Disclaimer: This story is somthing like a side-project. I had this idea hanging above my head for some time and decided why the hell not. Let's see what happens when you throw chaos in already chaotic world of of the Fifth Holy Grail War. Remember one thing, the Grail War is at its core a game played by dangerous people, sociopaths, wannabe heroes, greedy bastards, arrogant pricks all coupled with pieces, some with potential to break boulders with flick of a finger. You think those battles fought are noble? Get real. Story contains loose crossovers with my original work 'Indomitable Heart'.

Content and characters belong to their respective owners. There is mostly Type-Moon and a minor one other (un)popular author.

War For the Damned

Chapter 1: Servant Berserker

They said this is for the glory of family. They said it was for the benefit of greater progress. They said it is a chance to redeem past mistakes done by the last one who betrayed their cause. The one whom they entrusted their mission, given him the necessary tools to see the quest to completion. All he had to do was win and survive to become the champion that shall clame the ultimate prize.

The Holy Grail. The omnipotent wish-granting device. The object that is said can open the door to Akasha itself. A place outside of the World. Existing outside of time, it stores and archives information of all possibilities and events, past, present, and future, of the world. The main goal of many magi, containing the 'truth' of the universe itself.

'What a silly joke.'

Illyasviel von Einzbern cared not for some old scholar's that were high on a pipedream about searching for the reason of why things existed. Of why life existed. Why would they even want to know such things? Life is there anyway, why bother looking for the answers like 'why is it there?' or 'why is reality even real?'. Bunch of useless ramblings.

She has her own reasons for participating in the Fifth Holy Grail War. It is vengeance. A retribution to that man and her replacement he found after he killed mother and betrayed them all. But most of all, he betrayed her. He lied to her. He broke the promise he gave her that time ten years ago. Unforgivable.

Then the agents working for her family informed her of Kiritsugu's passing. That development made the situation somewhat tricky. She could no longer pay him back for abandoning her, not anymore. However, what she could do, is take it out on the boy he left her for. Repeatedly, for several weeks. With a lot of powerful tools she could find, be it magical or non-magical. He would suffer dearly. Oh, yes he would.

Of course she needed to become strong herself in order to make her wish a reality. One of the reasons that Einzberns had a poor track record in the Second and Third Holy Grail World was because, simply put their own representatives were pathetically weak. So the sought to rectify that by hiring a foreigner to represent them in the Fourth War. Emiya Kiritsugu, 'Mage Killer', the best among his colleagues in the branch. And that turned out spectacularly at the end.

Ten years after the last Grail War fiasco, they decided it was all or nothing. They threw everything they had into a little girl homunculus, the daughter of the last Grail vessel Irisvel. The Einzberns then trained Illya harshly in order to groom her as the next vessel for the Grail and as a Master who would finally bring the Grail to the family.

And to make things run even smoother, the Einzberns gathered the materials for Servant summoning and with their extended knowledge on the Holy Grail working systems, as one of the three clans that helped found it, they concocted the plan to gain an early advantage in the War. The advantage would manifest itself as one from Four Cavalry classes, Berserker.

Normally being the servants that at one point in their life went mad, which allows them to use the special ability Mad Enhancement, which trades their consciousness and sanity for a large power boost. And it's just their luck they managed to get ahold of the relic that would summon one of the strongest historical figures ever documented. The mighty Heracles, son of Zeus, the demi-god, slayer of many nightmarish beasts and achiever of all Twelve Labours considered impossible for any mere man.

A Master couldn't wish for a more perfect servant in the aspects of sheer power alone. Combined with Illyasviel's potential that surpasses any Master in the War, she can make full use of her Servant. Even the high drain of mana caused by Brserker would mean little since she has enough reserves to supply much as four Servants at once and feel only slightly winded.

''Alright. It's finally time.'' The snow haired princess of Einzberns spoke to the air, her breath misting as it left her lips. Right, she was outside on the cold winter weather by herself. Grandpa threw her in the wild forest surrounding their large castle in the mountains and told her to do the ritual in the wilderness. Something about being out in constant danger will be a good motivator to her.

Clearing her head from any unnecessary thoughts for now, Illyasviel finished drawing the circle and took position in front extending her right hand she began the well-learned mantra for summoning.

''Heed my words, my will creates your body,

And your sword creates my destiny!

If you heed the Grail's call,

And obey my will and reason, then answer my summoning!

I hereby swear, that I shall be all the good in the world,

That I shall defeat all evil in the world!''

The circle glowed in bright crimson as the little girl chanted. She could feel the connection established. She could feel her voice reaching beyond to the Throne of Heroes. Her very being making connection with the other destined to be her partner, her companion in the forthcoming battles. But she could not know, that since the corruption, the Grail itself in its own ingenuity and consciousness incomprehensible by mortals defines the final act.

Einzberns wanted to cheat their way through the game? They wanted an early advantage and trouble-free path to the main prize whilst traversing the rules? Well, time to show them that what goes around comes around. Fate can be just as equally deceptive!

''Then let thine eyes be clouded, with the fog of turmoil and chaos,

Thou who are trapped in the cage of madness,

And I, the summoner, who holds the chains!

Seventh heaven clad, and the great words of power,

Come forth from the circle of bindings, Guardian of Scales!''

