Disclaimer: Type-Moon owns Fate/Stay Night, I am just using these characters that show in this story. Starlight AT takes credit for Hikari Himemiya, Shirou Ogami and Rei Tachibana.
Hope you are doing good, time to see how Dermont and Rei deal with fighting Shirou-Berserker? Get to it!
Before that, let's get some information bombs exploding with the Tohsaka's!
Rin Tohsaka-Emiya
Age: 33
Hair: long black hair
Eyes: Aqua-blue
Class: Magus
Elemental affinity: All elements
Weapon of choice: Gems, also student in Chinese Kempo
Favorite past time: collecting jewelry, drinking milk tea, messing with Archer.
Bio: Rin Tohsaka is the current head of the Tohsaka clan, which are the only living high magi clans due to the Einzberns and Matous being all but extinct. She participated in the 5th Grail War with her servant, Archer, even though she botched the summoning (she wanted a Saber).
During this time she found herself allied with Shirou Emiya and gave him a crash-course when it came to explaining about the grail system and magic. Even though Rin did not get the grail (she herself once mentioned she just did it for the thrill and showing what she could do) she still offered help to Shirou and Saber.
After it concluded she finished her years of high school and immediately went to Clock Tower to study being a full-pledge magus. During this time she would meet up with another girl, Luvia Edelfelt, which would result in many clashes over the years and them becoming fierce rivals.
Rin rose through the rankings to become a master magus up to a class A and decided to enter in mineral research as well taking on missions from her subject but proved adaptable to the situation.
In one of these missions she and Luvia would end up meeting Shiki Tohno, Arecuaid and Ciel, in her career sometime in her early twenties.
It was somewhat hectic when they met but it proved genuine when they stopped Roa's reincarnation, whose soul found a way to stay on this plain by a beginning magus who got possessed. This encounter made Rin decide to keep her ties much open with the church, given her family were hidden Christian's before in her ancestor's time, Nagato Tohsaka.
She found many gems to study and add to her inventory. Rin still kept in contact with Shirou and Sakura but during that time the guilt she felt from what happened when she and Sakura were little never left her mind. It was a chance calling from Shirou that made her act when he revealed that Zouken Matou (Sakura's adopted grandfather and head of the Matou's) made his move in making Sakura a lesser-grail.
Having heard reports of some shadow stalking around her hometown (and her own feeling of something big happening) she got in contact with the church branch in Misaki city, where Shiki, Ciel, Arcueid offered their help.
After all the drama with "Heaven's Feel" completed, echoes of Sakura's power was still a threat which caused magical breeches to open around the city, which in turn brought back her former Servant, Archer, to fulfill his duty.
The initial shock in seeing him again caused Rin to get weepy-eyed for a couple of moments before yelling at him for not giving her the proper goodbye during the war and ended up slapping the side of his head, which he took in stoic fashion.
She and Archer established an already strong partnership which soon moved to love and the two marrying when she was 29 years old in a simple gathering of friends and family.
Down the line (in about a year or so) she will find herself pregnant with her first child.
Archer Emiya
Age: chronologically 40, physically 30.
Hair: white
Class: Counter-Guardian (former Servant)
Element affinity: None; special link with swords.
Weapon of choice: Two short swords named Kanshou & Byakua, long black bow. Adapt with any blades.
Favorite pastime: Housework (he doesn't like anyone knowing), listening to rock & roll, reading philosophic books, teasing Rin and having date nights with her (to his amusement)
Bio: Archer is Shirou Emiya of a different future that achieved his goals of becoming a hero. It was what he wanted but during his time period as much as he saved many he sacrificed as well which drove him to denounce his own idealism.
Politics got involved which mounted to him getting killed and making a pact with the world to becoming a Servant and Counter-Guardian.
He ended up being summoned by Rin Tohsaka due to a paradox with the gem she used in the ritual (it was a catalyst to the one he held for many years after experiencing the war as "Shirou").
Upon returning to the past his memories ended up jumbled due to Rin botching the spell but could remember key aspects along with his hatred for his younger-self, Shirou.
Rin, Saber or Shirou didn't know Archer's animosity to the idealistic teen but he grudging worked with Saber due to his remnant of memories of the stalwart king. He made his stand against Illya and Berserker buying time for Shirou, Rin and Saber to escape.
He never did give Rin a proper goodbye and had been able to take six of his lives.
He didn't return to his time but remained in stasis in the Throne of Kings until he needed for his other duty as a counter-guardian. He reappeared 3 years later due to Sakura becoming a lesser grail; her powers caused rifts to open.
Even though he had shown late after the event, the sarcastic man felt power still radiating around the city.
With his mission not done Rin made a pact with him to keep him from vanishing, in part making him a familiar for the time being (to his annoyance).
They went with a magus wedding after a while when he was burning up her magic circuits to keep his existence whole. The duo traveled around breaking down the rifts and even battling some enemies from the fourth war. This was another year about before they officially ended up engaged and married after.
