Finally the next chapter. This actually took me a lot longer to write than the other ones. It was not that I was having difficulty writing it (I kind of was) but It physically took me a longer amount of time to write this chapter than the others did, though I guess I kind of wanted it to be a bit more thought into it that what I usually did but I guess this was because with this Chapter this fic is now over a hundred thousand words long making it my second fic to go over that mark just a little after Yu-Gi-OH Extra CCC Path to the King that has ove on hundred and twenty eight thousand words. Still I hope you have fun reading this Chapter. Also thanks to all of youwho review and give feedback especially Fate Love I enjoy it when other people have things to say and feedback to share. Also a thank you G. S phoenix for your aid in my Yu-Gi-Oh crossover.
Gundam AGE Opening Sharp #
Music opens with the knight sky been seen lit by the luminous glow of a full moon that is seen over o lake that reflects it's glow. A white figure is seen in the distance tinier than a speck. The speck becomes larger until you can see Archer as he flies with his two wings spread. Archer then flies past and the scene freezes with two ivory feathers that were in the motion of falling as they are about to touch the surface of the water.
ai ja nai sawarenai (it's not love; I can't touch you) -The scene still shows the previous one though it starts to move in an extremely slow motion.
tada hakanai negai deshita (I just had harboured some fleeting wishes) -The scene resumes as the two feathers touch the surface of the water causing some ripples, the wind then blows strongly scattering to two feathers as they are blown away.
kimi dake sore dake (wishes about you, no more) -Sakura is show with her purple hair blowing in the wind a sad smile on her face her her face is shown on a sideways angle and she is looking upwards, the scene changes showing a man with neatly combed black hair facing the opposite direction. Only his face is shown and holds a stern expression. The man looks to be in his early twenties and his one eye that is seen is a glowing blue in colour.
mitsumeteita hikari deshita (I stated at the light that was you) -Archer is now shown his passive expression seen on his face as his sword glows with an aquamarine glow as tentacle like appendages of the abomination Caster summoned strike at him, Archer cuts these with no effort as the sliced appendages burn up with the aquamarine energy seeming like it is eating away at them.
ima unmei wo hamidashite (now we break free of fate) -Rider and Waver pass Irisviel and Saber during daytime both Heroic Spirits are not in their battle attire. The King of Conquerors and the King of Knights gaze at each other locking eyes as they pass by continuing to walk in opposite directions, Waver and Irisviel also glance at each other as they continue towards their separate destinations
sutorobo no toki ga kimi wo sarau mae ni sa (before a time of uncertainty blows you far away) -Risei Kotomine can be seen standing in the Church frowning at the events happening, Hisau Maiya preparing her rifles and other firearms. She now seen in the process of loading his Thompson Contender with a single bullet, Tokiomi is next scene sitting in his study watching something that displeases him as the Magus's hand tightens around the jewellery staff. Kariya is seen with Sakura as he stand protectively in front of the child, finally Saber is seen raising a glowing golden sword above her head before swinging it down extending it's reach in the form of a golden beam
motto kayaku kakenuketeyuku (we will go faster than ever before) -Lancer and Berserker are seen flashing by each other creating tremors when each of the Servants clash before they jump back. Now Rider and is seen with his chariot surrounded by crackling electricity as he charges forward, speeding towards Archer increasing his speed and the amount of energy being produced by the second, while the King of Conquerors roars in challenge, Archer for his pat steps forward putting weight on his front leg as his blade opens sideways and am aquamarine blast emits from the blade consuming everything that can be seen.
ano hoshi ni naritai (I want to be your star) -Saber and Irisviel are send watching this with shocked and horrified expressions on their faces, Maiya elsewhere also watching this exchange is shocked with it visibly shown on his face breaking the womans calm and stoic demeanour revealing that this is indeed something that people should be genuinely shocked by, Waver is seen crying out his hand outstretched as he was in some vain hope trying to aid or save Rider as a silhouette of the King of Conquerors can be seen behind the young Magus, his cape flapping in the wind.
maboroshi demo ii (I don't mind if I never become it) -Again the scene with the lake is shown it's water's now peaceful and giving a perfect reflection of the full moon mirroring the glow of the moon.
oikakete chiri ni naru made (its my goal until I turn to dust) The scenery is now lit up with two pillars of light that looks as if they were colliding with one another one is golden in colour the other is aquamarine. The water on the lake is no longer peaceful as an immense wind blows sending earth and broken pieces of buildings everywhere along with the water.
ima ginga wo mataite (now I shine onto the Galaxy) -A man with neatly combed black hair and glowing blue eyes, sporting a similar uniform as Archer is seen plunging downwards from the sky. His hand hold the hilt of the massive sword on his back while he has two whit wings protruding from the left side of his back, As he fades a similar figure in the same uniform is seen replacing the first one. This one also had black hair and blue eyes that glow yet while the previous one's expression was stern this one has a confident and good nature smirk on his face, this figure also is slightly shorter than the first and has spiky black hair, this figures also carries a sword identical to the first one on his back, unlike the figure before it this figure does not have any wings A third figure is seen taking over the second as its fades out. This one is shorter than both of thee previous ones, he wears a different uniform sporting only one shoulder pad and has spiky blonde hair instead, unlike the first to figures the third one carries a new sword that looks like it is a fusion of several from in his hand rather than on his back, like the one before it this figure does not possess any wings. Finally Archer with his two wings spread on the left side of his back as he is seen overtaking the third figure as it fades out before a close up of his face and his glowing azure eyes flash brilliantly for a moment.
