What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the second chapter for 'King of Wolves'. Already over two thousand views, can you believe it? I'm thankful to each and every single one of you.
In this chapter, Hakuno bears witness to a war council between Wolf and his Servant generals then experiences her first battle in the war for the Regalia as her Servant fights against a powerful warrior from Nero's kingdom. Who you might ask? You'll see soon enough.
Now for the disclaimer: I do not own, except my OC, the Fate series or any other fictional material. All rights belong to their respective owners.
Now let's get this party started… BEGIN!
Fate/Extella: King of Wolves
Chapter 2: War Council and the First Battle
The declaration of war had been announced to the kingdom…
It's citizens cried out with righteous anger towards the Roman Empire. Soldiers were mobilized to begin the assault on the other kingdoms. The seven Servant generals had returned from their scouting missions and regrouped at the castle. Their lord and king awaiting their return to begin the plans for countering and attacking Nero's armies.
Each warrior from different time periods and alternate realities with skill sets and weapons that most would be unable to acquire in life yet these brazen veterans of war possess just that.
Before Hakuno's awakening, they along with their king were the guardians of the Lupus Kingdom. Defending their lands from any rogue Servants or invading armies.
Thus, while Wolf had been named the King of Wolves, they were called many names. The Pack; the Seven Stars of Lupus; the Fang Knights. They didn't let such titles bother them, it was merely a coping mechanism for the citizens. The seven Heroic Spirits merely existed to serve their king to fulfill his ambitions.
Across the ever expansive digital lands of SERAPH, two kingdoms were also waging war. The Roman Empire and the Millennium Capital. One led by the Saber-class Servant known as Nero Claudius and the other led by a Caster-class Servant named Tamamo no Mae.
The War for the Regalia had been sparked with Heroic Spirits being the fuse that lit the fire.
(Play "Key: Bring It On, My Destiny" by Lenny Code Fiction)
(Instruments) The screen opens to a lone blue eye staring aimlessly out into space
(Mune ni nokoru kodou ni kioku mo) The camera slowly zooms out to reveal the owner of the eye to be Wolf with an emotionless look in his gaze as he lays upon the blue digital ground of SERAPH
(Kidzu ga itamu ano hi no koto mo) Once the screen is fully zoomed out, it reveals the Heroic Spirit surrounded by countless different Noble Phantasms embedded all around him
(Subete ga jibun wo kanaeru kagi darou) He slowly sits up then stares at the white-clad feminine figure of Hakuno Kishinami as Master and Servant gazed into each other's eyes while the artificial wind blew through their hair and clothing
(Heavy Instruments) The title of the story appears in front of the duo in a crystalline blaze before burning away to reveal the Servants from all four factions including the female Hakuno Kishinami and her three male counterparts
(Ryuu no naku bokura wa tada) Cuts to Wolf sitting upon his throne with Hakuno resting upon his lap
(Suta ato ni natta wake janai) Nyx Lockheart casually leans against a pillar with a soft smile on her gentle face
(Migi wa hajime ki ni iro wa hidari) Lucifer sits upon the steps of the throne with his cloak covering most of his body
(Boku wa sore o migi ni magatte) Issac with both hands on the handles of his two swords, looking at the camera with a serious expression
(Dare hitori jama wo saseru na) Arturius Pendragun with his eyes closed, hands behind his head in a laidback manner, and a goofy grin plastered on his boyish face
(Hajimete jibun de eranda michi da) Takaomi Sato with his hands in his pockets and giving the audience a bored, almost lazy look
(Okubyou ni amayakashiteta) Ren Ryuugi shouldering his spear in one hand with a carefree smile while his free hand rests on his hip
(Ka kokou koi shita toki ni umareta) James Parker sitting upon his Ronin-class Titan with his helmet resting beside him while the Titan held its sword in a more regal stance
(Instruments) Cuts to armies of different effigies charging at each other
(Hitotsu no kagi) Reveals Nero outstretching her hand as the Mind of the male Hakuno Kishinami appears by her side
(Instruments) Cuts to the four Regalia rings falling then clattering onto solid ground
(Boku wa soko ni) Reveals Tamamo with a sly grin as the Soul of the male Hakuno Kishinami appears below her
(Instruments) Cuts to Archimedes looking at the camera with a friendly grin before a cutaway of him appears behind as it looks back with a sickening grin
(Mada mirai wo miteiru~) Reveals Altera staring emotionlessly ahead while the Body of the male Hakuno Kishinami stands behind her with his back against hers
(Mune ni nokoru kodou ni kioku mo) The image cuts to Nameless swinging his twin swords, Gilgamesh laughing madly as the Gate of Babylon opens behind him, Elizabeth twirling her jagged spear, and Gawain unleashing Excalibur Galatine