He soon entered Clock Tower as an Enforcer where his and Rin's jobs mesh together so they aren't apart for long (even though when they have their spats he is the first to go on a job and "sulk" by beating up his targets severely).
Archer still holds his sardonic wit with his peers and still holds a begrudging respect for his counterpart. He gets along well with Sakura and his alternate version son, Hiroki, who just calls him "Uncle Archy!"
His relationship with the new gen of heroes is scarce but he strangely has high-expectations for Hikari Himemiya. He once met a different version of her once in one of his duties as a counter-guardian and that experience changed him with what he found out about her.
However that is a story for another time.
When Rin gets pregnant down the line he will become a proud and joyous father. The sex of the baby will remain secret for now.
Now on with the last part of this arc!
Chapter 10
Maelstrom of a broken heart (part 3)
Himemiya shrine
Shirou-Berseker stomped towards a recently arrived Dermont, who was in his dark-green skin-tight outfit with left armor-shoulder pad and Rei Tachibana, who sported a similar look to Lacus Clyne; a purple short dress with a black sleeveless blouse and on her feet she had short-white heeled shoes, felt uneasy about who they were about to fight.
For Dermont, all he knew about Shirou was that the blue-eyed black-haired teen had a problem with him being Hikari's partner but never thought it would corrupt him in any way or form.
In all honesty the Irish-teen had wondered if he would just get in the stereotypical brawl with fist punching at each other's faces for a total of 34 seconds (not sure why but that's the number), acknowledging each other in a "bro" moment and getting something eat afterward and become best buds!
Sweat dripping down his brow, the combed-back haired spear wielder snorted in his mind. This isn't some high school afternoon special anyway. I truly doubt he wants to talk at this moment!
In the mind of the heir of the Tachibana line, Rei stood resolute with what had to happen.
As a magus, I can't let this kind of situation go unchecked; she fervently thought rolling her eyes. Honestly, a little jealousy and he just falls to pieces? I'd expect better Shirou!
Giving a glance to the orange-eyed man Rei whispered to him. "We can't both attack at the same time," when she said this Dermont looked at her with disbelief. Before he could object Rei continued unabashed.
"It's too risky given his state; one of us will support the other,"
"Let me guess, you want to go first?" Dermont answered without sarcasm.
She smiled. "It's better for me if I checked out what we are dealing with here," the long-raven haired teen's view went to Hikari, who was breathing but looked paler. "Besides if this is really about her, one of us has to make sure she's protected!"
It was hard for Dermont not to dispute her reasoning but he was even more surprised about Rei being somewhat protective of the priestess. "Did you two become best friends when I was gone?"
Not missing a beat Tsundere 2.0 glared at him causing him to sweat bullets like a certain soldier about to get hit with a paper fan by a raging blue-haired high school girl. Liking his expression Rei also spoke.
"I'm also doing this since the potion I took will only last a couple of minutes and can't take anymore," She took out her lipstick tube and showed it to him. "If I took it again the side-effects would cripple me,"
Understanding what she meant, Dermont continued glaring at Berserker and leaped to Hikari.
Shirou-Berserker saw him lift up Hikari which sent the 8-foot giant on a rampage. "Get off her, Lainn!" Shirou bellowed as thunderous stomps came toward them.
(Witch on the Holy Night OST: Five starts)
Before the muscular man could take another step a blue sapphire landed by his feet and a swirl of water exploded from the gem! It completely swept him in a swirl of water as Dermont and a barely conscious Hikari saw Rei manipulating the trench by focusing her prana to her hands.
The teen girl had studied on the elemental side of her magic instruction since the last battle with a servant. It infuriated her that Hikari, who she deemed a novice from her interactions from the past, could aid in her own elemental control by using a spirit of water while scanning!
If it was anything she disliked was to depend on others, especially in the way magic! Himemiya-san, I only thought her as a failure when it comes to this; her overall stats is nothing but she has something l lack. And I won't stand for it! Rei exclaimed in her head.
Firming her resolve she continued with the assault as Shirou-Berserker started towards her giving Dermont a chance to move Hikari to the side of her house. Shirou bellowed a yell as he brought out his axe-club and about to swing at her! The weapon came down about to strike her body and crush her bones!
Not taking her eyes off the weapon Rei backtracked away from it in 5-steps by utilizing reinforcement to her feet Rei made her way towards him and pulled out three reddish-handles from her person.
SWISH!
Bellowing Shirou dropped his weapon and saw Rei using fast movements with her hand as she stared slicing his arms with a thin-like blade! Hoping down Rei brought down a hand. The weapon she used was part of the Holy Church faction the Executors; The Black Keys! She pulled out three more handles from her pocket and placed them between her fingers, using a total of six blades (three in each hand).
Offering up a smile Rei could see the motors in his mind working. "Surprised, Ogami? Like I would make this easy for you!"
Growling like a Viking he rushed at her again!
I can't attack head-on, I'm going to have to keep distance and use speed for this, I only have 2 minutes left before the medicine wears off!