monokuro no yume ga boku wo sasou mai mi sa (before despair sneaks into my dreams and hopes) -Saber is now seen transforming from her modern day attire which is a black business like suit into her armour. Holding Excalibur in both hands as it shines brilliantly she takes a step forward and charges forward a silent battle cry on her lips.
konya mayowazu ni mune wo sake (tonight we act without any hesitation, without regard for others) -Archer and Saber are shown leaping towards each other the Servants respective Swords glowing their respective colours as they clash in a creating a blinding whit light as their swords connect. Unlike Saber who is wielding her sword in both hands Archer is only using his left arm as the blow connects.
ano hoshi ni naritai (I want to be your star) -Sakura is seen standing up with Kariya behind her placing an arm on the girls shoulder as they watch the events of that battle, Kariya's right arm no longer possesses any Command Seals.
"If another me was born somewhere else, and had led a different life, how would he feel? If there was another version of myself somewhere on the other side of the ocean, what would happen if I were able to meet him? Would I be able to be his friend? Or would the differences in our upbringing be something that I couldn't overcome? Can I understand him because he is me? Or will he be impossible to understand because he's me?" -Tooru Kazasumi, Gunslinger Stratos: The Animation
Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald also known as Lord El-Melloi waited in the Church as Rissei Kotomine came and sat down on the chairs set up in the Church. "My apologies for the wait" Risei apologised to the Magus "I have found that my good self has been kept rather busy as of this evening" the aged Executioner explained. In truth with the incident with Caster as the mediator and referee he had been extremely busy in the last few hours alone and he had not even fully begun the cover up.
Kayneth chuckled "I would imagine so" he replied "Given the situation I don't blame you, it must be a lot of work to cover up" the crippled Magus stated referring to the incident with Caster earlier in the night. Whether or not Kayneth was being snide was yet to be seen or not was yet to be seen, but it was clear that the Magus looked down on the Executioner. "Covering all that up will be extremely difficult" Lord El-Melloi stated in his usual arrogant and nerve grating manner.
"Well" Rissei began "the work this time has been too much for the Church to handle" the aged Executioner admitted. "We are using any help we can get" he informed Kayneth turning his head to the side to look at the Magus face to face.
Lord El-Melloi turned his head to look make eye contact with Rissei, his triumphant smirk fixed in place "now then Priest" the Magus stated "What will your answer to my request be" the crippled heir of the prestigious Archibald family asked "regarding the reward offered for the defat of Caster" Kayneth Archibald asked. Kayneth seemed to believe that it was Lancer who had put down caster even though Saber was the one who had dealt the final blow to the insane Servant.
Risei was worried at this as he knew that Archer had avoided making the final blow on purpose but the aged priest did not let it show. Instead the aged Executioner prepared to answer Kayenth's question. "It is true that Lancer played a pivotal role in the defeat of Caster, as verified by eyewitness reports" Risei replied carefully, while he was hesitant to give Lord El-Melloi the Command Seal he also knew that the man was no longer a master, he could use that to his advantage to stall for time.
"I have the right to receive the one of the Command Seals, then?" Kayneth asked to Risei who had already looked away before the Magus had even begun speaking, the man seemed to be eager to get them back.
"Well" Risei started "Lord Kayneth Archibald" he addressed the Magus as he looked at the man's hand that was bereft of the Command Seals. "I don't know if I can consider you a Master at this point" he admitted. None of the other Master's did.
Kayneth closed his eyes and smiled in a friendly manner, Risei was by no means fooled at all "Lancer is jointly bound by contract to me and Sola-ui my fiancee" he admitted, revealing this much was needed to try and convince the Executioner.
"And isn't Lady Sola-Ui the one who's currently providing theMana and holding the Command Seals?" Risei challenged revealing that he had known of Kayneth's abuse of the system.
"That's true" Lord El-Melloi "I have temporarily given her the Command Seals" he admitted, not an outright lie but a lie nonetheless. Since Kayneth's eyes were closed he did not see Risie's eyes widen as he saw through this lie. "However" Kayneth continued "the rights of the contract still lie with me" Kayneth stated with a confident grin on his face "to begin with the declaration of being a Master in this War was submitted to the Church in my own name" he did have a valid point.
Rissei waited a few moments before he looked to his own arm that held the spare command Seals including the one's he had received from the deceased Master of Caster and came to his decision, Kayneth had made some very good arguments and it was thanks to Lancer that Caster's abomination was put down. "Very well" the aged Executioner spoke in a resigned tone "I recognise your right to the reward" he informed the Magus. Getting up from the seat Rissei walked up to directly in front of Kayneth as he pulled his own sleeve back revealing the spare command Seals "now lord Kayneth hold out you hand" he instructed. The Magus smirked victoriously as he did as he was told. "Take this all of you, and drink from it" Rissei quoted the words of the Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. "This Cup is my Blood, shed for all of you so that your sins may drink from it" Rissei continued to quoted "do this in memory of me" Rissei finished.
