UPDATE: Yet again more editing. I'll count this as v3.0 for now for current versions.
"Sieg, do you know why I haven't grilled you for all the stunts you've done so far?"
...when I was greeted by Rider who had an expression often mimicked by Ruler and Saber of Red, I was admittedly... at a loss of words. No, well, I understood the reason why he was upset. It was because I had gone out of my way to do something that was obviously forbidden in places such as battlefield.
And what a battlefield have I participated in.
I did not hesitate, fear, or even have the slightest intention to think in challenging a warrior who, under retrospect, was a higher humanoid being normally associated with the term 'Servant' and 'Heroic Spirit'. Of course some exceptions that could be summoned as Servants were example, the entanglement of malice in the form of a child but I digressed.
"I'm... sorry...?" I tilted my head, unsure of the proper response as Rider who was carrying the wounded Jeanne wanted to shout but refrained at the last moment, opting to let out an exaggerated deep sigh instead.
"As much as I'd like to smack you upside-down and beat you down and teach you some lessons and scolding you for committing yet another suicidal act before praising your ability to survive despite confronting a Servant without changing into Siegfried-form... Sorry Sieg, but we've got a bigger problem." Rider gestured, his voice almost too fast to follow for ordinary humans.
Even when the girl who was taller and also sizes bigger than him stirred, the Rider-class Heroic Spirit seemed to be unperturbed. It must be the influence of his Monstrous Strength but he showed a terrifying display of balance. Once again, I could only praise how far humanity could become in front of insurmountable trials.
Then again, the World was incredibly hostile even before the Common Era arrived.
Regardless... "No, Rider... I believe you are right. I was... reckless again. I'm sorry."
"Right. What's next then?"
With a face split between worried and frustrated, Rider raised one profound question. Twice, even. In his arms was the unconscious, barely alive Jeanne d' Arc-this dimension's counterpart or should I say in doubts... a human who inherited her 'heroic spirit'. Also, I was in a state that warranted dire concerns.
"Y'know, it's almost a surprise you both didn't get to be stains on the road after all that. How about we go to someone who can help fix you up?" Rider suggested.
I nodded slowly after glancing between him, Jeanne, then my severed arm, "The only one that could do that is..."
Just as the name of the person flashed in my mind, something vibrated in my pants' pocket. I pulled out a smartphone, which had lots of scars as if it was cut by razor blade from several directions. How it was still active, I didn't know but regardless... someone's calling.
"Ah, it's Issei." I stated. "Just perfect. Is-"
'Heeeeeeellllpp! Sieg, you gotta help me quick!' A hysteric voice blared through the communication device.
Huh? I almost tilted my head but I promptly responded, "What's wrong, Issei? What happened?"
'My ass is going to be executed by Buchou! Sieg, you've got to help-nuoooooogh?!' Then the transmission was cut off from the other side.
I looked at the smartphone, then to Rider who had similar expression. We were perfectly clueless and had nothing to say about the earlier happenstance. Or rather, it was far too bizarre even though Rider's nonsense was already one tangled bomb that could explode at any given time.
One thing for sure: something was up while we were wrapped by our own problem.
"Wait, that sounds like some kinky stuff Roland always liked to have! Did I hear a butt spank coming?! Are Devils into that kind of fetish too!? Oh, wait! Hold up! He didn't tell anything about his location! Call him again, Sieg!" Rider barraged on and on and on.
...maybe after this all, I can have a time to sit down and relax. Now I want chamomile tea again...
"The heck is this?"
...my thought exactly, Rider. Currently, late at night in an empty park was the two groups of Devils huddled together. Among them there was no sign of the Gremory's Knight but I had no doubt the lingering prana over some parts of the environment were some hints to clarify.
"Ogwuooh! B-Buchou...! M-my ass is dyin-wait, that you Sie-geh?! What the hell happened to your arm?!" Issei shouted.
...as much as I'd like to answer, I wasn't sure it was the correct time since the Devils were in the middle of something. But like magic keywords, when Issei pointed it out all of the Devils' attentions were drawn on the newest arrivals, which were us.
"S-Sieg-kun...?! Your...!" Sona Sitri's stoic visage was almost blown away as she covered her mouth with one hand.
Most of them had horrified expressions. Even the usually less-than-expressive Toujou was pale and she had been, to be frank, the one with snow-white skin among her kin.
But again, there was nothing that I could say. After all, my priority right now was-
"Argento-san. Will you help me?" I asked with a tone that strongly suggested urgency.
Taken aback, she stuttered, "Y-yes?"
"Please help this girl." When I requested her, Rider stepped forward from behind me and showed the victim of a Servant's assault.
"Th-that's...!" Gremory gasped.
"Jeanne d'Arc...?! Just what happened to you all?!" Shinra exclaimed.
Rider and I exchanged a glance and we both sighed at the same time. With grimaces signifying that something utterly bad had happened, I felt a headache forming since I didn't know where to start.
"Bah, it was a freaking brawl. Or rather, this Exorcist here got involved and Sieg jumped in to the rescue..." Rider groaned. "We got beaten back after retaliating. Like seriously. It was awful."
Although a word isn't enough to describe it all. However, recognizing how sensitive that fact was, I would like to disclose it after she... this dimension's Jeanne were healed.
"Please help her first. There is no need to worry about us." I bowed my head, hoping that the Devils would accept my plea.
I admit it's ridiculous. The girl was an Exorcist, an agent of the Church. She was an archenemy to the Devils, someone who stood on the opposite side. Even so, the only one that possessed the ability to heal even grave wounds was only Asia Argento, the wielder of Sacred Gear Twilight Healing.
Rider knew nothing about Magecraft that could heal wounds, while mine is far too unique I can only apply it on myself. It was truly a shame that I still refused to learn anything about useful spells that could have prevented this situation.
"Please," I pleaded, "I will explain everything for sure but please... save her."
As a moment of silence endured, the answer to my wish was-
"I understand. Sieg-san, please put her down first." Argento replied as she stepped forward.
I straightened my back to stare after her baffling, smooth answer; but I looked at Rider and gave a quick nod. He then did what we were told to do, as once Jeanne was lying comfortably on the ground, supported by Rider, Argento knelt before her and activated her Sacred Gear.