Prana crackled around like a electrical surge of power, a silhouette of a person materializing. Unable to be perceived by the naked eye yet, Illya patiently waited for her Servant to appear before her. If she was honest with herself, she does feel a certain giddiness. Living the past decade in isolation, without anyone to talk to or play with, she will finally have someone to rely onto. Someone who would listen. Instead of other blank-faced homunculi that filled the castle. Those were all boring.

So enamored with her thoughts about a potential friend, even if only a Servant, Illya now only noticed the dire growling and the sounds of a danger approaching. A pack of wolves. Three of them, looking hungry as hell and with all the intention in turning her into their next meal.

Even if she is considered powerful by magi standards, Illya could not do much in her current condition against the wild predators. Add the fact that she spend a great amount of time without food or water. Yes, she could live without nourishment longer than normal human, but she is still not immune to losing strength in absence of proper food. And it has been days.

With the survival instinct kicking in, the white haired girl did the only logical thing her brain told her to. Run for your goddamned life!

And she made a hasty fifteen-stepped stride, ignoring the almost fully new servant and ran the other way. Coincidentally, lack of energy affect the basic motor functions and renders them in a pretty much weak state. So upon making a sixteenth step she managed to trip on a conveniently jutted tree root. Dammit, just like with walnut counting, these things hated her! Plants two, Illya nil.

*CRACK* *CRACK*

Two distinct sounds of breaking resonated through the snowy forest and right behind where the newly christened Master fell face-first onto the thick covered ground.

Illya was confused now. Is that how bites feel? Having never experienced that sort of pain before she really couldn't tell. Reasonably, she turned and sat on her behind to witness a rare scene.

The cracks she heard earlier were definitely made by wolves. But in no way it did them any good. Two were lying at the bases of two trees across from each other. Their forms bended in an unnatural fashion and bleeding. Oh and the cracking sounds were from the way they were both chucked to the previously mentioned pines, the bark now sporting fissures from the blows it suffered.

Now who could have done such a monstrous feat of strength and savagery? Setting her gaze in the middle of the scene, Illya found the perpetrator of the deed. The figures back was turned from her, but from what she could notice it was tall, had a short mane of golden blond hair and dressed in black skin-tight suit with only the left arm being bare. And there was a single sheathed blade strapped horizontally on its lower back.

Was that supposed to be Heracles? One of the most famous heroes of Greek mythology? The one that stories describe as being tall like two men, and has the build that the contemporary bodybuilders could only ever dream to achieve?!

''Okay, I need to calm down. Looks can always be deceiving in the world of magi.'' She focused on her own prana and found the steady flow that the Master and Servant share when bonded by summoning. And her Command Spells also responded and briefly flickered on her entire body. This was in fact her servant.

Making herself appear more dignified, as much as that possible in the ragged single-piece dress she had, she stood and stroded to her Servants left. She was a little shocked to see the remaining wolf standing there a few feet away. He was crouching slightly, but didn't appear that aggressive anymore. But when he caught the sight of Illya he bared his chops again.

''Goowrrrlllll!'' A deep rumble that came next made Illya jump a step away from her servant. That is not human sound. That is even worse than the now moaning wolf that turned tail and ran away like a lost, scared puppy.

When she tried to get the better impression on her servant now that she was close, her eyes stopped their journey to its head and paused on the chest area. ''EEEHHHHHH!'' The scream made the nearby watchers fly away from the sheer volume of the noise. What in old man Acht's frozen beard?!

As the Servant finally decided to take a look at the girl, Illya did a double take and turned away now rambling to herself. ''B-B-Breas... Mamma? Ouhhhh! I messed up! I messed up big time!'' The whitehead moaned in despair. How could've this happen to her?! She summoned the wrong Servant! But she is sure she did everything right! ''What if I mispronounced the chant? Or the circle was flawed? Agh, grandpa's going to be sooooo mad at me!''

The tall blonde female Servant blinked at the spluttering mess of a girl. Weird. She surveyed the area around and studied the sky. Later winter season, high altitude. Mountain location. After a bit more careful observation, there were no other immediate threats. 'Holy Grail, huh? Wish granting? And war, can't ever go without that one.' The Servant mused the new information she has just been given by the Grail. Glancing at her Master by all accounts, she sighed. The girl was still moping and started drawing imaginary figures in the snow.

''I'm sorry mama...'' Illyasviel muttered to herself. Then something hard hit her head and made her kiss the ground again. She quickly stood up and spat the extra melted snow from mouth. When she reached to touch her head where impact occurred she found more melting snow. Did her Servant just threw snowball at her?!

''Hey! You can't do that to me!'' She yelled at the woman and pointed an angry finger her way. ''You are my Servant!'' And she was a princess by all means. The retainers should never treat their liege like this.

The blonde didn't look all that impressed with the attitude and crossed her arms. ''Hello to you, too. Thanks for saving my hide and all that. I'm so lucky to have you.'' Came the dry response to the accusation.

The young Einzbern's hand went limp at her side. ''You... speak?'' She said in puzzlement. That's can't be right. Berserkers were Servants who traded reason and intellect for power. ''Are you... Heracles by chance?'' She posed the question not knowing what to expect anymore.

''No.'' Came a swift answer.

''You're a... girl?''