As the Aged man of the clothe finished the rites of the Last Supper the Command Seals on Rissei's arm began to glow. Before the transfer could be completed it was ended abruptly as a strong gloved hand grabbed Kayneth by his skull and hoisted him out of the wheel chair away from Rissei. "Think not to defile what is considered Sacred with your treachery weakling" Archer stated in his cold and sharp as he materialised in aquamarine motes of light. "This place is considered Holy and as a place of worship" the Servant of the Bow informed the Magus as he dragged the now screaming and helpless Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald out of the Church without any resistance from the crippled man.
Rissei didn't wince as he felt the slight breeze of heated air and the smell of ash the drifted in, though needless to say the Executioner was very grateful for Tokiomi's Servant's intervention and grateful for the fact that Archer had not killed Kayneth in the Church recognising it's importance as a place of worship and peace. Rissei also noticed the pistol that had fallen from Lord El-Melloi's hand when Archer had grabbed the man and taken the Magus away.
"I take it you just saved my life" the aged priest stated "I am grateful for that and that you disposed of him outside of the Church" he informed the Knight of the Bow with a polite inclining of his head as a show of thanks and respect. It was then Rissei noticed something about Archer that he had only heard of and not confirmed. "Two white ivory wings" he noted the two wings on the left side of Archer's body "Most would mistake you for an Angel, though some would know better and say so all the same" the aged Executioner commented. "I take it you are not a real Angel, but that may also have something to do with your two wings coming out from only one side of your back. Still none of this were in your Noble Phantasm."
"I may sprout my wings if I wished to, now that my Personal Skill Uncrowned Arms Masters is no longer in effect I see no reason to hide it" Archer explained. "Though I never saw a real reason to use it other than to gain and advantage over some of the other Servants, but you should never underestimate your opponent" he informed Rissei. As he was leaving the Servant turned gazed back at Rissei "the Master of Saber is dead" the Servant of the Bow stated "but his wish lives one."
With that Archer took on his Astral form vanishing into motes of aquamarine light as he disappeared, leaving Rissei behind to puzzle out what he had just been told. "That does explain why I have six additional Command Seals instead of the three that Caster's Master provided me with" the aged Executioner reasoned. "Though that does beg one to ask why Archer would kill the Magus Killer now of all times." Risei sighed "there is also the fact that Lancer and his new Master may be coming to get an additional Command Seal as well aS Saber and whoever she contracted with as the Servant of the Sword was the one to actually kill Caster." The aged Priest shook his head "I still can't shake the feeling that if Tokiomi had summoned the Servant he had desired this would have been an even bigger issue to deal with. Though perhaps Kirei would have been alive if that were case."
"Mam" a young and youthful if not a little frantic voice called out to Irisviel von Einzbern. "Mam, please wake up?" the voice asked as the homunculus felt something warm and wet placed against her forehead and she felt a little trickle of liquid run down the side of he face. Similarly, the homunculus realised that this was not coming from what she suspected was the damp clothe on her forehead. This liquid was running down from a little lower where her eyes were. Why was she crying?
"She's waking up" a deep baritone stated. This voice despite the rough edges to it had a note of concern and regal feel to it. "That is good Saber, perhaps you can sort things out now." the deep baritone suggested to a third or possible the first voice.
"Irisviel" a firm but also concerned voice spoke to her "Irisviel" the new voice spoke again, the Einzbern homunculus found it strange that this voice also sounded regal. "You need to wake up" the new voice urged and there was a note of pleading to it.
Irisviel opened her eyes and was greeted with the sight of Saber leaning over her, she also noted that Rider and his Master Waver were in the background "Saber?" She asked as she sat up "what happened?" It was then that the full weight of what happened crashed down on the Einzbern homunculus and she she needed to steady herself not to topple over even though she wavered for a bit. "Kiritsugu" she began "Kiritsugu, is dead" the Lesser Grail managed placing on hand on her face as she tried to deny it, yet it was true. The only way Saber's supply of Prana could have been cut off was is Kiritsugu died, you can't annul contracts with Servants like you can with such things like business agreements, this bond was binding.
"Irisviel von Einzbern" Rider addressed her in a serious tone, one that she had rarely heard him use "You have my condolences about the fate of your husband" the King of Conquerors informed her. Irisviel was still a little out of it but not too much not to appreciate exactly who was talking to her. "But as you see every moment that passes is a moment not wasted but more akin to lost, your husband Kiritsugu as I believe you called him was Saber's Master and her anchor to remain in this world" he informed her. "If the King of Knights does not make a contract soon she will fade" it was clear that the King of Conquerors was asking her to form a contract with Saber.
Irisviel was conflicted at first, mainly she didn't want to have anything more to do with the grail war and simply wanted to lie down and expire, if it were not for Archer she would be degrading very fast due to her nature as the Lesser Grail.