When the warm green glow encompassed Jeanne, I sensed her prana stabilizing and recovering. Her wounds closed little by little, her complexion returned back to normal and her breaths calming down. Rider expressed an amazed hum but I... I couldn't describe how I am feeling right now.
At one side I was grateful, relieved, whatever fuzzy emotion I believed as positive spreading within my chest, but at the other side, I was clueless on what to do. I didn't understand how or why could everything end up like this since... well, perhaps the lack of my vocabulary could summarize it?
However, to be honest, I didn't know what I should say regarding her...
"Alright, that's one thing cleared." Rider heaved and stood upright.
Ah, that's right. After all that, I guess it's about time for-
"Bam!" Rider exclaimed as he delivered a vicious, most powerful body blow I have ever received.
I flew across the park, bounced off the ground and crashed through a tree which naturally fell over due to the immense force put in that surprise attack.
"Eeeeeeeehh?!" Issei's shocked scream seemed to have carried similar feelings the others had.
I shook my head as the piles of dirt, leaves and broken branches fell around me. It was... new, to think Rider would attack me willingly but why?
"Rider... what was that about?" I asked as I sat up.
"You tell me that now?! Come on, I thought you had grown up over your reckless tendency! Why did you have to disappoint me in the worst time ever, you dumbass of a Master!" Rider screamed, clearly agitated as veins throbbed on his forehead.
...he's angry. As I thought, I did it horribly this time if even Rider raised a fist on me. It hurt to admit that the sickening red world I was drunk in was actually, in some ways, a rather exhilarating series of events. Perhaps it was because as a Dragon and as a Transcendent Kind, being confined in human vessel put a large stress in a corner of my mind.
The amount of joy I found in ridding off self-control further deepened the ill feelings gnawing on my heart as it became harder to meet Rider's gaze.
"Look here, you jerk!" And I was once again knocked down to the ground.
Rider pinned me to the ground by lying on my abdomen, grabbed my face by the cheeks and forced me to face him head-on. I almost thought my neck would be broken due to the enormity of strength and velocity Rider exerted to do this but I was remotely human at all. This much damages didn't mean much compared to be struck repeatedly when my body was weaker than an infant.
I even lost my life but anyway - my blood red-colored eyes met Rider's purple-colored eyes, mine was blank and reflected in his and...
I felt warm liquid dripping down on my nose, sliding off my cheek and chin. That was when I realized the Paladin had shed tears.
"You almost died...! Again! How can you be so foolish despite being older than me?!" Rider shouted from the top of his lungs, tears rolling down from the edges of his brilliant eyes.
It struck me harder than anything. Those tears. That distorted expression, grievous and sorrowful. There was no longer any trace of innocent cheerfulness I always saw in him. There was no smile that often adored the Paladin no matter where he went to.
It hurt... just to recall those tears.
And it pained my heart even more when I felt his hands trembling before gripping on my shirts, his body slumping down as his head rested next to mine. His small frame seemed a lot smaller than in the past as he trembled uncontrollably, shedding tears for someone. Someone who was none other than me.
"...Rider..." I called out, my voice was heavy and feeble for reasons I did not know of.
It hurt. It was hard to breathe. It hurt. My heart pounding against my ribcage as if it was about to burst open. It hurts. Why? Why is my cheeks heating up, and my eyes hot as if they were melting?
But when I raised my arm to comfort my dearest friend, I recognized that very arm was trembling. Just like when I survived the battle against Mordred. Was it fear, I asked yet when I looked at Rider, the earlier memories I had back in our home world resurfaced.
Mistake. Scolding. Shame. Unable to meet the gaze of another as if...
"...I see... To think that I had forgotten how to feel 'guilty'..." I mumbled bitterly, casting my gaze down. "...it hurts. Rider."
"Shut up! You deserved it, idiot! Sieg you big idiot! Idiot! Idiot...!" Rider shouted back.
I grimaced but I knew there was no malice in his words. I understood why he preached on me. I too recognized the insults as something I had the rights to receive since I was at fault.
Yes. I've made another mistake. I flew in a blind rage and it led me to lose my arm. It had nothing to do with fate or whatsoever. It was simply something I've brought down upon myself, as had it been my left arm that was cutoff, my contract with Rider would have dissolved straight away due to the loss of Command Spells. Fortune favored me for now, but in the near future...
Rider might not be able to help. Issei and the others might not be around. Nothing might help me at all no matter what I do. Thus...
"...ah. I understand, Rider." I whispered, closing my eyes as a resigned smile crossed my face.
For now... it's fine. It's alright to stay like this...
"As much as I'd like to give you two some privacy... This is not the appropriate place or time for it, Sieg-kun."
And there came a blunt reprimanding. I shuddered involuntarily but I craned my head to see a certain Student Council President standing nearby, cold glare fixated on Rider while her cheeks seemed to be tinted red for unknown reasons.
"...Sitri-san...?" I tilted my head in an effort to take away her attentions.
I was quite disturbed by her glare after all. It was one thing for her to be upset for our previous fall out but I wouldn't want her to know Rider's true identity, or blaming him for the mistakes I have committed.
"You don't look well, Sieg-kun. What exactly happened?" The Devil pointed out. "And your arm..."
"Hm...? Ah, this?" I looked at the stump where my forearm was lost in my blind rage. "It is fine. I can regenerate it anyway."
"Regenerate?" Sitri parroted dumbly.
I nodded, sitting up and patting Rider's back twice. He pulled back his upper body with confusion filling in his purple-colored eyes.
"Rider, can you please move aside? I'd like to treat my wounds." I told him.
"What? You can do that now?" He blinked twice.
I nodded deeply and he groaned before hopping off me. He patted his cloak and retreated to a distance I deemed as safe. Sitri too seemed to have noticed as she stood at the back together with her Peerage.
I breathed in, "Logic path/open"
A hammer went down within my mind, the Magic Core inside of me activating instead of my Magic Circuits. While the ods flowed to every section of my body and gathered on the wounds, I isolated my focus over those areas before constructing the spell.
Confirming structures of the cells. Searching comparisons within memories. Altering damaged units. Copying materials. Accelerating the aging process...
"Complete." I uttered as silver glow emanated from my wounds.
