A/N: *EDIT*

I guess people don't like this story or the twist I included. I'm getting shredded for it.

Well...I tried.

I thought we were past this. I thought I could finally write again without being torn to shreds. Apparently not. I don't know what else to say at this point. I just pushed out a crazy amount of updates, going so far as to update every single day. I AM writing other stuff besides Fate. There. I've said it. Now stop telling me to die, and for the love of god, stop with the death threats.

Also, HALP Undertale has my by the throat and won't let me gooooo~!

I just discovered it, needless to say and wow.

So many options, so may endings.

*head spins*

...

...

Now, I'm not begging for reviews here. I'm grateful for every kind word and criticism I get. I genuinely enjoy talking to people. But its when folks curse and threaten me that I begin to lose my temper. Anyway, I'm off to work another double. Looking forward to your reviews when I get back. Here. Another update. Out of spite for the trolls. Enjoy it. Have at ye.

Anyway, I'm off to work another double. Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back.

Reviews are love. Reviews are life. Reviews make me strive.

As ever, this'll be gone in two days if folks don't like it.

References are glorious and I own nothing~!

"Have we...met?"

"Pretty sure I'd remember you."

"No, I swear I've seen you somewhere...

~Lancer and Foreigner.

A Most Unlikely Gathering

Fiore's world was spinning.

Everywhere she went, looked, walked, she drew incredulous looks. She couldn't blame them. Even the normally stoic homonculus staffing the castle sometimes gave her an alarmed look when she passed them in the halls with her merry new gait. To be fair, Fiore tried her utmost not to let them bother her; she really, truly did. It likely had something to do with Foreigner she told herself, not the fact that she was walking. She shouldn't let it get to her, really. Alas, this was easier said than done when she was currently latched onto the arm of said aberration for dear life. Fresh as her new legs were, she didn't wholly trust them to support her weight.

Never mind that!

Because she could walk!

Sprint! Spring! Skip! Sing!

Well, perhaps, not the last one. She was terribly self-conscious when it came to that. But still!

Walk!

Legs!

Her!

Not necessarily in that order!

Her mind ran back and forth like a hamster on crack, refusing any and all attempts to be reigned in. She could barely think, such was her glee. Not only had she successfully summoned a Servant, but said Servant had restored her legs and left the magic circuits there intact! With each passing step she felt herself grow stronger; not enough to walk on her own, not yet, but soon. By this time tomorrow she may well be able to even run and the thought a small, happy giggle from her.

"You, ah...alright there, kiddo?"

A nudge against her shoulder drew Fiore back to the present and she jumped. Her mind seized on the action with a singular ferocity.

Aha!

Another thing she could do now that she hadn't been able to before!

Point for her! She was unstoppable today!

Fear my mighty legs! Mwahahaha!

"She's spacing out again."

Kaguya's voice cracked like a whip against her rant, doing what Naruto couldn't.

With an effort, Fiore loosened her grasp enough to look at her. "Oh, I'm sorry! Did you say something?"

The unlikely pair exchanged a look and at the end of it, Kaguya arched a demure brow. "You're certainly happy."

...I suppose I am, yes." oh gods, she could feel the heat in her face.

"And why shouldn't our Master be?" Naruto interjected, swatting her back playfully. "She's had that handicap all her life. I'd say she's glad to be rid of it. Its like that time you learned to fly, or when I first mastered water-walking. You never forget your first steps. Right, Fiore? I imagine you want to spring right about now."

Fiore fought down at the smile he granted her; That was all it took for her momentarily addled mind to sprint-and didn't that just make her giggle-off into the sunset again.

No! Bad girl! No naughty thoughts about your Servant!

Even if he was kind and warm and gentle and oh-god you could probably grind meat on-GAH! Shaking her head in a desperate attempt to clear her thoughts-and the adrenaline-coursing through her body, the restored magus reluctantly marshaled herself. Happiness was all well and good, but she needed to focus lest she forget herself entirely.

It was at that very moment that she bumped into her brother.

Literally.