(Kidzu ga itamu ano hi no koto mo) Li Shuwen entering a martial arts stance, Iskander brandishing his blade, Karna raising his weapon to the sky as lightning strikes it, and Cu Chulainn smirking as Gae Bolg ignites in a bloody red aura
(Subete ga jibun wo kanaeru kagi darou) Jeanne clasping her hands together in a prayer, Medusa throwing her chained daggers, Lu Bu releasing a guttural roar, and a mysterious knight wielding an invisible blade as the camera zooms out to reveal Wolf and his Hakuno Kishinami facing off against the collection of Servants
(Daremo ga hajimete kae teku michi) Cuts to Wolf kneeling on the ground, supporting himself with a photon blade as he grits his teeth in pain
(Nozonda ashita o mukae ni ikou ka) A young woman's hand touches his shoulder as he looks back to see Hakuno smiling at him which he returns the gesture then manages to push himself to his feet
(Bring it on, my Destiny~~) Taking his weapon in hand, Wolf glares ahead as afterimages of the countless Servants from the Roman Empire, Millennium Capital, Forces of Destruction, and Lupus Kingdom appear behind him
(Instruments) The afterimages charge forward with Wolf following, releasing a battle cry until his body glows in a fierce light and reveals him in his Regia armor. He leaps toward a giant white feminine titan then swings his blade as the eyes of his helmet flash
(Fading Instrumental) Cuts to a freeze frame of female Hakuno looking up at the sky as wind blew through her hair and dress while a constellation in the shape of a wolf appears howling in the artificial stars
(End of Opening)
Lupus Kingdom - Throne Room
I could hardly believe my eyes but here I stood within the castle of my Servant, Wolf. My brown gaze looking between the seven Servants that had kneeled in respect to their king then stood back up. My status as a Master allowed me to see that each of these Servants were as followed: Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Berserker, Caster, and Assassin. They are Heroic Spirits yet at the same time they feel as if they're rather unorthodox Heroic Spirits. Even their names was something I've never read about in history.
Are they abnormals? Servants that existed from different time periods? The scientific method of a multiverse theory had been brought up before but many on Earth had dismissed it. They also said magic didn't exist but it had at one point and was referred to as 'magecraft'. However, that has long since died out but the Holy Grail still existed in the Moon Cell where Wizards, or hackers, are brought in as contestants to compete for such an omnipotent wish. A contest that I had been caught in before awakening to Wolf.
Still…
These Heroic Spirits chatted with Wolf like he was their friend, their comrade in arms, and not a king. He didn't even mind that they spoke to him so casually because he trusted them and they in turn trusted him.
The first Servant: Saber. He was the very definition of a knight of the realm. Black messy hair, hard brown eyes, and light skin. Black armor with a strange coat of arms that I've never seen before, a black cloak that covered his body with a bandoleer holding up his armor and cloak. He also wore steel toed boots and a vicious-looking helmet with a grill for the eyes to see. Strapped to his hips were two swords: a longsword and a katana. While it is not uncommon for a knight to wield a longsword, it is strange to see Saber wield a katana (a weapon of the samurai) as well. He called himself Issac.
The next Servant: Archer, called himself Lucifer. He had long black hair just like Wolf and blue eyes. He also seemed to be of Asian descent. He wore some kind of uniform that was mostly black with a dark, ankle-length cloak that had a cross stitched onto it. Beneath it was a black double-breasted trench coat tied with a white belt, black trousers, and black boots. He also apparently was called a 'Quincy' or whatever. From what Wolf had been told, Lucifer was a hunter of demonic spirits that feasted on human souls.
The third Servant was Lancer, or Ren Ryuugi as he was named. He had neck-length, unkempt dark grey hair, scarlet red eyes, and light tan skin. His face was boyish but still had a masculine quality to it, a light muscle tone that was built for speed and agility, and I noticed a scar on his neck that crawled down to the inside of his black bodysuit. Speaking of which, his clothing consisted of said bodysuit with gold and red armor covering vital locations on his body with a silver symbol detailing a whirlpool on the left side of his breastplate, and a bright red scarf wrapped around his neck. From his story, he came from the Sengoku Period as both a warrior and a scholar.
Rider, a warrior from the future named James Parker. He had short silver hair, pale skin, and blue eyes. He was also in prime physical condition like a trained soldier. He wore black armor with a bulky helmet that had a glowing blue t-shaped visor. There were pouches strapped on the torso of his body armor. A symbol of a skull was on his shoulder with the word 'Militia' printed on it. He apparently called himself a 'Pilot', an elite soldier superior to other grunts and capable to neurally-link with a 'Titan', an advanced combat mech. His being called Ronin, a lightweight class Titan that wields an electrified high-frequency sword.
