Disclaimer: The characters here are the sole property of their original makers. Me? I'm just borrowing them for a short while, Not like I'm planning to use them for some nefarious scheme or something. Though, I like using this as a means to rework and interpret the univers the authors have created. Why else would I write this. Anyways, Type-Moon and MH-sensei got the first dibs on those. Smart people, the lot of them, yeah.
War For the Damned
Chapter 2: No Respite for Living or Dead
''What are we doing here?''
''Didn't I explain it earlier this morning?''
''Yes, many times! But why here of all places?!'' An annoyed voice of Illyasviel von Einzbern echoed through the mountain range, growing weaker by the distance it passed. Seriously, her Servant was one oddball with bizzare training methods. First thing after two days she summoned her, Illya felt like the whole world turned upside-down. Or at least, it will soon.
The things one must sacrifice for triumph...
Berserker was all to quick to shush her Master. ''Shhh! Master, I don't think dying by a falling mass of snow and ice would be preferable way to go.''
Illya swatted at offending appendage. The reason for removal more by Berserker's will than her attempt. ''What improvement does hiking up the mountain offers me? Did granpa really approve of this?''
''We're nearly there, Master, don't be getting cold feet now.'' The tall blonde smirked at the little girl's unimpressed stare. ''And yeah, vejestorio was surprisingly cool with that. Can you imagine?'' Berserker said, with a well-trained poker face. As if. That mossback, who was not even Illya's real relative, has been properly convinced that Berserker's way is the right one. After some pleasant word exchange her Master didn't need to know. Not ever.
Illya begrudgingly accepted the explanation despite having a feeling her Servant not telling the whole story. But well, anything that gets her closer to fulfilling her goal is okay for now. Still, why the whole walking on foot? Berserker refused to carry her, something about 'motivation' or such. ''Fine then. So now what? Do I have to reach the summit on my own? While you throw snowballs at me all the way?''
The amber-eyed Servant cupped her chin at that. ''Hey, that's not such a bad idea.'' She muttered out loud, not bothering to hide her impression on the proposition. ''I'll have to save that for another time, but right now,'' she stared at her Master's crimson gaze directly, ''what meaning does magic hold for you, Master?''
Illya had to blink at that question. Magic? ''You refer to Sorcery and True Magic? Those are highest classes of Mystery that surpass all Magecraft and current science. It is, of course, impossible to use, much less by anybody nowadays. That is one of the reasons Holy Grail War is fought.''
Now it was blond Servant's turn to blink in confusion. ''Cómo?'' She managed dumbly. ''Magecraft, Sorcery, True Magic? Isn't that all the same? Making the impossible possible in the eyes of mundane folk?'' And what do 'mysteries' had to do with all that?
The young looking homunculus girl shook her head. ''The origin might be the same, but at current time, Magic is considered somewhat of an unreachable dream by many modern Magi. It's all practically extravagance for those who try to reach the Swirl of the Root.''
This era is a lot more complicated than when she was alive. To put it mildly. ''That's all good and well, but we strayed off topic. I was alluding to casting spells. Theory is okay, but practical use is what I tried to make a point of. You know, like how those two shot some lightning-spell at my back last time.''
So that's what her Servant meant when she said 'magic'. Clearly, in her past life there was a different comprehension of miracles than it is in modern time today. ''It seems yours and mine grasp on Thaumaturgy differs. The gap in this era and that of two or more millenia ago is enormous. Modern Magecraft is far inferior to that from the Age of Gods.''
When the blonde remained quiet, Illya looked at her with great more curiosity bordering on suspicion. ''Why are we having a discussion on this subject? By all accounts, it is not an area of expertise belonging to your Class.''
''Ufufufu,'' Berserker chuckled throatily, ''doubting me again?'' She moved past Illya, standing about six paces far with her back turned to the little girl. ''I already told you the day before. We are in this together as partners, comrades-in-arms. Your weakness reflects on me and vice-versa. So, in light of our last training session, I decided to teach you first-hand how to deal with sudden and unexpected situations.''
Her Master needed all the extra experience she can get. Having lead the tumultuous life where she had to adjust because of a certain backstabbing bitch, Berserker picked many, many new things in a way of fighting when using your supernatural (as well as natural) abilites. The fiasco with her Master's mother-replica mustn't happen again. If she is not there on time to intervene, Illya will have to be taught to use her own devices with a lot of wit. Think fast, as she once picked from a dear person.
Without further ado. ''Show me, Master, that your pride in being superior within whole family is not simple braggery.'' Finishing that sentence, Berserker tilted her head up and sucked-in a large amount of air. When her chest expanded enough, she let out the same sound when scaring the wolf. Only, instead of being a low guttural sound like last time, now it came out as a thundering roar. A full, deep and prolonged, traveling through the air and maybe even reaching the ear of regular people in their habitat far from Einzbern's secluded location.
Hell, perhaps the whole region of Germany heard it!
''W-What have you done, Berserker?!'' Illya demanded angrily as she removed hands from protecting her poor auditory faculties. Five minutes ago, her Servant warned about avalanche and now she did the very same thing that could cause it!
''Whumphhh!'' Okay, scratch that, it has caused it!
Satisfied with her work, Berserker quickly looked back at Illya. ''Here's the test: Be creative and survive! Do that and sky is the limit!'' The blonde Amazonian woman added a cheeky wink for good measure. ''Buena fortuna, maestra!'' She dematerialized a second later.
