Third POV: Chaldea Sky Boarder.

"I'd like your help with something," Yggdrasil stated.

Ritsuka blinked as he turned off his monitor and turned in his chair to face Yggdrasil. She had just came in his room without a warning and said that out of nowhere.

Admittedly, not the first time a Servant did that.

"O...kay?" Ritsuka started, looking confused. "What exactly do you need my help with, Yggdrasil?"

"First, you may call me Drasil. I'm aware that my name is hard to pronounce for some cultures such as Japan," Yggdrasil started, which caused Ritsuka to scratch the back of his head in embarrassment. "Second, I'd like to speak to a few Servants around Chaldea. However, those Servants are ones I never even attempted to speak to, and my social skills are... not as sharp as I'd like," she groaned.

"(That's an understatement,)" Ritsuka almost said outloud but managed to keep his thoughts to himself, remembering how Drasil always comes off as arrogant. "Alright, I understand."

"I'd also like you to invite Sherlock Holmes," the sudden, odd request got another blink from Ritsuka.

"Alright, but why do you need Holmes?" Ritsuka asked turning his monitor back on to call the detective.

"I'd just like his inquiry on something," Yggdrasil stated and Ritsuka turned to his monitor as Holmes answered.

A few minutes later, Ritsuka, Yggdrasil, and Holmes were walking through the halls. "Sorry to call you so suddenly, Holmes. I know you're probably busy," Ritsuka apologised to the detective as Yggdrasil led them through the halls.

"It is no problem at all, Mr. Fujimaru," Holmes, however, simply smiled and waved off the apology. "Far be it from me to miss the chance of trading knowledge with the all-knowing Tree of the Nine Realms."

Ritsuka smiled, happy that Holmes wasn't in any bad mood for being called. He then turned to Yggdrasil. "So, where are we going, Drasil?"

"First, we'll go to the most troubling person I want to talk to," Yggdrasil replied, looking over her shoulder, using her staff as a cane. "Second, this one is... rather irritating to me. So, I'd also like you to keep things from escalating to the point where I erase his existence."

Ritsuka sweat-dropped. "You're... joking, right?"

"No," Yggdrasil replied as they stopped in front of a door. "As I said, make sure things don't get too heated. I might actually kill this one."

Holmes raised one of his eyebrows while Ritsuka's eyes widened. Before either of them can say anything, Yggdrasil had already opened the door. Concerned, the Master and Detective followed Yggdrasil as they entered the room.

They found the room to be fully covered in Chinese decorations and royal robes. In the center of the room, sitting cross legged and sipping tea was the Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

"Hmm, oh, a visit?" Qin Shi Huang put his cup down and acknowledged his guests. "A welcoming surprise. Welcome, Ritsuka, Detective, and you are...?" The emperor trailed off, not having met Yggdrasil before.

"You may refer to me as Yggdrasil, Mortal," Ritsuka can safely say he's never heard Yggdrasil sound so irritated. "I would like to make this quick as I do not stand your presence. I would like you to tell me of the land you ruled in the Lostbelt."

Qin Shi Huang frowned. "Hmm, it seems you have some form resentment towards us. Have we done anything to offend you, little one?"

"I am far older than even that empire of yours," Yggdrasil replied, her eyes narrowing. "And your philosophy in itself is the greatest insult to me anyone may make. The belief that knowledge should be treated like a plague stands for everything I despise."

"We did what we believe is best to protect our people," Qin Shi Huang replied firmly.

"You may clip a bird's wings and claim you are protecting it from falling by ensuring it never flies, but that does not change the fact you crippled it," Yggdrasil said back, her voice getting intense.

Before things can get more heated, Ritsuka stepped in. "I think we trailed off from why we're here," he said drawing the attention of the arguing Servants. "Emperor Qin Shi Huang, we're just here to ask for some information on your empire. We'll leave right after that."

Qin Shi Huang cast a quick glare at Yggdrasil, who glared back, before sighing and turning his gaze back to Ritsuka. "Very well, if nothing else, we will not pass the chance to sing praise of our nation. Ask away."

"I am simply curious at what difference it had from Proper Human History when it began in terms of the world," Yggdrasil asked.

"Hmm, very well," Qin Shi Huang began then describing his Lostbelt and its history since its point of divergence.

It took him some time to describe his world and how it differentiated from Proper Human History. Ritsuka had heard all this before, but still can't bring himself to stop feeling guilty over that peaceful world being gone.

Yggdrasil, meanwhile looked more and more irritated.

"Hmph, it is no surprise your world was Pruned," Yggdrasil commented harshly, earning a glare Qin Shi hundred, but before he can retort, the other Ruler servant turned away. "We're done here."

Ritsuka watched Yggdrasil walk away and turned to Qin Shi Huang. "I'm really sorry. She's really not like that usually," he apologised to the Emperor.

