Chapter 3:Chaos Labyrinth
Cleo's flashlight pierced the darkness of the night. Saber stood right at her side, hand upon her blade. The moon hung high in the middle of the sky, casting its silver blue light on the earth. Down below, the city lights could be seen shining in the distance.
The pair had been able to rest a couple of hours before sneaking off to Knossos. Thankfully, the police who came to the scene of the hotel had only a few questions. So they were not held up for long. Apparently the running theory from the hotel staff, and officials was that there had been some kind of gas leak, which lead to a small explosion. Cleo surmised that the holy church, and the clock tower would have the whole mess handled by tomorrow.
That was always how it had been. Whenever a mage would cause any kind of trouble, whether through accident, or on purpose. The mage's association, and the church would make sure it never got out. All measures would be taken to keep the world at large from finding out about magecraft.
"Anything to keep the 'balance' in check." Cleo whispered bitterly.
Saber turned to her curiously. "Master?"
"Its nothing." Cleo replied, shaking her head. "Just thinking out loud."
Cleo, and Saber soon came to the ruins of Knossos itself. Even with a glance one could see how large the complex once was. The crumbling stone walls surrounded the perimeter of what was once the castle grounds. Several stone columns rose up from the ground, the roof they once supported having long since disappeared.
The pair took a cursory glance around, making sure there was no security nearby. Both of them knew they could easily handle a few guards. However, the last thing the pair wanted was to cause more trouble than was necessary.
Cleo reached into her pocket, pulling out a compass like device. The needle inside spun for several moments, before pointing off to her right. She followed the arrow through the ruins, while Saber kept a close eye on their surroundings.
Soon, the two came to a set of stairs, leading down into the darkness. Cleo cast her light down into passage, and carefully made her way down. Saber quickly moved herself in front as they walked, on the lookout for traps, or other hazards.
"If this is the only entrance we need to watch ourselves." Saber remarked. "A servant, and master could come in from behind, or ahead of us at any moment."
"Do you sense anything?" Cleo whispered.
"I don't feel any nearby servants.." Saber replied. "But I do feel a subtle energy in the air. I think we're drawing closer to a strong source of mana."
After traversing the darkened halls for a few minutes, the pair came to a large entryway. Cleo narrowed her eyes as she approached, inspecting it closely. She could see the faint shimmer of a bounded field, as well as the sigils keeping it in place.
"It seems this is the proper entrance to the trial." Cleo remarked. "These sigils are made to deter anyone who isn't a servant or a magus."
Once they crossed the threshold of the barrier, the world around them suddenly changed. The weathered stone, and floors transformed into white, and black striated marble. Giant stone columns held up the tall ceiling to the large room before them. Sconces hung from the walls, lighting up the space with warm flickering flame.
Four doors lead in, and out of the room. Each one was framed by a brazier on either side. Above the doors was a crest made of shining bronze, carved into the shape of a bull's head.
"The minotaur's labyrinth." Cleo gasped, looking about. "This place must be some sort of reality marble."
"So, the first trial is to find our way through the famous maze." Saber remarked.
"Before we go ahead, we should find a way to mark our way." Cleo stated. "In the story, Theseus used a long spool of string to find his way back out."
"That would leave an easy trail for our enemies to follow." Saber paused, and chuckled. "We could always leave a trail of breadcrumbs. Though I hope we don't find a witch in a candy house at the end of this maze."
"I'm more worried about a man-eating bull monster." Cleo replied. "Though you are right about one thing. We have to leave a trail that isn't easy to find."
Cleo moved over to one of the room's many doors, and circled to one side. She leaned down before the sconce on the right, and touched a finger tip to the surface. Briefly, her finger glowed, as she traced a simple sigil onto the metal. As she pulled her hand away, the mark disappeared.
"There, that mark should only react when a magus touches it directly." Cleo said, standing up straight once more.
"You're really quite resourceful." Saber smiled. She then gestured to the door. "After you, mademoiselle."
Cleo narrowed her eyes. "I appreciate your chivalry, but I would prefer if you lead the way. In case we run into danger."
Saber stood straight, clearing her throat. "Y-yes of course. How silly of me."
The two headed through the door, coming into a giant passageway, with a high ceiling. It didn't take them long to come to a three way fork in the path. This continued on for some time, as the two traversed, twisting passage, after twisting passage. Each time, Cleo made sure to mark the path they had taken, so they wouldn't lose their way.
Eventually they came into a another large open room, nearly identical to the one at the entrance. Lined up along the walls, were several bronze statues. Each of them was identical, their face covered by a greek helmet. Spears were held in each of their right hands, with a shield on the left. Then at their side, a short blade was sheathed.
"I don't like this." Saber remarked, drawing her rapier.
Cleo nodded in agreement, and summoned a small shield on her arm.
Slowly, the two crept deeper into the room, weapons at the ready. Then, suddenly, all the statues heads, rose up in unison, turning toward them. They stepped forward, stamping the butts of their spears onto the floor. All of them then marched toward Saber, and Cleo, holding their spears, and shields at the ready.
"Golems." Cleo growled.
Saber reached for her dagger, flipping it in her grip. Then, with near blinding speed, she hurled it toward the nearest golem. The blade plunged deep into the warrior's helmeted head. It shuddered for a moment, before falling to the ground in a heap.
The swordswoman then dashed toward the oncoming enemy, blade in hand. Cleo followed right behind her, to offer any kind of support she could.
Three of the golems all thrusted with their spears, as Saber approached. With the shout of a spell, Cleo called forth a wall of force before Saber, their weapons bouncing off. As the wall disappeared, Saber closed the distance, unleashed a flurry of thrusts. Sparks flew, as her blade punctured dozen's of holes in the three golem's chests. They quickly fell to the onslaught, sending bits of bronze flying as they clattered to the ground.
