deadalus' direction, the crocodile hid behind Neith's legs, eyeing the mage angrily.

"...ho~" Neith smirked lightly, a light tone of amusement in her voice. Ah she really was itching to fight something now. "You misunderstand, child." Neith said with a light tone, turning her attention to Jingu. "I was trying to discipline a seemingly useless flea, but perhaps that rowdy child has a use." That was a thought for a different time, no, what Neith was now focused on was the child in front of her. Empress? This young thing? She couldn't possibly be? What sort of parent would let any child be a ruler!?

"...mhm, still, you have my thanks for saving this child." Neith reached down, patting Jingu on the head with a smile. "You're a good child, aren't you?"

"..."

He had been so excited, too.

Super Daedalus ThanaToaster. Super Daedalus Seven League Crocs. DaedaLand First Edition. Super Daedalus Reptilian Robot Mk I. He was going to make so many things out of that crocodile.

Surely, the others would have been pleased as well. After all, adding multiple Noble Phantasm-class items to their overall war power before they had even begun their first mission? That was certainly a boon. Yes, if they had the opportunity to create things of value in this 'safe zone' before departing into hostile territory, they certainly should take it, and that crocodile posed an excellent opportunity. Free materials, a free opportunity to bolster their strength before combat began.

However.

However.

He had been deprived of his experience points by some Eastern empress girl, this 'Empress Jiangshi'. Given that Empress Jiangshi had tackled the crocodile away before it had prepared its own attack, he didn't even get the chance to fire his missiles. His Super Daedalus Entry, ruined as well! He seethed, still floating in the air as he stomped his foot down onto nonexistent ground, even his guitar playing coming to a stop.

"You IDIIIOOOOOOOOT! Don't you want us to become stronger?! And yet here you are, depriving me of my 「MATS SOURCE」?! That beast was sent to take my life, it is only reasonable that I am given its body as materials! Henry Fjord, as a fellow inventor, are you not outraged as well?! Theseus, is my patron witnessing this travesty?!"

Pointing a finger at Empress Jiangshi, before turning to point it at the one who had summoned the crocodile, Wraithhotep or something, then swapping back and forth a good few times, the inventor sputtered in a rage.

"How casually did you summon that?! Don't act like it's some sort of Great Noble Phantaaaaaaasm! The tradeoff of one of those for no fewer than four Noble Phantasm-class armaments, it's not even a comparisoooooooooon! In exchange for your failed attempted murder, I demand recompense! If not the animal, then another form of payment!"

And so it continued.

Hattori Hanzo

---

So... that was Daedalus... He was certainly quite a personality, not one she'd attribute to a legendary inventor and genius. But perhaps, such genius came with it some degree of madness, for it was quite a scene being made in the room by now. She almost wished they would just kill each other and be done with it. There was also the problem of safety for herself should these bigger legends start throwing their weight around. From the names given, it was very highly likely that even one of them can demolish this sector of the mooncell without any problem. Even Empress Jingu was here, and she was very sure she didn't want to be here if she started throwing around her weight for real.

"P-please... please just open the gates, and let us through... Before anything else happens..."

There was no telling what will happen next, but hopefully once they were through, the threat of danger within should at least make them stop the infighting. Hanzo had no real desire to actually be the one to soothe everyone's nerves or be the peacekeeper, or anything else like that; she just had no desire to be caught in the crossfire between several angry legendary heroes.

“Scathat, Scatthat, Scathath - no, that’s too hard. I’ll just call her Scat.” Phaea said, muttering to herself, occasionally sniffling or snorting as if she had a cold as the others bickered.

“Hey miss Scat!” She said, sticking up her hand like a schoolchild. “I can’t swim, so if we’re going into the sea that’s gonna be a problem!” Well, someone could probably teach her, at least. Or maybe there would be a boat. There were definitely enough Servants for that to be possible. “Why’s there even a sea on the moon in the first place?” She asked. “I thought it was a chariot or something.” She itched at her head. This whole situation was really complicated. She didn’t really get it, but if there was stuff to fight, she could at least do that. Just as long as it didn’t involve swimming.