The pale little homunculus wasted no time in running downhill. She is so not gonna let herself be buried under thick heaps of snow. No way, not after she just spend a large portion of time in white laden wilderness days prior. She hated looking at those tiny, frozen water crystals packed together in large quantities to form a colourless blanket for miles. If she had to look at it for hours inches from her face, she might end up blowing a freaking gascket!
'Damn you, damn you, damn you Berserker!' She cursed her familiar to no avail. The noise of frozen mass threatening to bury her was audible even to her now. 'Think Illyasviel, think! You have the unsurpassed potential as a Master amongst all Masters! The homunculus above any homunculus!' She raved in her head, the thought process going thousand miles at speed, bringing her brain in danger of overloading.
Unfortunately, none logical course of action she could think of lead to her salvation from this predicament. 'Wait!' She paused a fraction. 'Berserker said to be creative. That involves imagining original ideas and making them into my own work of art.' Flapping of wings caught her attention and made her look up. The flock of birds, probably alarmed by Berserker's actions, were making for an escape. They have it easy. With wings allowing them to simply fly away far from danger... 'Fly away...'
Even if she could gain a speed, it would do her no good to escape. Berserker brought her to this specific point where not even a professional athlete or a Magus that used a manner of acceleration would be fast enough to get away.
Illyasviel talent as a Magus laid in another particular craft. 'Thank you, mama.' Employing an improved version of her mother, Irisviel's, technique whilst using it in unconventional method she knew one other person was notoriously famous for, the young-looking Master plucked a strand of her shiningly pale hair.
Something that was fittingly big to carry her out of danger, sturdy enough at the same time to withold her weight and lift her high up. '' 'Sky is the limit' you said, Berserker.'' She muttered, the deadly snowslip seconds from claiming her. ''Well then, here I go! Angel's Poem: Stork Patron!'' New craft began to take form in a large, brilliant bird of the girl's height. The autonomous being, controlled by her will, a familiar protector meant to help in any situation, made solely from her aptitude as a Magus permeated with her Magical energy.
''Now!'' Not having long time she grabbed the construct's legs and held tightly. ''Uppp! WEEE! GOOOOOOO!'' On that day, in mid February, Illyasviel von Enzbern, Master of Berserker, the best homunculus of her generation learned to fly! ''WOAH!'' She yelled in excitemed and slight apprehensiveness as she felt the smallest of passing mass of snow beneath her graze her booted feet. Still being in the air and keeping focus on her familiar remaining whole, Illya hazarded a look down beneath.
And what a sight it was. Things looked so much different from bird's perspective above. Everything was so... miniscule. Trees and giant boulders were smaller than her head, river nearby was reduced to a harmless looking creek, even the castle in a distance seemed akin to a mere house.
So immersed was Illya in her scenery appreciation that she failed to notice a wave of heat coming towards her and passing just a few feet on her left. Brought out of dazing she looked at the side and only managed to notice the smalest flickers of orange and red. Was that fire? Squinting further to the ground, she spotted the likely culprit. Glolden blond hair, check. Mostly black spandex with yellow lining coupled with fully sleeved right arm and a bare left one. Double check. And she was waving at her like nothing happened or as if she's not responsible for the whole tumble in the first place! Triple check.
When Illya directed her temporar avian construct for landing, Berserker switched to loud clapping. ''Bravo, bravo! Muy bien! Master, I have to say that was done... masterly!'' She said with making a smallest of pauses in the line. ''What do you have to say to my design, huh? Pretty good, in my humblest of opinions. Not even old gezeer would... Woah! Hey!'' She was stopped in the mid of her self-praising by having to dodge a bright shoot. The bird that carried her Master somehow transformed into a sword and made attempt at her. Thank the heavens her agility as a Servant is top notch.
''Okay, I get you're kind of pissed at me...'' She regarded Illya, whose right brow was continuously twitching. Always a bad sign. ''...But look at the bright side, Master! Now you can make things out of thin air somehow, so all in all, it was a huge success!'' No sell, Illya materialized another sword with a wave of her hand and threw it at her Servant who, to her annoyance, eforteslly dodged again. ''That stuff hardly works twice on the likes of me, Master.'' Berserker sighed.
''...Oh, well it doesn't hurt to put my newly realized ability to a test, now does it?'' Illya reasoned in an all to fake calm tone. She suddenly tilted her head to a side. ''I wonder how many I can make and for what duration of time?'' Technically, she has a fairly large pool of mana to draw from.
The blonde Berserker held her hands up placatingly. ''Now, now Master. What do you think Servants are? We are partners here.'' Another shot sidestepped. ''Coooommme onnnnn! You can't claim that it did you no good! We got you thinking outside the box! You'll be unpredictable on battlefield, other Masters won't see it coming!''
The small homunculus paused at that. Giving herself time to contemplate on the newly gained pros and cons of using powers in an unortodox ways. ''You do make a good point there...'' She uttered slowly, making her Servant look relieved to calm her down. It lasted for five seconds as Illya turned a full-blown glare back at the blonde. ''But I'm still mad for the whole stunt! My legs hurt! I feel like I came out of a war zone!'' She took large gulps of fresh, mountanious air to stabilize her ragged breathing. ''And what was with that fire?! How did you even do that?! It felt like genuine Magecraft!''
''Cálmate, maestra, cálmate. Steady, deep breaths. No need to cause more trouble with snow.'' Berserker went a hand through her thick mane of hair. Those were some serious questions. But then again, Illya would have to know about some things eventually. It was only a matter of sooner or later. Not like they're running on short deadline here, there's still two months befor the trip.