"Hmph," Qin Shi Huang simply huffed. "We am above letting the opinion of a mere child matter to us. She may think what she pleases."

Yggdrasil immediately stopped and Ritsuka was worried that she would finally attack Qin Shi Huang for calling her a child. However, she simply looked over her shoulder at the emperor with a look completely empty of any emotions.

"Hear this, Mortal, for an actual all-knowing being speaks," Yggdrasil started, her voice as lacking as her expression. "Making everyone else stupider than you does not mean you are wise. It simply means you're a less stupid narcissist desperately stopping anyone from going against their opinions."

With that, Yggdrasil walked out of the room. Ritsuka sent another apologetic look to the Emperor before he and Holmes walked out.

"You didn't have to be rude," Ritsuka said, looking rather disapprovingly at Yggdrasil.

The Norse Tree simply rolled her eyes. "Trust me, with someone like him, being rude was most peaceful outcome," the Master didn't stop giving her the look regardless of what she said.

"Where would you like to go now, Ms. Yggdrasil," Holmes asked. Ritsuka wasn't surprised that the detective didn't say anything, since he knew Holmes sometimes wanted to observe and gather information.

"Hmm, the next person isn't so troublesome. I just hope you'd guide me to them," Yggdrasil commented, the hostility she had a few minutes ago leaving. "I'm looking for the King of the Fourth Lostbelt."

Ritsuka blinked in surprise but was still willing to guide her to where Arjuna Alter can be found. He was really curious on why she chose to speak to two Lostbelt Kings in a row. But, for now, he decided to withhold the questions.

Reaching Arjuna Alter's room, Ritsuka came in and found the King of the fourth Lostbelt floating around with his eyes closed. When they walked in, he opened his eyes and looked at them.

"Master... welcome..." Arjuna Alter greeted in his usual slow tone, looking dazed.

"Greetings, hero Arjuna. I am here to ask you a question," Yggdrasil immediately stepped in and spoke.

Arjuna Alter looked at Yggdrasil before tilting his head. "A talking... tree...?"

"This is Drasil, another Servant," Ritsuka spoke, motioning to Yggdrasil. "She came here to ask you a few questions. If you don't mind answering."

Arjuna Alter hummed in thought before nodding his head. "Ask... away..."

"I wish to learn of the nature of your Lostbelt in terms of the nature of the world," Yggdrasil asked the same question she did for Qin Shi Huang.

"... Alright," Arjuna Alter agreed and began explaining. His explanation took longer than Qin Shi Huang did because of the way he speaks, but Yggdrasil didn't seem bothered in the slightest.

"I see. You sought perfection through repetition," Yggdrasil hummed. "You are not the first to have the idea of slowly clipping away what is evil. Though, in the end, it purely depends on what you see as 'evil', and how your opinion can change. Thank you for answering my questions."

"No... problem...," Arjuna Alter replied as the group left the room and he went back to floating around with his eyes closed.

"Now, on to the next person," Yggdrasil stated as soon as the exited the room. "I'd like to meet the Queen of the Fairy Kingdom."

Ritsuka, again, saw a pattern as this was the third time Yggdrasil had asked for a Lostbelt King. He glance at Holmes and found the detective to simply give Yggdrasil a raised eyebrow, but said nothing about it.

Shrugging his shoulders, Ritsuka began leading Yggdrasil to Fairy Queen Morgan's room. When they got in, he knocked on the door and waited for permission.

"Come in," as soon as they received it, they entered and found the Fairy Queen sitting on a throne, looking at them curiously. "Welcome, husband. I see you brought company."

Ritsuka's smile twitched at the way she referred to him, but that was all the reaction it got. At this point, he was used to Servants having their own way of seeing him and referring to him.

"Greetings, Fairy Queen. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Yggdrasil stepped forward and spoke. "I am the Norse Tree of the Nine Realms, Yggdrasil. You may refer to me as Drasil if you wish."

Morgan's brows raised slightly in surprise. "Oh, the Great Tree of the world? That is surprising."

"Is it, though?" Yggdrasil tilted her head with a smile. "You did use one of my names as yours during your journey, did you not."

Morgan hummed. "That I did."

"To be clear, I am not here because of that. You did my name no wrong. I am here for something else," Yggdrasil explained and Morgan raised a single brow this time to show her curiosity.

Ritsuka stepped in. "Drasil wanted to ask you a few things about your Lostbelt, if you're willing to answer, your majesty," he explained further, guessing on the subject of Yggdrasil's question based previous encounters.

Surprisingly to Ritsuka, Morgan looked even more curious. She hummed for a few seconds before nodding her head. "Very well. You may ask your questions."

"Can you tell me what the world was like in your Lostbelt?" Yggdrasil asked.