Rei side-stepped another strike from the behemoth and stabbed his arm tendon! Screaming, Shirou's eye glowed red as he went for a punch. Rei didn't dare block and spun around and slashed his back! Slice marks showed on his back as Rei flipped away and landed on the ground. Reinforcing the blades they became thicker and she sprinted towards him.
The mage/executor flung out her left arm and threw her keys like a spear as it stabbed the ground. Shirou laughed at her dead aim and looked ready to punch her again until he felt he couldn't move! Turning around confused he saw the weapons had struck his shadow!
Dermont looked impressed on the way Rei was handling the battle with a kind of elegance of a swan! I didn't think she could
Struggling Shirou-Berserker forgot about Rei until she threw all three black keys to his left eye causing blood to spill to the ground! Knowing she had only a minute she pulled out three gems and threw one! The gem smashed to pieces against his left arm but it started encasing it and his arm in a type of crystal. Shirou tried hitting her with his other arm but she nimbly rolled from it and tossed the second one which did the same thing.
Both of his arms trapped in the casing and covering his body.
A small smirk formed on her lips as Shirou glared at her. "Let me out, Tachibana!" Shirou bellowed and appeared disgruntled on how he couldn't use his super strength!
"Surprised you can't use that strength you are proud of Ogami?" She taunted him. "That's a little creation I whipped up some time ago when I went on a small mission with the holy church's enforcers while weeding out lower-level ghouls that couldn't be destroyed by using physical attacks!"
Holding out her hand the jewel mage started chanting a mantra as runes appeared over her right arm and charging her prana to her gem. "I'm not sure how you came across a card and frankly, I don't care, but you are making this entertaining for me, puppy!"
Hearing her say that nickname made Shirou burn hot with white rage. She had always done that; looking down on him as if he wasn't good enough to walk the ground she was on or lick her boots!
"Don't you call me that; I won't let someone like you one up me you bitch!"
Raising an eyebrow she narrowed her own eyes. "Hmmm, I'm sorry; I didn't catch that, care to try again?" Before he could Rei cut him off by throwing her gem and taking off his head!
An explosion rocked the area as Dermont and a still conscious Hikari looked on shocked! "No, what is she doing?" Dermont whispered angry.
Hikari shook her head. "It won't work," He looked at her. "She only took out one of his lives, to beat him all his lives need to get snuffed out all at once!"
Rei looked on indifferently as she viewed the humongous body of muscle tumble to the ground without a head. "Sorry, Ogami but there wasn't any choice in this,"
As she was about to walk off the raven-haired teen sharply turned around upon feeling a spike of energy and saw a golden glow wrap around Shirou-Berserker body; bones being reconfigured and muscle, blood vessels and finally grayish skin.
She tried keeping a look of shock off her face but proved futile as Shirou-Berserker stood breathing out steam from his gigantic body! Shirou liked what he saw in Rei's eyes; disbelief, shock and fear.
"What matter Tachibana; you thought those pebbles could just kill me?" He spoke, his mind coherent rationalize thought for the time being.
Sweat dripped off her brow as she scowled. "Don't take it personally, but my family has a mantra about committing evil to get results,"
This made Shirou angry upon hearing her answer; it was like she didn't care what she did to her friends-no not friends, people she looked down with the stink of high-arrogance.
"And this evil now is going to splatter you against my boot until you are a stain, bitch!" He pulled out his weapon and charged at her with surprising speed!
Rei was about to go on the defensive until she felt the effects of her potion leave her system. Not having any time she focused all her prana to her chest, stomach and arms and reinforced them to have some defense.
However the tower of muscle punched her squarely in her chest pushing her back! Gagging upon reflex Rei became dazed by his attack and sliding on the ground!
The teen's body pulsated in pain. Any regular person would have ended up dead but thanks to her thinking of reinforcement it prevented any kind of death but it hurt like hell! Shirou-Berserker yelled happily at what he did.
"That what you get for taunting me girl; no more throwing stupid rocks on forehead!" Shirou's speech started becoming broken due to the mad enhancement.
The cyan-eyed teen struggled getting up as part of her hair covered the side of her face. "Ugh, I'll make sure they dig a little deeper into that cranium of yours!"
Shirou-Berserker growled out his response. "Always talk, girl never shut up! I crush you like ant!" He stomped toward Rei's figure!
Not wanting another "thrown like a rag doll' experience she pointed her finger at the berserker and a black substance of prana gathered at the tip! A volley of [Grandr] got released as it pelted Shirou but caused little damage (to Rei's chagrin).
It wasn't like she used up all her prana but the potion had another side-effect, it lowered the amount of prana consumption by 40%, and with her last attack and reinforcement she was working on half-capacity.
"Me never forgive you rich bitch, always making fun of me like I idiot but I not!" he roared at her through her continued attack.
Rei tried maintaining an indifferent attitude but even she's not completely shielded by what he was saying; for some reason she felt real pain underneath that rage, which made the rich tsundere question her treatment of him in the past.
As Shirou-Berserker went for another punch Rei made sure to barrel-roll to the left. Holding out her left arm runes inscribed on it activated as she would have to use one of her familiars; and most powerful of her trio.