The lighter ones were restored in seconds, moderate and large ones took several minutes, but the stumped arm took all of my concentration as I was regenerating an arm rather than altering it. But considering this wasn't the first time I lost a limb or an internal organ, experience guided me through the dangerous process.
As the light covered the entire area of the stump, it stretched out to form a new forearm. Within it were the complex structures of cells, blood cells, nerves, bones, muscle tissues, flesh and skin materialized in an orderly fashion. When the spell was done, the light dissolved into dust of light which was the excess of magical energy exposed to the world.
"It is done." I stated as I felt the arm by opening the hand and clenching it.
I also flexed the elbow joint to measure my efforts this time. It seemed it was more precise than the last time-
"Wow! So you can regenerate this time huh? It must have took a lot of your prana!" Rider suddenly appeared next to me before grabbing my right arm with a hum.
"Careful there, Rider. It's still relatively new." I told him and he nodded twice during his measurement.
But to tell the truth, he was right about me using large amount of prana. Unlike humans, Phantasmal Beasts such as I had no limitations in utilizing our bodies, especially for a possessor of first grade Magic Circuits in addition of a Dragon's Magic Core. I could freely alter this body without terrible repercussions but because of that, the amount of prana required to do it drastically increased if I wanted quicker recovery.
Of course, the standard I used was one for Transcendent Kind. The amount of prana I generated was astronomical if compared to other species, especially Modern Magi.
"Hmhmm... This looks tougher than before." Rider concluded. "Then again, it was easily blasted away by that black flaming sword. Oh wait, you've got your constitution so even if it was left alone, it would grow back to normal. Give and take... a week maybe?"
"I don't think we have the leisure to stay idle, Rider." I warned him.
The Servant shrugged. "Doesn't mean much if you get wounded again!"
Hmh... I couldn't disagree in that front. Even with my status as a Transcendent Kind, I would still die if my head or heart was destroyed. I'd also die if my Magic Core was damaged so no matter how strong my immortality is, I wasn't indestructible or invincible at all.
"Still, to lop off my arm with so much ease... just who was that knight?" I exasperated, only to hear coughs.
The sound was familiar enough to make me turn around posthaste.
"Sieg-kun... I did not know you could regenerate yourself." Sitri smiled. "And your timing is too precise, as if something happened while some unruly children were trying to handle this by themselves. It can't be that you are involved as well... Right?"
...Uh... I searched among the Student Council who could help but everyone simply shook their heads, even Genshirou that said he'd do anything to assist in the case. But even when I took a glance over the Gremory...
"I'm sorry. You're on your own here, Sieg-kun. Right, Ise?" The Heiress smirked.
"E-err...! ...yes..." Issei hung his head, defeated by the sharp stares from his group.
...
"Rider, what exactly happened?" For the first time in my life, I threw the topic to someone else.
Rider gasped. "Eh!? Why me!?"
"No, well... I was barely sane at that time so..." I bowed my head. "I leave the rest to you."
"Why!?"
"So yeah, that's how it is." Rider finished his so-called 'Grand Retelling'.
I couldn't help but feeling cramped and having the urge to plant a hand on my face now. It was due to Rider going in a tirade the moment I pushed him as a scapegoat. Obviously, the Reincarnated Devils were speechless with some exceptions sending sympathetic gazes on me but two High-class Devils were highly disturbed.
Why? Because there were keywords that I assumed they did not know of. For example, the word 'Magecraft' or 'Noble Phantasm'. It was quite honestly worrying as Sitri and Gremory raised an eyebrow several times during the explanation.
Thankfully, Rider finished without trying to elaborate on the finer details. But still...
"You know, I'm no longer sure if we were lucky to have met that bastard Freed and Valper-guy or getting steamrolled by this goth girl in armors." Issei voice out his opinions which were approved by both Toujou and Genshirou, his original partners-in-crime. "Heck, blazing sword that can tear down blocks of houses with one swing? Even regular holy swords and Excalibur fragments are already scary enough!"
Well, for Devils, of course holy swords would be the bane of their existences. Although even for ordinary Servants, that girl was a notch above the rest to the point of reminding me how powerful Saber of Red was. Could they be related, I wonder...?
"That may be the case so unless someone has a way to fight her, please refrain from facing her." I warned everyone. "Her sword might not be a common magical sword if it could exercise such destructiveness."
They all nodded readily. It's good to hear that they understood the danger of fighting a Servant. Still I saw Sitri deep in thought while Gremory was visibly anxious.
"Hm... let me guess, you two correlated that swordswoman with this Balba-guy for the Excalibit thievery?" Rider pointed out.
"Excali..." Gremory nearly exasperated but promptly took a breath in and crossed her arms under her bosom. "Well, yes. She attacked an Exorcist who carried an Excalibur fragment after all. There is no way she is not when the Exorcist's mission is to be done secretly and without any help. But I never knew there's someone so powerful in the Fallen Angels Faction."
"Indeed," Sitri readjusted the frame of her glasses, "It is already fearsome enough she maimed a top Exorcist without breaking a sweat, she also wounded Sieg-kun here who boasted powerful resistance against magic. There should've been at least a few rumors floating around in regards to her existence."
Well, regarding that...
"Ah, that's cuz Sieg's opponent was a bona fide Servant just like me. Hell, she's definitely Saber with that absurd swordsmanship."
...
"...what?" Shinra let out a sound, the echo of her voice resounding in the park several times.
Everyone had similar expression as well but soon enough I and Rider became the center of attentions. Particularly from one Sona Sitri who fixated a terrifyingly cold glare on me...
"...Rider." I called out as I finally put a hand to cover half of my face.
"Eh? Err... Tee-he?" He stuck out a tongue with a face showing as if he had pulled an accidental prank.
As expected of Rider... There's just no possible way to keep him tight-lipped.
And so, with unfounded exhaustion bearing down my shoulders, I told him, "Leave this to me so please check on... 'Jeanne'."
"Roger that!" The Servant scurried away, his cloak fluttering due to him skipping off the ground.
Craning my head, I regulated my breathing interval before turning to face the Devils. Gremory was grinning slyly, the two males still in a daze, but what I found most terrifying was the chilly air stabbing the back of my neck and a corner of my mind.