''Last I checked.''

''And... you are my Servant?''

''I don't know. Are you the voice I heard before I woke up?''

Not that it needed to be confirmed, but Illya wanted to make sure. She shook her head and straightened her pose. No use in crying over spilled milk. She'll have to make do with this one. ''I am Illyasviel von Enizbern of the Einzbern family. And yes, that was my voice that called you.''

'That's a tongue-twister.' The Servant thought about her Master's name. ''Servant Berserker heeds your call Master. Let's try to get along and kick fucking ass until only ours remain.'' She extended the same courtesy with introductions.

Again, Illya was surprised by the woman. At least she summoned the correct class. And boy, did her Servant had a mouth of a forked reptile. ''Right. Let's do just that!'' The smaller girl chirped. She paused to look at the stats of her servant and what a stats those were. ''Woah...'' Illya said in awe. Were these her parameters with no Mad Enhancement for booster? Wait a minute... ''Your Noble Phantasm requires Command Spell to activate?!''

Berserker scratched her cheek while mulling something. ''Well... yeah. Trust me, don't be using that right off the bat. There's a good reason you need to sacrifice the Command Spell.'' She walked closer to the girl and picked her up. Illya yelped in surprise, but didn't protest too much. ''Alright Master, which way to home?''

Illya pointed the direction she vaguely remembered the castle is and Berserker followed the path without question. While walking, Illya couldn't help but study her Servant. She was never this close to any grown-up woman like Berserker. All the homunculi at the castle were almost identical in appearance. Berserker had a strange combination of appeal and power. The way she talked and carried herself doesn't point out she was a monarch in her previous life. From the looks of things she was most likely a warrior woman. Fierce and courageous on the battlefield.

''What? I have something on my face?'' The golden blond Berserker asked after a time, feeling the small Master's eyes roaming on her.

''Now that you mentioned it. You do have something.'' Illya said and reached to touch Berserker's right side of the face where a three-pointed red facial marking was. Upon touching the mark, Illya sensed something from it. It gave off heat and felt as if hid a big primal power behind it. A sensation akin to a disaster ready to burst out.

Based on the look on her face, she must have felt it. ''That, Master, is part of who I am. My own legacy etched deep into the very core of my being.'' The castle was getting visible in the distance. ''Look at that sight. You are filthy rich, Master.'' Berserker smirked peering at the girl with her amber slitted eyes.

Illya blushed and turned her head from those eyes. They held such intensity that she could barely look at them straight. And she was supposed to be Master and authority here for Root sake! Better fix this. ''Of course. Someone of my stature and looks cannot be afforded to live a plebeian life. I demand proper respect as befitting a noble.'' Illya ended it with a haughty note.

''Uhh-huh. Then what were you doing by yourself in the woods? Did you really need to preform the ritual that far outside?'' Her Master was powerful for a human. Berserker felt the great pool of mana Illyasviel had through their link. Her anchor to this world is unbelievably potent.

Illya was silent for a minute before telling her Servant. ''Grandpa said it would do me good in the open. And that conditions would be good for my final test as a magus of Einzbern.''

''But you could have done the ritual inside, right?'' The blonde persistently inquired.

''Why does it matter? I finished the trial grandpa Acht gave me, I summoned you, and I survived. Now ask me no more of this subject. We have a War to prepare for, Berserker.'' Illya said bitterly. This Servant likes to pry it seemed. But this is not what she would talk about. In her mind, she completed the test and that's it. ''Berserker, can I ask you something?''

''You already did, Master.'' The blonde quipped.

''What... No! Ugh! Stop that right now!''

So, topic on family is touchy stuff. But on the other hand, her Master is just that type of person complementing her own personality. She's gonna enjoy teasing the living hell out of her. ''If you say so, Master.'' She stopped walking and dropped the girl to the cold surface.

''W-Why did you do that?!'' The bleached girl yelled in outrage. What was wrong with this Servant?!

Berserker shrugged unfazed. ''You said 'stop', naturally I carried out my order and ceased my actions. Which involved walking and transporting you.'' The female Servant of Madness explained patiently, whilst smiling in glee on the inside.

Now Illya felt her forehead vein throbbing. ''You... you... I meant stop twisting my words! It's untoward to your Master!''

Berserker half-lided eyes opened fully in faux-realization. ''Ahh. You should have said so from the beginning then.'' The small girl was close to blowing a gasket by now. Time to cool down by defrosting the ice princess. ''Okay, okay. I'll bring down with jokes a notch. Come here.'' She scooped the girl and noticed the trembling. Luckily, Berserker is just the perfect person for these situations.

''What are... Ohhhh. That's nice... Hmmm.'' Illya sighed in satisfaction when the steady amount of warmth began to wrap around her whole body. It was quite pleasant for the homunculus girl after all that time in the cold. ''How are you doing this?''

''Eh, it's just a parlor trick really. But pretty useful wouldn't you say, Master?'' No response. ''Master?'' She tried again and heard the stesdy breathing against her. She should have expected that. Her Master is still a child at heart. ''Rest for now Illyasviel. The real hardships are ahead of us.'' When you know about war and fighting as much as her, then this whole Holy Grail War is about to become vicious event.