Well, her own question was answered by the strange hologram the servant produced. “Huh?” Phaea snorted. “I recognise that sea! It’s not on the moon!” Really, this just got more confusing by the second.

For the first time, she looked around the room properly, and-

Ah, why did he of all people have to be here?

“It’s OK! Just stand still and be quiet and maybe he won’t notice you!” Phaea said, thinking out loud in what couldn’t possibly be considered an indoor voice. Well, they were supposed to be working together this time anyway - come to think of it, that guy definitely had a ship.

She frowned. She paced. She thought. Then-

She threw herself down at Theseus’ feet, wailing. “Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! I’m gonna behave this time so please don’t throw me off your ship! I’m not gonna eat anyone, or toss them off cliffs, or tie them to trees, or eat people’s crops, or steal their gold, or throw them in a maze, or eat their gold, or steal their feet! I’m totally not gonna do any of that! So please don’t throw me off your shiiiiiiip!”

She sniffled more intensely than usual, tears and snot running down her face.

@Breo @Parallel Hearts

---

Oh, so that was who the green haired lunatic was. The creator of the legendary Labyrinth, and the man who had created the wax wings of flight. Well, to Ford, despite having his name mispronounced, this wasn't something to make him angry at being "showed" up. No, quite the opposite. This was excellent, to have someone inherently gifted as the Labyrinth's inventor to be the one in charge of an actual mobile base. This was wonderful. Sure, the entire crocodile scene truly made him question what he'd been brought through, but then, his attention turned to the Queen of Shadows. He looked at the projection given, his lips curling upwards in a smile. While in his life he'd never seen America from the air, somehow he knew he was looking at that so famous range. This provided him with relief. The sigh of Greeco materials also made him smile a tad. Oh, what an adventure to be had.

"Thank you, Caster. With the Inventor's prowess, and my knowledge of modern technology, we should be able to provide for the others. If he isn't bothered by an extra pair of hands, of course." He said this as he glanced in Caster's direction, watching the trio currently engaged, and the otherwise silent ninja, the slobbering pig lady thing, and...he assumed that was Theseus, judging by the sea water coming out of his mouth. Or some other famous greek youth. It really did seem that the major of servants present were probably Greek in origin, or just general Age of Gods servants. Interesting, all things considered. Hopefully they could handle whatever lay on the other side. He itched to hop behind the wheel of his beloved Tin Lizzie.

@Parallel Hearts@Pyromania99@Moonlit Sonata@Rune_Alchemist

“The passage is open, Assassin, Hanzo. It has been all this time. Like I said before, I’m just a guide, waiting for your decision. Not a gatekeeper, halting your progress,” Scáthach said as she looked towards the uncomfortable Assassin. “However, you should be aware that this is a one-way path only. Once any of you have crossed the gate, you’ll not be able to come back to this theater until the key has been secured and the sector has been freed of any threats as perceived by the Moon Cell.”

“That said,” she said in a serious, commanding tone while looking towards Phaea. Even if the Rider wasn’t looking right at Scáthach she would still be able to feel the pressure of being glared at by the red-haired Caster. “Do not shorten my name or refer to me in any inappropriate form ever again, Rider. This isn’t a liberty you have earned the right to. If my True Name is too hard for you to pronounce correctly, you can refer to myself as Caster, Guide, or any other appropriate title like Queen of the Land of Shadows. I expect you to remember that from this moment onward,” Scáthach finished, speaking in the same way a stern mentor would to a pupil that can’t remember their place.

Empress Jingu

This Daedalus fellow was irritating. "The only thing you could do with that beast after you were done with it is sifting through ash, bone, or meat." Jingu's eyes sharpened at the man, "And I swear on the gods' names if you insult me again a couple of fingers will not be enough to forgive. Stop your squabbling while you're at it." She had even tapped the ground with her katana to make a point.

After that, she turned to Niethhotep. "If you have time to waste wanting to attack that man, you can spend it doting on this Empress instead. She added. So far, it seemed that the team that was assembled around her was going to be rather difficult to work with. Quite so.