I weakly smiled as I was faced with a cold, emotionless, merciless and cruel also showcasing the promise of hellish pain... all coming from a petite female Devil whose name was Sona Sitri.
"Please do not jump to a wrong conclusion. There is a difficult circumstance behind this all." I raised an excuse.
Admittedly, it was the lamest one I could ever think of.
"Obviously," Sitri snorted, "Will you enlighten us then, Sieg-kun? I am quite sure we have plenty of time to talk after this entire case is done."
Ah... I've dug my own grave... Why does it feel as if I'm being trapped by that Assyrian Queen again...?
"Or so you thought. Right, Sieg?" One Rider smirked mischievously while walking several paces faster than I. "You should thank me for pushing the schedule back by mentioning Jeanne!"
Through the dark streets, with only the stars, the moon and lampposts as guidance, we walked back towards the mansion through a different route. With the nature of Holy Grail War, it was obvious that battles could not be conducted in a highly-populated area with extremely high risks on being exposed to the common people. As much as I knew, this rule still existed even in a world without collective wills around.
But it still didn't make me pleased for one bit to use others as insurance.
"As you said, Rider." Deciding to cast away my foul mood away, I answered without thinking further.
The Servant snickered but did not say anything more. However, I did notice his gaze lingering on the last person other than the two of us. And so I cast my gaze down.
Carried in my arms was her. An agent of the Church, an Exorcist tasked to retrieve if not destroy the stolen Excalibur fragments. This world's Jeanne d' Arc.
"She's seriously her spitting image." Rider noted.
"Ah," I nodded simply, "But she is not 'her'."
And it made me to have a mixed feelings about it. She... this person was slightly older than her. Perhaps two or three years older than the Maid of Orleans. While her bearing, how she carried herself and her origin clearly displayed the difference between them, her uncanny resemblances sometimes set me off as if 'she' was here. As if 'she' had arrived to fulfill the promise between us.
It hurt me as much as it brought joys for me...
"...Sieg, you sure it's a good idea to bring her with us? She can be involved with our problems." Rider warned with knitted eyebrows.
Of course I understood his point. If the worse comes to pass, she'd be the 'weakness' of our side. Most Magi wouldn't mind sacrificing an entire city population if it could bring them closer to the Root, and clearly the Holy Grail was a decent alternative to fulfill their 'longtime wish'. By taking her alongside us when she was confronted by enemy Servant, who also lived through it
But above taking care of the 'natural enemy' of my friends, I had another reason. One more thing I must do.
Even though it wasn't something as important as winning a bloody Battle Royal. Even though there were too much risks that could kill us many times over...
"I just want to know, Rider. I... I want to confirm it, with my own eyes." I answered determinedly. "I want to know if she... this girl is truly 'her', or not."
Rider's facial softened when he heard it. He shook his head but did not voice out any complaint. He simply turned around, saying 'then I'll guard you two till your business is finished!' cheerfully. Just like always.
For that sign of acknowledgment, I gave a grateful nod. Both for his acceptance, as well as for his kindness. No matter how much I wanted to repay him, it was always Rider who stood by my side, helping me to stand on my own two feet without asking for compensation. And the event that occurred this night simply emphasized it all.
"You are truly one fine example of a Hero, Astolfo."
It was a nightmare.
Jeanne could remember how easily she was defeated. How every swing was countered with terrifying grace. How she was being overpowered after each strike was delivered. How at the end of the exchange that was far too short to even be called as a duel finished with her entire body carved with slash wounds.
As if she was an ant toyed by the fierce winds. As if she was a child whose toy taken by an adult. The impression she gained could never be more wrong than such that she had no choice but to accept how weak and powerless she was. She had to. She must recognize how vast the difference between her and the Black Knight.
Yet the nightmare did not end.
With one powerful swing that went too fast even for her trained eyes to follow, a wave of black flame tossed her alongside wrecked buildings. The flame not aimed to kill her and yet the sheer destructiveness that would dwarf even Excalibur Destruction continued on to tear apart the fake scenery forged from some unknown magic.
When she got up, all Jeanne saw was nothing short than a barren wasteland.
"Now, hand over that sword." She heard that cold and emotionless voice.
Turning around, the Exorcist choked as the black sword the knight held was coated with black and red blazes, the entire weapon consumed by the tainted flames but oddly not burning the knight. Nay, the flames seemed as if they recognized her so as not to hurt her in such a way that the impossible spectacle could be seen.
But such thing was not possible. Even Demonic Swords could not be so tame that they would not cost a price for being wielded even once. Her longtime friend had taught her the variation of magical swords from holy to demonic, and she was certain none of the latter would choose to not harm their possessors as a compensation. Unless...
"That's... It can't be! A 'true' holy sword!?" Jeanne shouted in disbelief.
But in the next second, pain assaulted her entire body and her sight was filled with a starless sky. When she fell, her body burned in a way that she could not describe. It was painful beyond comparison, as if she was seared by heated razor which almost reached its melting point. Even though her holy shroud was supposed to protect her, the cloth was torn in numerous sections that it might as well be a worthless bloodied rag.
"Once again I ask of you: surrender that fragment and you may be able to keep your life." Saber Alter's command rang out.
The voice showed no sign of exhaustion, as if stating only facts and facts alone. It both infuriated Jeanne as much as it terrified her. Because the composure the Black Knight had showed she regarded her as someone below her level.
"Blade Blacksmith!" She yelled out and swords sprouted from around her.
She was not only an inheritor of a hero's spirit. Jeanne had the gift of a Sacred Gear where she could summon countless swords from nothingness. While it was similar to the ability of Gremory's Knight, hers was different in how she could only materialize holy swords alone. The downside would be her mental and physical energy drained to create more and it wasn't like she had the ability to craft legendary swords.
It was also because she did not like to use it in an underhanded way. Blade Blacksmith possessed the advantage to be a trump card if activated correctly. If the enemy was in a stationary state on the ground, impaling them with hundreds of swords from below their feet was never outside her capability.
Even so, it's more than enough!
"Useless!" Saber Alter slashed down and a dozen of holy swords shattered.
Iron fragments floated everywhere. In the midst of it, Jeanne rushed in with her rapier piercing the winds and aiming for Saber's side.