A red glyph appeared beneath her as a column of fire erupted from the ground and somewhat making Shirou take a couple of steps back!
A flame-like wolf with a mane of fire that was the size of a horse appeared and a light-blue line linked to Rei's arm. "Lexus, go!" She called out to her familiar of fire and passion.
The summoned monster tethered by her prana and would vanish depending on how much energy she used.
Opening its mouth Lexus released a cannon-ball sized ball of fire straight to Shirou's stomach. The blaze slightly pushed him back and the summoned monster continued with the attack.
Throwing out a growl Shirou aimed a punch at Rei's summon but the wolf jumped back and went for a tackle. The blow did nothing to hurt him but it gave Rei a chance to add her own special touch with Lexus.
Pulling out a bottle of nail polish she uncorked it and tossed a clear substance over Shirou's body causing his skin to have an unbearable itch!
Her crystal-blue eyes turned crimson as the link between Lexus got stronger; the body got larger in width and the hair longer and unruly. Opening his mouth again Lexus started gathering fire energy.
Seeing the time was now Rei gave a yell as Lexus unleashed a corona blast of fire at Shirou which scorched his body to flames thanks to Rei's potion. She had ended up taking another life of his!
She was going to continue the assault but soon started feeling dizzy; her prana levels were at their end and her link to Lexus was subsiding. Holding a hand to her mouth she saw blood appear.
If I continue using Lexus, he'll drain me to the nub! With that thought Rei ended up calling back her creature and he returned to his dimension.
Rei fell to her knee as the scorch subsided and saw Shirou looking like a demon about to feast on an unsuspecting village.
"Tachibana, I kill you!" He called and in two strides grabbed her by her middle and hoisted her up! It was a repeat on what Rin went through when she was a teenager; Berserker holding her like a trophy and trying to squeeze her to death!
Trying to reach her hand to her pocket proved useless as she couldn't get to it! "Dammit, let me go, Ogami!"
(Theme ends)
A deep belly laugh escaped Shirou. "I let you go when you dead by my feet! I won't have to listen to you bitch and moan again!" If it were possible Rei could have sworn he was squeezing harder than before.
Rei started getting dizzy without any oxygen flowing in her body and her prana at zero she would wind up as a story about getting killed by a giant!
(Fate/Zero OST: The Lancer starts)
Just before Rei closed her eyes a stream of water wolf-heads struck the side of Shirou-Berserker releasing Rei in the process. She soon found herself about to land head first in the pavement before she felt someone catch her.
Opening her eyes she saw Dermont holding her like the prince who just saved Cinderella. Feeling the unheard thought going through her mind the Irish teen answered.
"I know you wanted to handle it but I'm not just going to let you get pummeled by a guy who could take down a force of German tanks!"
She didn't say anything at first as she was actually enjoying being in his arms but soon remembered that geass of his and used will power alone to work against it given all her prana used up. Landing on the ground Shirou didn't stop as he ran at them!
Dermont didn't wait for Rei, he placed her on the ground and sprinted at the giant and called his spears to his hand and spun them around expertly before they clashed; an aura of green and white brightened the area around them and destroyed the ground they stood on!
The Lancer had crossed his spears together to block Shirou's weapon but the latter proved better in a match of strength as the former was starting to struggle.
"You die now, Lainn!" He growled as his strength doubled with the amount of anger he felt towards Dermont.
The orange-eyed teen retorted. "Got nothing else to say Hulk?" and sprang backward from the brute as he crushed the ground creating a dent! Scoffing at the amount of power Hikari's friend held, the Lancer figured this wouldn't be a fast battle. Here he thought that he could use his speed but that theory got crapped on.
For a moment Dermont wondered if there was any way to save Shirou.
Glancing at Hikari's unconscious figure it wouldn't be possible. Then a thought came across him as he noted his Gae Dearg glowing slightly; it was giving him a sign to use it.
Wait, this can piece through any kind of magical defenses? Dermont swiftly dodged another blow from Shirou as he continued thinking on a way to finish this battle. And my Gae Buidhe can inflict damage without it being healed by magecraft…
Dermont leapt away once again at Shirou-Berserker's attack as it got fiercer and stronger at every blow! Holding back a snarl Dermont placed Gae Buidhe in his holster behind his waist and held Gae Dearg as it shined a ruby-light.
Charging at the behemoth Dermont evaded another punch and getting in close! Holding the spear with his right hand he jabbed the blade to Shirou's gut!
A grunting noise escaped the gray-skinned teen as he coughed out saliva. Dermont gave a sly look to Shirou. "That's one, Shirou!"
A maniacal growl escaped the mouth of Berserker as he didn't want to see the guy that took Hikari from him one up him like this!
Taking the spear out Dermont got some distance and replaced Gae Dearg with Gae Buidhe as the short-spear glowed like topaz.
"I know not what you do little man, " Shirou got out, "But I kill you!"
"Yeah, yeah, get all out your system," Dermont muttered out as he swiftly charged at Shirou.