One Servant in particular caught her eye however. While they were not around in her time, Throne of Heroes and the Moon Cell gave her knowledge of what this one was suppose to be. "You there. She called out as she approached Hattori Hanzo. "You have the beauty only someone of the Yamato could have. How pleasant to meet one of my kin here. Aside from that Ford fellow, perhaps you can provide a bit of level-headedness around here."

The Empress gave a powerful and confident smile that one could only assume an Emperor or King could exude. Her hands then went to the side and gave the other woman a bow. An albeit shallow one, but a bow nonetheless. "Or in your time are you more partial to the handshakes of those in the west?" She extended her right hand to Hattori to offer a handshake. "Either way, let us work together for our overall success. Oh, perhaps you can share your name. I made a loud enough declaration so I hope you heard mine."

---

There was once a great sun in the sky, but it wasn't the best sun it could of been, It was merely a half sun. A sun that was truly not meant to be a sun. Where the people could only grow half as tall due to the lack of sunlight. But the sun, Tezcatlipocas, seemed content with his grand role. He would be revered as both agod of night and as the sun itself and that dumb Quetzacoatl could do nothing about.

That was until he heard an ear-piercing cry of "TEZCATLIPOCAS!" before his wrist was grabbed and suddenly the sun was plucked straight from the sky. That was the day Quetzacoatl took down the first sun with the finest suplex move the before-world had ever seen.

---

Yawning as she manifested, the well dressed goddess of the Aztecs merely took half interested in the boring cloaked caster in front of her. While she appeared to look like she was listening intently, her eyes were more keen to look at all the other servants. Of which some of them had respectable musculature. It appears she would be able to partake in the greatest sport on earth even here! And that did indeed please her.

A mission to save this giant hunk of space rock. That would be difficult, but then again there was so many of them so it had to be easy right! She smiled that smile of relaxed optimism she was known for before stepping up to the plate to join in the rabble of the day. And yet she heard something that was both interesting and at the same time worth investigating.

A fellow goddess? Well, Egypt was one of those funny places with its knock-off aztec temples wasn't it? or was her knowledge escaping her. That said hearing this woman stick her mini Cipactli on another servant would have been interesting enough to warrant her immediate attention. But knowing that she was doing this to a fellow divine being. From another place no less! Oh such a thought would fill her with glee.

Stealthy moving forward silent, which was quite a feat considering her get up, She'd slowly lower herself and wrap her hands around the Tanned-goddesses waist. Lifting them clean off the ground as the inside of her mind was begging her to just perform 1 suplex, It wouldn't hurt anyone in particular... Obviously. but the fact still remained as she held the god-woman in her arms. Lifting them up like some sort of promised spawn.

"Hi there deary! Couldn't help but notice a fellow divine spirit in this place. A fellow divine spirit who's peoples Pyramids are totally wannabe Aztec Temples." She mused smiling that goofy grin of hers as the inside of her mind was whirring. Ah if this was the quality of servants. Then she'd have the time of her life giving them all lucha lessons! Of course she'd have to start by sharing her love of lucha with her fellow goddess.

Still, The Green eyed tribal-dressed snake goddess wouldn't mind much for the conversation she had interrupted. For as close to a divine spirit as she was, when she was focused on a point she is pretty narrow minded. Here was to hoping that she didn't end up accidentally breaking anyone's back with her love of Lucha. Hopefully and in her closed off thoughts, Neith would just be stuck there, elevated a good 15cm or so off the ground.

---

Μῑνώταυρος

---

The language one speaks shapes the mind. Where one lives shapes the body. For one who did not speak and lived not among humans, monsterhood was the only possibility.

There simply is not much to consider about him. He was born, he was cast into his home, and he fulfilled his role. And then he was killed for it. There is nothing else to consider. Nothing else to think. Nothing else to reflect on. No deep interpretations of his role, no twists, merely a lighting bolt of being, striking at the ground of myth and history with no thrills.

He is. That is all there is.

Him and the hunger.

And the fact he was summoned from the start.

---

It ignored those around it, focus not on the other spirits, no matter how familiar some may be. Through the minor squabble and discussion, it honed to a point. Behind a cage of a mask, furiously heated crimson eyes burned with direction. It was as the red-haired lady said, they were aware of the situation and Berserker was not an exception. A ferocious animal it may have been, it nonetheless understood the most simple of instructions, and only one registered to it from the knowledge fed into its mind:

Attack. Enemy. Food.