Having sensed the sudden surge of prana that came with Foreigner's arrival-and mistaking it for an attack-Caules had already been racing around the corner full tilt with no thought in mind save his sibling's safety. Fiore, on the other hand, had been too lost in her thoughts and was much to preoccupied to react in time. She had only just tugged Naruto forward and began rounding said corner herself with disaster struck.

The result was nothing short of spectacular.

BONK!

Brother and sister collided head on at full speed with a dual yelp; foreheads jarring painfully against one another. If not for Naruto, Fiore would've tumbled to the floor. As things stood she crashed into her Servant's chest with a startled squeak. As for Caules...well, her dear sibling bounced off Naruto and crashed into a wall. Thankfully he righted himself in short order and turned to face

"Sorry about that," he began awkwardly, "I thought something...happened...

Words failed him eyes bulged behind his glasses as he saw her legs, saw her standing and instantly made the connection. She could've sworn she saw his brain physically reboot itself. He swayed on his feet for all of half-of-a-second before sense reasserted itself. Then he lunged forward and seized her in a crushing embrace.

"You...You're walking! Its a miracle!"

A pleased, if rosy flush warmed the brunette's cheeks as she basked in his praise.

Not so much his arms constricting around her ribs! Not at all! "B-Brother! You're crushing me!"

He jerked backwards Kaguya preened proudly.

"Yes, yes, you may both bow at your leisure peasants-OW!" Said preening hung itself in a hiss as Naruto chopped her head. "I was joking, you brute!"

Only then did Caules seem to register that they weren't alone at all.

"Wait, who are these two...?"

Pride surged through Fiore's chest. "This is my Servant." then, almost as an afterthought, "They were the ones to restore my legs."

Caules spun around with such force that he nearly gave himself whiplash.

For his part, Naruto sketched a low bow. "Pleased to meetcha."

"There's two of them." her brother deadpanned.

She planted a hand over her mouth.

Kaguya swung down from Naruto's shoulders. "Figure that out yourself, did you?"

Incredulous, he rounded on her, pointing. Why was he always pointing? "That one's a child!"

"Brilliant deduction, Sherlock." those white eyes turned stormy. "Truly your wit knows no bounds."

"I'm sorry," Caules sputtered incoherently. "Its just...you're so small. I didn't mean any offense just now."

"I'm sorry, did you just called me... short?" The demigoddess absolutely hissed. "Wanna keep digging that hole-LEMME GO!"

"You really don't wanna press that button." Naruto sighed as he plucked the struggling girl off the ground. "She'll go absolutely berserk, trust me."

Thankfully the better half of Foreigner had gathered himself up and interjected himself between the two of them before they could come to blows. Not that Naruto looked angry by any means or measure mind you; but little Kaguya looked about ready to take a swipe at him. Feisty little thing that she was, she'd probably do it, too. Reborn or not, she seemed to have a sensitive ego; exactly the sort to take a swing at someone-anyone!-who dared insult her height.

Thankfully, it never came to that.

"I understand your impatience my dear, but you should have waited." a fresh voice interjected, "We were going to summon the others shortly."

Only then did she see Darnic-Grandfather!-striding down the hall to meet them. His Servant was only a few paces behind, moving at a more languid gait. A tiny part of herself quailed at the thought of displeasing him, but she stubbornly held herself in check. Perhaps that was why Naruto all but ceased smiling and stood that much straighter as Kaguya clamored back onto his back. It wasn't...killing intent, but he didn't seem at all happy to meet the man, either. Drawing himself up, he didn't flinch as the head of their family stopped before them.

"There was no need for haste," he addressed Fiore with marked disapproval, "We thought you were under attack."

Shame nearly caused Fiore to avert her gaze, but she held herself in check with her own iron will. Grandfather didn't seem to care that she was walking; that she'd once more been made whole. Then again, Darnic seldom cared for anything beyond the Grail these days. He only took a passing interest in Naruto-an interest that piqued when he noticed Kaguya's petite form settled on his shoulder.

"This is your Servant, then?" when she nodded, he even dared to step closer. "He healed you, I assume? What is his class?"

"Foreigner." Naruto spoke before Kaguya's rising temper landed them in further trouble. "Nice to meet you."

"Well!" Darnic's Servant scoffed aloud. "He has manners at least. Despite his appearance."

