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Important info: this story will have more than one ending. Let's go with the general one first, and then… You'll see. ;)
Chapter 12: I Believe In You
"No, no, no!" Rin tried to help, but Berserker held her tight and did not let her move even a step forward. "What's happening?"
Rin dreamt of dragons. It was a truly terrifying dream, a nightmare full of pain. She was screaming in the flames. So hot, so hopeless. But she had to keep fighting. Forward, forward. Because it had to be done.
And then her vision turned red. Blood was everywhere, hot, with characteristic metallic smell. The touch of powerful magic on her skin… It was awful.
She woke up, hoarse and angry. One glance at the window was enough to tell that the sunset was near. So it's about time then.
Siegfried, damn you! She sighed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Truly… why this guy had to push himself into such extremes? Well, not that Archer is different in this matter. Why am I compatible only with stubborn fools?
Tohsaka stood up and headed straight to the phone. She felt like something final was about to happen and it was the perfect moment to call her mother.
They talked about the war, the ritual and return of Archer, as well as about simple family matters. The warm voice from the other side of the phone calmed Rin down a little, but Aoi could easily feel that something was wrong.
"What's with this voice?" – she asked all of a sudden, to catch Rin off guard.
"What do you mean, Mom?"
"You sound exactly like your father when we had spoken the last time. This is not a goodbye, right?"
Tohsaka did not know how to answer, so she remained silent for a while, long enough for her mother to start worry.
"Rin. You have our Archer back. And your invincible Rider protects you. You have friends and allies, you can do it. Just believe in yourself and these nice guys." Aoi's voice was calm and encouraging, Tohsaka could easily imagine her smile. "I believe in you."
"Thank you, Mom. And I need to tell you that… Sakura is involved too."
A long moment of heavy silence, like the person on the other side held her breath.
"I see." Another long pause made Rin's heart ache. Aoi just repeated what she had said before, but more firmly and faithfully: "I believe in you."
There was nothing more to tell. After all, Tohsaka promised to follow her heart, no matter how difficult it would be.
Rider needed a moment of solitude to collect his thoughts and calm his heart before the upcoming storm. He materialized on the roof of the Tohsaka residence, but it seemed that he was not the only one who had come up with this idea.
Saber was already sitting there, hugging a few bottles of wine and staring at the street below.
"May I join you?"
Arturia nodded and gave him one of the bottles. The next one she handed to Berserker, who showed up without a word just a second later.
The three companions were sipping their drinks in silence. The sky above their heads was slowly changing its color to gray. A sudden blast of mana nearby told them that at least one more Servant shared their gloomy mood today.
"Oh, it seems that Lancer finally decided to join us." Siegfried welcomed their guest with a wide smile. Berserker totally ignored Cú Chulainn, focused on his drink, but Saber tensed visibly, ready to draw her sword. She was the only one here, who had never fought or even met him before. "Calm down, Saber, he's not the one to stab someone in the back."
"Exactly." The blue spearman gave them a thin smile; it was obvious that he enjoyed the company of honorable and honest people. "Don't tell me that you knew I've been watching you…"
"All the time." Rider gave him one of the bottles.
Lancer sat next to him with a heavy sigh and took a sip.
"The clouds are gathering," he noticed, watching the sky. "But the view is magnificent anyway."
"Ah, the sky is always the same." A little bit of nostalgia in Saber's voice. "Some things never change."
"Some things do change. Too bad that there are not many good warriors in this modern world," Rider noticed, a little disappointed.
"But there are still some fine women." Lancer smiled like a wild animal. "Unfortunately, I had no time to approach them."
"True. But I've never been good in this 'flirting' thing." Siegfried confessed with a sad smile. "I've always wondered, how to deal with this problem. If I say that a woman is beautiful and wise, she'll think: 'He thinks I'm an idiot and likes only my appearance?' And if I say that she's wise and beautiful, she will start to wonder, what's wrong with her look, to complement her mind first."
"I've never thought about it." Lancer stroked his chin. "Have you ever tried to call a lady 'cute'? It should solve all your problems."
"Well, it's seems to be so easy and it probably is, but definitely not with this lady."
"You're wrong." Saber shook her head. She sounded like an expert, being the only female in this company. "Every woman will be pleased by such words. She may pretend to be angry or even protest fiercely, but deep inside she'll be happy to hear it."
Even Berserker nodded, a faint but honest smile formed on his lips.
"I see. Well, not that I will have time to try…" Siegfried laughed, closing his eyes. "Speaking of which… No one knows what may happen, we may even turn against our Masters, allies and friends. Or attack innocent bystanders. It would be a great shame for a heroes like you to end like a corrupted beasts. I'm sure that none of you wants it."
"What's your point?" Arturia raised one eyebrow, intrigued.
"I will not be able to forgive myself if I ever betray you. So… I have a favor to ask you, my fellow champions. If I ever become a monster, please slay me, like true heroes should."
