A Twist of Fate (Fate Zero & Fate Stay/Night:UBW)

Chapter 9: The Final Command

Avantina and Waver, along with their servants, were having a late lunch with Glen and Martha Mackenzie.

"So when will you have to go back, dearie?" asked Martha.
"I'm afraid Lancer and I must take our leave after lunch, Mrs. Mackenzie."
"Oh, that's a real shame, especially since you and Waver have become such good friends." said Glen.
"We're sorry to go, but we had a wonderful stay here. Thank you both so much for your hospitality."

Avantina had spent a couple weeks at the Mackenzie's. During the course of that time, she and Waver had become fast friends, both harboring a good rapport and sense of respect for one another.

After a proper recovery, Waver taught her how to focus her mind and to synchronize with Lancer's telepathic wavelength. In no time at all, she had learned to do so at the drop of a hat.

"So... Like yoga, right? Just calm down, concentrate and it comes to you?"
"Just like that." replied Waver.

Avantina was smiling fondly at the memory as she walked next to the British teen, exiting the gates of the house. A beautiful setting sun had scattered its rays onto the residence. Rider and Waver stood at the entrance while Avantina beamed at the pair.

"We'll see you around!"
"And when we do, Lancer and I shall engage in honorable combat!" bellowed Rider.

Avantina chuckled, of course you will.
Then she got into Diarmuid's arms and they made their way back home.

See you around. smiled Waver as he watched his friends leaping away into the sunset.

Thirty minutes later, they were back at Avantina's mansion.

"I never thought I'd be so relieved to come home again." laughed the teenage girl as she alighted from her servant's arms. "Wait for me here. Just going to fetch my knives."

Diarmuid smiled, watching his master as she strode through the doors. When she returned, Avantina stood face to face with her servant.

"My swords, please. We're going to visit my uncle. He has no part left to play in this war but I need his skills and tactics if I'm to defeat Assassin."
"As you wish, master."

After tucking the katanas at her sides, Avantina raised one hand to Diarmuid's cheek.

"Now that's we're back in the game, every step out the door becomes a dance with death itself, we never know when we'll be up to our necks in battle. Next time, we might not be so lucky."

Diarmuid nodded and she continued.

"Your fealty shall be mine, and my fate shall be yours. Now go forth and do battle, my knight. Return victorious. Or do not return at all."

The soft, amber sky had transitioned to bolder and more striking hues. A vivid sea of flames which burned as fiercely as Avantina's tenacity.

Diarmuid smiled and so did she. He knew that this was the time to show his master the magnitude of his strength. When the moment passed, they headed towards the Einzbern castle.

By the time Diarmuid landed in the centre of the castle's courtyard, day had turned to night and a crescent moon was out. The enclosure was filled with white roses that glimmered under the moonlight.

Avantina allowed herself a little while to appreciate its beauty. Then she reached surreptitiously into the folds of her sleeves and turned around, flinging poisoned knives at a shadow. Two of them found their mark and one missed by a hair's breadth.

"Ara... It's not polite to attack a person you don't even know."
"Servant Assassin. You sought out trouble when you decided to follow us. I was merely initiating the battle."
"Your aim does you justice, but the poison from these blades will only dull my senses. You'll have to do a bit better, girl."