"Do not think lightly of the chance you were given by Archer" Saber stated realising where the Einzbern homunculi's thoughts were heading "Kiritsugu though we never saw eye to eye would not desire for you to simply give up" she stated.
This shocked Irisviel out of her thoughts as she realised that Kiritsugu had been hurting because he knew she was going to have to sacrifice herself to bring out the greater Grail. If she did make a contract with Saber and win the Grail War she would be able to bring Kiritsugu back. It was then that the words of Archer Echoed in her head making Irisviel remember the Grail War's true purpose. "The Grail war as you call it is really an attempt by the Einzberns to recover the Third Magic which they had lost" she remembered "If one does not receive the Third Magic they get the wish instead" Irisviel reasoned. "Even if I did get the Third Magic, Kiritsugu would have needed to have died recently like within an hour for it to bring him back." she realised The Fifth Magic would have been of more use in the current situation. "However I should get the wish I could wish for him to live again, but would Kiritsugu want that?" the Einzbern homunculus asked, realising that the answer was no. While He would be happy to see her again he would have preferred it if she had wished for world peace like he would have. Finally Irisviel realised that even if she should compete she would not win as she herself was required to summon the Greater Grail.
"If it is for the world that Kiritsugu desired" Irisviel began speaking aloud "then" she hesitated for a fraction of a moment. "Then there is nothing I can't do to see it realised" she declared a bit shakily.
Rider got a big grin on his face and he laughed loudly, deeply and richly "Ah" he said "that's the spirit" the King of Conquerors stated liking what the Einzbernn homunculus had just declared. "challenge the horizon because it is unreachable" he said.
"Mam" Waver addressed Irisviel "To for a Contract with Saber all you need to do is repeat the latter part of summon chant and for Saber to accept" he explained. "Do you know the chant? " It was clear Waver was offering to help.
Irisviel smiled kindly and sadly at the youth "thank you for the offer" she informed him "but I was with Kiritsugu when he summoned Saber I remember the chant" she explained. Waver nodded and walked a little distance away. Raising her right hand Irisviel began "I hereby propose" she chanted. "Thou shalt come under my command" Irisviel continued into the next verse. "And thy sword shall be my fate (doom)" it was not really the chant that mattered by the feel of it and the Servant that did. "Abiding by the summons of the Holy Grail, if thou accedes to this will and reason, answer me" Irisviel chanted. "I contract hereby that I will become all that is good in the eternal realm, That I will dispose all of the Evil in the eternal realm." Irisiviel the continued "come forth from the circle of constraint, guardian of the heavenly scales, accede to men and my fate will become thy sword!" Irisviel's hand then glowed and a set of command seals similar to a sword in appearance appeared on her hand.
"I accept this contract under the name of Saber" The King of Knights replied "I recognise you as my master Irisviel" she stated as the contract was formed between the Master and Servant.
Rider nodded in approval "boy" he addressed Waver "it's time to leave" he stated. Waver nodded walking with Rider to where to Gordius Wheel was as the two prepared to depart, since Saber and her Master were longer was in any immediate danger.
"King of Conquerors" Saber addressed Iskander. Seeing that Rider had glanced back the King of knights continued "You have my gratitude" she informed the mountain of a man.
"Think nothing of it, I myself would never wish such a position onto anyone" Rider replied as he and his Master walked up to his Noble Phantasm. It was when the two of them had reached it that called out Irisviel called out to them.
"Wait" she asked earning the two's attention "You need to be warned about Archer's actual Parameters" she informed the,. Seeing Rider give a slight nod that meant for her to continue the Eiznbern homunculus did. Rider and Waver had both been present when the Archer had informed them that he had been holding back. "All of Archer's Perameters are one full rank higher than what we saw originally" Irisviel explained. "Except for his strength rank that is not a whole rank up" she stated.
"Oh" Rider replied, he was genuinely surprised at this as Waver had stated to him before that archer was a top end Servant when it came to his Parameters "What of his strength Parameter then?" he asked noting that this must have been important.
"Archer's Strength Parameter cannot be classified by the Grail System" Irisviel answered "In short it is one that falls under the EX rank." she explained as Waver, Rider and the Servant of the Sword's eyes widened at this.
"Master are you sure that you saw this correctly?" Saber asked concern and worry were etched into the King of Knight's voice. If what Irisviel said was true then Archer was a most formidable foe indeed and he could very well be the last Servant standing as he had said he would be at the king of Conquerors's banquet the previous night. Saber had knownn that archer was not the kind to boast, but to possess this much power was frustrating and frightening for even one such as her.
"That is indeed grave tidings" Iskander agreed scratching his chin thoughtfully, While I do still have my own trump card like you still have yet to reveal your own, I am unsure if Archer has something to counter it or not" the King of Conquerors noted "in truth that worries me" Rider admitted without a moment's hesitation. "What is your opinion on this revelation King of Knights?" the Servant of the Saddle asked Saber for her opinion most likely looking for another's besides that of his Master.