The next was Caster, a young woman named Nyx Lockheart. She has long silver hair that runs halfway to her back with the bangs held up by small blue fox hair pins, light skin, onyx black eyes, and a bigger bust than me (much to my slight envy). She wore a black cloak that covered the entirety of her figure with a hood that had a pair of fox ears stitched on top. Nyx came from the same world as Issac but she had no prior memories of him but she did express her love for foxes though. The woman really liked those little fuzzballs.
Then there was Berserker or Arturius Pendragun, an alternative version of King Arthur from a world called Remnant (whatever the heck that could be). He had short blonde hair with red streaks and bangs hanging over his eyes, said eyes being crimson, and pale skin. He wore hoodie styled armor, the metal being jet black with red details along with matching gauntlets and greaves, an armored skirt over his waist with long 'tails' of red cloth, and on his back was a sheath for the spear-like weapon he possessed. On his hip was a crimson and silver sword that was undeniably breathtaking. It was nothing like a weapon, more of a godly craft that could only be wielded by a Divine Spirit. Without his Mad Enhancement active, he was quite a cheerful young man even if he is the same age as me.
Finally there was Assassin or Takaomi Sato, who called himself the Second God of Death. He had light brown hair and green eyes with a light skin tone. Unlike the other Servants who wore armor or robes, he was a more casual individual clad in an unzipped black hoodie with white faux fur lining on the hood, a white shirt, navy blue pants, and black shoes. The only unique thing about his appearance is the silver collar laced with small blue jewels attached to his neck. I had no idea why this guy was an Assassin but his stats don't lie nor his Noble Phantasms though he is pretty lazy.
"So what'd you send the call out for, Boss?" James spoke with his arms folded.
"I'm quite curious as well, my liege." Issac added.
Arturius placed his arms behind his head in a lax manner. "Are we finally getting a chance to fight?"
"Yes, that fool Nero had the audacity to bring forth a fake Regalia in an attempt to control my kingdom. As such, we are now at war with her and anyone else that claims they deserve to be the Sovereign of SERAPH." Wolf explained to his generals. "That is why our forces will be split into two. I shall lead the attacking force against the Roman Empire while Nyx leads the attack against the Millennium Capital."
"Two separate kingdoms to attack. Sounds like quite the challenge." Takaomi yawned, covering his mouth with a hand.
"I want those other Regalia even at the cost of the Masters. Anyone who stops you, kill them." The King of Wolves ordered. "For now, I will take Rider, Archer, and Assassin with me to the Roman lands. Nyx, you and the others will advance on the vixen's territory."
The Caster of the group looked at my Servant with a nod. "I understand. I won't fail you, my Lord."
"I know. But that doesn't mean that I want you to needlessly throw your lives away." Wolf stated. "Should you face an opponent stronger than you, do not hesitate to retreat. I won't let my friends be killed for territory when their lives matter most."
Now I could see why he earned their loyalty. He valued them as if they were family in all but blood and trusted each of them with his life. They in turn returned such a gesture. It was quite amazing.
"Master, come along. We must discuss something in My Room." Wolf stood up then looked at the collection of Servants. "This meeting is adjourned. All of you are now free to go about your day." The cat-eyed Servant took a hold of my hand and led me out of the throne room, the other Servants looking at us.
When we were out of view and stepped into the familiar grand bedroom that Wolf and I slept in, I sat on the bed while my unorthodox Servant seemed conflicted. Whatever it is, it was eating him up inside.
I decided to take a leap of faith and voice my concerns to him.
He looked at me with those cat-like blue eyes of his. "Oh, forgive me, I was distracted. Hakuno-chan…" Wolf turned his gaze down to the floor. "I know you already realize this but soon we'll be going into battle. While it would be a great boon to have you assist me in combat, I must ask that you stay here."
"Huh? Why?" I asked surprised.
"It's because if you were out on the battlefield, your life would be in constant danger. I couldn't live with myself if you were hurt by any enemy Servants or their effigy armies." Wolf stated.
I felt touched that my Servant would place my general safety amongst other important matters in a higher state of importance.
Then I thought back to when my male counterpart emerged from Nero's...Regalia?
That's it!
Wolf looked at me in surprise. Oh darn, I seemed to have said it out loud. "Wolf, maybe there is a way for you to keep me safe." I present my own Regalia to him by removing it from my finger and placing it in his palm. "The Hakuno Kishinami that Nero had as a Master was able to emerge from the confines of the ring. So what's to say that it won't work for me?"
My brown eyes could see the wheels turning in the Heroic Spirit's mind. A smile broke out across his beautiful face then he wrapped his arms around me in a hug. "Hakuno-chan, you're brilliant!" He exclaimed, unaware of the slight coloring on my cheeks.