But a wave of black flame cut it apart way before it could even reach the intended target. Jeanne's eyes widened as the whipping flame already closed in from the edge of her peripheral vision so she was forced to slam her foot to the ground before twisting her body by sheer force and reflex, barely avoiding certain death.
"Ah, so that's it." Saber Alter mused. "So that is the power of Blessing. The power to heal... is it? No wonder you could still move nimbly."
Jeanne grimaced after the black flame razed down yet another row of houses. One, several, a dozen and so. In such a short time, the black flame carved multitude amount of collateral damages. It then receded before once again whipping towards the fallen Jeanne, mowing down the launched holy swords she manifested while she escaped from it.
And yet, the flame reached her. It did not cut through her but it sunk into her side. She screamed at the unimaginable burning pain she received but she did not lose her consciousness. She fell down, sliding against rough terrain filled with rubble and sharp pebbles and yet she tried to stand up-
"Agh!?" At once her knee gave up due to the immense strain, followed by creaking of the bone of her leg.
The wounds she received had exceeded her tolerance. Her body was falling apart even though her mind was strangely clear and able to go on.
It was only one second. It was just a moment but her faltering was her undoing. Her fearful mind alerted her. Her shivering body told her to move aside. And yet only her eyes darted upward to see a tower of black flame falling down on her.
"No matter what tricks you have, they are never enough to defeat me."
Reflexively the Exorcist took out her last remaining sword, the Excalibur Blessing. The reforged holy sword became her sole shield against imminent messenger of death.
But in the last moment, when the two weapons clashed - her sword glowed with ethereal light before flying away. As if it was deflected. As if it escaped her grasp.
As if it had rejected her.
"What-"
Then the tainted judgment poured down upon her.
I heard a scream tearing through the morning air. Recognizing the voice and intonation, I rushed back into the mansion, abandoning my task of showering the flowers in the garden. In the way, I saw Rider coming out from his room, yawning with half-lidded eyes that seemed dull as if his mind was somewhere else.
"What was that, Sieg...?" He asked.
I ran past him with simple words given out.
"Rider, please brew tea and cook a light meal. Preferably something a little sweet."
He nodded slowly before walking like a wraith in the opposite direction. Ignoring his unreliable impression for not being a morning person, Rider had improved his skills in doing house chores so I knew I could count on him. Which is why...
I went straight to an empty room, knocked twice and then opened the door after no response was given out. What I saw there was...
Dozens of flying swords that dissipated upon reaching the space around me. Several of them went straight to stab the walls and furniture but considering how they vanished against my Magic Resistance, they must be some magical devices. Mystic Codes...?
"Wha-" I heard that stunned voice and I shifted my eyes to meet a pair of amethyst gems.
There she was, half crouching on the bed with a stance and a rapier drawn. Her braided golden hair was untied so it simply looked like a magnificent veil wrapping her body. Able to stand and launch an attack like that meant she was already healthy enough but I didn't miss the beads of sweat trailing down her skin, nor did I miss her pale complexion.
"Are you alright?" I asked despite ignoring the failed surprise attack. "What happened?"
The Exorcist stuttered but she regained her bearing. Slightly shifting her stance, she narrowed her eyes and asked back.
"You... are... Why are you here? What's going on? Where am I? What happened to me?"
...judging from her intonation, she was on the verge of panicking. There was also a sign of fear, worries and anxiety. As if she wanted to forget traumatic memories, as if she was hoping she had woken up from nightmares. That might be the most plausible hypothesis for what had happened two nights before.
One would no doubt dream of a nightmare after fighting against a Servant, especially if you're a normal human.
Knowing the immeasurable difference of power, skills, agility, also wits between them would simply crush one's spirit into smithereens, erasing any semblance of hope to even survive.
"You are in my mansion. We took you in because we think you'd not want to wake up in one of the Devils' abode." I answered her simply. "After treating your injuries, that is."
"Injuries... I..." The Exorcist raised a hand to stare on an opened palm.
It was then, as if strings were cut from controlling her, the young Exorcist fell slumped down on the bed, the rapier she held dissolving into light particles. Her expression was blank as if she could not comprehend anything.
"You did well to survive out there, Jeanne." I said as I approached her from the bedside and stroked her head.
The inheritor of the Maid of Orleans' spirit stiffened visibly. She hiccuped, and did something I didn't expect.
"Uu...!" Grasping my shirts, she pushed her head to lean on me, burying her face from my view.
All I saw was the golden strands trembling, her hands shivering as moments passed by - and the Exorcist broke down in tears.
I heard her cries. I heard her despaired voice. I recognized the tears that fell upon the bed sheet. Her hair glistened by the sunlight peeking through the windows and curtains, and yet all I saw was nothing beautiful. Nothing except a human, a young woman who had scraped against ruthless death, surviving only by a shred of luck which almost seemed like a miraculous coincidence.
Had I not been around, would she survive? Had I ignored the bounded field, would the Exorcist lived through the losing battle she was forced to fight in? Against an impossibly powerful higher being renowned as one-man army for each...
Could she live through it?
"...it's fine." I whispered, touching the girl's shoulders before wrapping her head in a loose embrace. "It's fine. Everything is okay now. It's fine, Jeanne."
I might have lost everything, even my humanity at the end of the Great Grail War. I might have survived the cruelest war where any mean was used to end it. Even so...
Even with that all, the instinctual fear against death was the nature of all living beings.
"That's why... It's fine. You did well. It's alright now, Jeanne."
I understood that this fear could not be erased. It must not be erased, even if it resulted as a traumatic experience for this human. Rider had taught me that this fear, the madness that came for surviving a war was immense enough to break one's sanity. I was even told by him how frightening and humiliating the experience was.
To cry for being helpless. To be on the verge of going insane. Trembling for brushing against death. Vomiting due to resurfacing memories wrenching both the body and mind.
"You're going to be fine. That's why... Let it all out. There's nothing wrong with that."
And yet, as I comforted her, I knew the answer to my doubts. It both pained me as much as it brought me bliss to hold her. But she is not 'her'. I could recognize it clearly even if I didn't want to. I could understand it no matter how much I wished to deny it.
So close, and yet so far.