''For starters, I could say that I'm sorry, but I'm not.'' Not wanting to be interrupted she held a hand to her childlike Master. ''Allow me to finish. Truth is, when making someone as battle-ready as they can be, there's often a need to resort to, uhm... unorthodox strategies. You may or may not agree with my MO, but it sure beats the Hell out of that shit your abuelo wanted to run you through.'' The animosity in her tone when mentioning Jubstacheit obvious. ''Long story short, I don't like it. And you don't have to like it either, Master. You got me to rely on. If the entire damn world turns against you, I'll do my duty as a Servant and stick by your side to the bitter end. I will pick you up when you fall, I will help you even if you don't demand me to.''
Illyasviel's eyes gradually softened with each word her Servant spoke. She could practically feel the power, the zeal, the warmth of each sylable spoken. Yet life showed her the cruel lession of what it means to rely on someone. To put your trust in another person entirely. Illya is not certain she can do that again without being hurt anew. ''You really say the strangest of things sometimes. Just what kind of Heroic Spirit did I summoned?'' She looked to the ground and rubbed her eye. She will not cry again in front of her Servant after only one day.
Illya's Servant of Madness smiled at her confidentially. ''You know, ignorance is a bliss. I like to use it as a means of taking enemies by surprise. To answer your last couple of questions, the 'fire' is barely scratching a surface on my capacity as a Servant. You'd be surprised what I can do when someone gets on my bad side.'' The blonde grinned and patted Illya's head, more gently this time. The small girl didn't resist and even leaned a bit into the touch.
And the two of them stood on a boulder, protuding from the recently caused avalanche. Sadly, all moments of peace have to come to an end. ''We should go back.'' Illya stated the obvious. Her voice was a little sombre about returning to the castle. She will not admit it out loud, but she honestly had a fun time with her Servant. Berserker truly knows how to lift ones spirits. In her own unique way.
''Meh. Nobody will mind if we run a little late. It's not like you and I are under curfew.'' Berserker spoke in a relaxed tone. ''How about this? Since thick snow covered most of the ground to home, we'll need to resort to 'that'.''
Illya wasn't that much certain she would like whatever 'that' is. ''Uh, what do you mean by 'that'?'' She made her worries known.
Berserker breathed steam from her nostrils. ''I'm not a fan of walking through soft ground who knows how deep. In that case, ready yourself, Master.''
''For wha... Eeeeehhh!''
''This!'' With a speed defying normal laws, the blonde picked her master piggyback-style and jumped from any boulder and tree sticking from ground. If there were none, she touched the snow for the barest of seconds before bouncing off. Meanwhile, Illya did her best to keep hold of Berserker with one hand, while attemting to save her cap from being blown away. All the way back, her mouth let out the screams not of fear or anger, but rather joy and excitement. Admittedly, it was pretty fun.
''Admit it, Master. It was fun, wasn't it.'' More of a proud statement than query.
''Hmph. I shan't bother giving voice of accolade to your already growing ego.'' Illya said haughtingly, now with her head resting on Berserker's own noggin. The soft hair felt amazingly good acting as a replacement cushion. ''But I won't complain either way.''
''Hehe. That's a win in my book as any other.'' Berserker chirped merrily, now walking at sedated pace since they were out of danger of falling through any self-made pits.
The girl riding on her back perked up at something she nearly forgot. ''Berserker, you never actually told me the truth about that fire.'' The Servant said nothing, but Illya wan't finished yet. ''If... If I am to put my trust into you, then you can at least tell me that much... As a partner, right?''
''Hmm,'' the warrior-woman hummed while thinking on what to do with this situation, ''true, but do you think partnerships are so easily formed? Just because you are Master and I a Servant doesn't mean we automatically become life-trusting partners sharing stories and so on.'' She practically felt Illya deflate when words left her mouth. ''It takes a whole lot longer for that kind of bond to be forged between persons. I know that for a fact. But, because you are making such great progress, I guess I can let you in on my little secret.''
That served to move Illya to curiosity as well as up her souring mood. ''Really?''
So easy to change disposition. Supposedly, it made things simpler when it comes to her Master. Now and then, she acts as an eager little gatita, sniffing around in a child-like wonderment. There's an irony of sorts in there somewhere. ''Oh si. Prepare to be astonished, for you have drawn a very special card in the War!''
The girl could only wait in anticipation at knowing about one such important facts about her Servant. You can definitely learn a lot about a Heroic Spirit once you see a certain aspects of their skillset. So far, Illya didn't gather much. Berserker was an enigma. She is Berserker that retained reason, apparently with Castillian roots, wields a blade she didn't get a good glimpse at the one time it was used (justifiably, of course) and is well versed in hand-to-hand fighting. What more does the tall blonde woman hide under her strangely sassy/friendly attitude?
Breaking her pace for a moment, Berserker began sucking the air once again. It wasn't actually necessary, but she felt the need to emphasize her point with it. And the build-up of drama her Master must feel whilst waiting is so worth it. Illya might have expected another bellow as she moved her hands to her ears. What she did not, most certanly expect, in her own young life was a jet of fire that Berserker expelled from her mouth. It was brief, with not much power behind it, for the point was a demonstration.
Resistance that shrugs most kinds of Magecraft, fire breathing, an immense sensation radiating from her Magic Core... Naturally, to someone as well-learned in the supernatural world as Illya, it didn't take her too long to make an educated guess on the inner workings that made her Servant what she is.