"Careful, now." Kaguya's voice was velvety soft. "Watch your words. Both of you."

Darnic withdrew as if he'd been stung, his Servant, even more so. Fiore ruthlessly bit her lip. Indeed, the Servant looked positively gobsmacked for the first time since they'd been summoned. It was worth it, she decided, if only to see the supremely smug Servant taken down half a peg or two. Caules gave her hand a quick squeeze and muttered something about "preparing" before he slunk off. Fiore let him go without so much as a second thought; nor did she blame him for escaping. She had a Servant and she still didn't want to be in the middle of this.

"I did not intend to disparage you of course," Darnic put in warily. "Nor did my goddess."

What did he just...?

Naruto offered a frown.

...I'll take your word for it."

Only then did he face said Servant.

"Naruto." the blond began brusquely by way of introduction.

"Ereshkigal," came the newcomer's immediate retort. "You seem familiar. Have we...met?"

"Pretty sure we'd remember someone like you." Kaguya put in primly. "I've never seen you before in my life."

"No, I mean your companion." Lancer snapped back waspishly. "The blond one." her eyes softened. "By the spirits, I swear I've seen you somewhere...

There was a strange if chilly hospitality between the two of them, as though they couldn't quite decide how to act. For a tense moment, neither moved. Almost as if they were sizing the other up. Neither moved. Neither so much as blinked. They didn't even seem to breathe for what felt like the longest time. One of them tensed, and Fiore readied a Command Spell lest they come to blows.

And then, quite suddenly, the dynamic between the two Servants...changed.

In one smooth movement, Naruto took Lancer's hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it; causing those pale cheeks to burn bright. Something dawned in those red orbs-recognition? Realization-but she quickly smothered it before anyone could think to ask what she'd experienced. Fiore had her own suspicions, but she didn't give voice to them. No. She dare not. Were the two of them playing a game? Were they trying to one-up the other? Someone like Lancer might, but Naruto? Would her Foreigner truly do that? Oh gods she was calling hers already...she was doomed, wasn't she?

"Well!" Lancer tossed her head, freeing herself from her crimson hood. "Aren't you the dashing one!"

In that moment, Fiore finally got a good glimpse of her beneath the hood she liked to wear.

Hair like pale gold framed a fair face from which eyes of regal ruby shone. Clad in a red mantle with a dark crown and matching attire that clung sinfully to her every curve, she radiated sexuality on an almost primal level; indeed, her very presence stimulated the senses. She was, in all things, a resplendent beauty, a being beyond compare, and Fiore somehow felt lesser in her presence. This was a goddess-albeit one possessing a human host-not just by her own admission but by those of others as well. How could she hope to compare to this...?

Then a hand settled on her shoulder and the weight lifted from her chest; one she hadn't been aware of until this very moment, and the spell was broken.

"That wasn't very nice, Lancer." Naruto addressed the gloomy goddess with a glower. "You didn't have to do that to her, you know."

Her full lips quirked in a small smile. "I was merely testing her mettle, Foreigner. Forgive me. I meant no offense."

A muscle jumped in his jaw, but he didn't challenge her further. "I'm not the one to ask."

Fiore dared to raise her gaze and Eresh grimaced.

She didn't want to threaten anyone, but as a magus she had her pride; and that pride certainly didn't enjoy being trampled upon just now. She didn't have to take this. Servant or no. She had dignity. She had standards and she wasn't about to yield the one she was interested in, least of all to this blond...little...!

"Tramp."

Everyone startled.

"What did you just say?!"

The word escaped her before she could think to hold it back; even as her hands flew to her mouth she knew it was too late to take the words back. Ereshkigal's dismaying yelp was only overshadowed by Naruto's open guffaw. Kaguya nearly toppled from his shoulders altogether, hanging on for dear life as the whiskered warrior all but doubled aver and outright cackled. Fiore felt a little bit like laughing herself and she would have...if she weren't absolutely mortified with himself.

"Ha! I knew there was a reason I liked you! You've got spine! Moxy! This is going to be great!"

"As you say." Darnic's smile was only slightly strained. "Shall we begin, then?"