Cleo blocked another golem's thrust with her smaller shield, and leapt to counterattack. The circuits in her arms glowed, as she strengthened her muscles. Then with a grunt of effort, she smashed her shield into the golem's face, crumpling the side of its helmet like tin foil.
Saber weaved between the two remaining golems. The bronze warriors turned to her as she moved past, lined up back to front. With them in perfect position, Saber thrusted, piercing straight through both golems with a single strike.
"It seems the maze itself isn't the only thing trying to stop us." Saber said, pulling her blade free.
"Hopefully that's all we run into." Cleo commented.
Saber moved to retrieve her dagger. "Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst, I suppose."
"Yes, I suppose." Cleo agreed.
Nearly a dozen bronze golems marched toward Archer, and Rio. The remains of several others lay littered on the ground. Archer glared a the oncoming enemy, slamming down her sheathed katana with authority.
"Meddlesome welps!" she roared. "How dare you continue to bar my path! I am the demon king of the sixth heaven!"
The platoon of golems continued to march, holding their spears at the ready. Archer clicked her tongue in annoyance, and raised her arm. With flashes of red light, a line of six gold, and black matchlock muskets appeared in front of her. She then made another motion with her hand, and the weapons opened fire.
A barrage of bullets whizzed through the air, slicing through the oncoming line of golems. Their bodies were shredded apart like paper, falling one after the other. Within mere moments, they were nothing more than a pile of shattered scrap.
When Archer ordered the fire to cease, only one golem remained. She then dismissed her weapons, and turned to Rio.
"Take care of the straggler." she ordered. "I've done enough of the work."
Rio looked to her in surprise. "Eh? Seriously?"
Archer narrowed her eyes, slamming down her katana. "If you cannot handle a weak creature like this, then you do not deserve to be my retainer! No excuses!"
Rio sighed, and looked to the bronze warrior. It was beginning to pick up its pace, holding its spear out in front of it. Seeing the deadly blade hurtling toward her, made Rio scramble to take action.
She extended a hand, spreading her fingers. Magical circuits crawled across her skin, and subtle aura of light poured off of her.
"Helios Arrow!"
A mote of searing light gathered at the end of each of her finger tips. The light then shot forward, streaking through the air, as bolts of pure light. Like molten lances they pierced through the oncoming golem, partially melting the metal around the spot they struck. The golem's structural integrity then gave way, and it fell to the ground in a heap.
"Hmph. That will suffice, I suppose." Archer remarked.
Rio huffed, and plopped down onto the floor. "Archer, why don't we take a break? We've been wandering around this place for at least two hours."
"Very well." Archer sighed. "We will take a short break. We can't tarry long, lest we lose our advantage of acting first."
"No offense, Archer, but I think we probably already lost that." Rio commented.
"If that is so, then it is only do to your own incompetence!" Archer retorted. "Your terrible sense of direction, has caused us to become lost in this damned maze!"
"Weren't you the one who insisted on leading the way?" Rio grumbled under her breath.
Archer glared at her. "What was that?"
Rio quickly held her arms disarmingly. "N-nothing! Nothing! Hehehe."
Archer simply harrumphed, and moved to sit across from her master. With the crisis averted, Rio reached into her pack, and pulled out a cup of instant noodles, and a thermos of hot water. Archer watched her curiously, as she poured hot water into the cup, and closed the lid.
"What is that?" Archer asked.
"Instant ramen." Rio answered. "You want some?"
"Instant...ramen?"
Rio smiled, and grabbed another cup. "Yeah, just add hot water, wait a few minutes, and you have warm ramen."
Rio pulled out the thermos again, and poured one for Archer. She then placed a pair of chopsticks over both cups, to keep steam from escaping. It didn't take long, before Rio lifted hers to her face, taking a whiff of the warm aromas.
"Here you go, Archer." she said, offering Archer's own cup.
Archer took it with a hint of trepidation, before unsealing the top. Her eyes widened slightly as she found fully cooked noodles, and warm broth inside.
"Ooooh. I didn't think magic was used for making noodles out of nothing." she exclaimed.
"It's not really magic." Rio chuckled.
Archer seemed to ignore her, and grabbed her chopsticks, quickly slurping up some noodles. She gave a grunt of approval, and quickly began to dig into her meal. Within moments it was done, and she slammed the cup down.
"Delicious! Another!"
"She really does have cheap taste." Rio thought with a slight smirk.
Rio quickly started cooking up another cup of ramen. Which Archer was already done with by the time Rio was half way through her own.
Several halls down, Finn, and Rider left a pile of golems behind them. The samurai woman lead the way, her spear held at the ready. Finn walked beside her with a calm confidence, the tapping of his cane echoing off the walls.
"There's no need to be so tense, Rider." Finn remarked. "We can handle this lot, and you'd sense any servants before they got close."
"I cannot do that, Mclellan-dono." Rider replied. "To assure your safety I must keep on watch."
Finn sighed. "Didn't I tell ya to drop the 'dono' nonsense?"
Rider paused, and spun about, dropping onto her knees. "It was a slip of the tongue, my lord! Forgive your retainer for her insolence!"
"Woah, woah, easy there lass!" Finn exclaimed. "No need for that. These things happen."
Rider dipped her head. "Thank you for your forgiveness!"
Finn sighed again, and helped Rider to her feet. The two then continued on for several minutes, before Rider suddenly stopped in her tracks. She held out an arm, barring Finn's path.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I sense a servant up ahead." she replied.
Finn nodded in understanding. "Let's proceed with caution then."
Rider nodded back, and proceeded forward with her master. Soon, the pair peaked around the next corner, finding an open room filled with the remains of fallen golems. At the other end of the room, Archer, and Rio sat across from each other still taking their break.