Saber and Lancer looked at him, sad and concerned. They knew that the curse of the Grail was not a thing any Servant could fight alone.
"Fine." Cú Chulainn was the first one to answer and reach out his hand to Rider. "But under one condition. When the time comes, you'll do the same to me."
"Deal." Siegfried accepted and they shook hands. Saber joined, with a kingly nod. Only Berserker ignored them completely. His black eye was moving quickly, observing something distant and unnoticeable for the rest of them.
"You too." Siegfried poked him in the shoulder. "I don't know what you think of yourself, but if Rin trusts you, it means that you're one of the good guys. I believe in you, at least."
Berserker looked at him like at an annoying brat, surprised, that Rider dared to touch him.
"Idiot," the black-eyed Servant murmured, but added his hand to the circle, although reluctantly.
And the four heroes made a solemn oath, watching the sunset and preparing for battle, which may be their last.
"Fine, I've had enough already Trace on!" Shirou projected his shield, his ultimate protection, the true origin carved in his soul. "Come, mage! I will not run anymore!"
He was so close! Sakura was waiting for him up these stairs – nothing will stop him to see her now. Shirou did not like to fight or command his Servant to attack people, but he reached his limit. He's been chased by this magus like a little rabbit, but now he just did not have a time for fun anymore.
Assassin?
Yes, Shirou. I've found the woman.
Good, go on. But try to not kill her.
Understood.
A short series from the gun and a woman's scream came from behind the trees.
One out, Master.
Good.
With Maiya unable to continue the fight and only one Servant present, Kiritsugu was most likely doomed. Assassin jumped at him with an enormous speed, like a cat on a helpless mouse. Emiya was ready to use another Command Seal, but fortunately Lancer showed up just in time, sensing the danger. He blocked the blow halfway and pushed the enemy Servant few meters back.
"What now, Master?" Cú Chulainn sighed heavily. "Any orders?"
Two Servants and their Masters were facing each other from the safe distance, trying to figure out the best tactic to defeat the enemy, but none really hurried to start the duel.
"Why have you stopped? It was so amusing… this little family conflict."
Kotomine was coming down the stairs from the temple, irritating as usual.
"What are you talking about? A family?" Kiritsugu held him at gunpoint and it was truly a miracle, that he did not fire yet, facing the false priest again after all those years.
"I would be really happy to explain it, but it seems that all the actors came to the scene at last."
"What?" Shirou glanced over his shoulder just to see three other Masters coming, to make the situation even more complicated than it already was.
"What's happening here?! Kirei? And Shirou Matou?" Rin narrowed her eyes, trying to understand, what's going on here.
"Kiritsugu too? Wait… Shirou?" Ilya whispered, utterly surprised. "So it is you…" She gave Berserker a worried look, but Servant only winked knowingly and changed his position, so he could guard his Master, if necessary. He did not seem affected by the boy's presence at all.
This is bad, Emiya thought, focused mostly on Kirei. Too many Servants around. I need to just finish the priest and get out of here.
"What's this?" Rider asked, looking at the sky, which seemed to be more red than grey now.
The fire glow lit the sky above the temple and the smell of smoke seeped up their nostrils. They've never seen such a great fire before.
"It's the ultimate punishment, the flames of vengeance." A strange light glowed in the priest's eyes. "In short, your dear Sakura just burned old Zouken at the stake."
"What?!" Rin and Shirou asked simultaneously, both totally shocked. "Sakura would never…"
"Why not?" Kotomine gave them a thin, mocking smile. "She's connected directly to the Grail now, she can do what she wants."
"You…" Assassin's voice, although quiet as usual, was filled with hatred and rage. She charged at the priest with an obvious intention to kill. "Lying bastard."
"What have you done to Sakura?! Assassin, wait!"
But Medusa already reached the priest, her chain-dagger clashed with his Black Keys with a clear sound.
Also at this moment Kiritsugu decided to fire again. He was retreating slowly, trying to take the enemy down, but Kirei managed to block the bullets, using his Command Seals as a shield.
"Lancer, go!" Emiya was ready to end this farce, but a new strong aura appeared and in an instant changed the balance of power on this improvised battlefield.
"So you've decided to show up eventually?" - Kotomine asked, now safe behind the back of a noble figure, which materialized from the golden mist.
"I can't just ignore so many mongrels, who are trying to kill you, can I?" Gilgamesh had no respect even for his Master. He looked down at the gathered Heroic Spirits. "Well, well, I've promised you something, remember, dragon boy? The dog will be next. And… Saber." A sincere disgust on Archer's face when he looked at the King of Knights. "You have no shame to show yourself before me in such disgraceful state? If you really have any honor left, you should end your pathetic existence just now, abomination!"