Fighting for wish granting device. There's a good reason for bloodshed if she ever saw one. She will protect her Master with the best of her capabilities. That's why she answered the calling, it is why she was summoned. Competing in another war. ''World is just cruel no matter what time or place.''

XxX

Jubstacheit von Einzbern was not the man who easily shows emotions. Driven by rationale and with only achievement as his only goal, the old magus king of the Einzbern family hardly ever felt the need to react to any kind of unexpected or astonishing event. Patiently waiting for his granddaughter's return in his study he suddenly felt the sensation of a Bounded Field being breached.

A very powerful presence that can for certain be that of a Servant was approaching. That also meant Illyasviel was successful in her endeavour. Except, the old Acht figured something was missing here. Having set the Bounded Field of the highest quality it enabled the user to briefly catch a glimpse of the trespasser's potential. Then why did the presence of one of the greatest entities that walked this planed felt so different than expected?

''How very odd. No fluctuating presence akin to a storm coupled with the oppressive feeling of Mad Enhancement.'' Not to say that it was any less powerful, but it simply didn't gave off the aura one would hope the once Raging Destroyer from the Age of Gods had. This strange development requires further study. With that in mind, the old Head of the Einzbern went to see for himself just what has that child summoned to this realm.

Minutes later as he was descending the stairs to the main hall the front double door were rudely opened. It was by wonder that the high-grade, wooden construction managed to stay whole.

Another wonder that made the mostly stoic Jubstacheit raise his pure white brow was the reason behind said intrusion. Being well apt and knowledgeable as he is he immediately confirmed it was a being out of this current realm. That is the first notion. The second notion no more curious than the first, this was and can't be the warrior Heracles he worked restlessly to gather materials from the Greater Grail and a proper catalyst for its summoning.

It was a woman, that much is clear by the appearances and build. The tight suit she wore with yellow linings and a fully gloved right hand with patterns reminding of flames made the long-lived Acht jump to conclusion that this Servant originated from Celtic folklore. Lastly, the third notion is the way Illyasviel clinged to her Servant's neck and the woman holding her like a toddler.

It would have painted a beautiful picture for the common folk had they lacked the true grasp of the whole situation. ''I see you failed in your quest to summon Heracles.'' Jubstacheit made an observant comment. His voiced had a tint of disappointment in it. ''Alas, you will have to utilize this new Servant to its fullest capacity before the War commences. Now let us...''

His further droning was stopped by one of the maid homunculus, Sella. ''Your Lordship, if I may. Lady Illyasviel appears to be in deep slumber at the moment. Sadly, your words only fall to her deaf ears.'' The red-eyed attendant told him.

The old alchemist caught himself from talking. Now upon closer observation, young Illyasviel does seem unresponsive. Well, this puts them in a pickle. He wished to have words with her about this new state of affairs ensued from the summoning of wrong Servant. But, they have two more months, so he will wait for now. ''Very well. Sella and Leysritt, tend to her until she wakens. Once she does, inform her I ask for her presence.''

Sella approached the Servant without hesitation and reached for Illyasviel, only to find that little girl refused to let go of her familiar. Next logical course of action would be she escorts the Servant to Lady's sleeping quarters. ''Follow me.'' And she did just that, not knowing if the Servant will answer to a simple request. Surprisingly, it did, as she trailed behind the maid.

Old man Acht shook his head slightly. He and his granddaughter will have lot to discuss about. But for now... ''Close that door. It's letting the draft in.'' They don't need natural air-conditioning... Or any kind for that matter.

XxX

After getting good sleep Illya found herself at the breakfast table, grandpa Acht sitting on the other side with a cup of tea. She was really hungry as indicated by several portions of food she asked to be made for the morning meal.

''You wished my audience when I wake up, grandpa.'' Illya said pausing in-between the bites. It was only proper for a lady not to speak with her mouthful.

The current family head sipped from his cup before giving response. ''Indeed, child. The matter concerns your newly realized Servant and how you will proceed next.''

Illya restrained herself from snorting. ''What of it? I know precisely how to go on about the War. With Berserker by my side I will win the Grail for us. And while I'm at it, I will make sure to dispose of the trash he left.'' Her face scrunching in anger at the mere thought of that particular person and his still living pet.

''You are that confident in your abilities and that of your Servant, I see. A fine trait, but bear in mind that too much of it can prove to be an insidious killer. Many have fallen by simply being overly assured in their victory.'' He spoke to her in a sagely tone. Yes, she has good reason to believe in her skill, yet even that is not always a guarantee for triumph. He has seen and heard of many examples throughout his life.

Illya regarded him as she slowly chewed her next piece. ''Then a demonstration perhaps? Allow me and Berserker to show you just how much our confidence is well-placed.'' She smiled at the end and glanced to her left. ''Right, Berserker?''

That was a cue of sorts and the tall blonde warrior-woman materialized in a dust of blue particles. ''I won't deny being curious to what this era has to offer. I agree with you, Master. That is, if señor here doesn't mind.'' Berserker said with a relaxed smirk on her face.

'A sane Berserker that talks and has a clear judgement.' He will have to write this down for the future references. This was unprecedented case and will be recorder accordingly. And that minor slip-up she just made should definitely put her with Spanish or at least Latin American group. ''Interesting. Never before have I heard of a lucid Berserker. Is it that you were unique in your past señora? Or has the place you come from made you into what it stands before me?''