Much, much later, Rider barged in with a tray of food. He was grinning from ear-to-ear while wearing an apron over his casual outfits.
"Ohohoo...! Aren't you two getting lovey-dovey right now?"
Jeanne blinked before realizing her... Or rather, our state right now.
I was sitting on the bedside, basked by the warm sunlight. Leaning on my shoulder was Jeanne d' Arc who had gained a calmer mind after opening her emotional dam. But then again, considering my disheveled clothes and Jeanne's... Nightgown.
"E-eeeekk!? Wh-what am I wearing!?" Jeanne shrieked and then scurried away from my side.
"Ah," I scratched my cheek and looked away for having aware where I was looking, "That is... Rider's. I asked him to lend one for you."
What, she voiced out. And then she cast a reproachful gaze on Rider who impishly puffed his chest upfront.
"You got any problem with that? Anything cute is always cute!"
...Uh... I don't think that is the standard qualification in picking clothes. Isn't it supposed to be whether or not it's decent first?
"Anyway, both of you haven't eaten anything right? Let's eat breakfast first!"
Haa... Though it's not like eating is necessary for me. Still...
"I guess so. Why don't you as well, Jeanne?"
"Uh... I... I understand..."
And so it was decided. Rider gave us a bowl of porridge and he prepared a glass of water. I could see how simple the meal is but considering his knowledge and culture back in his time, I wasn't surprised. Meanwhile, Jeanne seemed to take it quite easily, perhaps because of her line of occupation.
The two quite honestly got along well. Rider struck up a random-yet-sensible topic, Jeanne answering simply and Rider gave out his own opinions before raising another topic. Of course, the moment Rider announced he was a follower of the same faith, Jeanne's tension vanished that she could finally be at ease.
In such a way, the scene before me was like a dream coming true-
"That's right! Excalibur! What happened to it?!" Jeanne nearly jumped out from the bed.
But... Well. There was a problem.
"Oh, that thing you had? This guy over here broke it during his rampage." Rider pointed out with his thumb.
"What!?" Jeanne whipped a disbelieved stare on me.
"Uh... Ah, that's... I'm sorry. I didn't exactly remember how but yes. I broke it in two." I bowed down my head.
Nudging to Rider, he pulled out a broken blade which gave no luster at all even though it was illuminated by sunlight. There was no sign of prana nor is there any trace of holy element emitted by the blade. In such a sorry state, it could be said that it no longer qualified as the Last Phantasm or even a holy sword.
"H-how...!?" Jeanne covered her mouth with her hands, emphasizing her shock by magnitudes.
"Well, it's quite obvious this thing here isn't Excalibur if it can be broken into seven shards anyway." Rider commented. "Heck, I've seen Clarent before so I think it's safe to say this ain't the strongest holy sword forged by the wills of mankind."
"What are you saying?! That...! That is Excalibur! The sacred sword wielded by King Arthur, and it was created by the church to pave the way for its glory!" Jeanne yelled.
...that's... even if you said that... I exchanged looks with Rider momentarily.
He closed an eye. "Maybe history got it a little confused? It's not like there's someone alive who saw Excalibur broken by their own eyes."
Excepting That Person, that is. But even she never fussed about it so I doubt she could stain the Last Phantasm even at the brink of death. It somewhat confused us too ever since we first heard it but this Excalibur was the first we had ever seen. Maybe there were something we had missed or maybe it was just because a difference in the myth of this dimension.
At any rate, Rider simply hummed in thoughts with arms flexed behind his head.
"Well, whatever! You already calmed down now so let's have a heart-to-heart talk as fellow believers!" He exclaimed and jumped onto the bed.
"Huh? Wh-what? A fellow believer...?" Jeanne blinked.
Smiling a little at his antics, I took a seat in a chair near the study, observing the two's interactions. Surprisingly, Rider didn't give out anything too important and instead probed for information about the Church. I wonder why? Is he trying to check on the modern era's religions, especially one of his own?
"Still, fighting against one of the head honchos of the Fallen Angels with a fragmented holy sword is utterly suicidal. Even I never saw one." Rider commented. "No wait, the old man said Durandal was given by an angel so maybe I did saw one."
"Huh...?"
Ah, he's getting sidetracked... I better prevent the same thing from happening again.
"Rider, can you let her off the hook now? Even with her wounds healed, I don't think Jeanne is well enough to entertain you all day long." I requested.
"Huh? Eh, p-please wait! I'm fine already and I have...!"
Rider waved a hand, "Sure! Don't you worry, Jeanne! I'll be your proxy so leave it to this Astolfo!"
And then the Servant left the room. The air was for some reasons heavy and something inside me told me to do something. Even so, knowing this as a common occurrence, I turned to face the speechless Jeanne.
"It's alright. Rider had the fortune to be named as such." I threw up an excuse, though most of it was because I believed that yes, he truly was fortunate to be gifted with that name.
If I could, I'd like to give my gratitude to his parents as well. Alas, such was nothing but a vain wish.
"Err... N-no, it's fine. It's just... Astolfo is a male name right...?" Jeanne fiddled and entwined her fingers.
Hm? I tilted my head due to the unknown meaning behind that question.
"Yes? Is something wrong with it?"
"...no, it's nothing."
I nodded. If there was nothing, then I ought to let it be. I have no right to intrude someone's privacy just because of my curiosity. There was comfortable silence between us.
Hmm... I wonder what I should do? While I could remember many things regarding the Great Grail War, trivial matters such as my second outing to the town of Trifas were nothing more than blurry hazes. I could recall it all but it was like watching a film without sounds or voices.
Because of that, I couldn't-
"Hmm?" When I laid a hand on the surface of the study desk, I noticed something distinctly different. From the textures and the shape, this was...
Wait. How is this possible?
"...Errm... What's wrong?" Jeanne asked.
"No..." I shook my head as my hand inconspicuously moved and slipped into my waistcoat's pocket. "It's nothing. I just remembered I have urgent business to attend to."
I excused myself quickly, taking quick strides toward the door. I grabbed the doorknob and opened the door-
"Please wait! I... Have a question." Jeanne suddenly said.
Halting, I looked up at her, meeting her amethyst-colored gaze head-on. She didn't flinch but she was... She looked uncertain. Why?