Saber closed her emerald eyes for a moment before she spoke. "From what I have just heard and what I have seen of Archer, he is strongest when he is fighting where he would normally have a disadvantage if he were a lesser warrior" the Servant of the Sword explained. "As it stands no single Servant or Master can defeat him alone from what we have just heard, that and he can easily overwhelm two Servants who have teamed up to face him head on, like he did to Lancer and Berserker."
"Ah" the Servant of the Saddle began "I see what you mean" he informed her. "No Servant alone can match Archer in combat in one on one combat" Rider stated. "However if two or more were to focus their combined attention and devise a plan on how to deal with the Servant of a Bow then they might stand a chance" the King of Conquerors deduced. "Though was that you requesting an alliance to take down Archer, King of Knights?" he asked.
Saber looked to Irisviel who gave her a small nod before she answered "It appears so King of Conquerors" she answered. "I would request that we have a truce between us until Archer is defeated." the Servant of the Sword stated.
The King of Conquerors laughed but he did not refuse "Very well Saber" Iskander replied "I accept, your offer." Rider replied. "When do we start?" he asked.
Maiya Hisau hurried as she drove to where Irisviel and Saber were the memory of what Kiritsugu's message still clear in her mind and on repeat on her phone. The urgency of the situation had made her abandon taking out Lancer's new Master to draw out the Servants previous one as this took Priority over it, Kiritsgugu was dead. "Maiya" the message had said "Caster has been defeated but it appears that I am about to be killed" only Kiritsugu could be so calm when talking about something like that "If you have not removed the Command Seal's from Lancer's new Master, then abandon it, When I die my contract with Saber will be severed" the Magus killer had explained. "The King of Knights will be able to tell what happened immediately and tell Irisviel" Maiya didn't need to listen to any more of what was being said but did so anyway "if she desires to win the Grail War in my stead she will need to make a contract with Saber, those two are more compatible than I could ever be."
Maiya's was unsure of whether she should go and collect Kiritsugu's body for his Magic Crest as instructed or go and check up on Irisviel. In the Distance across the bridge Maiya saw to other figures with Saber, it was Rider and his master, since it would not be in character for either of those two to take advantage of this situation Maiya decided that for the moment Irisviel was in safe hands and that She should Collect Kiritsugu's body without interference.
"I'm Sorry Kiritsugu" she apologised to the man who had taken her from her war torn country and given her purpose. Maiya had been raised in an environment that had a specific lack of humanity to it. As such she possessed a lack of self to her and considered her being as entirely belonging to Kiritsugu. If one were to ask her if she loved Kiritsugu it would be akin to asking if the innards if they loved the brain. The question itself would be completely meaningless.
Maiya found the beached Ship that Kiritsugu had acquired and found lying down in a pool of his own blood the Magus Killer "As she got the equipment to transport the body to the residence a voice that was both cold and sharp spoke to her causing the woman to freeze up. "Like him you are still human at heart but even less so" the voice that could only belong to the Servant who had been summoned as Archer stated. "You shared a relationship of I believe is called a sexual one that contained no real emotions" The Servant informed her of their actions together. "It was mainly used by the former Master of Saber as practice for betraying his wife in allowing her to sacrifice herself to complete the Grail as well as a form of Self abuse to Emiya Kiritsugu" Maiya was surprised that Archer didn't comment on how it was a very poor excuse to have an affair but the servant seemed not even to consider that, then again from what they knew of Archer he seemed to not care for such things or even understand them in general. "Despite this you treasured every second of it" Archer finished. "you don't really need to ask to do you" the Servant of the Bow stated and he was not referring to what he had just said before.
"You killed him" Maiya stated instead of accused. "You did not kill him because he was a Master in the Grail War but mainly because that was something his own ideals demanded" she said in a calm and collected tone.
Archer nodded "the path he walked led him straight into oblivion" the Servant of the Bow explained referring to Kiritsugu's way of living before he looked Maiya in the eye rooting the woman to the spot with his azure gaze "as does your own." Archer then rose up from where he had been sitting, now fully looking down on Maiya from his s perch, though whether the Servant of the Bow was was looking down on her in the metaphorical sense or the literal was unknown to the partner of the Magus Killer, still Maiya suspected it was the latter more than the former. "The truth of the matter was that, Emiya Kiritsugu would not have perished if he had also taken out my own master when the Magus Killer sniped the Master of Caster" Archer explained. "I would not have been obliged to take his life, that and Lancer deserves better" the Servant stated in an almost casual manner revealing that he knew of Kiritsugu's scheme on how to deal with with the Knight of the Lance and the two who held his contract. "But it is only Lancer out of them who deserves better" Archer informed Maiya "his Master and the Magus's fiancee deserve whatever fate you had in mind." It seemed that the Servant of the Bow was able to tell that Maiya had yet to deal with Sola-Ui. "However if you have not already checked I left what you call the Magical Crest intact" Archer informed as he turned away and began to walk from the scene. "his last words were apologies to his partner and offspring" Archer said
Maiya watched as the Heroic Spirit that had taken Kiritsugu's life turned to glance at her once last time and gave a polite nod before he entered his Astral form disappearing into aquamarine motes of light. She then turned and resumed work with transporting the body of the Magus Killer, Kiritsugu had left instructions in regard to what should be done with Magical Crest should it have been salvageable much less intact but that was for Irisviel to hear not her as the Einzbern homunculus was far more talented in Thaumaturgy than Maiya was. This was due to the fact like the Magus Killer himself Maiya was not a normal Magus more akin to a Magic user as Kiritsugu had only taught his assistant what was required to complete her duties. Maiya made Sure to close Kiritsugu's eyes as she managed to get his body in the bag and bit it into her car. She would head back to the residence to be there before Saber and Irisviel returned.