Morgan then explained the nature of her Lostbelt and the fairies that lived in it. She avoided speaking of certain aspects but Yggdrasil didn't seem to care.

When Morgan was done, Yggdrasil nodded. "I see, thank you, Fairy Queen."

"I am curious, what is it you wished to gain with this knowledge?" Morgan asked and Ritsuka, who had been wondering the same thing for some time, looked at Yggdrasil.

"It is simply a personal matter. Nothing more," however, Yggdrasil avoided giving an actual answer.

If Morgan minded, then she did not show it on her face. "I see. If you have nothing else, then leave. My daughter is coming for tea soon," the Fairy Queen turned her gaze to Ritsuka. "Yoy may join us if you wish, my husband."

"Ah, thank you, your majesty, but I still have to help Drasil," Ritsuka respectfully declined while only giving half the reason he didn't wish to stay. The other half was that he didn't doubt Baobhan Sith would be angry to come here and find him while planning to spend time with her mother.

After leaving Morgan's room, Yggdrasil stopped and hummed, her expression becoming troubled.

"Is something wrong, Drasil?" Ritsuka asked.

"No, it's just that this next person is... a bit of an odd situation. I saved them for last because they can be troubling," Yggdrasil said and Ritsuka began worrying. "Do not be concerned. It is not the same case as that narcissistic emperor. Its a kind of troubling because this person has been avoiding me."

Ritsuka, while relieved that the next visit wasn't gonna start off in any hostile way, was confused as he didn't remember any Servant like that. However, as soon as Yggdrasil informed him of their identity, he understood why.

Leading Yggdrasil to their room, Ritsuka knocked a few times and waited for a response. Yggdrasil standing right behind him and Holmes to hide herself from the person.

"Come in," the owner of the room gave them permission. When they entered, they found Scathach-Skadi sitting on her own throne made of ice. "Ah, welcome Master, and Sherlock Holmes. What do I owe this visit?"

"Uhm, someone wishes to meet you, Skadi," Ritsuka said before standing aside.

As soon as Yggdrasil was in view, Skadi jumped from her throne on to her feet. "Y-You...!?"

"Good day to you, Skadi," Yggdrasil started, a small smile on her lips. "It certainly is a pleasure to meet you without you trying to avoid me."

"I... I wasn't trying to...," Scathach-Skadi attempted to say something in her defence.

However, Yggdrasil simply giggled. "Please remember who you are speaking to, child," her statement caused Scathach-Skadi to sigh in defeat. "Rest assured, I am not here to chaste you for your behavior. I am here for something else."

"Drasil wants to ask you a few things, if you don't mind," Ritsuka explained.

"D-Drasil?!" Scathach-Skadi gasped at the casual way her Master referred to the Tree of the World, but took a deep breath and calmed her nerves. "I see. I have no right to turn back the Tree of the World. Ask any question you desire."

"I simply wish to understand the nature of your Lostbelt in terms of the world," Scathach-Skadi flinched upon hearing Yggdrasil's question, but before she can jump into any conclusions, the Ruler Servant continued. "Calm down. This is no form of judgement. I am simply curious. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Curious? But why would you of all people- no, I have no reason to ask," Scathach-Skadi cut herself off mid speech as she sat back down and closed her eyes in thought before hardening her expression and looking back at Yggdrasil. "Very well."

Scathach-Skadi then went on to explain the world she ruled over. The Lostbelt filled with giants where Valkyries would fly everywhere to gather the deceased and the black sun that imprisoned Surtr.

"Hmm... Not unexpected," Yggdrasil mumbled before smiling at Scathach-Skadi. "Thank you, Skadi."

"W-Wait!" Before Yggdrasil can even turn away, Scathach-Skadi called her out. "I... I wish to speak to you... in private, if you will."

"I see," Yggdrasil didn't seem bothered in the slightest and simply looked at Ritsuka and Holmes. "Master, Sherlock, would you two wait for me outside for a moment."

Both of them gave an understanding nod and exited the room. As soon as the door closed, Yggdrasil waved her staff and a collection of Runes appeared on the door and walls.

"Something to ensure privacy," Yggdrasil explanation, though she doubted Scathach-Skadi hadn't already noticed. "Now, is this about why you've been avoiding me?"

"Yes... it is," Scathach-Skadi sighed and seemed to fidge in her throne. "I suppose it was... guilt."

"Guilt?" Yggdrasil tilted her head.

Scathach-Skadi remained quiet for a few seconds before her expression turned sad. "Oh great Tree of the Nine Realms, I ask of you... have you always been able to speak?... Have we gods truly always been so ignorant to your voice?"

Yggdrasil remained quiet, her expression turning blank as she stared at Scathach-Skadi. Each second made the goddess more anxious. Eventually, the World Tree spoke again.