"It looks like its not the Saber, or Berserker pair." Finn remarked, stroking his chin.
"Her…" Rider hissed venomously.
Finn turned to her curiously. The samurai woman was shuddering with barely contained fury. Her eyes were wide, burning with her inner fire. All of her anger, and vitriol was focused on one target.
Archer.
"That woman!" Rider roared.
Without warning she charged forward, spear at the ready. The blade ignited with flame, a trail of fire following in her wake. Finn called after her, but his words were white noise. All that mattered was that woman in front of her.
Archer's eyes snapped open, and she rose to her feet. She reacted quickly, summoning a line of rifles, and opened fire on Rider.
Rider serpentined at high speed, dodging the barrage of gunfire, and continuing her approach. Before Archer could summon more weapons, Rider leapt into the air, coming down on her like a comet. Archer drew her katana, meeting Rider's spear. A shockwave, and an explosion of flame erupted from the impact, sending Rio staggering back.
"Nobunaga!" Rider screamed, pressing down on Archer.
Archer smirked in delight. "Oh? So another warrior of the Sengoku period has been summoned to his era!"
Rider shouted again, landing on her feet. "I will take your head, demon witch! I will avenge the honor of my clan!"
Archer grunted with effort, trying to push back against the other servant. She cursed that her skills in close combat were not as strong in this form. Eventually, she knew she would lose out in the clash.
Rio moved in close, and held out her hand. A small orb of light formed in her palm, as her circuits ignited.
"Archer, close your eyes! Sol Flash!"
Without any other options, Archer did so without question. The ball of light inside Rio's palm then burst into a blinding flash. Rider cried in pain, her strength faltering for a moment. The opening gave Archer just enough of an opportunity to push her opponent away several yards.
Rider blinked several times, her vision quickly returning. "Nobunaga! Paltry tricks like that won't stop me from killing you!"
Archer narrowed her eyes. "I recognize those eyes. Though I can't quite place them. I made many enemies in my life, so you may have to refresh my memory! What did I do to bring your vengeance on my head?"
"I don't have to answer a dishonorable piece of scum like you!" Rider replied, readying her spear. "Take my blade as an answer!"
"Rider, calm down!" Finn shouted from behind her.
Again, Rider was too blinded with rage to hear his words. She ignited her spear, and moved to charge Archer once again.
Archer would not allow her to move in again so easily, and made a circular motion before her. A ring of muskets surrounded her, floating in the air. Another pair of muskets then appeared in her hands, and she opened fire.
Rider moved swiftly in an erratic pattern, avoiding the onslaught, and continuing her approach. Archer observed her movements carefully as she neared, finding a subtle pattern. She then took aim with one of the rifles in her grip at an empty space nearby. Just as she had predicted, Rider moved into its path, to dodge another shot, the bullet grazing her shoulder.
"Kurosawa, be ready with that flash spell!" Archer ordered, firing off a shot. "When I give the signal, use it on her again!"
Archer didn't let Rio offer any reply, before cracking off another shot. Rider was ready this time, parrying the bullet with her katana. She then closed the distance, bringing her spear on her enemy.
Archer dashed to the side, dodging the attack. As she flew backwards to one side of the room, she cracked off several more shots. All of the projectiles were cut in twain, save for one, which pierced through Rider's side.
The samurai grit her teeth in pain, but continued after Archer. Both her spear, and katana ignited with flame, and she swung them both in a wide arc. An 'X' shaped blast of flame surged toward Archer, Rider following in its wake.
Leaping into the air, Archer avoided the oncoming attack. A new pair of muskets appeared in her grip, four more surrounding her. With an almost gleeful smile, she opened fire, unleashing a hailstorm of bullets.
Rider dashed back, moving from side to side to avoid the attack. As she moved back, she found herself being pushed into the remains of the golems. Her footing faltered, and she staggered to keep herself from tripping on the debris.
Archer's smiled widened. "Now, Kurosawa!"
"Sol Flash!" Rio called.
At her command the ball of light in her hand shot forward, right in front of Rider. Before she could react, it exploded with a bright flash, blinding her once again. Archer then saw her opening, and quickly held out her hand. With several flashes of red light, she summoned six muskets above Rider's head.
"It seems your hunt for revenge was short lived!" Archer shouted, readying the weapons.
On the side lines, Finn quickly traced his staff through the air. He created two different runes, one in front of the other.
"Neartachadh! Tàirneanach!"
With his call, one of the runes transformed his words into a thunderous shout. The sonic attack passed through the rune before it and seemed to infuse it with strength. With a deafening peal of rolling thunder, the blast of empowered sound flew at Archer's muskets. The weapons were blown away by the sheer force, disappearing in flashes of red light.
"Damn that old man." Archer growled, clicking her tongue.
Finn quickly moved to Rider's side. "Ya alright, lass?!"
Rider blinked, regaining her vision. "I'll get that damn woman, I swear!"
Finn glared, slamming down his cane. "Rider! Get a hold of yourself!"
Rider seemed snapped from her stupor, and turned to him. "I-I'm sorry. You're right."
"That's better." Finn nodded.
Suddenly, a shot rang out, aimed right for Finn's head. Rider reacted with lightning fast reflexes, slicing the bullet out of the air.
"You witch!" Rider roared, glaring at Archer. "Have you not a shred of honor?!"
"Honor?" Archer scoffed. "The battlefield is no place for such idealism!"
With her senses now more clear, Rider readied her weapons. Archer followed suit, summoning a pair of rifles to her hands. Rio looked between them anxiously, trying to think of how to act next.
Suddenly, the tension was broken as a deep bellow echoed through the halls. The sound of heavy footfalls soon followed, emanating from one of the many passages. Everyone turned to the doorway, as the footsteps drew closer, and closer.