Tokiomi had run most of the way back to the Tohska mansion. He did not wait to see the result of the battle the head of the Tohsaka family didn't stop until he was a good ways home. Where he finally caught his breathe, despite the way that Tokiomi had dismissed how Kiritsugu, the man was still labelled as the Magus Killer for a reason. As such, Tokiomi had no intention of staying on the riverbank if Kiritsugu was really there or not. Also the Magus was not sure that his Servant would prevent his demise as Archer may accidentally forget to protect him or divert his attention to something more immediate like Caster leaving Tokiomi wide open. Of course this would was also justifiable as he had already expressed his desire to see Tokiomi actually take part in the Grail War or Heaven's Feel as the Servant called. it. That did make the Tohsaka wonder how Archer knew of it and more importantly how much Archer knew in general. Tokiomi was pretty sure that the Servant of the Bow would not hesitate in killing him if he betrayed the Servant, meaning that Tokiomi had to time everything perfectly if he was going to order Archer to kill himself once he defeated the last enemy Servant and Master for the Magus.
As Tokiomi made it back to the Tohsaka mansion he noticed that Archer was waiting for him there "You stopped to catch your breath" the Servant noted "it would have been wiser to continue to flee on the odd chance of a Master or one of their allies catching up to you" the servant of the Bow informed Tokiomi reminding that Magus of why he had fled in the first place. Archer continued to stare at Tokiomi "I believe the word I am looking for here is disgraceful" he said after a brief paused. "Yes the word seems to fit well as it is one that is similar to the words you use in your vocabulary "I believe that one you are fond of is called 'elegant'" Archer stated in his usual manner which made it difficult to tell if the he was being snide or just blunt.
Perhaps it was a bit of both as Tokiomi reasoned that he did not fully understand the Knight of the Bow and his behaviour and had neglected the need to sleep to avoid having to see the Servants memories, what the Magus had seen so far would stay with him to his dying day, not even Magi would go that far, or be able to create anything remotely as strong as that yet these individuals who Archer only knew the name of the man who authorised it so far in the memories. SHINRA the words were never spoken by anyone -save the masked robed men who were called the Restrictors- with anything less than absolute hatred, anger and a desire so murderous that it gave birth to actions of the most cruel kind. Tokiomi shrugged off any more thoughts that he was having as he needed to rest. Dragging himself inside the mansion unassisted by his Servant, which was due to the fact the magus had not requested didn't as for Tokiomi made it to his Workshop before he collapsed into his chair and sleep and exhaustion finally claimed him. Let it be said that the dreams of Tokiomi Tohsaka were not ones that offered the head of the Tohsaka family any form of respite.
The two blades descended again clashing raising sparks that flew across the battle field. In a duel between two individuals both highly experienced and inhumanly skilled swordplay one would assume that the two would appear to be standing still as their blades moved in-between the other as each blow was made and countered faster than the human eye could follow. This battle followed no such rules because while swords were the weapon of choice of the two individuals facing off against each other that was not the only weapon the had mastered in their arsenal. The blonde haired warrior who wielded a sword that seemed to be a combination of what seemed to be a six piece sword set met the singular large blade of his 'steel' haired opponent. Glowing azure eyes met each other as the constantly moved ascending and descending constantly moving as their blades met each other, were one would draw back the other would advance, where one would strike the other would counter, just the force of their blows colliding sent the debris through the air and shook all the objects around them, not to mention the spike of energy that would flash. That balance of power ever shifting as the two exchanged slashes, parries and thrusts.
Sometimes the two would break apart only to leap at each other only to speed back in a clash with an even greater amount of force as the two's clashes tore through the battlefield. There was a noticeable lack of anyone else present to witness this battle. That only served too make it all the more purer, there were no eyes willing you to lose or hoping for you to succeed, meaning that the two combatants could fight without any distractions holding nothing back as they both sought the other's demise. One fought to defend and to preserve, the other sought to kill and destroy, both of the warriors fought for the exact same reason; for that which they cherished the most. Each one knew this of themselves and their opponent.
As the two continued to fight their battle tearing through the ruins of the once mighty city they fought in a grudging respect for their opponent had been kindled in both the of the combatants. Too many had perished too much had been sacrificed for the confrontation that was not just occurring between these two, too much had occurred as both of them could feel the cold sting of pride that belonged to SOLDIER. But that didn't mean that they were intent on letting the other obtained victory, no it was because both sides had come this far that neither of the two could or to be more exact would back down. They had both chosen their path that led to the other being and obstruction so both of them continued their battle.