The Berserker grabbed his weapon and swung mighty at the Irish-teen in hopes of striking him down! But Dermont slid to his back as the blunt weapon nearly touched his nose and brought out his pole and jabbed it three times on his torso!
Yelling in anger Shirou turned around and saw Dermont coming at him again. The teen got a couple more stabs at Shirou's body before jabbing his spear at his left eye and taking it out!
A roar made the ground shake as Shirou grasped his bleeding eye socket! Shirou went to his knees as his God's Hand started working in healing his wounds but the strangest thing happened, some of the lactation weren't healing properly puzzling the giant.
"What wrong, why won't my wounds heal?" A befuddled Shirou spoke, his breathing haggard. He then saw Dermont smirking which irked him. "What you smile for Lucky Charms?"
"Why you of course," Dermont easily answered. "I'm amazed that you went far with this obsession with wanting to end up as Hikari's partner!"
"Of course, she's my childhood friend; I've loved her since I was little!" Shirou spoke as he got up and locked eyes with his rival, his coherent speech returning. "Then you come out of nowhere and use your charms to bewitch the woman I love!"
Dermont scoffed and sneered at Shirou. "You love her?"
"Yes, I do, and I would never hurt her like you did!"
"Oh, the way I hurt her and how you love her, huh; I'd hate to see what your hatred does to your enemies, dude?"
"What you mean? This is your fault! If she never met you…"
Dermont stopped him right there with a sweeping gesture with his arm to the area. "This is my fault? Look at what you did to the girl you 'allegedly' love!"
Shirou took a moment to see what he meant.
"You caused all this, that strength of yours is destroying the place Hikari, aka the woman of your dreams, lives!" Dermont admonished him. "Shirou, you fought Hikari and hurt her deeply! You are fighting Tachibana and myself, all because of this love you have for her! Why are you doing this? Why did it need to come to this?"
Shirou continued denying what he saw. "No, all your fault! If you hadn't saved her, If you hadn't met her, she wouldn't wanted to have been friends! Then I could have been her partner, not you! Not someone who hurts people without even realizing it!"
It started dawning on Dermont and Rei (who was still gathering her breath on the side) to see what the real problem was.
This caused Dermont to laugh. "Oh man, I can't believe it's something as boring as that!"
"Grr, what you say little man?" Shirou spoke about to go on another rampage.
"Tch, this is bogus, you are keeping Hikari locked up like a bird in a cage!" Dermont answered. "You dressed up of wanting Hikari all for yourself by being there for her all that time. Tell me, did you want to be her knight and save her at the moment when it felt like Hikari couldn't do anything for herself?"
The accusation stopped Shirou for a moment.
"Did you want to save Hikari because of the pact your families made to one another or was it something vile?" Dermont's voice took on an arrogant tone. "Or was it because it made you feel important if she was the only one to depend on you and no other?"
Shirou's eye widened in surprise at that answer.
"Hahaha, interesting, who'd have thought you would be a diabolical bastard, Shiry-chan!" He spoke in a wimpy voice at the end by the nickname.
"Not true, that's not true!" Shirou bellowed.
"Awww, be honest with me bro," Dermont snickered. "Come on, the first time you spoke to me, you got angry that I even spoke to your beloved and her growing interest in me stirred up a fire in you, didn't it?" The teen walked a little closer with the answer he gave. "With her personality I can see that she wanted to be friends with me but you didn't want that due to that thing with anyone female falling for me?"
Shirou didn't move an inch during this dialogue.
"And I have to say you were jealous, I can see it." Dermont sounded somewhat like a jock now. "Babes just wanting a taste of me, and poor little you, the one person who remained consistent in her life, would soon be replaced by a man-whore like me? Haha, what are the odds of that?"
Rei was also becoming concerned with what Dermont was doing. Did all the stress finally get to him? Or is he trying to get to Shirou's problem?
"Shirou, dude, compadre, tell me, you wanted to be the big guy on campus that protects her from the horrors of this world by being Hikari's entire world." He ended up close to the 8-foot teen but smirked none the less. "But Shirou, the thing is your beloved is growing. She is expanding her world to meet others and you were afraid of losing her."
Shirou tried talking but the words didn't get out.
"Now answer me this; do you hurt the woman you love with your own fist?"
The giant man looked down at said fist and shook.
Dermont took out his spears and…
SHICK!
He stabbed the two weapons on each side of his neck causing blood to spill heavily on the ground.
The raven-haired female teen looked shocked by what Dermont did! Even Rei wouldn't have done that...at least not to a classmate (no matter how annoying the person was).
Taking out the spears Dermont leapt away before a massive aura destroyed the ground!
(Theme ends)
Damn, sorry Shirou, it was the only way I could have taking two your lives. But I wasn't lying by what I said, Hikari needs to grow; she can't be concealed by this love of yours any longer…and you need to grow as well. Dermont thought with sadness at the underhanded way he just did.