Then, from the darkness, a giant hulking shape emerged. He was a massive beastial humanoid, with rippling muscles, and stark white skin. Dozens of blood red scars covered his form. A thick, long, wild mane of white hair flowed behind him. Sprouting from the sides of his head, were two giant bull like horns, covered in notches, and tipped blood red. Half of his face was covered by a metal mask in the shape of a bull's face. The half that was exposed, wore an angry scowl, and had deep red eyes with black sclera.
"Tres...pass! K...kill! Kill!" the giant beast roared in broken speech.
He let loose another bellowing roar, and a pair of giant axes appeared in his hands. They were double bladed, with long spear tips, and heavy, club-like pommels. The giant then charged headlong toward Archer, letting loose a primal scream.
Archer summoned four muskets, ordering them all to fire. The barrels flashed, letting loose a small barrage of bullets. Each one struck their mark, hammering into the charging monster's body. The projectiles however, did not pierce the giant's skin, only seeming to slow his wild charge.
He quickly closed the distance between them, bringing down his axes. Archer dashed out of their path, and the axes came down onto the floor below. The impact shattered the hard stone, creating a small crater, and sending a cloud of debris flying into the air.
"Master, stay back." Rider ordered, holding out an arm. "This creature is...nothing like the golems. He has a similar presence to a servant."
"I have a feeling that this creatures is the owner of his place." Finn remarked, eyes narrowing. "The legendary Minotauros"
Suddenly, the minotaur erupted from the cloud of debris, charging toward Rider, and Finn. Ignoring her wounds, Rider moved to meet him, igniting her spear. Their weapons soon clashed with a resounding clang of metal.
Rider grit her teeth, feeling the force of Minotauros's strike travel up her arm. With another roar, he brought down his other axe. She met his weapon with her katana, and once more her arm shuddered.
Her entire body shook, as the monstrous strength of the beast bared down on her. The wound in her side ached, leaking fresh blood. But still she tried to push back against him, refusing to yield so easily.
"K-kill! C-crush!" Minotauros roared.
A pair of gunshots rang out, hammering into the beast's side. He growled, turning to Archer in the distance. The momentary distraction offered Rider an opening to push back with her all her strength. With a battle cry, she sent Minotauros staggering back a step, and countered with a swing of her flaming spear.
The searing hot blade cut a deep gash across the beast's chest. He simply roared in fury, swinging wide with one of his axes. Rider narrowly avoided the strike, feeling the wind pressure from the powerful swing.
As she took up her stance once more, a wave of pain emanated from her side. Before Minotauros could pursue her, another series of shots rang out, striking his side. He spun about, letting out a thunderous bellow at Archer.
"Why, are you helping me?!" Rider shouted.
"Because you are my prey!" Archer replied. "I want the satisfaction of taking your life myself!"
Minotauros stamped down his feet, and dashed toward Archer, intent on goring her with his horns. Archer summoned a line of six muskets in response, unloading a barrage of gunfire. Just as before, the bullets only seemed to slow the beast's charge.
As he neared, Archer dashed to the side, and Minotauros crashed headlong into one of the walls. His horns sunk deep into the stone, and the force of the impact shattered part of the wall.
"It seems I'll have to get serious with you." Archer growled.
Her demonic aura suddenly poured off of her, lashing out like tendrils. For a brief moment, Rio could have sworn she saw a skeletal face within. Archer then called a musket to her hand, steadying it against her shoulder. She gathered part of her aura, infusing it into the weapon.
"Try this!"
Minotauros turned, and charged, just as Archer pulled the trigger. With a loud burst, a large beam of red energy fired from Archer's rifle. The beast man had just enough time to raise his axes in defense, before most of his body was consumed by the blast.
When the smoke cleared, a small trench had been left in the beam's wake. Minotauros had been slid back several feet by the blast. He was mostly unharmed, a few small burns, and scuffs dotting his body. His red eyes practically glowed with rage, as he glared at Archer.
Rio quickly assessed the situation. Whatever this thing was, it was stronger than a normal servant. If Archer went all out, they would probably be able to defeat it, especially if Rider jumped in. But that would use up too much of their mana reserves. They couldn't afford a prolonged battle.
Finn had come to the same conclusion as the other mage. They needed to escape, and tend to Rider's injury. Otherwise, he doubted they would make it to the end of the trial.
The younger mage was the first to spring into action, interposing herself between Archer, and the beast. She channeled her mana, calling forth a baseball sized sphere of light.
"What are you doing?!" Archer roared. "Are you stupid?!"
"Maybe a little!" Rio replied. "Sol Flash!"
Minotauros charged headlong toward the pair, just as Rio released her spell. The sphere of light exploded only a foot away from the beast's face, unleashing a searing flash of light. Lancing pain pierced Minotauros's eyes, and he howled in fury.
"Come on, Archer, let's go!" Rio exclaimed.
Archer opened her mouth to argue, but caught herself. She realized that continuing this battle was a waste of resources. The woman spared Rider a glance, and the pair locked eyes for a moment.
"There will be a better opportunity." she remarked under her breath.
Rio, and Archer then took off down one of the nearby passages. Rider moved to pursue, but Finn stopped her with an outstretched hand.
"We should go too."
"But-"
"No arguments." Finn stated sternly."Let's move, before that bastard gets his sight back."
Rider clicked her tongue, and nodded in resignation. The two then took off down a different path. Leaving Minotauros wailing in anger, and swinging his weapon at the empty air around him.
Cleo looked down at her mana detector, as she and Saber turned another corner. The device had been acting strangely since they stepped beyond the threshold. Most likely due to the fact the labyrinth itself was a magical construct, and brimming with mana. Without some focal point it was as useless as a compass that couldn't point north.
Just as she was about to pocket it once more, the needle began to spin. Then, it suddenly stopped, the arrow rattling as it pointed toward the three o'clock position.