The blonde seemed to have a slight edge when it came down to skill and speed, being just a tiny bit quicker and more experienced in fighting powerful foes than his opponent. The other one the youth with the 'steel' coloured hair outclassed the blonde in terms of sheer strength and endurance as even though the two's engagement had lasted a little over one and a half hours the fighting between the two had gotten even more intense and deadly the minute. Now the blonde was starting to show signs of exhaustion as this fight had really zapped the strength and energy from him. His opponent seemed to not to be even showing hints of being tired and still looked and behaved as if he was fresh as if they had not been fighting for this last hour and a half.
As the two broke apart from their clash the blonde uttered the first words spoken since the two of them had had exchanged their names "Fighting you is like fighting Sephiroth without the advantage of having him waste time to mock you" he panted.
"I am unsure if that is what is called a compliment or an insult" was the 'steel' haired one's reply, he was being perfectly honest. "Are you referring to before or after the incident that resulted in the first burning of Nibelheim?" he queried. The Steel haired individual looked at the blonde one "you are catching your breathe" he stated. "So this is your limit" with this said the two of the Mako enhanced SOLDEIRS leapt high into the air as they clashed.
Before the clashed the blonde haired one spun hiss sword a few times before it was wreathed in a blue energy as the two of them clashed creating and explosion of Mako. It was then the blond one's fusion sword came apart into all it's separate swords in an explosion of energy. The Blonde himself was wreathed in it as he leapt up and grabbed one of the other floating swords and came down with at n incredible speed at his foe. Unseen but felt to the blonde was that the blonde's foe managed to parry the blow. The blonde did not stop there instead moving almost faster than his opponent could see he grabbed another sword and was again parried. This did not stop him as he continued attacking by changing to another blade until he was moving at such inhumane speeds that it seemed he was striking at over five different places at the same time. Now it seemed like blonde was everywhere as he continued attacking dealing three more strikes until he held a sword similar to his foes but a little smaller.
The blonde then dived at his foe along with four of his energy silhouettes, This time instead of parrying the 'steel' haired individual swung his sword arm back as his own sword was wreathed in an aquamarine glow that soon covered his whole person as he rocketed to meet the oncoming blonde. The two of them struck together at the same time the blonde's and his silhouettes swords striking the 'steel' haired one's one blades. Time seemed to stop a moment as if the whole universe was frozen in place. If one were to look past the silhouettes of energy one would see the two individuals as they clashed in mirroring posses as their blades struck, like a reflection on the water's surface effected by the colour of the reflection. This only lasted a moment then everything was filled with the bright and harsh glow of Mako energy as it exploded with a blinding light. With this the fourth act was finally coming to it's conclusion, but it would not be these two who concluded it nor would it be them who started the fifth act.
Sakura Matou awoke to the moon's reflected light. Getting up the young purple haired girl found herself stretching and giving a yawn before she made her way to where Kariya was "Ojisan" she said softly but the white haired man was able to hear her nonetheless. "I had trouble sleeping last night" she informed him tiredly. "It was as if something had been going on somewhere hereby and it was keeping me from falling asleep" she explained.
Kariya had not slept a wink and was very much concerned that Sakura had been able to sense the ordeal that had occurred with Caster during the night. Kariya himself had not been present and without the Crest Worms he had no familiars through which he could see through. However he didn't need to as even though from where they were in Fuyuki city made it impossible for them to see what Caster was doing. Kariya could feel the dark energy in massive amounts, he would have been surprised if anyone had gotten any sleep that night as even though he was sure that the Magi had handled preventing other's from seeing it Kariya was quite sure that many had actually seen the battle as it occurred. The Battle did occur at the River "do you want to sleep a little bit more?" Kariya asked Sakura as while he was not going to lie to her about the events, he wanted to at least let the girl recover a bit more first before she was informed of them. "It is still night time, it was not even three o clock at night yet."
"No thank you Ojisan" Sakura replied "I am fine as it is, whatever Oniisan did it helps me to feel better much faster" she informed Kariya who had suspected that what Archer had given them was responsible for the lack of fatigue he would usually have.
"Sakura" he spoke to the girl who he treated like his own daughter "would you like to go to the park today, the other kids may be there later once there is daylight." In truth they would be as the one who was responsible for the kidnappings had been reported killed. Someone had shot the serial killer. Kariya suspected that since the man was killed near the river one of the other masters must have put him down. "So Assassin and Caster are gone within one night of each other" Kariya noted. "I better play this more carefully as even though Archer has given me the means to defend myself he also instructed that I should stay low since the other Master's are far more experienced than me."
"The Magus Killer is no more, but his assistant still lives and his wife has now formed a contract with Saber" a familiar cold and sharp voice addressed the two of them as the room was flooded with an aquamarine light.
"Archer" Kariya whispered wondering what the Servant was doing here, but then again the Knight of the Bow did check up on them to ensure that they were as he put it 'in a reasonable functioning condition'. It seemed Archer did not know how to say that he was worried and actually wanted them to survive only able to say that he was concerned for their status and things of the like. Kariya had noticed that sometimes when Archer spoke he paused before he continued. "At first Kariya had believed that the Servant of the Bow was simply a little hesitant at what he he was about to say, Now Kariya suspected that Archer in fact was searching for the word that he believed was most appropriate to use for the situation while taking into account who he was talking to.
