My Gratitude to You

Pairing: Hakuno (female) x Nero

Genre: Friendship/Romance

Disclaimer: I do not own the Fate series or any of its characters.

Author's Note: Here's another of my adaptions for the anime "Last Encore". Please enjoy!

Battle after battle, Hakuno-chan and Nero are well on their way closer to get the Holy Grail. But they still have some more to go against and the last one they encountered was a bit tough. But they got through it and now are moving on to the next area. They arrive at a rooftop where there is a large forest surrounding it and there is a church just a far distance from them. Hakuno-chan takes a few steps ahead while Nero stops and looks around.

"This must be the place," she says. "Though I am not certain this is where Masters and Servants will go. But keep on guard, Praetor."

Unbeknownst to the two, there is a hooded figure with a sniper rifle and is already looking through the scope.

Hakuno-chan nods and steps toward the edge to see the view. "A forest, huh?" she says, softly.

"Umu. But could this also be ruins as well?" Nero questions as she steps next to her Master. She can see some statues hidden within the tall trees.

The church bells chime loudly, filling the air. Just then, Nero could sense something. She turns and pushes Hakuno-chan aside as she draws her sword. She swings it to deflect something and it drops on the floor. A small bullet.

"A sniper!" she exclaims. "Praetor, take cover!"

The soft-spoken brunette looks at the church and furrows her eyebrows. That shot…came from there… she thinks.

Nero deflects a few more bullets and looks back. "We'll be dead if we stay here! We'd be easy targets for them! Come on, Praetor!" She grabs her Master's hand and both of them jump off the roof.

From there, Nero turns around to face up, embracing her Master so that she can break her fall. And that she did. Though it hurt a little, at least they are safe.

They walk along the forest in silence for just a bit when Nero breaks it.

"So…there is indeed an enemy judging from that sniper," she says.

"No doubt about it," Hakuno-chan nods and looks back at the church. "I saw where the bullet came from."

"Mmhmm. It's from that tower, isn't it?" Nero says. "Oh, by the way, you were able to locate that shooter so quickly! I'm very impressed~!"

Hakuno-chan just stares at her servant.

"Umu! Umu! I'm so proud of you, Praetor! Such talent is deserved for someone who desires to find out their wish~!"

"Thank you very much," the soft-spoken brunette says.

"Mmm? There's also another thing I noticed. You always show me thanks. Not that I don't appreciate it," Nero says as she leans forward and points a finger. "I'm just making some statements. That's all."

"Right." Hakuno-chan nods again. "In fact…there IS something that I want to say to you since the beginning." She looks up at the sky with Nero smiling at her. There is no time to relax about it, but even so…I'd rather say it now than later…if we both survive until the end. "I'm grateful," the soft-spoken brunette closes her eyes and puts both hands on her chest. Light wind blows, making her long, brown tresses sway gracefully. "The reason I'm here and alive…was because of you."

The Emperor gives a confident nod. "Umu~! Well, your praise truly pleases me! And…something else as well~" she replies, her smile never leaving her face.

Hakuno-chan tilts her head in confusion. Nero giggles and turns around to have them continue walking.

"You wear that same serious face most of the time," the blonde continues. "I am very delighted to see you express yourself a bit more." She closes her eyes and stops walking. "We can't always think of the bad things. Battle or killings. We must stay strong." She raises her hand high. "No matter how high your position is, show no arrogance. Let's not forget the good things in life. Flowers…melodies…the beauty." The Emperor twirls around like a ballerina. "But most important….gratitude…and the blooming pride in your heart." She turns to her Master with a smile, then steps toward her to cup her hands to her cheeks. "Do not forget any of it, Praetor. For these feelings…I wish to have them stay forever. I am also…grateful for living like this. Because I am by your side and vice versa."

The soft-spoken brunette blushes bright red when her servant said that. Nero can be so sweet despite her high energy. She smiles a small smile and nods.

"Umu! Now then, let's search for that sniper and battle our way towards victory~!" she turns around again and raises a fist. "We have no time to lose, Praetor~! We can do this if we work together!"

Hakuno-chan closes her eyes and nods again. "Well said, Saber. Well said…~"