Shirou's hair stood on end as a dark red aura enveloped his body and he locked eyes at the man who distracted him! "I KILL YOU! SHIROU KILL LAINNNNN!"
Like an ox he stampeded his way to Dermont who looked ready to fight but Shirou vanished to the Irish-teen's shock. Looking around Dermont tried feeling his aura but didn't until he felt a vibe coming from behind his back and
BASH!
"DERMONT!" Rei screamed his name in horror.
Dermont went sailing to the air and sliding on the ground! Shirou-Berserker appeared but his rage wasn't pacified in the least. "Ughhhhh, fuck, that's what I get for making him even angrier!"
Rei shook in fear at the aura and soon thought that they couldn't win this fight, not with Shirou's strength enhanced like that of the demigod Hercules.
Not even Xena could do anything at this moment! She joked in her head about the warrior princess from the show.
The teen tried getting up but his body felt like mush. Turning his head he saw Shirou stomp his way toward him.
"Come on, Shirou, it's time for you to grow up!" He yelled out. "So what if I became Hikari's partner? It doesn't mean she doesn't love you; hell she defended you to me when I bad mouthed you!"
Shirou didn't pay any attention as he held Dermont by the waist and hoisted him up. "I kill you, Hikari is mine," Dermont looked at the eyes of a berserker and felt a chill of fear go up his spine.
The tsundere jewel mage/executor actually got up and started making her way to Shirou. "Please stop it, Ogami!" She cried, her voice losing its normally haughty attitude. "Don't kill Dermont, you aren't a killer!"
The giant looked at her with disdain. "You don't know a god damn thing about me, bitch! You are next once I done with fool!"
Rei had a pained facial expression at the words and didn't deny it; she didn't know him like that even though ever since their first team-up, she couldn't help but be fascinated by him.
Shirou soon went back to his attention of crushing Dermont as the teen struggled against his grip.
Without anyone noticing however a petite figure made it behind Shirou and uttered a sentence. "Process completed; annulling Noble Phantasm called, God's Hand!"
A magical circle appeared over Shirou's chest and spun in a circle before it broke apart! Everyone turned to see Hikari Himemiya, barely conscious with her hands held up in front.
The giant couldn't feel his specialty anymore and looked at Hikari with anger. "You destroyed it, Hikari…why?" He soon dropped Dermont.
"Shirou, this is not a power you need. I heard everything that got said thanks to Dermont opening a link with the crest," Hikari took another breath.
"Ugh, that ass-wipe did? I kill him!" Shirou was about to stomp him until Hikari held up her arms in front of the teen!
Shirou looked surprised by this notion.
"I'M NOT SOMEONE THAT NEEDS PROTECTION CONSTANTLY!" Hikari's voice screamed as that stopped Shirou.
"I...I can stand on my own two feet! I am not a doll or a bird that needs catering too. I need to grow as a person and not be dictated by my parents on who I should partner with; I need to choose things based on what I want!"
Rei looked amazed by the way Hikari was standing up for herself. "Preach it girl..." She muttered.
"And what I want Shirou is…what I want is for Dermont ti remain by my side as my parnter. Not anyone else!"
Shirou-Berserker's mind broke by that sentence. He could tell she was serious due to knowing her longer than anyone else present.
She…she chose him… The teen thought with dread. The aura returned as Shirou lifted up his hand and did the one thing no one saw coming!
(Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle OST: Amurita begins)
WHAM!
He punched Hikari Himemiya in the gut! Rei and Dermont stood frozen at what happened! As soon as Shirou did that he regretted it as his aura subsided and looked at the blonde's unmoving figure.
Despite her pain Rei ran to Hikari's body and checked and saw a horrific sight; her body was healing all the damage but causing blood to spill on the side of mouth and even could hear the bones mending.
"No, this is not good, her healing is speeding up her heart rate, she'll die!" Rei somewhat yelled as tears stung her eyes as she shouted to Dermont. "She won't make it!"
Shirou didn't move as Dermont struggled to get up. Two figures soon appeared from behind Rei and once the tsundere got a good look on who they were she looked abashed. "Caren Hortenshia and Ciel-san?"
The priestess of the Church and Enforcer of the Burial Agency nodded to the Tachibana heiress as Caren knelt beside Hikari and checked her pulse. "It's as you said, she won't be here longer."
This made Rei stare at her with disbelief.
Ciel turned to Rei. "But that's why we are here,"
Caren turned to the bulking teen. "I hope you have stopped having a tantum like a child, Shirou Ogami!" She shocked the ones present with knowing his name.
Dermont looked angry at Shirou and was about to jab his spear up that bulky teen's ass before Ciel caught him. "Nothing rash, he's still unpredictable,"
"Than what do you propose I do; my friend could die thanks to him!" An angry Dermont cried.
"Keep calm, I think something is happening that even we didn't suspect," Spoke the short-blue haired woman.
Wondering what she meant Dermont turned to Hikari's fallen figure.
As the group looked at her, Hikari sent a telepathic link to Shirou, shocking him. Hikari, is that you?