Naruto hummed. Kaguya positively purred.

"Yes," she declared. "Lets."

(...0o0o0...)

The summoning chamber was awash with light.

Fiore looked on, rapt with attention as the ritual unfolded.

She wondered if the catalysts would work. They should...shouldn't they?

Quietly, she clasped her hands together. No surprise. Please, gods, no more surprises.

Distantly, she was of Eresh reclining upon her throne, and Darnic lurking by her side as the chant began to build. Why did the sight of them make her stomach turn? Lancer didn't appear to be inherently evil, or cruel for that matter, but she certainly lacked restraint. She'd backed down all too quickly when Naruto put the screws to her in any case. Perhaps she simply didn't understand people. Yes, that might make sense. She sensed an overt friendliness from Lancer, but it was blunted by her own awkward behavior.

And if she was looking her way now, what of it? Let her simmer in her guilt.

"Lets raise a wall against the wind that shall fall."

So she pushed that thought out of her head and paid the pair little mind, choosing instead to focus on the ritual before her. Her own had been crude by comparison, but now she had the unrivaled chance to witness it from without rather than within. Her circuits simmered comfortably as she watched, leaning on a wall for support. It would have to do.

"Let the four cardinal gates close."

Naruto had been by her side a moment ago, but their Caster had taken one look at him and all but blitzed him like a long-lost friend. Foreigner had been dragged away in short order. At this angle she couldn't see him, but she could see the others, could hear their chant, even now swelling in her ears.

"From the crown, let the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom rotate."

Celenike, Gordes, and of course Caules, as well as someone she didn't recognize.

"An oath shall be sworn here."

That one...bothered her. They had the look of a homonculus but their face was a mystery to her. Just who was this newcomer? A boy? A girl? She could only glimpse ashen hair, their face obscured by her own position and the angle at which they stood. Fiore supposed it didn't matter. As a fellow Master suspected she'd be meeting them soon enough.

"I shall attain all virtues of heaven."

Each stood before that summoning circles, each chanted in perfect unison, each straightened their backs and thrust their right arm forward with singular purpose.

"I shall have dominion over all evils of Hell!"

Silently, Firoe counted off the remaining seconds.

Hopefully, she prayed for the classes, and for their success.

Berserker.

Assassin.

Archer.

Saber.

Rider.

No. Wait. She had meant to summon Archer. Instead she'd wound up with a Foreigner. Did that mean that the marksman class had simply been replaced in this war? Or would they somehow be granted an eighth Servant after all? Her head spun as the light continued to built. That didn't make any sense. There could only ever be seven Servants. The idea of more was...concerning. Loopholes could be exploited, both by their faction as well as those of the Red. If either found such a loop...

As if realizing that very thought, Kaguya made her way over to her.

"Have you prepared yourself, Master?" those solemn white eyes gazed up at her.

Prepared for what? Something in the way she'd said that words sounded ominous, but she never had a chance to ask.

Because it was then that they arrived.

A pulse of pale light filled the room, a cadence of voices breaking upon the immovable object that was the ritual. Even at this distance she couldn't bear to look at it overlong, lest she be blinded. When the light cleared, a familiar pressure registered against her shoulder, and she realized that Naruto had returned to her side. He stood at her right, and Kaguya her left. Almost as if they were...guarding her. Protecting. Actively shielding her from anyone who might dare do her harm.

She soon saw why.

"In accordance to the summons, we present ourselves." Kneeling in the center of the room, four freshly-summoned Servants spoke as one, their voices near in unison. "We are the Servants of Black. Our fates shall be with Yggdmillenia. And our swords shall be as your swords."

The first to catch her eye was an absolute mountain of a girl hefting a giant ax. She loomed over them all in nothing but a jacket and trousers. That had to be Berserker.

The next, a swordsman clad in white-and-black, bearing a singular red sleeve and sharp eyes. His gaze was a blade itself. Saber, if she ever saw one.

The third was notable for her scandalous outfight and vibrant pink hair and a cheery grin that looked a touch...hungry. Rider, she presumed.

Perhaps more frightful was that wee slip of a girl with pale hair, clad in a purple slip? Assassin? She might well be.