Once he broke the hug between us, Wolf placed the Regalia ring on a chain then placed it around his neck like a pendant or a necklace. The young man then outstretched a hand to me. "Shall we go, my Master?" His smile enchanted me as I placed my own lithe limb upon the palm of his cold metal gauntlet. I felt my body break down into lines of code that entered into the Regalia. From my point of view, it felt as if I was looking through the eyes of my Servant yet I couldn't move a muscle. It wasn't uncomfortable by any means, I just had no sense of movement beyond sight. It would take some getting used to but I believe this would suffice so Wolf and his warriors could focus on the battle ahead.
Now that I was safe inside the Regalia, Wolf left the comforts of My Room and marched to the gate with his seven Servant generals following close behind him.
Wolf glanced at the Heroic Spirits that served him. "Let's head out, everyone! To battle!" He declared.
The army of the Lupus Kingdom roared in a chorus of cheers and battle cries. The effigies ready to fight and die for their king.
At that moment, the army marched out into the lands of SERAPH to engage the other factions in battle.
Three Hours Later - Roman Territory
From my position inside the Regalia, I could make out various golden statues of either Nero or lions. Roman architecture littered the roads ahead of us. Wolf and the Servants that came with him had separated in different zones for a more effective attack.
"Alright, we've arrived at the designated point. Enemy forces are approaching us from all sides." Wolf stated as he looked at a holographic map that detailed the entirety of their current battlefield. I spotted blue icons that detailed friendly Servants. A chariot wheel for Rider. An arrow for Archer. A skull for Assassin. There was also a wolf that I most certainly believed to symbolise my own Servant. I could also make out three red symbols, a sword for Saber, a spear for Lancer, and another skull for an enemy Assassin. There were several red zones that were under the Roman Empire's control while only three or four zones were blue symbolising that they were under Wolf's control.
"Heh, these guys will be easy pickings for me." Rider spoke through the terminal that Wolf kept on hand.
"I will commence my attack at once." Archer replied, I could faintly hear the sounds of battle already on the other side of the communication line.
"Man, this is too boring…" Assassin stated with a yawn as his own attack commenced.
"Hakuno-chan, should I require it, use a Code Cast to assist me. It would prove effective against our enemies." My Servant reminded me.
That's right. I had forgotten about my 'spells' thanks to the Mystic Code that I was given. It was called the Photon Cloak. At best, it looked to be a C-rank Mystic Code that will allow me to boost the defense of my Servant along with heal any injuries that he could sustain in the coming war.
"Wolf, be careful." I said to him through our link from within the Regalia. My memory was fuzzy but I knew I should have more faith to the classless Heroic Spirit.
Although I could see it, I could 'see' him smirking. "Anything for you, my Master. However it's not much fun if I don't get a little reckless." Wolf outstretched his hand then materialized a weapon that was definitely not archaic. In fact, it looked like something straight from the future. It looked like a double-edged two-handed zweihander, roughly the same size as Gawain's Excalibur Galatine. There was a small hand covering at the grip that fit comfortably in both of his hands. The edge of the blade glowed with a greenish-blue glow almost like a plasma sword. "You're probably wondering what this is, Hakuno-chan." That was one of my many questions. "To answer simply, this is part of my Noble Phantasm. I can forge or wield any weapon that resides in the Reality Marble of my mind."
What did he call this one? At best, it looked to be an E-ranked Noble Phantasm.
"This is one of my many swords called the Gigush. Not very strong against a tough Servant but it will be suitable enough to take on legions of Enemy Programs." Wolf commented, spinning the blade in his hand with the fluidity of a master swordsman.
"Heads up! Enemy units are attacking our zones!" Rider informed us.
"It's showtime!" With a feral grin, Wolf charged ahead, stepping on a platform to fly over to a different zone and finding hundreds of gold-red Programs of various types standing threateningly in front of us both. With a single step, my Servant charged right at the forefront of the enemy troops, his blade glinting off of the faux sunlight and his ocean blue eyes shine with excitement as he engaged in battle with the Roman Empire soldiers.
Meanwhile - Cu Chulainn's POV
From what the blonde squirt had informed me, the lord of the Kingdom of Wolves had invaded our territory along with three of his generals.
Not only that but the kid also possessed a Regalia and a female Master that bore the same name as the Rose Emperor's own: Hakuno Kishinami.
I had longed for a challenge. I had never even heard of a warrior calling himself only Wolf, not only that but a king as well. Makes me wonder, would I have the chance to clash blades with such a warrior or will I miss that chance?
No matter. The enemy had invaded my own patch of territory. These silver and black dolls were nothing against my speed or the edge of my Gae Bolg. No, what I wanted was a challenge. I wanted another Heroic Spirit that could get my blood flowing even as I slaughter hundreds of these Enemy Programs.
Nero was busy 'catching up' with the Mind of her Master. So that left me, Gawain, and Shuwen to deal with the interlopers. Nameless was busy scouting out the Millennium Capital's defenses so he would be occupied for a while. Honestly, I was more of a frontline fighter than someone that waited from the sidelines.