Berserker chuckled loudly and grinned until her inhumanly pronounced fangs showed. ''Tal vez? Tal vez no? (Maybe? Maybe not?) Those are some very personal questions I'm not much keen in sharing. So, are we going to do this rehearsal mock-fight or just twaddle?'' To further emphasize the point she made a clenched fist and started popping fingers in anticipation. ''I'm eager to try out how this body fares in battle.''

Old Acht nodded in agreement. ''Very well. I will have everything prepared in a matter of hours. Come at main courtyard and we shall see how you perform.'' Saying those final words he stood up and glided noiselessly out of the dining room.

'What a sad excuse of an old man. But then again, this whole place is swarmed with guys all alike.' While she was in spiritual mode, quite the nifty ability to have, she did a little snooping around while her Master slept. What she found was most baffling. Chateau was filled with individuals whose only distinctive traits were red eyes and pale hair. Most with the same size and type to fit the appropriate gender. All looked identical, and almost lacked any difference in scent.

If she wasn't that adept with her enhanced senses she would've write them off as coming from the same place. Until she figured they were not human to begin with. ''Just my damn luck. Ended up in some weird-ass alternate period, with a War fighting for an over-inflated genie wisher rip-off. Oh, and what do you know? I'm surrounded by people probably made on an assembly line or shit. This all looks like that hag's worst nightmare... And she'd likely jack off and climax in a fucking ectasy if she were here.''

''Who will?''

''Huh?'' Berserker blinked and looked down at her Master peering at her with no small amount of curiosity. ''Tell me you just heard all that.'' Seriously, she's robbed of privacy on her own personal thoughts?!

Illya was unsure but answered anyway. ''I heard the part about 'hag'... and, uhm, cl-climaxing...'' Let it be known that despite being nineteen years old and understanding plenty about human bodily functions, Illyasviel von Einzbern was very much not used to hearing a person so casually referencing about sexual stimulation.

For all her tough front and boldness she displays her Master has yet to learn about adulthood and the wonderful kinks it normally follows. ''Okay, I got a request, no a favour to ask from you Master. We are practically partners, comrades in arms and alike, right?'' Illya nodded, not seeing what point Berserker wanted to make. ''You trust me with your life to protect you in times of peril, right?'' Another bob of confirmation. The blond Servant smiled and put her hands on Illya's shoulders. ''Magnífico. Then do me a solid and from now on... Stay out of my damn thoughts!''

''A-Alright!''

''Good girl, Master.'' She patted Illya on the head several times and even with durable body those hand-pats felt like being made out of lead. ''Now, eat your breakfast. We have a long list of things to do.'' She casually picked the stake from her Master's plate and showed the whole slice in her mouth not caring for the little girl's protesting pout. ''Not bad. Would prolly turn better with flambeing...''

Her own Servant just reprimanded her, eated her meal and treated her like a little kid. Coupled with those facts, Berserker is just acting unpredictable. It's like she is partially influenced by her class trait, yet still holding her mind in one piece. Was she like this in her past life? If so, Illya wondered if she knew she was deliberately trying to cause ire in others or just liked to poke dangerous animals for the fun of it. That leaves more room to contemplation in the future.

''Since I can't hear your thoughts, I'm gonna take a guess and say you're displeased with me, Master.'' It's virtually written all over her face as she sat there staring at her now empty plate.

''Really? What ever gave you that idea?'' The white haired Einzbern princess huffed sarcastically.

''Well, for starters...''

''Not. Another. Word. I'm this close to wasting a Command Spell in shutting you for good.'' She demonstrated by making a small gap with her index finger and thumb.

That's a legitimate threat. She would do it in all likehood. Change of tactics. ''Bueno. As of this moment I'll keep my trap shut. How's that, Master?'' By the looks of it, the homuculus girl hardly believed her but accepted with reluctance. Sighing to herself, Berserker made a decision to spend the time until testing in her spirit form.

XxX

When Jubstacheit told them he will prepare everything in a matter of hours, he truly outdid himself. It goes to show that these people don't do things halfway. Illya stood in the grand courtyard dressed in fine purple overcoat, boots, white skirt and scarf coupled with a furry violet cap. Berserker was there, lingering in her astral form.

The yard was as big as one might expect. With the size of a football field filled with evergreen pines and tall hedging. It reminds of a mini-labyrinth. The intersected part was where the center is. It was actually an expanded part in the last years when certain someone complained not having decorated space for play.

Standing on the other side were ten homunculi old man Acht had equipped as a test. Each pair was dressed the same, and were diverse in armaments. Two with swords, two with halberds, two with bows, two with daggers and the last pair didn't have visible weapon on the first sight.

Illya looked behind her where grandfather was standing at the entrance, his steady gaze watching the whole scene. ''An imitation of the Grail War? Seriously, grandpa?'' Even a fool wouldn't take long to notice that her opponents were made to resemble each Servant class in the War. Save for Berserker, they couldn't recreate the whole circumstances for the Warriors of Madness. Maybe not in such a short time, that is.

''I cannot imagine more perfect setting to validate your prowess. This course is meant for you as well, not exclusively your Servant.'' He reminded the adolescent juvenile-look alike.