"Erm... Why, did you save me?" She then raised her question.
...huh?
"...is it wrong to help someone in trouble?" I asked back, feeling very confused now.
"No, it's not... It's just... I am a stranger to both of you right?" She raised a point. "While admirable, your action might have killed you. Even so, you chose to save me. Why is that? What propelled you to rescue someone who you barely know of?"
...ah. That is... A difficult question indeed. And she was correct in that matter.
I could have been killed that night. I was challenging death the moment I laid my eyes on the jet black Servant. I knew that I could lose my life yet again but for some reasons... I did not regret it.
Even though risking my life when there was nothing to gain was a form of stupidity. It was a selfless action that valued not of my own life but another. It was against the nature of a living being since survival was always its first priority. But... Even so.
When I looked at her wounded figure. When I saw red blood pooling beneath her dying body. The moment I saw her image overlapped with someone who I had vowed an oath with...
"You look like someone I knew." I answered.
"Just because of that?" Jeanne blinked. "Why? Do we look so similar? Or is it because..."
Because... What, I wonder. I looked up at the ceiling, trying to come up with an answer that might convince both myself and her. Something logical that could easily solve this mind boggling question. Yet all I received after thinking was only one conclusion:
"Because I don't want to lose you, just like how I lost her, perhaps." I once again answered, this time smiling ruefully.
Yes, maybe that is the reason why. I saw her dying at the end of that War. I saw Ruler activating her last Noble Phantasm for the sake of resetting the Holy Grail... No, to reset the Great Grail War. In that hanging garden, I witnessed her resolve, feeling her determination and understood her desire.
For the future, she said. For everyone, she exclaimed. For the Faith she believed in, she shouted. And for her loved ones, she announced.
Such was her resolve. Such things were what fueling her action. Those were her true desires. So incredibly beautiful and pure, yet so foolish and naive.
"...Maybe... Maybe I am regretting it. That I let her go. That I didn't stop her from sacrificing herself, even if it was all for the greater goods we fought for." I heaved. "I don't really understand it either, but at that time... That night. At that very moment, I simply didn't want to lose you."
The Exorcist was quiet. She didn't allow me to see her expression as she hung down her head but I could hear feeble voice reaching my ears.
"I... see... Thank you, for answering. I'm sorry for your loss." Jeanne said.
I shook my head. "What has passed cannot be reclaimed. Just rest well for now. You will need it should you still wish to accomplish your mission."
And so I bid farewell to her. Releasing the breath I was holding quietly, I pulled the doorknob and strode out of the room.
This time, the door was closed for sure.
"Did I make you wait, Rider?"
Outside the mansion, I entered the pavement shone by the sun. Rider was already there, leaning his back against a tree before hopping into the stony path.
"Nah, I'm good! So we're going to search for the rest of the trio plus a wandering knight?" He remarked.
I nodded, "Since the Gremory and Sitri are busy with school during the day, it is our privilege to do so."
He chuckled before we entered the street. Side-by-side, we already had the general direction to where we are supposed to head to.
"Although, it might be better to set that aside for now." I told my Servant.
Rider raised an eyebrow and showed pursed lips, looking very confused this time. He was clueless to the degree that it made me believing no one would want to taint such innocence. Ignorance is bliss for certain people, especially for a maiden who knew nothing of the world's cruelty though Rider is certainly not a maiden.
Even so, this is this and that is that. Yes, I think this phrase worked well in this situation.
"Rider, here." I presented him the object I had found in Jeanne's room.
He blinked and accepted it. "What's this...? A letter? Oh! Could it be-"
"No, I do not know this 'love letter' you once talked about, but please do read it." I cut him off before causing yet another scene.
The Servant's shoulders sank dramatically but he obeyed my words. Not even a moment passed by and his eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening without a trace of humor.
"Huh. How come I didn't notice this thing?" He asked as he flipped the envelope, probably checking for any sign of runic spell that could have been inserted in it as a trap.
"I too just noticed when I moved my hand on the desk." I answered readily. "Perhaps it was hidden when we were still out of the mansion but..."
"If that Servant did deliver us a message, she must have not known what a smartphone is." Rider idly commented while raising the envelope above him.
He nodded as if he had confirmed something, and handed me the sealed letter.
"Yep. Just a letter. Well, mundane things are obviously out of our detection, Master."
"I see... Kokabiel really knew how to read my movements then."
"Oh come on! A freaking ancient being like him is obviously older than ours combined together!"
Yes, yes, but discrepancies always existed when it came to mythologies and folktales. After all, the Old Testament is newer than Verg Avesta.
"So... what's the content?" Rider asked. "It's seriously not that crazy knight's confession or date invitation right?"
Well... if anything, having additional ally is better so if such thing were to happen, I'd gladly consider the option of negotiating with her. Then again, she is stronger than Rider.
"Muh. Somehow, I feel very insulted...!" Rider flailed his arms up in the air.
I tilted my head in confusion. Well, in any case, the letter is...
...
"Huh?" I let out a sound.
"Hmhmm? What is it? What is it?!" Rider skipped forward and leaned next to me.
I lowered my arms so that he can read it. We stared at the piece of paper - the letter in my hands for a while and...
"Huh. So it really is an invitation." Rider put a hand on his chin.
...I'd have liked you to be more serious but...
"I guess this is just the truth. But still..."
"A tea-party invitation... Ergh. I never thought I'd be invited to get along and drinking tea with a Fallen Angel."
Very true. Even I never once had a peaceful talk with my kind in the Reverse Side of the World. This is certainly the first time for me...
"So? What should we do?" Rider asked.
"Well, it's quite obvious he knows something but the place is in the commerce district. I don't think we have to worry about it being a trap." I said as I folded the letters and returned it into the envelope.
"Come on, Master...! You need more awareness! He's a higher being older than me! And I'm a Heroic Spirit who followed the teachings his Faction betrayed for!" He tugged my sleeve.
True enough. It certainly made everything seemed more dire. I even wondered if the Black Knight would participate as well. I just hope that his reason to slip this card in Jeanne's room was only for a talk.
If not, then he might be more dangerous than what I thought for having eluded both a Dragon and a Servant's detection.