"There's a massive energy signature ahead." Cleo remarked.
"Perhaps it's one of the keys?" Saber surmised.
"I think your right." Cleo agreed. "Lets tread carefully. We might not be the only ones who've found it. There could be multiple servants, and masters ahead."
Saber nodded. "I don't sense anything yet. But I'll be sure to keep my senses sharp. I have to protect my fair lady after all."
Cleo blushed, eye twitching at the comment. She kept her retort to herself this time, and stormed off, following the arrow. Saber smirked at her reaction, and moved to catch up with her.
The pair turned down two more passages, before entering the largest room they had come across yet. Three other doorways lead into the giant room. At one side of the space was a giant altar. Two giant bronze bull statues stood on either side of the altar, with a brazier at each of their feet.
Sitting atop the altar was a strange artifact. The entire object was composed of a faintly translucent gold material, with circuits of energy running through it. Its base was a rounded circular handle. A thick rod rose up from its center. Cubes were arranged seemingly at random along the rod's length.
The arrow upon Cleo's device shuddered even more, pointing toward the artifact atop the pedestal. Even without it, she and Saber could feel the intense magical energy emanating from it.
"So...this is one of the keys to Eden." Cleo remarked, totally awed by the artifact.
Saber narrowed her eyes, drawing her sword. "Master, I sense a servant approaching."
Cleo snapped from her stupor, and quickly readied herself. Moments later, Finn and Rider stepped out from the passage directly facing the altar. Rider's wounds had been patched up, thanks to Finn's rudimentary first aid.
"It seems we meet again, Saber." Rider remarked with a smile.
"So it would seem, Rider." Saber replied. "Are you following me? Have you been charmed by my beauty?"
Rider's eyes widened, face flushing. "W-what?! What are you talking about?!"
"No need to play coy." Saber chuckled. "I saw how enraptured you were by my sword skill. But I could tell it wasn't just that, that caught your eye."
Rider turned even redder, and pointed in Saber's direction. "D-don't you dare make such baseless accusations! I was merely admiring your skill as a warrior! Nothing more."
"If you say so." Saber shrugged.
"That's enough, Saber." Cleo growled.
Finn, could hold it in no longer, and fell into a deep laughing fit. Rider looked down in embarrassment as he continued. After several moments, the laughter died down, and he wiped the tears from his eyes.
"You have quite the way with ladies, Saber!" he chuckled. "This lass is a bit stiff, but you've got her blushing like a schoolgirl with a just a few words!"
"Master, please!" Rider exclaimed.
Finn's face then turned serious. "As fun as it is to watch Rider trip over herself, I think it's time we got to business."
Cleo narrowed her eyes, summoning a shield to her arm. Finn readied his cane, channeling mana into the jeweled tip. Rider, and Saber followed suit, taking up their battle stances.
Before anyone could make a move, Rider, and Saber sensed another approaching presence. From one of the other passages, Berserker strode into the room. Eloise rode atop the giant man's shoulders, her staff resting in her lap.
"Oh!" Berserker exclaimed. "Its you two again! Looks like we get to continue where we left off!"
Berserker set his master down, and summoned both of his weapons. His face split into a toothy grin, his body tensed with excitement.
Suddenly, the key upon the altar, shone like a beacon, unleashing a pillar of light. As the light passed, the sound of thundering footfalls filled the air. Within moments, Minotauros charged into the room, moving before the key protectively. He then roared in challenge, readying his weapons.
Berserker let out a low whistle. "Oooooh. You look like a strong one!" .
"What is that thing?" Eloise questioned, readying her staff.
"The minotaur!" Cleo exclaimed.
"You're right on the money lass!" Finn barked. "That beast is guardian of this place, and that key! Only way we're getting it, is getting past him."
Saber turned to face the beast. "Perhaps a temporary truce is in order then?"
Eloise considered the offer for a moment, and nodded. "Berserker, take him down, then you can have your fun with the others!"
"Got it!" Berserker roared, charging forward.
"Rider, you go too!" Finn ordered. "And, be careful this time!"
"Yes, master, just one thing." Rider replied. "The wound I inflicted on him, its gone."
Finn narrowed his eyes. "If he can heal somehow, it can only be so much. Just keep the pressure on."
"Right!" Rider shouted, charging in as well.
Saber moved to follow after them, but Cleo held her back with a hand.
"Wait." she ordered.
She put both of her hands onto Saber, magical circuits crawling up her arms. Her familiar blue energy poured from her hand's, enrobing Saber. The swordswoman felt a slight tingle across her body, as it formed an even layer that fit her form.
"Armatura!" Cleo called.
The layer of energy solidified around her, fully forming into a layer of magic armor.
"This should protect you from at least a couple of attacks." Cleo remarked.
"Thank you, my lady." Saber smiled.
She then gave her master a wink, and followed after the other two servants.
Li, and Lancer made their way through the labyrinth. The pair had left the remains of over a dozen bronze golems in their wake. The martial artist had made sure to leave behind a nondescript mark each time they went through a passage. To make sure they were not treading over old ground.
After a time, the pair came into a long hall, twice as tall, and wide as the other passages. Lining either side of the hall were dozens of the bronze golems. At the end of the hall, was an altar, with the second key sitting atop it.
Li looked to the inactive golems. "It seems we won't be getting the key without another fight."
"These golems are hardly what I would call a fight." Lancer remarked sternly.
Lancer suddenly sensed two approaching presences, and readied himself. Li followed his lead, taking up his stance.
Two figures stepped out from the other pair of passages leading into the room. Archer, and Rio, followed by both Caster, and Aleister.
"Aha! There's our prize!" Archer exclaimed, turning to the altar.
Rio's eyes moved back, and forth between the other master, servant pairs. She reached out, pulling on Archer's jacket.