Illya was far from concerned by his words. ''I overcomed the last one. And with Berserker at my side, this will be like stroll in the park.''

Old Acht dipped his head slightly. ''We shall see then.'' He settled his vocal chords to give signal. ''Begin!'' And promptly retreated from the line of fire. Ne need for his immaculate suit to be ruined by any stray debris. Two homunculi wielding halberds took charge first.

''Hmph. Berserker, finish them all!'' The childlike Master gave her own signal. By her estimation it shouldn't even last two minutes.

With eyes glinting in excitement the Einzbern's Servant physically touched the ground and dashed off with a booming sound behind her. The small breaking of a sound barrier enough to cause Illya's clothes and hair to flutter about. Before two adversaries even reached half of the field she was already on them.

Dodging the first swipe of the overgrown axe she caught the second with her gloved hand and broke the sharp head. Not wasting any momentum the snapped part was quickly embedded in its previous bearer's throat and his carrion now used as a meat shield for his twin's renewed assault. The time he wasted trying to ustuck his weapon proved costly as homunculus' head was swept out of its place by a high sailing kick. With blood spraying from the neck-wound, the dead body sanked to the ground.

''Agility, reflexes, brute strength all working. What incredible feeling!'' Berserker sang with joy in her head, but quickly refocused on the battle. Work is not even half done. As a victor that experienced many battles in her life, blond Berserker turned her attention to the second wave. Swords in front, as she thought. Time to test other amazing aspects of her body.

Still opting not to use her blade, she ducked low to dodge and grabbed a hold of attackers wrist. With applied force the wrist was broken and she caught the blade in her left hand. A strong veer decapitated the meat doll, the other fake-saber used the slip to direct an overheaded slash. *CLANG*

The sword now became demi-sword, its cracked part harmlessly clanging to the surface. Seizing the confused humunculus neck, Berserker drove the sword into his heart area. One cough of blood and he went limp. ''The endurance works on passive here. Or is it only against regular weapons? I wonder now?'' ''Blitzstrahl!'' ''What the?'' Something hit her back and made the little explosion rising the dust from concrete.

The homunculi playing the role of Servant of Magic shouted in unison, holding their hands extended. Pale green light emanated from their palms with small crackling of electrical energy. Charging to repeat the casting they were interrupted as the left one's side was caught by a flying sword. It didn't kill her, but her whole balance was broken. ''Fucking hate backstabbing tactics.'' Berserker thought as she appeared behind the other one who fired a bolt at her, as if the high voltage spell hasn't touched her. A terrible crack was heard as she drove her elbow vertically to the base of the enemies neck, killing the spellcasting homunculus instantly. 'At least do it the right way.'

There's an answer to that. Nice, she doesn't have to activate that particular ability on its own. It works on a non-stop deal. How cool is that? Probably thanks to her Master. She'll show gratitude later. Another skill of hers flaring up and with it she snatched the arrow heading in the direction of her young Master. 'Bad move.' Now she's craving some bowman.

From a safe distance behind one tree Illya observed her Servant with good amount of awe. Not only does Berserken not fight like classical enraged maniac, she actually uses genuine combat strategies in close quarter and adapts to a situation rather adeptly. ''Wow, she must have been a fierce warrior in her time. And I know for certain she's not displaying the quarter of her real skills.''

Of course Illya was not stupid when she heard grandpa say the test was about her as well. That means, the fake Servant stand-ins were definitely ordered to try and take her down. Those two with the daggers especially. A perfect picture of what an Assassin-class Servant might attempt in the coming conflict. Can't forget about Archer though. But Illya is clever enough to hide from these phony shooters. She can most likely counter their arrows even if they tried reinforcing them.

No worries, since Berserker all but finished the long-range combatants by slamming their arrows through their chins. That woul hurt any archers pride. The tall blonde woman suddenly ran back toward her, but still a good distance and stuck her arm in the thick bushes pulling out the hidden assassin wannabe and tossed him on the floor. She then placed his weapon wielding hand between her legs and with a sharp twist rendered it useless. A second later the neck followed its path.

''Amazing.'' Even Illya would have trouble detecting that normal concealment, but Berserker even has that covered. How would she fare against the class that can fully hide their presence? She felt it was safe enough to get out of hiding, and she could try to apologize to Berserker for being a little harsh with her. ''Maybe not outright apologize. She was at fault, too. Yes, I'll congratulate her on job well done. That should do it.''

Unfortunately for young Illyasviel, she forgot that there were ten istead of nine homunculus. Or did she?

''Nice try. That is patheti... huh...'' The entire world froze as the person approached calmly from her back. The smile it had, the posture it carried, the height, face, hair, eyes, clothes...

The person beamed gently at the little girl now only a few feet away. ''That's isn't nice of you, Illya. How could you not invite your mother to play?'' The face of Irisviel von Einzbern took a disappointed frown now. ''You know I always have time for you?''

She knew, oh did she knew... Tears stung her eyes as Illasviel regarded her supposedly dead mother. New emotions overflowing her senses and overriding her danger instincts. ''Mama...'' She reached a small hand towards the long-haired woman who did the same. So enthralled Illya was that she didn't care to notice the wicked looking knife held by her 'mother'.