''Ohhh...'' Was all Illya could muster for a while. This was more than good. This was like hitting a lottery! Nay, a jackpot! ''Berserker, you are...!'' When she tried to articulate her words of astonishment, only her Servant had different ideas.
Bumping the Einzbern prodigie's head with her own for the sake of interruption. ''I would advise caution with that in the future, Master. Let this be another valued lesson: You never know who might be listening in.'' She lectured lightly while directing gaze to the tall branch with a mallemuck on it. The small animal flew away immediately as Illya started to catch the meaning.
''Got it.'' The silver-haired Master bobbed in excitement. It's still hard to believe. The Servant she, by all means, mistakenly called upon turned out to be so much better than she could ever hope. Poor Heracles, the entity serving as her partner in War is a force to be reckoned on entirely another level of destruction. It made Illya quite giddy on the inside about witnessing what would happen if Berserker went all out. The sheer magnitude of power... 'Berserker is the best!'
Wow, the excitement Illya currently radiated was almost tangible. Berserker's pride took a small leap seeing her Master's approval. Her sort will always be ranked as a top-dogs anywhere. That's for sure. 'I'm so badass.'
However, long-term reveire won't do them any good. To win battles with magic involved, more work had to be done, more preparations to be made. Now that she saw this new ability her Master has, well, all kinds of new plans and uses could be made from it alone. ''Not to burst proverbal bubble, Master,'' she gained Illya's attention, ''but we still have a lot of ground to cover regarding the War.''
''We do, don't we?'' Illya stated, now idily playing with her Servant's locks of hair. Berserker didn't seem to mind and made no attempt to stop her. ''You will help me prepare, right?''
''Hah! What have I been telling you, Master? You can count on me!'' She changed track slightly before speaking again. ''Nevertheless, Master, the amount of strength you will gain in the comming days is up to you and only you. I can act in advisory capacity and offer guidance. Realizing your potential rests solely on your resolve.'' She has every intention of helping Illyasviel win the War for both their sake. But, her Master will have to taste her fair share of sweat, not getting used to others holding her hand. Something well learned in Berserker's past life.
It was Illya's turn to disply a smile with conviction. ''Who do you think you're talking to? I can take anything thrown at me! You saw it today!'' The smaller Master boasted.
''Está por verse, maestra. (We'll see, Master.)'' Is what the blonde woman had to add onto the bluster she heard.
When they approached the castle by fifty feet or so, the blonde Servant frowned abruptly. ''Say, Master?'' Little niña merely 'hummed' in responce, still occupied with her mop. Part of the reason she wanted to ask. ''You don't happen to own some headscarf or bandana in that clothe repertoire of yours?''
Well, that was unexpected it put Illya off for a second. ''Uhm, I'm not entirely sure. It's not my usual choice of attire. Why?''
The Servant of Madness lifted her shoulders in a shrug. ''No particualar reason. Just something of a personal preference in my last life.'' She explained trying to sound non-committal. In truth, it vexes her somewhat she didn't retain that piece when being brought to this realm.
Illya set her face into a thinking pose while she racked her brain. It's not like Berserker is asking that much. Plus, she is secretly curious how it would fit on her. ''I will see what I can do after dinner.'' Honestly, it was no big deal.
That is actually sweet. She's slowly growing on her. Not that noticeable, but it's a start. ''Thanks, Master.'' The Servant expressed gratitude. That matter aside, she pushed the big doors open. Like she said, many things are yet to be done before real action kicks in. This would be long two months indeed. Absolutely no rest.
The Einzbern homunculus, unaware of her familiar's thoughts, said nothing in return as they passed the entrance.
XxX
Is it strange that the last thing you remember is being burned on pyre, saying your final prayers in the world only to open eyes and wake up at the very same place?
The blond girl walking through countryside in the middle of night didn't really think so.
'These parts never changed much, have they?' The young woman mused. It was a welcoming change of scenery unlike what she experienced when waking in Rouen. Who would have thought that people will erect a huge church dedicated to her name. It was a kind act and she felt strangely flattered, but also didn't think she deserved such honour.
She was merely a farm girl at the time. A farm girl who opted to heed the words of God instead remaining with her parents and maybe live a normal life. Ranching, marrying, having kids, dying of old age... Alas, it was not to be. She choose her own fate and had no regrets about taking arms nor doing what was considered a man's job in defending her country.
Now, once again, came a need for her helping hand in similiar affair called Holy Grail War. According to the information she recieved directly from it, Magi have created a system of obtaining said artifact through conflict fought by seven Masters and seven Servants of different classes.
The Holy Grail itself can only be utilized by Master, but at the same time only held by a Servant. The realization of wish possible when a single pair of each , there was one other class amonge the seven that could be summoned. Being one of its kind, the Ruler class. The sole purpose of this class to ensure that the Holy Grail War was fought justly.
Requirements for summoning this specific class is that the Heroic Spirit in question doesn't have a wish to be granted in the first place. The whole reason for acting as a neutral party. Circumstances that forced the appearance of the Ruler class lied with the fact of Holy Grail War growing out of control. Such occurence could lead to event of catastrophical proportions.
'I will not allow it!' Ruler was adamant in her goal. Innocent lifes lost were not wort any wish in her opinion. If anything extreme of such nature were to happen or Master and Servants began acting out of control, she had the means of stopping it. She would stop it! Magi's breakthrough in research be damned!
Yet, there were many problems she had to deal at the present time.