"Um, Archer?"
Li, locked eyes with Aleister. While Caster, and Lancer did the same.
"I'm surprised you were able to make it through the maze." Aleister chuckled. "Did you simply punch your way through the walls?"
"I'm surprised you were able to make it as well." Li replied. "I thought you might be too afraid to even step inside."
Aleister sneered at the other mage, and turned fully to face him. He snapped his fingers, and Vasilias crawled in from behind him. The basilisk hissed at Li, raising his stinger like tail.
As the two pairs squared off, Archer saw fit to seize the opportunity. She made a mad dash toward the the altar, drawing her katana. Rio had to do a double take, before she scrambled to follow after her.
The key upon the altar burst into a beacon light, activating the golems in the room. With a thunderous clatter, a small army of the warriors stepped out from their posts. They then moved into formation, and readied their weapons.
Aleister scowled in annoyance. "Caster!"
Caster nodded, and summoned forth a wall of ice between Li, Lancer, and themselves. Aleister then surrounded himself in an aura of wind, and took to the air with Caster. Vasilias sprinted after them, keeping up with their speed surprisingly well.
Li strengthened his legs, and sprinted toward the altar, circling around the ice wall. Lancer charged alongside him, keeping his halberd at the ready.
Archer summoned a circle of six muskets as she neared the line of golems. The gun barrels flashed, releasing a volley of bullets. They easily broke the line, shredding through several bronze warriors. Archer continued to open fire, charging ahead, and cutting down any other's that drew close with her katana.
Rio ducked, dodged, and weaved through the golem's spear attacks. She did her best to enhance her body with magic, trying keep up with Archer. However the skill had never been her forte, and she struggled to keep focus on it while also staying alive.
Lancer swung wide with his halberd, taking down four golem's in a single stroke. Li dashed in from behind, calling for his energy claws. With several swift strikes, he sliced apart several as well. Working in tandem, the pair began to cut a path through the line of golems.
Aleister glanced down at the chaos below. "Caster, try, and slow them down."
"Yes, master." Caster replied, opening his book.
With the call of his spell, Caster sent several spears of ice flying toward Archer, and Lancer. Archer summoned a line of muskets, and raised them toward the air, unleashing a barrage of shots. Lancer leapt into the air at the oncoming projectiles, and struck with a wide sweeping slash. Both servant's attacks shattered the spears of ice, creating an explosion of powdered crystal.
When the debris cloud cleared, Archer glared at the two magic users, and summoned a pair of muskets to her hands. She quickly unloaded a rapid fire barrage of gunshots on the two. Aleister, and Caster swerved, and serpentined, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Aleister looked down at her with a furious expression. "Vasilias! Kill Archer's master!"
The basilisk stopped at his master's call, and turned toward his target. Without pause, he charged toward Rio, ramming through any golems in his path. The young mage's eyes widened in terror, and she held out an outstretched hand.
"Helios Arrow!"
Vasilias swerved to avoid two of the bolts of light. The other pair struck his thick scaly hide, slowing him down, but not stopping his headlong charge. He then raised his tail as he approached, ready to impale Rio in a single stroke.
Rio scrambled to try and cast another spell, but could not make it in time. Then, suddenly, Archer dashed between the two. Using her katana, she paired the basilisk's deadly stinger, and then countered with a volley of gunfire.
Vasilias dashed back, avoiding the the shots. He snarled at the woman, raising his tail threateningly. Archer simply stared him down, and slammed her katana in challenge.
"T-thanks Archer." Rio sighed.
Archer quickly summoned a circle of muskets, firing them off at the approaching golems. She then glanced over her shoulder at Rio.
"What are you doing you fool?!" she roared. "Can't you handle a worthless lizard?!"
Rio jumped at her words. "S-sorry."
On the other side of the hall, Lancer, and Li continued to cut a swath of destruction through the golems. After taking down three more in one stroke, Lancer glanced up to the air. He could see Aleister, and Caster were almost to the altar. If they didn't act fast they would lose the key.
"Master, get behind me!" Lancer roared.
Li did as he was bade, and the giant man pulled back his halberd. The dragon on it's blade glowed with powerful light. A wave of green energy erupted from the weapon as he swung. With a thunderous boom, it cut through the remaining golem's before them, forming a clear path.
Aleister, and Caster landed before the altar. The mage glanced over his shoulder, spotting the approaching Lancer, and Li. Without hesitation he quickly grabbed the key, and turned to his partner.
"Caster, can you create an opening for us?!" he asked.
"I am already on it, master." Caster replied. "I would call back your pet, if I were you."
Aleister did as commanded, and watched Caster's book flip open. The lights in the room then seemed to dim. Caster raised his hand into the air, and a small ember appeared in his palm. The ember grew rapidly, transforming into a giant ball of searing fire. The faint sound of pained wails could be heard from inside, mixing with the crackling flame.
"Phlegethon!"
Caster hurled the ball of flame near the center of the room. Lancer quickly stopped in his tracks, and rushed to grab his master, ducking for cover. Archer simply stood her ground, her aura surrounding her, and encircling Rio.
The ball of flame then struck the stone floor, exploding in a grand conflagration. A giant shockwave erupted from the point of impact, and the room was bathed in a fiery glow. The explosion spread outward, consuming most of the remaining golems and melting them into molten slag.
In the ensuing chaos, Aleister, and Caster flew toward the exit, key in hand.
When the smoke cleared, Rio blinked, looking around them. She, and Archer were left unscathed, and the piles of bronze slag were all around them. Rio turned to Archer, watching her aura fade. Once again, she could have sworn she saw a skeletal figure in the aura.
Rio approached her. "A-archer?"
Archer growled in her throat. "We're leaving. We've lost this battle."
"B-but what about the other key?!" Rio asked.