An astral image of Hikari arose from her body as she made her way to her friend and offered out a smile and Shirou's astral-self soon interacted with her. Don't be silly, of course its me, even though this is a first on what I'm doing.
Shirou didn't know what to think as he looked ashamed and angry at what he did!
Hikari figured he was going through the motions and decided to put an end to this, it was the only way for this sad battle to rest.
Shirou, I don't want Dermont or Rei-san to continue fighting you, what I want is for you to go back to the normal boy I met as a kid!
I'll admit, I don't love you the way you love me. I'm not IN love with you, Shirou, but that doesn't mean you aren't a part of my life in any small way. I do love you, you are my best friend and you're more like a protective older brother to me. I think it's time for you to make your own choices just as I had but to begin, you need to let go of all the anger that plagues you're heart!
Shirou struggled to get control of what his body wanted more wanton destruction. Hikari, it's hard…I didn't expect that I would succumb to this rage even after my training from Gil,
Upon hearing the name Hikari grew concerned. Gil, is that the man who did this to you?
He didn't do this but trained me after someone implanted this card in my body, that's what happened for me during that month. He was actually nice and offered out words of wisdom but I didn't heed them. He looked at Hikari.
All I wanted was you. You were my driving force to get control of this card and use it to make you like me! If I had that and you saw what strength I possessed then maybe you could have made me your partner and not Lainn!
Hikari shook her head. No Shirou, I started having doubts about that ever since meeting Dermont. He was different but their was something I felt when I met him,
Shirou snorted. What's that, a love that blossomed like a rose?
The blonde slapped the side of his head, just like the way his mom did. Don't get cheeky. I'm not sure but I feel that he is my destined partner.
So what, I'm through, I mean nothing to you? The teen-man said with dejection.
I just told you, you are something for me. Shirou, Dermont is nice if you get to know him. Along with Rei-san! The petite blonde replied with earnest.
Shirou looked stubborn. That witch has a nice side? Yeah right,
Hikari soon felt weak as her spirit started disappearing causing Shirou to look fearful.
Hikari, I caused this for you, I hurt you. I…I don't think I can hold back any longer.
The blonde faced Shirou and hugged him. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, this will work. She then placed a kiss on his lips, surprising him.
Whatever happens, I'm not mad at you Shirou… Hikari soon broke the link.
(Theme ends)
(Fate Zero OST: This Day and Never Again starts)
Shirou-Berserker started growling as Dermont looked ready to fight. He soon spotted a white-light emanating from Shirou's form and wondered what that could be about.
Dermont soon felt his spears pulsating and felt like he was to do something. Not knowing if it was going to work he connected the butt of the spears and joined them together. The two spears became a long orange javelin that glowed with the magic crest of a winged sigil imbedded in the middle.
Is this Hikari's doing? He looked at her still unmoving form and that at Shirou, who was struggling with something. Not sure what this implies but if it can help Shirou, than I'm putting my faith in this last effort!
The others looked at Dermont at what he was about to do. Rei looked confused on how Dermont's spears became one.
"I'm sensing a lot of power coming from them, it's unlike Dermont's!"
The long white-haired priestess answered. "It is Hikari's power," This made Rei turn to her and then to Hikari.
Ciel also answered. "This won't last long."
Dermont got his spear as Shirou's aura started expanding and destroying the ground. "All right, no more destroying everything like Godzilla! You wanker; time for you to wake up, Ogami!"
The teen through his spear and it pieced the middle of Shirou-Berserker's chest!
A cleansing light enveloped his body as Shirou felt the card leave his body. Shirou floated a couple of meters in the air before falling to the ground. Before he could hit the ground Ciel made it there and caught him.
Turning to the sky Dermont saw the card flying off somewhere and narrowed his eyes. Mark my words, I will discover who did all this and crush it with my fists!
(theme ends)
As things calmed down Dermont went to Hikari and he saw a peculiar sight; she was covered in a red-cloak.
"What's that," he asked Rei, who only shook her head.
"That, Dermont Lainn, is a highly valued cloak that can heal any injury," Caren spoke. "It's only drawback is that it can only do it within the first 3 minutes and it is fortunate that we were here to begin with."
"Hmm, you were here?" Dermont asked.
Ciel interrupted. "Not to quell all what's happened but I think we should get these two to a hospital."
"Yes, even if magic has a way of healing physical wounds, it doesn't make up for other functions." Caren stated as she got up. "Dermont, please hold Hikari Himemiya while Ciel grabs the car!"
Dermont didn't know why he just jumped at that chance, maybe it was the way Caren spoke? Dermont kneeled down to hold Hikari, whose breathing was somewhat better. Rei scoffed and decided to keep Shirou company, who was still knocked out. "Honestly, caused us all this trouble….and what about the Himemiya shrine?"
As Ciel walked off she turned to Rei. "Not to worry, the Himemiya's family is close to the church so they will fix this place up once we leave the premises."
Both Rei and Dermont sweat dropped at that which caused Caren to briefly chuckle like an aristocrat.