Firstly, the timing she was summoned. Heaven's Feel ritual should not start for another month and a half. So, why was she summoned so many weeks before?
Problem two was the location. The place that would host the Grail War was in a city called Fuyuki in Japan. That was more than half across the world! And she had a starting line in Rouen. This must be God testing her determination. That must be it. She would reach the far lands of Orient one way or another.
Good thing her body lack earthly functions of hunger, sleep or alike. That's a huge releif.
''I wonder...'' Ruler ceased walking when she reached a small hill and closed her eyes. Her class permitted her to sense any servant that participates in the War.
...~~*static*~~... ~~*static*~~... ~~*static*~~
''...! Oh, dear...'' Something went horribly wrong. The presence of one Servant was clear, and it pointed approximately far to the southeast to mountanious lands. She can't pinpoint the actual location further from six miles radius. But the second thing she felt briefly... she honestly couldn't comprehend at the moment. It appeared as Servant at the first, but it held strangely wrapped presence. A Servant that she had no authority over with her own brand of Command Spells.
An abberation of sorts that she could not contain if it came out of control. What entity had such characteristic or power to be able to overcome even the Ruler? This spells trouble. Big trouble. She liked to leave fighting as a last resort, but with this new developement you could never know.
Fortunately, there existed a countermeasure that can help Ruler on her mission. And she had to act swiftly. Breaking into a stride that grew more and more faster the mediator Servant headed to the small cluster of lights in a distance. 'My birthplace, here I come.' Enoughe scenery appreciation.
Further down, on the road to the quaint village a single vehicle was moving at higher than normal speed. Its occupants of various backgrounds, gender yet all working for the same organisation. Mostly.
''I have a bad feeling about this.'' The passanger in the back seat said.
''Mmmh, yes, you keep reminding us for the past days every day.'' The person sitting in the back on far left next to him replied boredly.
''Hey, all I'm saying is, this could turn out to be a major skirmish if my gut is right.'' The man ih his early twenties turned a sidealong glare at the gray haired woman. Nicolo Belloti was still a newbie of the Executors. As any pious member of the Curch trained to fight evil and that which is against The Lord's will, he believed that keeping ones mind sharp for any bad situation is a way of success and rising through ranks. Protecting the faith was everything to him.
His companion had an entirely different outlook by her behaviour. ''Look at that. Barely out of diapers and already wishing action.'' The young woman said in an amused tone. ''We are not babysitters like you are used to in Knights. Take my advice to heart, those foolishly brave, chivalric types like you tend to die on the very first day.''
Nicolo narrowed his eyes at her insult of his prowess. ''I am a warrior of Church as are you. We proteect the name of Almighty, acting as his hand and executing those heretics who dare stain it.'' He finished, putting much firmness behind his words.
The girl only shook her head disappointedly and sighed. ''Believe what you wish. I promise to be there when you die just to say 'I told you so'.''
The taller male clicked his tongue. ''Tsch, screw you, woman.''
The statement caused his companion to whirl her had back speedily. ''Oh, is that an offer? Are you, by chance, applying yourself for the task?'' She started shuffling closer to the, now alarmed rookie Executor, her amber eyes filled with sudden lust. ''I wouldn't mind giving you a hand. You look like you need it badly.''
Her further advancement was ended when Nicolo tried pushing her away by holding her head. ''Get off, you ignominious wench! Back, stay back I say!'' Then he felt a wet sensation on his palm. She licked his damned hand! ''Gah! Disgusting! Boss, please do something, anything!'' He begged at the front seat.
A hand shot from the shotgun seat and pulled the girl away from the man. It caused him to sigh in releif and try to clean his hand off the car's leather. ''Cazzo Madre di Dio...'' He muttered under his breath in his native tongue.
''Children, children.'' The woman in her late twenties chastisized them, still holding on the back of the girl's priestly robe. ''Caren, we have an assigment now, be serious. You can play after we finish.'' Caren only managed to pout and look away at being interrupted. ''And you, Nico, should heed advice of more seasoned Executor insted of provoking them,'' ironic because he was older than the girl, ''especially this one.'' She rattled Caren for good measure and released her grip.
A comfortable silence lasted for two minutes. ''Why exactly did you ask me to stay along, Elessia? We have checked every inch of the church in Rouen. I inspected it for any wicked presence and came up with nothing. You still think there might be an unholy factor in play?''
Elessia adjusted her glasses a bit before replying to Caren's deduction. ''Perhaps, but it has been days. The presence might have weakened significantly.'' She took something from her robe pocket that looked like a bigger version of compass, but the design was not meant to point the magnetic north. ''It is still near-by. And I would rather we get to the bottom of it than wait for the dispatching of new team.'' It's such a bother and it would hava taken unnecessary time away. By then, the trail might cool down, and the whole thing go the waste.
Caren said nothing more on the matter lest it turn she's complaining too much. It bad enough they had to hitchike and hypnotize the local man to drive them through the French thorp. The sooner it is over the better, her superior had a point. Besides, she could pass time by teasing Nicolo. He's yet an inexpirienced soul in the working department. It's always good for seniors to guide the newbies.
As they passed the sign on the road, Nicolo was hit by a strange notion. ''Driver, what is the next village ahead?''
''Domremy.'' Came an authomatical answer from the man.
Cathedral in Rouen and now this. If he didn't know better he would have passed it as a coincidence. But there is no such thing in this line of duty. ''That is too perfect...''
Caren quirked an eyebrow at his loud contemplation. ''Why is that?''