Archer smacked her upside the head. "You fool! Do you honestly think the other servants, and masters haven't already reached it?! We've missed our chance, now we have to cut our losses."
"R-right." Rio conceded, rubbing her head.
On the other side of the hall, Lancer, and Li emerged from behind a stone pillar. The magus dusted himself off, and surveyed the destruction. He watched as Archer, and Rio made their way through the chaos, and off toward the exit.
"Should we pursue Caster, and his Master?" Lancer asked.
Li let out a long sigh. "No. They're long gone by now. I think those two have the right idea. We should leave, and wait for our next opportunity."
"Yes, master." Lancer replied with a nod.
Berserker shouted as he swung both of his weapons. Minotauros roared back just as loudly. The two then clashed, exchanging titanic strikes. Sparks, and shockwaves burst from the mad flurry.
Berserker dashed back, continuing the exchange of blows. The beast soon pushed him back near one of the far walls. As he drew close, Berserker kicked off of the wall, leaping over the minotaur's head. He then came down with a powerful overhead swing.
With surprising speed, Minotauros spun about, meeting Berserker's attack with his horns. He roared, and then swung upward with one of his axes. Berserker crossed his weapons, blocking the attack. The force of the swing however, sent him flying to the opposite end of the room, skidding along the floor as he landed on his feet.
Rider came dashing in, with Saber trailing not far behind. The samurai ignited her spear, and struck at Minotauros with a powerful upward slash. He came down with one if his axes, meeting the strike, and creating a burst of of flame, and sparks. Then, using his other weapon, he thrusted downward.
She sidestepped the attack, and dodged his next downward swing by leaping high into the air. With spear in hand, she focused, infusing the entire weapon with fiery energy. The spear glowed bright, bathing Rider in its warm glow.
"Take this!"
Rider hurled the spear with all her might, sending it plummeting like a small meteor. Minotauros raised his axes to block, just before the attack struck. As the spear impacted, it released the energy within, creating an explosion of fire.
The minotaur erupted from the flames, swinging with both his weapons. Rider dashed back, barely avoiding the attack. The wide swings cut a deep trench into the floor, sending debris flying in all directions.
Before Minotauros could pursue Rider, Saber neared. She moved in on the giant's side, unleashing a several swift slashes. The blade cut into the his tough hide, leaving several deep gouges in their wake.
Minotauros roared, spinning about, and swinging angrily at the swordswoman. She backstepped to avoid, and blocked his next overhanded swing with her blade. Her legs shuddered, not fully prepared for the beast's monstrous strength. It took everything she had to push his axe away, before she went dashing to his side.
Rider tried to move in to aid her, but soon felt an intense ache in her side. Her wound had already reopened, fresh blood staining her bandages.
Saber parried two more of the beast's powerful strikes. Each time their weapons clashed she could feel the shock run up her arm. Whatever this beast was, he was stronger than an average servant. Saber knew that in a battle of raw strength she would soon lose out.
She raised her rapier, holding the guard close to her chest. A silvery white aura began to pour off of her body, creating a powerful gust of wind. Minotauros came down on her with another swing as she concentrated. Cleo's magical armor blocked the strike, taking the brunt of the blow. It then shattered, crumbling into small motes of light.
The aura around Saber intensified, as the armor dissipated. "Tou pour un! Porthos!"
Part of Saber's silver aura briefly coalesced, becoming a phantasmal man. He was dressed in a similar garb to Saber herself, and had a powerful build. His face was ruggedly handsome, with a thick beard, covering part of a long scar. The phantom then seemed to fuse with Saber, her eyes flashing silvery white.
Minotauros came down on her with both axes as her aura calmed. Saber lashed out with her rapier, meeting his heavy blades. A powerful shockwave erupted from the point of impact, as Saber knocked his attack aside with ease.
Rider, and the mages watching from the sidelines gasped in awe at Saber's new strength. Berserker felt his heart thundering in excitement at the prospect of fighting her again.
"Porthos…" Finn remarked. "I know that name. That woman...she must be…"
Eloise's eyes widened. "One of the legendary musketeers!"
The minotaur would not yield to Saber so easily, and swung with one axe while thrusting with the other. It was till the same result, Saber swatting them aside almost casually. She then ceased her opening, and focused mana into her sword. Silvery magical energy poured from the weapon, forming a blade of energy around it.
She dashed forward, thrusting the magicallly infused weapon a the enemy The blade pierced deep into Minotauros's abdomen all the way up the hilt. The tip of the magical sword coming out the other side
Minotauros staggered, blood leaking from the fresh wound. His red eyes then flashed glaring down at Saber, before he unleashed a powerful roar. It made the air resonate, becoming an explosion of sonic energy. Saber was blown back by the blast, her weapon sliding free.
Suddenly, Eloise sprung into action, hurling a seed over in the minotaur's direction. Her magical circuits ignited, and her energy flowed inside it. The seed then burst, a giant thick vine sprouting from within. At the mage's command it latched onto Minotauros's arm, holding it fast.
"Berserker, now!" Eloise exclaimed.
"Right!" Berserker roared, charging forward.
Berserker dashed past Saber, pulling back his blade. Minotauros raised his free arm, to try, and block the strike. Using his heavy club, Berserker swung with his whole body, knocking the weapon aside. Then with a loud battlecry, he swung in a wide arc with his blade, slicing all the way across the minotaur's chest.
Minotauros's eye flashed again, and he let loose even more powerful roar. He snapped the vine holding him fast, and pushed Berserker back with his thunderous voice. An intense aura of red energy poured off of the beast's body, seemingly embodying his rage.
His new wounds began to bubble, before quickly sealing up. The rage filled aura then disappeared, though his eye still shone with fury. Thick steam poured from his mouth as he exhaled, baring his fangs at the enemies before him.