From the looks of things, the enemy Servants are quite strong especially the one who leads them.
Oh, seems the Rider of the Lupus Kingdom took over a zone. Well, that shouldn't be too-
Shit, they've taken another. For an Assassin, that kid is pretty strong.
If this went on any longer then these guys would be able to construct the Reality Matrix in no time. Can't let that happen so might as well do a little hunting.
"Oi, Gawain, mind activating that handy little skill of yours?" I informed the White Knight over my terminal.
"Truly? Is something the matter?" The picture-perfect gentleman asked. God, I know he can be a nice guy when he wants to but seriously, it gets pretty fucking annoying.
"Yeah, the enemy is taking over our zones faster than I can blink." My words came out like a knife through butter. "We need to find a way to turn the tide over."
"Why not have Assassin eliminate the leader?" Gawain suggested.
Huh, that would actually work a lot better. Li Shuwen's skill in hand-to-hand combat was next to none especially in this type of battle. "That's actually a good idea. I'll get him in on the plan. Oh, try and take out at least one of the Servants if they come for your zone."
"I shall do my utmost best." With that said, the blonde man disengaged the link and continued his battle.
Now, all I had to do was lead this 'Wolf' guy into a suitable position then strike him hard and fast.
Zone C - 3rd POV
The battle was going quite well for Lucifer. The Enemy Programs of the Roman Empire were nothing before his bow. Quincy abilities are quite effective against these cannon fodder.
He pulled back the 'string' then released another stream of blue light arrows that pierced and destroyed several more golden soldiers. Each of them falling before the black cloaked figure of the Archer-class Servant.
So far, the battle had been going smoothly. He had defeated over five hundred enemies but encountered no other Servants so far. Strange considering that he had conquered two territories on his own.
"So you are the enemy's Archer." A regal young man spoke, drawing Lucifer's attention over to a blonde haired man with turquoise eyes and decked out in white armor with flower decals. "May I inquire your name?"
The Quincy narrowed his eyes. "In life, I was called Lucifer. Now I serve my lord as Archer."
"I see. I admire that. Since you graced me with your name, I shall do the same." The blonde man brought up a magnificent sword of silver and navy blue. He held the weapon to his hip almost in a reverse grip. "I am Gawain of the Saber class. I hope you honor me with a duel, Servant Archer."
Lucifer pulled back the spirit bow's string as another arrow was notched. "Very well. Come at me!"
The two Heroic Spirits glared at one another until Gawain lunged at Lucifer in a burst of speed, forcing him to release a barrage of energy arrows but the knight deflected them with practiced ease.
The Fallen Sternritter gritted his teeth in annoyance as he unclipped a silver handle, pouring his mana into it as a blue energy blade appears to block against the silver edge of the White Knight's blade.
"An Archer that wields a blade. You remind me of my comrade. An Archer he may be but he also possesses the skill to wield swords." Gawain commented respectfully.
"I should meet him some day." Lucifer quipped, breaking the lock with his Seele Schneider in hand then thrusts the blade toward the knight's head but he parried the blow away with his unoccupied hand, the gauntlet directing the soul-cutting blade away. Gawain used this chance to kick the Archer in the back. Had he been a normal human, his spine would've shattered into a million pieces but since Lucifer was another Servant, all it would do is bruise.
The Quincy recovered by performing a handstand then cartwheeled back onto his feet. He narrowed his blue eyes at his opposite. "I see now why you deserve to be in the Saber class."
Gawain allowed himself a small grin. "I appreciate your honesty, Lucifer-san. Your skills with both blade and bow are quite impressive as well."
Both warriors looked at each other highly in respect. In another lifetime, these two would be the best of friends due to their personalities but right now they were but soldiers in a war between kings. With no other choice, the duo lunged at each other once more, their blades meeting and releasing a shower of sparks. The knight class Heroic Spirits grinning almost excitedly as they continued their duel.
Zone F - Hakuno's POV
Never before had I been so mystified to see combat before but Wolf made it seem like it was nothing more than a chorus for him to perform. He the maestro and his blade the instrument of destruction.
Battle was nothing new to me especially when I had once fought alongside my old Servant, Archer. It terrified me beyond belief but I always had faith in the Heroic Spirit that protected me. Just like I do now even when he seemed to be a totally different person when it came to slaying his enemies.
His eyes that held kindness and undying courage were filled with this sense of excitement and ferocity that made him look like a wolf personified. His grin, once gentle and loving was now wide and beastial like the flow of battle burned in his soul. The battlefield was where he exemplified in. Death is his companion and I was but the observer that watched over him.
Honestly, this side of him terrified me. He fought like a cornered wolf that attacked anything in his path. Already I had lost count on the endless Enemy Programs that soullessly tried to slay my Servant only to end up as food for the glowing edge of the Gigush.