"Behold, my goddess!" Darnic cried! "They are the Servants summoned by our Masters! They are the Servants who shall serve under you."

Ereshkigal offered no words of comfort, no grand, stirring speech. She simply smiled. Rather than reply, she turned her gaze to Naruto. Those dark red eyes settled on him for a long, pressing moment, as though making a decision of sorts. Fiore couldn't fathom why. It didn't make a lick of sense. By rights, the summoning had gone without a hitch. Flawlessly, even. There was nothing to judge, no one to condemn, and certainly no one to try and fling a nasty comment at. So why, why, why was she staring at her Servant as if he were a hunk of meat to be devoured?!

"Oh, she's laying it on thick." one of the Servants-Rider?-whistled below the dais, heedless of their confusion.

"What say you, Naruto?" Eresh purred. "Do these Servants meet your standards?"

And yet Foreigner's reaction startled everyone all the same.

Naruto burst out into a peal of delighted laughter.

Kaguya joined him not a heartbeat later.

"They'll Do! Let The War Begin!"

A/N: 0_0

What have I unleashed?!

It is HEAVILY implied that Ereshkigal recognizes Naruto. But from where?

Ohohoho, but that would be telling now, wouldn't it? Therein lie half the fun, of course.

I'll say it right now, no Beast in this story! There, lets put that to bed and move onto more important matters.

Darnic is a slippery, slimy, swindler. It stands to reason that he'd try to ingratiate himself with whomever he summoned, I believe.

I regret nothing concerning Fiore; you'd be giddy too if you couldn't walk all your life. She's a treat to write, and so were the Servants. And now the roster comes together, if only a bit. I want to shift things up you know? Can't keep the same roster for every war, that'd get dull fast. Votes were tallied, so here we are thus far!

As another note, they may well still get an Archer. Who knows?

Saber of Black = Muramasa. His Master is Gordes.

Foreigner of Black = Naruto & Kaugya. Their Master is Fiore.

Caster of Black = Leonardo Da Vinci. Her Master is Roche.

Lancer of Black = Ereshkigal. Her master is Darnic.

Berserker of Black = Paul Bunyan. Her Master is Caules.

Assassin of Black = Kama. Her Master is...?

Rider of Black = Medb. Her Master is Celenike.

I ain't saying jack about the Red Faction yet, so keep those reviews/votes 'a coming!

OPEN SPOTS ARE OPEN VOTES! REVIEW AWAY ME HEARTIES!

Reviews are love. Reviews are life. Reviews make me strive.

As ever, this will be gone in two days if folks don't like it.

So In the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Review, Would You Kindly?

And enjoy the previews!

SURPRISE SURPRISE!

(Preview)

Medb was smiling again. "Well, hello handsome."

"NOPE."

Da Vinci preened.

"Of course! I am a genius after all! It only makes sense that I'd remember you!"

"You?!"

"Oh what the hell?!"

He was looking at himself. And for once...it wasn't a Beast.

They looked just as surprised to see him. "Which faction are you with?"

Naruto almost considered lying but thought better of it, for it gained him nothing. "Black."

His lookalike frowned and reached for their own weapon, blue eyes gleaming. "Well, THAT is going to be a problem...

*EDIT* EDIT* On another note, this Red!Naruto is going to be a surprising class. He's a new one, and NOT from another story. Be prepared.

She kissed him fiercely.

A hand wrapped around their skull.

"Oi, oi, oi! Who said you could touch my kid?!"

"Lets see you survive this one!"

Fiore had half an instant to realize her peril before Kaguya yanked her behind them. The enemy Servant, had even less time to prepare for the attack. Golden hands rose, mirrored by pale palms. Light gathered together in their fingers, swelling to meet the onrushing swell of light. Those gentle red eyes were purely white, wide and pulsing with apocalyptic fury. Something gathered there in the air, a blinding brilliance too bright to look at, as if he'd pulled all the stars down into their hands. Then they roared.

"BIJU!-

Let there be light.

-DAMAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

...lolicon."

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!"

*EDIT* EDIT* EDIT*Once again, the Red!Naruto is a surprising class. He's a new one. Be prepared.

R&R~!