It was hungry ― It was always hungry.



The hulk of porcelain muscle appeared without a sound, hunched in the seats of the Amphitheatre, prowling forward as a tiger would, casting only a cautionary glance down to the others, the bull-mask hiding the perfectly neutral expression beneath. Indeed, something as large as it had hidden itself better than most Assassins could, standing among them from the very minute it all began. And it moved towards them.

And stopped right in front of Theseus. It didn't lean down, instead looming over the hero, the cracked pillars for horns piercing the sky above him, and glints of red glared down at the demi-god, a harsh huff of air coming out from the 'nose' of the mask.

"Kill. Eat."

It pointed to the gate, the entrance of the Hyperborean Lunar Sea. If it was a raspy threat at him, an instruction, or a suggestion was left up to Theseus to decide. If he even recognized him...

The colossal Berserker moved off, content with that bit of interaction, large thundering paces moving towards the gate.

@Breo

Ah, good, it seemed that someone here had sense. Actually taking the time to go back through his memories to check that he'd gotten the tolerable person's name right, the loudmouthed inventor seemed to calm down significantly, thrumming his guitar once more before shooting the other inventor present a simple thumbs-up. The summoning system informed him that this was how one expressed approval.

"Excellent, Henry Ford! With my peerless mind and your Devices From the Future, there is no limit as to what can be born! An entirely new line of Super Daedalus Projects can be undertaken! It is imperative that we assess the strengths and weaknesses of all those here before hastily departing." Another series of random but well-placed chords. "If we take the time to create armaments and tools to bolster our strong points and cover our weak points before rushing into the fray, our chances of success are at MAX POWER! Even if we cannot procure a full crocodile, with but some teeth, scales, or organs, progress could begin, for instance! It is as my patron always says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cur-"

...of course, that relative peace couldn't last for long, and was shattered once Empress Jiangshi had the gall not only to threaten him, but to imply that he couldn't make incredible things out of the charred remains of a crocodile.

That was received about as well as one would expect.

"-WHAAAAT?! If someone says idiotic things, then of course I'll call them an idiot! Do you know how hollow Phantasmal Species work?! Do you know the things I could do with just three of its teeth?! Of course not! I doubt you even know what a ThanaToaster is, and that is precisely why I require compensatio-"

Once again, though, the Caster froze up for a moment mid-tirade.

This is because someone was already moving towards the gate, despite how awful of an idea that was when their group had at least two inventor-type Heroic Spirits among them.

However, this time, there was no scream. There was no incredulous yell. There was no denouncement of the other as an idiot.

"...you...?"

Yes, in this moment, Daedalus was well and truly speechless as he laid eyes upon the Berserker who moved towards the gate, a presence that had been undetectable in the moments earlier. When he spoke, it was not in that grandiose tone that demanded that all the world paid attention to him. It was a hushed whisper for only his own ears, the tone low, compressed to a point where its timbre was utterly irreconcilable with the inventor's earlier words.

"...that's what you became? That's how you saw my..."

That misbegotten child who saw what was meant to be a world of beauty as a hell on earth.

"...very well then, lost child. The next one will be a proper paradise. I refuse to fail twice."

He made no effort to stop or call out to him. That wasn't his place, after all.

Hattori Hanzo

---

She nodded towards Scathach; it had been more an affirmation that they could leave right now than anything else, but Hanzo was glad everything was clarified. A single step, before she stopped, a familiar figure approaching her.

The color drained from her face almost immediately after the Empress herself bowed in front of her, before extending a hand in greetings like those westerners that come every now and then to their homeland.

The Empress, highest in the hierarchy, divinity made manifest, bowing to a lowly bushi like Hattori Hanzo. Was this some sort of joke? Was it a cruel jab at her, at her incompetence, her rudeness? Surely Hanzo could have greeted the Empress first, surely she could have done something, surely-

"I... I apologize deeply for my rudeness!" Hanzo knelt down immediately, her head down in respect. "I am but a lowly samurai. My name is Hattori Hanzo. Please do with me as you will."