Enizbern Castle
Shirou Emiya, Archer and Rin Tohsaka, made their way to the castle of Illya's old home. They left their car on the outskirts of the forest due to there being a lot of foilge and trees.
They were looking for any kind of clues if Illya was really alive. Upon reaching the castle Archer opened the door and he froze. Shirou and Rin gave each other a look and wondered what he saw. They made their way to the door and gasped on what they saw; nothing.
The entire castle looked dingy, dusty and had a rank smell to it as well!
"Hmmm, nothing strange here, it's as I thought" Archer spoke mildly.
Rin went to an old bookcase and saw nothing but cobwebs and the books looked unread. "I wonder if Dermont-san wasn't just imagining what he saw?"
Shirou went to check the kitchen and spoke. "He seemed pretty adamant about what he saw…but its impossible that Illya-chan is alive!"
Archer felt something and went upstairs to check something. When he reached the top he didn't see anything.
"Archer, did you find something up there?" Rin called to her husband.
"Nah, nothing at all," Archer stated. Even though it felt like a presence I felt before I died…
The party made their way around the castle for another thirty minutes before Shirou's phone went off and answered it. "Hello…oh hey Dermont!" He spoke for couple of seconds before waving to Rin and Archer. "They are both in the hospital? Wait, along with Caren and Ciel? Okay, we'll be there shortly."
"What happened with them?" Rin asked concerned.
"We'll have to cut this short, Dermont-san called and says that Hikari and Shirou are resting at the hospital!"
This caused Archer to grow concerned for the priestess.
"Was it that bad on what happened?" Rin asked.
"He said he would explain when we arrive, come on, let's get out of here!" Shirou said as they left the castle.
Before leaving Archer could have sworn he saw a moving object briefly but dismissed it and headed to the car.
Once they left, Illya Einzben appeared with the Berserker card between her fingers.
"That was too close," She snapped her fingers and the old dusty castle started changing back to her beloved home. She had used one of Caster's spells to send her home to a sub-pocket while leaving an after image of the castle before she moved back in.
Good thing I learned how to use you're spells very well, Caster!
An image of Caster appeared with her cloak hiding her face and a crystal ball hovering in front of her hands. You are learning well, Illyasviel. What now?
With this, we have three cards and now just have to find four more candidates even though I have a future host, waving a hand an image of the Emiya residence appeared and showed a sleeping Seta.
It's uncanny that boy looks like Lancer from the fifth grail war? I'll get to him later but my next target will be…her! The window changed to show Rei, Dermont, Caren and Ciel in a room with a sleeping Hikari and a now awake Shirou, who looked ashamed.
I think it's time Tachibana started showing us that vindictive side to her! Illya smiled at the prospect.
Dermont: Hey, we've reached the end of this arc! Feel good people, this story is not even through!
Hikari: Yes, even though I get hurt severely.
Rei: Them's the breaks when one is a star of this fic.
Shirou: I'm surprised you are even saying that Tachibana?
Rei: Shut up, soon the story will go to me and all my glory.
Caren: Not to rain on your head but the story will be shifting too some "filler" chapters to get more character development down.
Ciel: That is correct, apparently the author needs some time to get his head around the "Caster arc" so these next few chapters will be a breather for him and the readers who like this story!
Rin: Even though it has more to do with this generation so don't expect to see us much.
Shirou Emiya: Yeah, but we'll continue figuring out who took the grail cards from behind the scenes.
Sakura: So continue supporting this story as it goes into the fillers and be on the lookout for a future character.
Dermont: Hmmm, I wonder who it is?
Rei: All I know that the character is female and will impact the story later.
Shirou: I wonder in what way.
Hikari: Knowing our luck, it's going to cause us nothing but drama…
Dermont: Don't get depressed Hikari, everything will work out in the end.
Hikari: I hope you're right…
Rei: So watch out for the vacation chapters from the main story and we'll see you later!
Hiroki: Bye everyone!
Shirou: Why is that kid here?
Hiroki: Waaaaaaa, butt-face being mean to me!
Everyone: Shirou Ogami, leave Hiroki alone!
Shirou: I didn't even meet this kid in the story yet and I'm getting my ass handed to me in this section?!
Hiroki: He cussed, butt-face cussed!
Shirou Emiya, Dermont , Archer and Sakura appear hovering over Shirou with an aura of orange, green, vermillion and purple and spoke as one: Leave now Shirou!
Shirou: All right, I'm getting, I'm getting!
Seta: Haha, see you next time guys!
Hiroki: BYE READERS!
This arc is complete!
What you guys and gals think of it this time around? I was planning on getting out Shirou's apology to the others but decided to leave it for the fillers. So expect one in the next chapter. I will say its Rei/Shirou centered for the most part.
So Archer, Rin and Shirou leave empty-handed with not knowing that Illya is really alive. She will make her presence known to them at some point so that will add some friction with Dermont (partly with Shirou and Archer for different reasons)
I hope this chapter will last you readers for now!
Starlight, I hope you are enjoying it too!
Time for me to go!
See ya next time!