When the gap was close enough the downright replica of Irisviel seized Illya's right hand by shoulder to prevent resistance and enable a clean strike. All the while, the copy was smiling tenderly at her 'daughter'. ''Come, my sweet Illya...'' The taller female homunculus hidden blade was seized fully by the even taller female Servant. Not getting the time to comprehend the action a white blade, blackened in the middle was thrusted in her sternum area.

''Huh?'' Was the single exclamation that escaped Illya's mouth as she was roughly picked and now had a better vantage point at the scene. She was in the first row to see Berserker push off 'mother' with the shove of her leg. 'Mother' slid from the blade in a sickening shlick and sailed back easily thumping down on the cold stone. ''Mama?''

''Goddammit. I saw batshit family stuff in my time, but this one counts in top five.'' The blond Berserker muttered under her breath, holding her Master in left arm. ''Snap out of it, Master! That 'thing' is not your mother!'' She shook the small girl to lift her out of stupor.

''Wha... What? Berserker? My mother is... dead?'' Blinking her eyes furiously, Illyasviel let the situational awareness and reality reach her. She just witnessed her 'mother's' death. Again. Only it wasn't her mother. ''Mama would never... Grandfather! He designed an identical replica! He... he... HOW DARE HE?!'' The Einzbern princess trembled, not in cold, but in rage this time. He knew this would happen! Knew she would be nearly hypnotized by the image of her dead mother! Knew she would hesitate and thus having Berserker save her, indirectly making her live through that terrifying event from ten years ago!

Berserker could feel her Master's fumming. Yet didn't know what to do or what to say to console her. ''I already did plenty. Fuck, why didn't I notice it sooner?!'' She berated herself. How come she couldn't see it or sense it?! Her perception should have covered the whole way to her Master and maybe a little beyond. Unless... ''Tch. The fighting. I was enjoying it so much it clouded my judgement. Fucking class skill shit. Despite Noble Phantasm being locked and on hold, the bloodlust during combat still prevails... Mierda!''

''You have accomplished the trial. Yet, Illyasviel, regardless of favorable outcome your own performance leaves much to be desired. What if an enemy Servant employed illusions on your mind and used the moment of emotional weakness to its advantage? How would you... Hmm?'' He was silenced by the oppressive aura the Servant of Maddness exhibited. The old alchemist stood his ground even when the tip of the bloody blade was just a few inches from his throat.

''You... talk too much, you know that, pinche viejo.'' It pisses her off the way he treats her Master. That and his overall attitude of cool indifference. Sure, Berserker herself was subjected to some pretty rigorous training herself, but can this guy show for once a sign of appreciation to his granddaughter?

''Have I misspoken myself, Servant? Every flaw made takes us back from achieving our goal of winning the Holy Grail. If Master is neutralized, what good is its Servant to us? Illyasviel has received training in the past decade and should know how to make the most efficient of decisions in battle and act accordingly to obstacles.'' He preached logic to the Master-Servant duo.

When Berserker tried to turn this into an oratory battle, a voice lacking in emotion intervened. ''That's enough, Berserker.'' Illya turned attention to the old man, but her head was downed slightly, hair obscuring her eyes. ''I have learned important lesson today, grandpa. Thank you for teaching me it. Now, Berserker, take me to my room.'' She requested at the end in an emotionless tone Berserker thought should not belong on a girl like her.

The blond woman went to follow the command given, but not before giving the old prick a little pay-back. Forcing a cold grin, the warrior-woman wiped her blade clean off of the old man's robe, even making small incisions along the way and sheathing her blade in a smooth motion. The smallest of creases on his wrinkled forehead were enough for her. ''Muchas gracias señor.'' She thanked him in an all too false chirp and walked inside.

Very peculiar woman. She must have been what people would call 'vixen' if going by her temper she showed in only two days she is here. He'll have to send these coat on a meticulous trial of cleaning and repairment. While on that subject. ''Clear this place. It is unsightly.'' A respectable noble family, such as themselves, should not allow to have this pigsty in the open property.

XxX

''...''

''...''

''...''

''Oh, por joder!'' Berserker snapped at the atmosphere in her Master's room. Master was brooding. The two maids at the doors were brooding! Except those were their default modes! So it just leaves one Servant with an ill-ridden mood. This is totally not how it should be. If they have two more months Master should spend them in a better ways. Not sulking in the confines of the enclosed space. ''Oye, you. Can't you do something to make her better?''

The right one with the purple highlighted clothes, Sella or was it Leysritt, replied. ''Lady Illyasviel health is not infringed.''

And then the other one with black highlights added to it. ''Therefore there is no need for trepidation. She will recover from any inner encroachment in time. Otherwise...''

''We stand at her service!'' The duet completed the line in flawless sync.

The Servant of Madness regarded them as if they were mad. And she was supposed to be the insane one in this War. ''Fuck me sideways...'' That was so much creepy it even made her insides churn in detesting. She's never getting used to this. Nu-uh. These homunculi. ''You would've have a day of your life prodding them, my old friend...''

Looking at Illya, who hadn't bothered to slip from clothes when she brought her here, made the hard-shelled woman cringe. It's up to her then, as usual. Enough is enough with this emo bollocks.

''Eeeppp!'' Illya found herself on the carpeted floor as the covers she was lying on were suddenly yanked beneath her. ''B-Berserker?! Are you crazy?!'' She keeked from the side of the bed, her hat left forgotten.