''Think about it. First the church we went and now that village. Someone is definitely up to something. It just has to be connected. The question is: what are they trying?''
Now there was an idea. The bluenette at the front started picking up pieces and followed Nicolo's logic. ''It does match...'' She directed her younger fellow Executors a serious sky blue look. ''Both of you, be on guard. This could prove to be more grave than we originally estimated.''
If it got that reaction from their boss, then it's no bullshit from them. Time to do what they are best at. Search and eliminate. ''Yes ma'am!'' They shouted in unison.
XxX
Even her place of origin changed a lot. In spite of having no more than two hundred people living in it, Domremy was also swept by the progress of society. Well, it has been six centuries, so it shouldn't be that surprising. Still, her father would surely be displeased with some of the houses taking over parts of his acres.
'Indeed, papa would be really mad.' She giggled slightly at the picture in her mind of Jacques chasing away the current residents with wide hoe he once used to scare the birds. It painted quite the comical scene.
Reminscing her childhood aside, Ruler was pleased that there is not one, but two churches in the vincinity! Although the motive of her visit was not sightseeing. No, the main one is business. Supernatural business. Now that she knew about the irregularities of the Holy Grail War and dangers that the event could pose, she had to activate a contingency plan.
Said plan included doing a peculiar act at first glance. Whereas Servants as Heroic Spirits are called upon by human Masters of the Grail's choosing, there is also a possibility that she, as special case, is enabled to have one of her own. Of course there is a certain risk in this endeavour.
While the process is supplied to her by the Grail itself, the Servant she might recieve could turn to be a wildcard in a manner of speaking. There is no proper catalyst for the summoning so Ruler has absolutely no say in which Servant she will get.
'I must have faith. Now, let's see... hmmm, La basilique du Bois-Chenu dedicated to our beloved maid, oh dear...' This again. Somehow she should have expected it, but this was quite the work raised in her memory. An illiterate farmhand like her, who barely knew how to sign her own name to have monuments erected just because she motivated soldiers. In her eyes, she was doing a duty as a subject of France who suffered the opression.
She couldn't help but feel embarrassment and self-consciousness. Thank God no one was around to see her blush like this. Slapping her cheek lightly to get her to focus, she resumed walking to the space behind the building. Apparently, there was also a layline of sorts that would make the summoning easier.
Following the instructions to the T, she carved the circle into the soft ground. After the ritual, she will have to erase it. It's only practical, and she doesn't want people coming to get concerned and worry their heads on this.
''Phew, this should do.'' Ruler said when finishing her work. Standing in the front, she watched the circle slowly glowing softly blue. Since she was no Magus, she couldn't really tell if it was working. What she did know was that Mana began accumulating, so it had to work one way or another right?
She was dressed in her battle dress. A long skirt with slit revealing part of her right leg, and the top with the same dark purple colour. She was in no immediate peril or fight, so armoured parts were put away for the moment. Except the metal headpiece of intricate design. Another good treat was that as a Servant, the difference in outside temperature was of no proble. She could percieve the temperature of the air, and it was nippy at best, but having no actual human nervous system was a boon.
''Ah, I nearly forgot it...!'' Her daily prayer! The Grail War and invoking of a Servant distracted her to that degree. Conditions where she was praying didn't matter to her, but her consistency. To her, it was as important as breathing. Not a single day didn't pass where she didn't pray. When asked by one of her comrades of old why she did it, she told them there was no particular reason.
Small part of her also believed, for so long as she prayed, perhaps the sorrow and lament of God for the sake of his children would lessen if only a little.
As the glow continued, she made to kneel for her orison. ''...?!'' A whooshing sound was heading at her, and with real killing intent behind it.
*CLANG*
Agility ranked A was most useful. Ruler turned swiftly and materialized the rest of her battle gear, the flying metal projectile bouncing of her gauntlets and embedded into the soft ground. That was some force behind the throw.
''You! Identify yourself!'' Came an accented voice of a male. Ruler found him standing at one of the arches of the church. He took out more strange knifes from his coat and pointed at her. ''What is the reason for this sacrilege?!'' He asked aggresively.
''Sacrilege? No, this is a misunderstanding! I am ...!'' She gasped and had to jump back to avoid another barrage. It came from other direction.
''Nico, you idiot. The whole point of execution is to kill a target, not making idle chat. The reasons don't matter.'' From the right came out a girl around Ruler's general age. Her pale complex and hair reflecting the light of a moon.
Nico in a great show of athleticism jump to the ground from his position. ''Shut up, Caren. This heretic is preforming some kind of ritual at the holy grounds of the church. I was just curious what kind of twisted mind would do that.'' He spoke back to Caren, getting a better look at Ruler with the extra light from the circle.
''Still much to learn. Let us kill her and be done with it, what happens with the body is for boss to decide.'' She stepped further and Ruler got the glimps of crosses worn on their attires.
She slowly held her hands up, showing no intention of hostility. ''Please stop! You are with the Church, are you? I don't want to hurt any of you!'' The blonde girl reasoned with them.
Unfortunately, her attempt to calm the situation did the opposite. ''Us? Worry about your own head, heretic! Now, Caren!'' He threw his Black Keys all at once and charged, the deadly weapons spinning and meant to make the escape impossible while Caren would catch the target if she tries to move to dodge. A pincer strategy, seemingly leaving no room to run.
Before Ruler unsheated her sword to deflect the deadly metal, yet other forces now decided to get involved. The summoning circles exploded with crackling mana and Ruler felt the burning sensation in her core. On her hand, three more, smaller aditional Command Seals manifested.