Wolf didn't require much healing from me. Actually, he rarely got hurt at all. It was quite impressive though I shouldn't doubt him since he is far beyond that of a normal human.
I 'watched' as the Heroic Spirit that became king of the Lupus Kingdom slew over five dozen soldiers with a single swing of his large blade once again, the Enemy Programs disappearing into columns of data particles.
"Heh, these small fry are starting to bore me." Wolf said, shouldering his weapon lazily on his shoulder. The artificial wind caressing his raven black hair and dark coat. "Still, the Reality Matrix is nearly-" He stopped when his nose twitched. Was he smelling the air? "Hmm, so you've come to take my life. Well, even with your Class Skill, Presence Concealment hardly works on someone with the heightened senses of a wolf. Am I right, Assassin?"
Assassin?! Could it be…?
In a burst of digital particles, a man dressed in red and black Chinese martial arts robes appeared. He had coal black eyes and long fiery red hair in a messy ponytail.
"Hmm, I had believed that I would be able to strike you down without much incident. In that case, it's better for me to kill you face to face like men." The newcomer that I recognized almost immediately entered a combat stance. "Come now, King of Wolves. Let us see who is the better warrior here."
That attitude, that stance, and that appearance! I know who it is! Li Shuwen, the Demon Fist Master and an old enemy that I had fought against back during the Moon Cell Grail War.
I could feel Wolf's muscles tighten in anticipation. "Very well, if that's how this is gonna be then I suppose I can make some time." His Gigush sword vanished in a wave of data particles only to be replaced by a new set of weapons. They looked like a pair of thin dagger-like arm blades that were easily the length of his entire arm with an elegant curved handguard, and thin blades with glowing greenish-blue edges. "Let's see if your fists can stand up to my Twin Rippers!"
Both fighters wasted no time in attacking the other. Wolf started by slashing at the Chinese Servant but the Assassin blocked them effortlessly by using his own fists to deflect the plasma blades.
Wolf leaned back to avoid a fire-encased kick from knocking his head off from his shoulders then cartwheeled to dodge a palm thrust that would have destroyed his heart.
From within her spot inside the Regalia, Hakuno watched worriedly at her Servant. She knew just how dangerous of a fighter that Li Shuwen truly was especially when he nearly killed Archer during the Moon Cell Holy Grail War.
She wanted to warn Wolf that this Assassin was dangerous but she needed to have faith that he could prevail over his opponent.
Li Shuwen's drove his fist directly into Wolf's stomach, sending the black-silver garbed man skidding across the digital surface. He coughed a few times to gather air into his lungs. He felt the mental concern of his Master. "I'm okay, just got the wind knocked out of me." He readied his twin daggers in a reverse grip stance. "I'll just have to up the ante!"
"Keke, you're a strong one, boy. You might even be worthy to die by my hands slower than the dolls you sent my way." The Chinese Assassin smirked.
"Bring it, old man!" The King of Wolves grinned excitedly as the blades of his Rippers glowed with an unearthly glow. With one step, he leaped into the air then pursued the Demon Fist Master. "Raging Waltz!" He declared, slashing upward that sent the red-haired man into the air with scratches on his traditional garbs. "Dark Scherzo!" Wolf followed up by throwing both blades at his opponent, impaling the Assassin's stomach but missing his spiritual core then dragged him back towards the black-haired warrior.
Li Shuwen, upon his return to Wolf, dropkicked the young man directly in the face, sending him crashing onto his back. His clothing and armor protected his inner organs from any serious damage but he would definitely be having a bruise in the morning.
The Assassin leaped into the air and came down with a fiery axe kick that could split a normal man in half but Wolf quickly dodged by rolling on his side to avoid his skull from being fractured. Hairline cracks appeared around the impact point of Li Shuwen's foot.
"Hold still!" The older man growled.
"Not a chance!" Wolf retorted, rolling back onto his feet then lunging at Assassin once more, this time scoring a hit on his chest. The fabric of Li Shuwen's gi turning a darker red than usual as he held his wound.
"Geh!" The Chinese Heroic Spirit grunted in pain, his blood flowing between his fingers as he glared at his opponent. "You've gotten first blood. Impressive for a pup."
"You'll find I'm full of surprises, Assassin." Wolf narrowed his eyes at the redheaded man.
Before the two could re-enter their battle, they both felt their terminals ring. A quick check allowed them to see the outcome of the battle. Wolf's Rider had just conquered a Zone that gave him a few extra Reality Keys, giving him free reign to open the Reality Matrix.
Assassin cursed. "Damn, so you managed to conquer our lands after all. I was so looking forward to finishing our fight as well." With a sigh, he leveled a challenging glare at the young man across from him. "Make no mistake, boy. We will finish our duel."
Wolf smirked in response. "I'll be waiting for that day. For now, I'll take the head of your comrade instead."