"Saber, don't!" Ilya stopped her Servant, feeling growing fury and a violent maelstrom of mana around Arturia. "Please, just guard me now."
"Yes, Saber. I will be the one to face this weirdo." Scáthach stepped forward. "I deserved a bit of entertainment as well, don't you think?"
"Oh? The undead witch?" Archer gave her a wide, unpleasant smile. "That would be interesting."
This is madness, Kiritsugu thought, slowly stepping back and reloading his gun. Even worse than in the docks, ten years ago.
His mind was working on the highest speed, trying to find the way out of the situation. The golden Servant was the biggest threat now and his Master must be eliminated immediately, but…
Maiya is wounded after Assassin's attack. I cannot do anything while standing in the centre of this mess. We must regroup and take Ilya out of here now.
So Lancer was the first to leave the scene, forced to obey the order of his calculative and cunning Master.
"Tch." He felt terrible, leaving Scáthach in such an important moment, but he obeyed and turned away with a heavy sigh. "Just kick his ass, teacher. I believe in you."
"No doubt you do, Sétanta." She smiled gently. "Shame you will not see it."
Shirou hesitated for a moment, but he finally made his decision to leave Assassin behind and run up the stairs to the temple. Medusa was determined to end Kotomine's existence in great pain, even if she had to break through the protection of the King of Heroes.
Rin clenched her teeth and followed Shirou without a second thought. Rider clearly was not going to let her go there alone. Berserker seemed torn between the desire to protect Tohsaka and the possibility of accepting the challenge of going all out against Gilgamesh, who was staring at him with a wide, mocking smile. The black-eyed warrior was ready to act, but he waited for the command from his Master.
"Stay away." Scáthach stopped him with the tip of her spear. "I gave you an order already, remember?"
"Yes. Good luck." He nodded and followed the others, obedient but visibly worried.
"Are you sure that you don't need any assistance?" Ilya was still there, not sure what to do.
"Go, Ilya. If you stay, you'll lose Saber."
Arturia frowned angrily, deeply offended and ready to fight, but her Master stopped her. The girl knew that Scáthach was right.
"Just go, child." The warrior queen spun her spears and stood in a fighting position, the bloodlust started to slowly grow in her voice and eyes. "I can't just die, remember? And we have a lot of things to discuss with the gold-clad clown here."
"Yes, it will be a very interesting… exchange of thoughts."
Gilgamesh raised his hand and the sky above their heads glowed with the golden light, coming from the wide open Gate of Babylon.
"Shit, my shield is useless here!"
"It's not a normal fire, it's like a dragon's breath," Ilya noticed and wiped the sweat of her forehead. "So hot…"
The wall of flames was higher than the gate itself. The fire was raging freely on the temple grounds and whoever unleashed this hell, was an expert of spreading terror and destruction.
"We're going to break through, don't worry." Tohsaka took a few jewels out of her pocket and measured them in her hand.
"Rin… what do you want to do exactly?" - Rider asked calmly, crossing his arms. He was like the voice of reason in this whole madness. "Just charge in without any plan? Have you decided at least if you want to talk or fight?"
"Of course we're going to help Sakura, not fight her!" – Shirou declared immediately. "Right, Tohsaka?" But when Rin did not answer, he added hesitantly: "Tohsaka? Hey, Tohsaka!"
"Of course! And hey… stop yelling at me! I was just preparing protecting spells, so you won't burn to death, you moron!"
"Good." Siegfried seemed pleased by this answer and he summoned his stallion. "Now come, you both. I will carry you through this."
"How?" Shirou did not look convinced. He gazed at Tohsaka questioningly, but she only shrugged in response.
"It's not the first time I'll be crossing the ring of magical fire, you can trust me."
So they did and climbed clumsily into the saddle. Rin glanced at Ilya, but the girl smiled and waved her hand, showing them that there's no need to be worried.
"Just go," she said and exchanged a meaningful glances with Berserker. "We'll be right behind you."
Grani watched the flames with his big eyes wide open. This horse was truly fearless... or he just trusted his master this much.
It's just like the last time, friend, Siegfried thought, caressing the grey hair of his mount. The beautiful lady awaits on the other side. Well, kind of. It's just like Scáthach said about this strange syndrome, right?
And they just jumped into the fire, still not able to understand the difference between courage and stupidity.
Jeanne was sitting on the pile of rubble like on some kind of grotesque throne. She greeted her guests with a cruel smile. Sakura was lying on her lap, sleeping, innocent like a child. There were no signs of Zouken, the old magus must have been already annihilated, wiped out from the surface of the earth.
"More sinners came to be judged. And our beautiful playthings…" Ruler gently stroke his Master's hair. The girl did not react in any way. "You were right, Sakura, this Shirou is nice too."
"What have you done to Sakura?" Shirou stepped forward but Berserker grabbed his clothes and pulled the boy back.