Taking note of this, she jumped at it's center and stretched out her hand.
''By my name of Jeanne d'Arc, I ask of thee to come forth!
Lend me thy aid in restoring order to chaos that has been wrought,
Your blade that protects all that is just and vanquishes all evil!''
The sheer power of the ritual and the pressure expelled outwards caught both executors by surprise. Nicolo and Caren were both blown yards away along with their weapons now scattered everywhere, the trees, the mortar that made church, the earth. Their training come in handy now as it allowed them to stabilize more easire than a normal person.
While Caren weighted options of tactical retreat, her zealoth companion had completely other ideas.
''Jeanne d'Arc?! Pezzo di mierda! (You piece of shit!) You dare take the name of Holy Maiden?! For such a slight against the Church, I shall have your... AGH!'' A spear, faster than he with all his training could percieve, pierced his upper thigh and stuck to the ground on the other side of the wound.
Caren, from her place saw a flash and a man in reddish armour similiar to those from ancient times made a quick effort of the male Executor. 'Nicolo you nimrod!' That utter moron is lucky to still breathe. These are no ordinary folk. They are not vampires or demons, but her skin started tingling in an unpleasant way after this new guy showed up out of that circle. What to do, what to do? If she stayed any longer the brute could surely kill her. That kind of throw was inhumanly feat, and despite some of her lesser tendencies, she preffered to remain whole, not with holes.
''Stop, right now!'' The long-braided girl commanded with authority as armoured man was close to drawing his sword upon left hip. ''There will be no killing here! This is all one big mistake!'' She stood in front of the Executor that tried to kill her moments prior, shielding him from advancing death.
The new Servant had an imposing figure of six feet one inch, body heavily trained for combat. He wore sandals with red shin guards reaching his knees, loincloth and armoured belt on his midsection, upper body protected by pauldrons connected by strap-belts, forearms wrapped in dark cloth with metal bracers on wrists all coupled with a helmet with his mouth, nose eyes visible from the gap. And was that a scarf he wore wrapped in a rope fashion?
The man stopped mid-draw and regarded the girl in front of him. She was the one asking for aid and he provided it by incapacitating the movements of the first threat in his sight. What is wrong in finishing him? ''Is the man of value for you to plead his life?''
Taken aback by his words, Ruler stood more straighter in pose to show she won't budge. ''He is not. But I haven't come here shed blood nor claim life. You are the one I called? This is just a misunderstanding, they came at wrong place at wrong time.'' She looked at the other female Executor still rooted to her spot. ''It's alright! We are not her to cause problems!''
''Then pray tell, what are you here for, girl?'' A new voice entered the scene. It was a blue haired woman, more experience in her tone as well as body language. She approached with calm in step, hands posed at her sides not to draw any weapons. She was dressed in a similiar robes as the other two. ''You entered the sacred ground of Church, preformed a ritual summoning another unnatural being, and injured a member of the said organisation. How should we treat you then, hm?''
What a stand-off at night this was. Not in her craziest calculations would Elesia imagine the encounter with two supernatural entities clearly above human level. Her junior peers were no match for them, and if she herself would jump the gun, without bigger firepower she would held up for maybe couple of minutes. The big guy looked loke he could snap spines in seconds and the girl, while considered beautiful must be powerful in her own right.
''I am sincerely sorry for the damage to the church we made. You have to understand, we acted only in self-defence.'' She spared a regretful look at the groaning Italian. ''And, I apologise for my Servant's actions, but he was just doing his duty when I was threatened.''
Now approaching the downed man she crouched and smiled kindly. ''I think no ill of you, we will help you out of it. Won't we... ummm Lancer?'' She added clumsily, not yet aware what class her Servant fell under. He used spear, but also carries a sword. She herself can make use of a banner, but more like a bat. And she's no stranger to swordfight either.
Showing kindness to people that wanted you dead. Unbelievable. But then again, it seems as if the situation has calmed in a few minutes passed. The one with gray hair had no intention of fighting further since she tried to impersonate a statue. And this new face, their leader apparently, shows no immediate hostility. Welp, time to make amends. ''Hold him still.'' He briefly instructed the short blonde summoner and the bluenette.
''GAH! You prick...!'' Even wounded, Nicolo mustered strength to cuss. As the Servant took his spear from the wound and started cleaning the blood, the leader of the team beckoned the other girl to come.
''Help me out here, Caren. And stop whining Nico, it was a clean shot. You'll live.'' Elesia sighed. Troublesome, so much troublesome. What the Hell is she supposed to report when they return to HQ? Not even she is aware of a half that's just happened.
'Oh yeah, you know, it was a normal day as any other. We tracked this strange phenomenon, found out it was a little cute blonde in old-fashioned armour that brought out her big friend in an even more old-fashioned armour design. How? I got no idea, but Nico will need a few weeks of absence because he has a gaping hole in his leg. Occupational hazards, right?' Someone give her a pat on the back, 'cuz this is better than shit school test in mother tongue.
''Boss?'' Caren called out, having dressed the wound as best as she could for now.
Waiting for further instructions. Elesia waved in a direction of the church. ''Take him to our designated rendezvous point. I have to talk this through and see where we stand.'' With a quick confirmation the smaller girl carried a larger man far easier than it really should.
Glancing at the 'Servant' once more, Caren felt the slightest pinpricks of pain on her hide. She'll talk later about it. 'Hope you know what you are doing, El.' And she was off.