''Who knows? I am Berserker after all. It's self-explanatory that I'm not the most proper nut out there. But that's not the point!'' She jumped onto the bed and bended knees to look directly at her crouching Master. ''You, Master, need to get your act together. The old coot tricked you with that stunt. I get it, it brought up some nasty memories from you, but I will not stand and watch you drowning in self-pity. Am I not one of the strongest Servants with the strongest Master, huh?''

Once again, Illya had to lower gaze from her Servant's orbs. ''What do you know of my loss? What do you know of me?'' Finding courage, she glared at the amazonian woman, though her eyes started misting.

''For a bastard like me who never met her mother through my life, I think I should know more than you, Master. Don't be jumping to conclusions how you had it rough. So have the other thousand upon thousand children who never even met their real parents, never being doted or experienced the joy of being in the care of true family.'' She returned the Master's hard look tenfold. ''Are you a coward, Master?''

''What...?'' Illya asked in shock.

''I questioned if you are a coward, Master. You run from problems and snivel instead of dealing with them. Is the person who summoned me some wimpy kid or a strong-willed girl that dared do the ritual in the forest full of menaces? Are you the telltale fragile-glassed princess or a proud gal worthy of calling me your partner?'' This was all necessary evil for her Master to gain back her conviction. They can't go to war of any kind otherwise. 'Come on, come on... I know you can do it.'

During the rant, Illya remained deadly silent. She slowly stood up and still had to crane neck to catch her Servant's gaze. ''Berserker,'' she breathed, ''you should know two things. First: I am nineteen. Second: speak to me such again, and I will make you regret it. I know how.'' With that hiss followed the flicker of her full-body Command Spells.

Now they were making progress. ''Hoh. There's a backbone in there somewhere. Nicely done, that is the Master I'm willing to follow.'' The blonde skidded and stood in front of her liege. ''Let's try this again, shall we? I am Servant Berserker of this Holy Grail War. I ask of you; Are you my Master?'' She repeated the phrase more constructively this time around and extended the hand toward Illya.

The small girl looked at the offered appendage and after a brief pause she gave it the strongest grip she could manage. ''I am Illyasviel von Einzbern and I am your Master. Servant Berserker, let us win this War.'' She cracked a small grin.

At that, the six foot towering blonde shook hands firmly with the four foot four girl and a their alliance was officially born. ''Now that I can definitely work with.''

Off to the sides, Sella and Leysritt noiselessly beheld the development in what was promising to be entertaining months.

''It would seem Lady has recuperated from her dreadful condition. Improvement was achieved.'' Sella noted.

''Yes, what appeared to be escalating vocal dispute bore positive results on our Lady's state of mind. For the moment notice, I feared our Lady's life would be threatened and our intervention unavoidable.'' Leysritt added her two cents.

''Pure curiosity. In what capacity could have we helped in the altercation between a being transcending this World's logic in terms of existence and the most powerful of our generation such as Lady Illyasviel?'' Sella inquired her counterpart.

Leysritt took a while with giving response. ''I... have no plausible answer. Following the logical course of action we would have faced imminent termination from both sides.''

Sella looked at her twin model and then at participants of the Grail War. ''I... support that claim.''

''It would have had wielded undesirable results.'' Leysritt recalled the one-sided battle that took place not some time ago.

''I am of the same opinion.'' Sella concurred.

''...''

''...''

XxX

Thus, an extraordinary pair of Master and her lucid Berserker became the first participants in the long-wrought conflict know as the Fifth Holy Grail War. For some a fight for honor, others for prestige and glory, for few justice and select group of surreptitious cretins lurking from the shadows and waiting their chance.

A ripple no matter how small can cause the distortion in time and natural flow. But the universe inevitably has its own means of deploying solution as a n answer to any hitch it appears. Counter Guardians from Ayala might not be enough for this peculiar issue.

Another failsafe is demanded. One in the form of a person with an unbiased viewpoint on the whole affair.

''I am... a Ruler-class Servant.''

Uwahhh... I just wrote this, even with telling myself to focuses on a single fic I just couldn't help myself. I have recently taken a shine at Fate saga, but not all of it, no. There's just soooo much information on this stuff my brain's overloading. I drink two liters of water everyday to cool off. Seriously, the big ball of fire hanging in the sky doesn't have in mind to give us a break these days.

Anyways, what's so different about this fic. Uh, how about everything. Start with the fact that we have a Berserker who's so happy to be in this mess (note the sarcasm) and many, many thing that await the populous of that non-exsisting but very important site. You guessed it-Fuyuki City.

And as I have mentioned in the beginning, this story will be slow-going. Sucks I know, but that's how things stand for now. If you wan to try and find who Berserker is, well go ahead and try. Whoever does it in the first go, you'll have my eternal respect. Nothing more I can offer to the spoiler anyway.

Coincidentally, this is a crossover yet not in a real sense of the word. It contains elements from my other Fic but has little to do with that particular universe. Please don't assume things if you haven't read the whole content. Please.

And as per my usual finisher (and with many others); read, review, PM, follow, favour and most important of all-enjoy. Or try to enjoy, all the different preferences and all that...

That's all good folks! (for now) Axel's out!