Saber took up her stance. "He just won't quit."
'"He's a real fighter!" Berserker laughed. "I like him!"
Rider moved to retrieve her spear, and despite her wound, readied to face off against the beast. A heavy tension then hung in air for several moments as the three readied to take him on. The mages pondered carefully about their next move, and how best to aid their partners.
"I think that's enough for now. Assassin, put an end to this beast's mad flailing, would you?"
Everyone looked about in confusion. The mysterious voice echoed through the room, its owner hidden from sight. Cleo felt a deep anxiety settle in her gut. She recognized that voice but couldn't quite place it.
As if from nowhere, a dark shadow appeared behind Minotauros. Before the giant could even react, a blade sunk into his back. With a sickening, wet 'shunk', it pierced straight through his chest. A pair of ghostly blue eyes then shone from the shadow behind him.
"Sleep now." the shadow intoned. "My blade will bring you true death."
His voice was otherworldly, and made even the servant's skin crawl with dread.
The shadow pulled the blade free, leaving a giant gaping wound. Minotauros coughed, a deluge of blood spilling from his mouth. He fell to one knee, his weapons clattering to the ground. With one last gasp he collapsed, and his body slowly dissolved into glittering gold particles.
"Let your soul, rest." the shadow whispered.
The dark figure then took on a more solidified form. He was a tall man, with a skeletal face, and large devil like horns. Blue light flowed from within the bony sockets. Draped over most of his powerful frame was a cloak, darker than the blackest night. Bits of dark armor were exposed in places, having an almost carapace like appearance. Held in his grip was a two handed broadsword, its blade stained with fresh blood.
"Is that a servant?" Finn questioned. "It doesn't even look human."
From behind the cloaked figure, another emerged. A human woman, wearing a long black dress, accented with deep reds. She had short, slightly spiked hair, that matched the color of her dress. Her skin was deathly pale, and her ears appeared slightly pointed. The most striking feature about her, however, were her eyes.
Blood red, and slitted.
"Good work, Assassin." the woman smiled.
Cleo's stomach dropped, and her blood ran cold. She knew that woman well. Her presence alone made her feel like a lone sheep, among a pack of wolves. Those deep red eyes, that held so much bloodlust, were burned into her soul.
"Tsuki...Emiya." Cleo gasped.
"Oh? Is that you, Cleo?" Tsuki smiled. "It's been so long. To think you would be chosen as a master too!"
The exchange between the two was interrupted as Berserker raised his blade. He narrowed his eyes, pointing the tip in Assassin's direction.
"Oy! You went, and spoiled my fun!" he growled. "But I'll settle for fighting you too!"
Assassin's eyes flashed. "If you wish to fall at my hand, then step forward."
"Now, now, Assassin, don't antagonize him." Tsuki tsked. "No need to cut down a leashed mad dog."
Berserker's eyes widened in fury. "I'll show you mad dog!"
The man's muscles tensed, ready to spring into action. Before he could charge into action, something inside him told him to stop. Every instinct screamed of the danger Assassin posed.
'This guy…"
With a growl, Berserker stood his ground, trying better to assess his enemy. Assassin's gaze then turned to the two remaining servants. He could see a fresh trickle of blood leaking from Rider's wound, but still she held her spear at the ready. Saber's eyes had not left Assassin even for a moment, her body tensed.
"Oh? You have good eyes, Saber." Assassin stated. "You haven't dropped your guard for even a fraction of second. Ever since I showed myself, you've known the danger. I commend you."
"Alright, that's enough for now." Tsuki sighed.
The dark haired woman moved toward the altar, plucking the key from its perch. She took a moment to roll it over in her hands, inspecting it.
"My, how pretty." she remarked, before pocketing it. "Lets go now, Assassin."
"As you wish, master."
A swirling pool of shadow appeared behind Assassin, seeming to suck in the light around it. Tsuki gave Cleo a happy wave, before stepping through the rift. Assassin then followed, his ghostly blue eyes slipping further into the darkness before disappearing. The portal then vanished, leaving no trace of the pair behind.
The tension in the room seemed to drain away. Cleo took in a deep breath, sweat dripping from her brow. Finn, and Eloise both wore a grim expressions, anxiety settling in the pits of their stomachs.
Saber's body suddenly relaxed somewhat. She then turned to Berserker, holding her sword at the ready.
"Do you still want to fight, Berserker?"
Berserker sighed heavily. "Nah. That bastard killed the mood. Maybe next time."
He offered her a wave, and moved to return to Eloise's side. Saber then turned to Rider, looking down at the other woman's wound.
"You should tend to that." Saber remarked. "Even a servant can die from blood loss eventually."
"I appreciate the concern." Rider chuckled.
The women gave each other a respectful nod, and returned to their respective masters. Saber looked at Cleo with deep concern as she neared. The young woman didn't seem to notice her presence.
Carefully, she reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. Cleo jumped at the contact, looking up at Saber in surprise.
"Master, the key is gone." Saber sighed. "There's no reason for us to stay here. Who knows how much longer the reality marble will maintain itself. We should go, and rest."
"R-right." Cleo replied.
The three masters, and servants then went their separate ways. Leaving the now empty hall of the labyrinth behind them. As if sensing their departure, the sconces in the giant chamber flickered out, leaving the room in total darkness.
Author's Notes
Time for your historical fact of the day! The myth of the minotaur while fictional, does have its roots in actual history. Back during the time period that the myth refers too, Crete was the dominant political power. Thus, many city-states had to offer them tribute. This tribute most likely included young men, and women for sacrifice. The sacrificial ceremony was performed by a preist, who often disguised himself with a bulls head, or mask. Thus explaining the idea of where the minotaur came from.
Thank you all for reading! Comments, critique, and reviews are very appreciated!