''Well,'' the blue-eyed girl turned to the strangers, having successfully avoided dangerous outcome, ''shall we talk terms now that the grown-ups are left? I will start first: who or what are you?''
Jeanne looked at her Servant briefly, to find him standing with his arms crossed. She sighed, looks like the one she got is not quite for diplomacy. By all means, he is a soldier like her, but whit a different mindset. At least he's not bloodthirsty or a loud prattling type. ''Akhem,'' she cleared her throat, ''as I have stated to your colleagues, we mean no harm. Not to you, not to the populus and certanly not the Church.''
Girls talking things out it seems. She can work with that. ''You realize I can't outright let you go with just that excuse?'' Elesia said, being careful not to make it appear like a threat. She simply needs a guarantee of sorts on what is their purpose and it's out of her hair. ''Those two might call me 'boss', but even bosses have bosses, you know? What do you plan now that the big guy is here?'' She nudged her head to the silent warrior.
''If you are wondering that we have unpure intentions, don't. He is my partner in an event on a larger scale. Both of us are here to make sure nothing occurs that will threaten humanity and bring about the great disaster.'' The blonde French girl placed her hand over her heart. ''On behalf of my honour and the name of Jeanne d'Arc, the one whom Church holds as a saint, I sweared to uphold order, to not cause war but prevent one. That is my oath to you.'' She declared with conviction and a determined look in her amethyst orbs.
Elesia is not sure why, but just by looking at the supposed saint made her want to believe. She flared her own Magic Circuits for a second. The girl didn't as much as flinch and the unknown warrior tilted her his helm slightly with interest, but did nothing to gain suspicion. ''Dammit, you are either a very good liar or I'm experiencing a miracle right now.'' She muttered to the side and turned to look at the girl again. ''I want you out of here. By here, I mean this very place, land, continent. Understand? Whatever is that you have to do, do it far from Europe. And if you ever happen to run in with more members of the Order, well, I'm giving you a warning, they won't let you off without scuffle. Trust me on this.''
Jeanne could see the logic of the woman. Despite not mincing words, she didn't point out the exact time, nor outright told them to get lost. She was being unkindingly kind in a way. ''Those are acceptable terms. Thank you for graciousness. And, tell your colleague that we are truly sorry for his leg.'' She bowed in apology and pointed a hidden look at her Servant.
Fortunately, he caught the indication among her lines. ''Apologies, priestess.'' The Servant of still unbeknown traits expressed his own regret.
The head Executor waved her hand in a listless motion. ''Don't worry that much about him. He's a rookie. This will serve him well as lesson to think before acting. I guess that's it, huh? In the name of the Holy Church I wish you good night.'' She stated the last part more out of old habit than anything. That's mostly used when dealing with others, but this falls under same category right?
''Likewise.'' And they all parted ways. Truth be told, it wasn't so bad. 'I need to be more careful of surroundings next time.' She lightly chided herself. If only she had noticed sooner... But it's water under the bridge. One potential crisis for the future was averted. Others more to come.
''Was it wise decision to let them go?'' Jeanne jumped slightly at the voice of her new partner, now standing a feet from her. ''You need to exercise vigilance.'' He quipped at her reaction.
Puffing one cheek in small irritation, the Maid of Orleans regarded her Servant fully for the first time. Without question, he strikes as an intimidating figure at first sight. But Jeanne spend a good part of her life amongst such men, so she isn't as unprepared for any audacity or cheek from him. ''Yes, I believe so. Our mission is to prevent chaos, not start it. You know why you are here, Lancer?
''Many details yet escape me. I would have words with you, far removed from more prying sight.'' The warrior explained to the female dressed soldier. ''And that is not my name. My class is that of Saber.'' He pointed at where they are standing and toward no where in particualar. ''Shall we trade premises?''
''Eh? Trade premi- Oh! That! Silly me.'' He meant finding some other place. It's a bit hard to catch his words. Quite the peculiar way of speaking he has. ''Follow me, Saber.''
As they wandered the moon lit space, Saber kept glancing in all directions. Was he taking the scenery? 'No, it's like he expects another attack. Was he like that in life, or is he just being cautious for my sake?' She felt weirdly out of place all of a sudden. It's not that she hates silence, it's just odd for her to be having a partner that is tacit to such extent.
There was a matter of his identity. Falling under the Ruler class, she should be able to reveal his stats, skill and identity once she encounters a Servant. Yet another oddity in this War. Snag after snag keeps going after her. Oh well, she can't remain pesimistic for long. That's not who she is. Answers are out there, and when the war for the Grail starts she will have a comrade to support her.
Had only Jeanne been blessed with the ability to read minds, she would hardly approve of some things her Servant was thinking.
'Even in death we are never truly free...'
Just managed to squeeze this out. Still got many things to write before duking out in a War starts for real.
Hmm, what do we got here? Berserker helps Illya in her own way, which comes of as better than what old coot made her go throught. If you are not familiar with it, find the part about what she did after summoning Heracles as a Servant. Hardcore maxed to the new level.
Was there ever a doubt on who I'll put as a Ruler? Nah, I'm sure most of you had the right guess. Jeanne is also in for a ride with her companion. For futher explanations on the problems she faces, well, some I might answer if you were to ask, but majority I'm not so sure. But who am I to forbide you from trying anyway. If you are feeling bold enough.
So, as per my usual finish line, read review, Pm, follow whatever suits you. I'll be waiting and weaving new chapters for the fans.
Yours truly Axel4ekruz!