Just in time. A strange figure, made of shadow and the Grail's mud, almost reached the young magus and torn him to pieces. Berserker's twin blades were now keeping the monster at bay.
Other shadow familiars were stopped by the swords of Rider and Saber. Although Siegfried was not the only one to fight them, they seemed to totally ignore other Servants. It was obvious that someone had ordered them to surround Rider and corrupt him as soon as possible.
"Nothing. She's resting after the execution of the worst sinner." Jeanne stood up, leaving Sakura on the improvised throne. "She was very excited, that's why the flames are so high and strong tonight!"
Rin could not believe her own eyes. This madness was just too great to bear it and remain sane. She rushed to Rider to help him in this hopeless fight…
Someone grabbed her hand and stopped her before she could reach the mud and shadow.
"Ar-cher?"
"Don't." He looked at Rin with a serious expression and pointed at the Command Seals on her hand. "Use this."
"Right. I won't let him be corrupted!"
The magic of not one but two Command Seals was needed to make Rider invulnerable to the curse, at least for some time. Angry Ruler narrowed her eyes and waved her flag, determined to bend Siegfried to her will at any cost.
"Oh no!" Ilya quickly realized what's going on. The girl's face turned pale and she ordered Saber with a spell to retreat immediately. "Get out of here, Saber! Rider, look out! It's the charm of the Dragon Witch!"
It was too late for Siegfried, he could only watch helplessly, how the dragon's blood within him submits completely to Ruler's will. He lost control of his own body and the blue circuits on his chest burst with a bright, dazzling light.
"No, no, no!" Rin tried to help, but Berserker held her tight and did not let her move even a step forward. "What's happening?"
"She's opening his magic circuits by force," Ilya explained, her eyes wide open. Just one glance at Rider was enough to tell that it was an extremely painful process. "What an enormous energy!"
"So… Let's start, shall we?" Jeanne walked up to her new puppet and gently stroke his long hair. "You need to work on your new nickname, Siegfried 'the Servant Killer'!"
The energy started to gather around the Ether and Rider raised Balmung high above his head, his arms were obviously acting against his will. The sword was drawing mana through corrupted Jeanne directly from the Grail and it was clear that the upcoming blast will highly surpass even Saber's Excalibur.
"Rin, run!" – Siegfried shouted desperately. "I'm sorry, I won't hold it any longer. Hurry up!"
"Come, Rin." Berserker grabbed Tohsaka's arm and pulled her behind him to the exit.
"Shirou, run, now!" Ilya shouted, while heading at full speed to the gate in Saber's arms.
The boy glanced one last time at unconscious Sakura and clenched his fists, utterly frustrated.
"I'll come back for you, I promise!"
He ran. Someone used a Command Seal or two, their magic filled the air around them. And at this moment a massive wave of pure energy came through the temple grounds, destroying everything on its way.
"Are you all right, Master?"
Shirou woke up on the cold stones, his chest and clothes were all wet with blood.
But it was not his blood. Assassin shielded him with her own body, taking the power of Balmung's blast on her uncovered back. She was in a truly pitiful state, almost completely burned and shattered, the beams of leaking mana were raising from her wounds like a steam in the cold air.
"I'm fine, but you…?"
She shook her head and smiled.
"It's nothing." Her fading voice was full of sadness. "I'm sorry, Master. I couldn't save Sakura. I couldn't kill the priest. I failed you."
"No." Shirou's eyes became embarrassingly wet and his voice trembled. "You've saved me. More than once. But why?"
"This is what Servants do, Shirou." The way she spoke his name was full of affection. "Please thank the warrior queen for the Command Seal. She sent me here."
"I will. And I… will miss you."
"I will miss you too, Shirou."
Assassin stole the one last kiss from her beloved Master and she vanished quietly, with a peaceful smile on her face.
Despite his situation, Siegfried breathed a sigh of relief. Rin was safe and unharmed, he could feel it through the remnants of their bond. Berserker guarded Tohsaka and Rider was sure, that he would keep her safe no matter what.
So he did not hurt his allies… yet. Good. There was still some time until he'll be completely changed into an evil beast. The dragon blood was burning his veins from the inside, but he still had faith and was determined to resist the charm as long as possible. He was the one to slay dragons, not to become one of them. He will not give up so easily.
After all, there were heroes out there who promised to stop him before he could do any more harm.
I believe in you, he thought and a thin smile brightened his face.
He looked around. Everything was burned to the ground and the girl in white dress was sleeping in the centre of this mess on a grotesque throne. Next to her stood Jeanne, a terrifying and extremely beautiful figure, with a flag dyed crimson.
Her cruel laugh echoed through the ruins, but when Siegfried looked at her face, he saw tears flowing down her cheeks and an unbearable pain in her golden eyes.
Next time we will see our dear Scáthach in action. Thank You for reading this far and please tell me what You think!