-Author's Rambling (Once Again Long so No ToH or Tiger Dojo)-
"Aww man, I shot Marvin in the face..."
No, the line above has no real meaning. I just watched a video in youtube that made me to question my sanity.
Anyhow, we're entering the ninth episode with some events accelerated than canon did. I apologize for the delay but I had to rehash half of the chapter to ensure I didn't make a terrible expository chapter. Exposition can be too annoying and there's no point if the elements in it aren't used. Or rather, a decent story demanded every element to be used, not as mere decoration or waste of space. Oh wait, in this case, it's text.
After that... is the Servant Selection. I'll be honest, I don't think I want to use Arjuna even if he wins the vote. From the point of view of an Author, I can objectively state that his existence can destroy the story. After dissecting his personality, finding out his motivation, questioning the real reasons behind his antagonism against Karna, matching an opponent of who can pose a challenge that may be able to overpower him, fitting him in every Arc of DxD, etc...
End result: Other than a select few (and Gods), there's nothing that can stop him. Also, he's definitely able to clear canon in a breeze and unless I make Those Big Guys (read: Gods) active combatants, which will ABSOLUTELY destroy the plotline I'm following. I'm not trying to speak ill but I recognized how different Hindu Mythology from other myths simply because of what it is capable of. As such...
Archer Position is Voided Out For Now.
RAC!
King0fP0wers: Really think so too. But Sieg needs to be more assertive if he doesn't want Rider screwing things up.
Snorlax-kun: Most of your guesses are amazingly correct. Looks like I have to put more twists in the plot then. For the Servants' jobs, Nobunaga will (probably) be a NEET considering she enjoys modern advancement, Arjuna doing charity works perhaps, and Shuten Douji gambling. The last one is quite easy since Onis are famous for their tendencies to bet things away with ridiculous seriousness.
Thunder Dragon: Thank you. It kind of helps me very much since ZnT is quite... well, it's leaning too much to the harem and politic to be honest. The inner working of the world is famous to be slipped quietly unlike in Anime and we have the issue of the Author's passing which turned the Anime ending quite abruptly. For Request Number 1, that can be done. Admittedly, Dragons are quite soft on their species in that they don't outright provoke each other unless you've got a bone to pick at like the Two Heavenly Dragons. This might be the reason why Evil Dragons are known as they are considering they don't care of casualties in their sides.
Next for Mordred's presence... That is quite well-thought of you. I can agree in that front, really. I'll hold it under consideration then.
Your power idea is... plausible. Though reading the last line made quite an awkward moment. Till the end of the night... huh...? *mind wanders away*
Master of Dragons God: Thank you.
Kirin: Right. Seeing someone who looks like Ruler set him off quite badly, huh?
Knight of Steam: If Sieg can summon his own Servants... and that Mordred can appear, why can't Arturia herself appears (despite being an Alter)? Or rather, it's not going to be worthwhile if the cast aren't getting their own challenges right? *grinning evilly*
Thunder Dragon (part two): What a wall of text... Well, lessee here. I can understand for Jeanne, Tamamo and Kuroka. Meanwhile, Rossweisse, Atalanta and Tiamat are going to be put on holds. Not because I don't like them but I'm still thinking of the plot before anything else. I don't want the story to just suddenly bloats or veer away, y'know so I'll think about the rest later.
personofinterest: Yesh... I just hope you have a decent reason for picking Arjuna.
Serph: Uh-huh. Have a reason why you selected Arjuna for Archer?
Gob: Right...
Guest-kun: Huh...? Is that true? Did I mix up Enforcer and Executor then? Is there any difference at all?
Juniper: This chapter answered a part of your questions.
Your Lord: Archer will be put on hold.
Student: Surprisingly, I already watched it. It's both funny and chaotic and yet I can't help but finish it since not many stories feature fighting female lead character. I wonder if I still have the copies...
Boomlancer: Scary right? Seeing Berserker Jekyll is like seeing a zombie that wouldn't go down no matter what.
The Fool: Indeed. I wonder how this story goes. *stares at the distant horizon*
Mr. Tanaka: It's no exaggeration that Nasuverse gives you a reality check on Supernatural genre. Of course the battle too would look crazy.
Ophis cult: I can understand that. I too can't help but wonder how their interaction will play out.
Craven: Sure, but Archer position is on hold for now.
Guezt-gest eehh: What do you mean 'what happened'? It's just an emotional burst of a teenage dragon ;p
Shaker: Well... who knows? Alter sure is being cryptic, eh?
Guest-san: The heartwarming part? The funny part will probably be stol-borrowed by Rider on the way. Thank you for the words of encouragement. Well, the idea is fine but the problem is, Atalanta has quite a bad luck with men in her life. Hope it can turn around this time.
Noah: Both. It's ridiculous how he won his position and the general rankings with so much ease. Looks like there's some good for being a serial murderer with split-personality after all, huh.
ZJ: Yesh... so much to do for being the protagonist, eh, Sieg? Don't worry, it will (probably) be better in the future. And thank you for your concern.
NobuOtaku: Thank you, and go on. Make her proud if you can with the recent happening for the Archer position.
MadokaxSayaka: Archer will be put on hold until further notices.
Bang: Thank you. And you are correct.
Jak: Heh he...! You will know soon enough!
Ligos: Archer's going to be put on hold for now~
Mard Geer: It's a great idea, isn't it? You should thank Kamico-chan for suggesting it. Is that true about the poll? Strange... I'll go look it up.
CCC: Avenger isn't included in the usable Class-Piece.
light lord: Archer is put on hold for now though.
Strawberry: Sure. Archer is put on hold though.
Azrael: Spoiling isn't good but what happened to her is similar but not the same as Saber Alter. For the rest... well, some died fighting, others vanishing, and everyone dropped dead?
CCG's Ninja: If I remembered correctly, Hyde is changed from being a split-personality into a werewolf (kind of like wolverine) so it's more to last ditch thingy. Well, in Fate/Prototype fragment, he got burned by Brynhildr's rune and mana burst (flame), attacked by Ozymandias NP, Arash's arrows, then lastly stabbed through the heart by Excalibur. He still moved for several seconds before (finally) disappearing and this all happened after his Master got killed during the battle.
Cinnam: Got it, but Archer is put on hold until further notices.