Li Shuwen scoffed before vanishing into digital particles, leaving the King of Lupus alone in the conquered zone.
"I've captured a field. The enemy's Programs tried to give me trouble but I managed to send him away." James Parker replied over the terminal.
"Excellent work," Wolf praised as he looked up, seeing the Reality Matrix morph into a silver key with a nude half-body statue of himself with both hands outstretched as if grasping something or someone. "With this, the Boss Servant will appear. We defeat them and we can count this as a victory for Lupus."
Suddenly, a presence filled Wolf with a sense of dread. He had no idea where it was coming from but he felt as if someone were watching him from afar. His cat-like blue eyes scanned the area, keeping an ever watchful eye for anyone that could be trying to spy on him. Just like that, the presence left, allowing the unclassed Servant to release a breath he had no idea he was holding.
"Archer, what's your status?" Wolf asked, as he took steps toward leaving the current zone and to meet the next opponent.
"I was having a little difficulty dealing with the enemy's Saber but I managed to beat him back. Though, sadly, he escaped before I could finish him off." The dark-garbed Servant replied.
"It matters not. You've done your job. The Boss Servant is all mine." Wolf commanded, sending his twin daggers away as he made his way to Zone F, the place the boss was supposedly waiting for him.
Zone F - Hakuno's POV
The moment my Servant's boots touched the surface of the land, I could feel a great swell of power close to us. It definitely is a Heroic Spirit.
I informed Wolf all the same.
"Yes, I know. He's here." His blue cat-like eyes narrowed in focus.
"So you're the King of the Lupus Kingdom." A brash, Irish voice spoke until a new figure appeared across from Wolf. The figure is a middle-aged man with dark blue hair, red eyes, and light skin. His outfit consisted of a futuristic blue-black skintight bodysuit with light blue energy lines running along his figure. In his right hand is a wickedly deadly crimson spear that seemed barbed at the spearhead. "Honestly, you don't look like much but from what the tiny Emperor told me, you've definitely got some moxie in you."
"Interesting, you know who I am but I have yet to know you." Wolf brought out a simple sword with a plasma-laced edge that glowed a soft blue.
"Well, since this isn't a Grail War, I can say anything I want without repercussions. My name is Cu Chulainn, a Heroic Spirit under the Class of Lancer." The Child of Light brought his spear to bear in a combat stance. "Let's see what you've got, kid!" A dangerous smirk appeared on his face as he lunged at the King of Wolves.
Wolf narrowed his eyes and swung, blocking the Hound of Ulster's spearhead from piercing through his skull. "Very well, let's see who the real top dog is!"
I could do nothing but watch as the two Legendary Heroes fought. I had seen the fights and experienced them before but being apart of it seemed to struck a chord in my virtual heart. This feeling of excitement and vitality didn't come from me, it came from my own Servant. He radiated this vicious aura that definitely screamed that of a wolf.
Sword and spear clanged against the other; blue eyes glaring into scarlet red. Both Lancer and Wolf attacked each other in a flurry of violence. The King of Lupus leaned back to avoid Lancer's spear, who in turn, dodged a swing of his photon blade.
"You're good, kid. Better than I thought you'd be." Cu Chulainn smirked as the two Heroic Spirits backed away from each other.
"So are you. It truly is an honor to face you, Hound of Ulster." Wolf smirked in turn, giving his blade a twirl.
"The honor's all mine, kid. Sadly, per the little emperor's orders, I have to take that Regalia from you. So, hope you don't hold this against me." The Hound of Ulster suddenly entered a stance as a glowing crimson aura started to surround the spear he wielded in his palms.
I could sense the practical bloodlust from the barbed weapon. Right then and there, I knew what was about to happen. I quickly warned my Servant that Lancer was about to use his Noble Phantasm.
My warning came too late as Cu Chulainn entered a runner's position, "With this, I'll finish it!" With a smirk, he took off at a literal speed of light. It was too fast for me, along with my Servant, to keep track of! The crimson light took off into the sky with the bloodlust-radiating spear in one hand. "Pierce his heart, Gae Bolg!" He threw the weapon towards Wolf with all the skill of an Olympic javelin thrower.
Normally, a singular projectile such as this could be easy to dodge, if said weapon didn't suddenly morph into thousands upon thousands of inescapable spearheads!
There was no way for Wolf to dodge, he couldn't run fast enough to avoid being skewered like a human pincushion. There was nothing I could do! What can I do?! I can't lose him! Not here!
Please, don't let this be the end…!
As if sensing my distress, I could feel my Servant smile reassuringly at me. "Master, do not worry. We will not fall for I hold in my hand, the power of the Regalia."