"Yes. Ever since the days of your ancestor, Ymir, I have always been able to speak and attempted to call out to you, or anyone for that matter," Yggdrasil said, her expression remaining blank. "I could not even fault you, for you were simply beings not in tune enough with the world to hear me. Even when I gave Odin his wisdom, he could not hear my voice. Though, I do believe he suspected I could speak."

"I see," Scathach-Skadi's expression became crestfallen, guilt eating at her heart.

"However, do not be sad," raising her head, Scathach-Skadi saw Yggdrasil smiling at her. "I never hated you or felt angry. I was simply sad I couldn't be heard. Besides, in the end, someone did manage to hear my voice. So I'm quite content on how things turned out."

Scathach-Skadi's expression didn't change before she gave a hesitant smile. "If you can... would you be willing to visit to speak again?"

"Certainly. I will see you later," Yggdrasil agreed, which removed any hesitation Scathach-Skadi's smile had. With that, Yggdrasil said her goodbyes and left the room to find Holmes and Ritsuka. "I apologise for making you wait."

"Ah, it's alright," Ritsuka simply shrugged it off. "Where do you wanna go now."

"I'm actually done," Yggdrasil said, surprising Ritsuka. "I'm sorry to take your time for such a selfish request. I was just worried things would take a bad turn considering my social skills. Thank you for taking time to help me, Master."

Ritsuka blinked at her a few times before he simply smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "No problem. If you need help with anything, just ask."

With that, Ritsuka walked away and started heading back to his room. When he was gone, Yggdrasil turned to Holmes. "You have questions for me, do you not?"

"Ah, so you've noticed?" Holmes simply smiled and nodded. "Yes, I have two questions, to be exact."

"Ask away."

"Thank you, first, why did you really wish to ask the Lostbelt Kings for their respective domains?" Holmes immediately accepted Yggdrasil's invitation and asked his first question. "I do not doubt that a being such as you would know of the Lostbelts regardless of their pruning. Surely you could have used your clairvoyance to learn their nature without the need to ask their rulers."

Yggdrasil simply giggled. "Ah, that was simply indulgence on my part. I wished to actually go out to find answers on my own instead of learn things through my abilities for a change."

"I see," Holmes smiled, satisfied with the answer. "As a fellow pursuer of answers, I suppose I have no room to judge. As for my second question, why is it that your questions were specifically about the nature of each Lostbelt, but not of their history, or anything related to it."

Yggdrasil remained quiet for a couple of seconds before speaking again. "I am sure you know of Zack, also known as Elementor," Holmes nodded as he already read through Chaldea's records and met Servants that encountered the Ultimate One. "Did you know that he doesn't exist in any of the Lostbelts? Not only that, but he doesn't exist in any similar Time Line."

"Not a single one?" Holmes asked.

"What do all Lostbelts have in common?" Yggdrasil replied with her own question, but before Holmes can reply, she went to answer. "There are two conditions for a Lostbelt. The First is that the age of Mystics never ended. The second condition is that the Age of Humans never properly began. If one of those two conditions are met, the time-line becomes heavily in danger of being Pruned. However, it seems that, for some reason, if one of those two conditions are met, Zack cannot exist."

"So what you're saying is, for Zack to be born, you would need the age of Mystics to be ending, and the age of humans to be beginning?" Holmes summarised rubbing his chin. "That is... an odd and rather specific condition."

"Indeed," Yggdrasil nodded. "The Sixth and Fifth Lostbelts have the defence that their point of divergence traces back even further than Zack's birth, but neither even had a creature that remotely resembles him. Its quite odd, isn't it?"

Holmes hummed before giving a suspicious look to Yggdrasil. "You have further information on that, do you not?"

"Yes, I do," Yggdrasil smiled mischievously. "However, taking a page from your book, it is not the time to reveal everything yet."

"Ha! So this is what it feels like to be on the receiving end of this situation!" Holmes simply laughed in response. "No wonder Sir Watson would always look annoyed at me. Very well, Lady Yggdrasil, I excitingly await for the time of whatever reveal you have."

With that, Holmes turned and walked away. Yggdrasil herself began heading to her room, now that she was finished. As she walked through the halls, Yggdrasil's thoughts trailed off to the information she did not share with Holmes.

"(Other than the two conditions I just mentioned, there's also the fact Zack's birth in itself was odd,)" Yggdrasil thought back to the day that Zack was born. "(It was... incredibly rushed for an Elemental. Not only that, but Zack was obviously born defective and mutated. He is the Elemental equivalent of being born severely crippled and suffering multiple mutations. It's almost as if...)" Yggdrasil stopped at the door of her room as her thoughts led her to a possible conclusion. "... It's almost as if Zack's very birth was an act of desperation."