"Oniisan" Sakura greeted as she sleepily trudged up to the Servant of the Bow and gave him a hug much to the confusion of the Servant. This was another thing the Kariya had noticed, Archer was not used to regular human interaction.
For a moment Archer just stared at Sakura before he slowly put one of his gloved hands down on her head and gently patted and stoked it as if he was being careful not to break something delicate. Considering that Archer was a Servant it was understandable.
"AS you already most liekly have felt, Caster is no more and the Innsane Servant's Master has perished as well."Archer informed Kariya "The Magus Killer who was the true Master of Saber also met his end tonight, but his assistant still lives and so does his wife the Eiznbern homunculus who is now the new Master of Saber" Archer warned. "If you seek to grant Berserker's wish you will have be patient and tell him to be as well. Otherwise it will only result in the Servant of Madness failing to achieve his wish and losing this chance" The Servant of the Bow explained as he stepped away from Sakura and vanished into aquamarine motes of light as he entered his astral form. However before he vanished he addressed Kariya "master of Berserker" he said "If you so desire you could send your Servant to the second highest building in this city that is where the new Master of Lancer is. Don't worry just give her make her summon Lancer and that will be enough."
Sakura looked at Kariya as she walked back up to him "Ojisan" she asked "Are you going to help Oniisan?" Kariya himself looked back into the girls eyes that lacked pupils before he came to his decision.
"Lancer" A cold and Sharp voice called out to the First Spear of the Knights of Fianna halting the Servant of the Lance in his tracks. As Archer materialised from his Astral form to confront the other Servant.
"Archer" Lancer replied noting that the Servant of the Bow had appeared in front of him stopping him from reaching where his Master's fiancee was. "Why are you preventing me from returning?" he asked his fellow Servant.
"If you must know it is because you Master Kayneth El-Melloi Arhcibald is no longer alive" Archer informed him. "He was caught violating the rules of the neutral ground and was disposed of" Archer explained.
"Why do I feel as if you are here not just to do that?" the Servant of the Lance asked Archer who shrugged in response leaving it up to the First Spear of the Knights Fianna's imagination
Before anything more between the Two could be said Lancer vanished summoned by his Master with the use of a Command Seal, the last one in fact.
to the skyscraper that Lancer had left Sola-Ui on where she awaited him. Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri awaited Lancer as she gazed at her commands Seals a looking of longing on the Red haired Magus's face. "Thank goodness" Sola-Ui said with a relieved relieved that Lancer had survived the battle with Caster and that the insane Servant had been put down, there also was another reason. "Now once I get a Command Seal for defeating caster Diarmuid and I will be one step closer to being wholly connected" she stated looking at the single command Seal on her hand as she held onto the wired fence.
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!" a wordless or to be more exact an indecipherable cry rang out filled with rage and madness as Berserker leapt at Sola-Ui who managed by some miracle managed to duck and avoid the Servant of Madness's leap.
"What's Berserker doing here?" she asked aloud "he's come here to kill me because I'm a Master" Sola-Ui reasoned her eyes wide with fright and horror. "Grabbing her right and in her left she began chanting as her last Command Seal glowed Brightly "By the power of the Command Seal" she ordered "Lancer I command you return to me". The light on her Seal vanished along with all other traces of it's existence as the Knight of Lancer manifested in front of Sola-Ui. What was strange for her was that Berserker was nowhere in sight and that Diarmuid had a dangerous look in his eye as he saw her hand lacking the Command Seals. "Lancer" Sola-Ui began but was cut off as something red and long pierced her through the Chest.
Taking out his spea from the now dead body of Sola-Ui Lancer looked to the fence where he saw a familiar figure sitting there staring at him with glowing Azure eyes "I suppose I have you to thank for this" Lancer spoke to the figure "Archer."
So as I stated before this fic is now over the hundred thousand words mark making it my second fic to be as such and in a shorter time frame than the last, I think. Anyway I kind of was setting Sola-Ui and Kayneth up to be killed having the latter killed at the Start of the Chapter and the Former killed at the end. As you most probably have read in the previous one's Lancer despises both of them in this fic so it really isn't surprising. Given what he was forced to do in his legend because of Grainne it isn'ttoo surprising that he would killed Sola-Ui before she had the chance to force him to return her affection.
So yeah Saber and Irisviel formed a contract and they are allying with Rider and Waver against Archer since Irisviel revealed the Servant of the Bows parameters to them. Just as a note Irisviel has not made a recovery from Kiritsugu's death she is only trying to push herself forward because she wanted his wish of world peace to come through.
Just to let you know that was not the end of the fight in the flashback I just cut it there because the chapter would drag on too long if I simply continued it.
Also new opening I decided that since I killed Caster and Assassin and that I had use that one now for several chapters that I should make a new one. Seeing as Caster had many scenes in the last one.
As always please review or PM me if you have any ideas or feedback that you would like to share, I will ask that you leave a reivew rather than PM me as it is easier to sort and reference that way when I am writing the next Chapter.
Anyways I hope you enjoyed this Chapter. Until next time.