Wolf brought the hand in which the Regalia rested upon his finger against his breastplate. The jewel shining with a silvery light. "Heed my call at once," A white data sphere surrounded my Servant as his armor and clothes disappeared from existence, leaving him in all his nudity. We suddenly found ourselves in a dark space with some sort of rubix cube-like object floating aimlessly in space. "Moonlight Mystic Code!" A beam of white shot out of the Regalia and struck the object as it connected together from the gathered pseudo-spiritrons which in turned started to form around Wolf. Once the light dimmed, he was clad in a black bodysuit that covered all but his head. Silver, gold, and dark grey armor materialized on his body, each part having small silver or black spikes. A wolf-like helm covered the entirety of his head with a black visor and a silver mouthplate in front of his face with curved dark grey edges to give him a fierce appearance. His long black hair flowed from an opening down the helmet, making it seem as if he had a mane/cape. "Fear the wrath of the wolf!" He declared as an ornate shield with a sword placed inside appeared before him, which he grasped with one hand.
With the transformation complete, I could only 'look' at my Servant in awe as he stood like a literal knight in shining armor. Suddenly, information rushed into my head as I understood the form that he now took: Moon Crux. A form of Mystic Code powerful enough to contend with even a Noble Phantasm.
Wolf looked up at the descending crimson metal rain of death without a single glimmer of fear in his system. Power practically radiated off of his figure as he held up the shield in his hand and uttered a single command, "Begone!" The shield 'opened' to reveal a scarlet red gemstone that looked more like a demon's eye. It glowed and sent out a wave of energy that rendered the rain of spearheads into hundreds of data particles, nothing of it remained.
Lancer, initially shocked, looked upon his failed attempt to end our lives with disbelief. "That's impossible! There's no way that should've happened!" He exclaimed.
Wolf took hold of the sword's grip and slowly unsheathed it from his shield. The edge glowed with a cold ice blue light. "This is the end, Cu Chulainn. With this, you lose!" He dashed at the blue-garbed Servant with speed equal to that of his Class.
The Hound of Ulster managed to recover his spear but wasn't fast enough to block his opponent's blade from slashing deeply across his chest. Lancer growled in pain as he dropped to his knees in defeat. "No way… I lost…?" A thin line of blood dribbled out from the corner of his lips.
Wolf brought his blade against the man's throat. "That you did, Lancer. Make no mistake, had I not used my Moon Crux, I most certainly would've perished. The outcome was just not in your favor."
A brief chuckle left Lancer's mouth, "I blame my shitty Luck. Terrible with women, choose the wrong battles, and I wind up paying for shit that I never even wanted." He smirked up at the victor of their duel. "Well, go on, my head is yours to do as you see fit."
"No," Wolf stated. This confused both me and Lancer. Why doesn't he finish the man off? "You will not die today. I expect to face you again when my army lays siege upon your king's capital."
"Heh, you are a strange one but," Lancer stood back up, holding his chest wound. "That'll just make you all the more fun to beat when I fight you again." He smirked as data particles surrounded him, ready to send him back to his home. "You win this round but next time I'll pierce your heart for sure." With those spoken words, the Hound of Ulster vanished.
Victory…
That's what we claimed here today.
The Moon Crux form wore off, returning Wolf back into his original clothes and armor. With no more threats in the immediate area, my data left the comforts of the Regalia and onto the wet ground of our newly conquered land.
My brown gaze landed on Wolf. He didn't look it but he was physically tired from the battle. I placed a hand on his shoulder in worry.
He smiled… That beautiful, warm smile that made my heart nearly burst with glee. The cold, metal gauntlet he wore gently touched my skin. "We won, Hakuno-chan."
Even after the battle was over, I couldn't help but smile as well, "Yeah, we did…"
Moon Cell's Core - Archimedes' POV
A new cognition has just began with an added addition to the tale. After the previous three failures with Nero, Tamamo no Mae, and even the cursed herald of the Umbral Star itself, I was left with an interestingly new replacement for the Regalia.
A Heroic Spirit known as Wolf but granted a piece for the Supreme Authority over all of SERAPH. His Master however was quite different from the one he knew. That's not counting her gender either. However, he could be the one that could bring about the true wish that my new Master desired.
Elizabeth Bathory will soon join him in the destruction of mankind after she finds her way to me. Though, I'll have to deal with a few of the Servants that serve the Wolf King and, if possible, steal away his Master and use her against him.
I could feel a snake-like grin practically split my face; my anticipation for the coming fall of the Moon Cell will be glorious.
A/N: That's the end of the chapter. Apologies for the late arrival, been having a spot of writer's block for while with this. Anyways, next chapter will feature the campaign within the Millennium Capital, or Caster's domain.
To describe Wolf's Moon Crux form, it is based off of Wolzard from Magiranger of the Super Sentai series.
Please review and comment on this chapter. If there are any problems then please leave them in the review box or PM it.
A special thanks to those that submitted their Servants for this story.
Peace out, everyone!