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Clarent Blood Arthur: Clarent Blood Arthur: A Fate/Stay Night Fanfiction
Chapter 14: La Pucelle
Emiya Household.
"No...No way..."
They couldn't believe what they had just heard, but the proof was right in front of them; the exchange student they knew as Leticia was actually the Servant Ruler. She sat gracefully as she was being flanked by her bodyguards, the Knights of the Round Table Lancelot and Gawain.
"My...my dear friends..." Saber would speak in a hushed tone, one that conveyed both sadness and surprise.
"'Tis good to see you again, my liege." Gawain would offer her a smile. "Though, I had hoped that we would meet again under better circumstances."
"Looks like you kept your end of the deal." Rin greeted Lancelot with a grin.
"I merely spoke to Ruler about it." The Knight of the Lake replied nonchalantly. "It was she who made the final arrangements."
"You still have our thanks, Lancelot-san." Shirou nodded before addressing Leticia. "I certainly can say that I didn't expect this."
"I'll have to apologize for the farce I had to pull. I didn't want anyone knowing of my existence at the early stages of the War." Leticia explained with an apologetic smile. "I certainly didn't want any of the other Servants and Masters to try and curry my favor. However, the circumstances forced me to reveal my hand."
The blonde closed her eyes, paused to take her breath, then regarded the trio with a welcoming smile. "I know you three have a plethora of questions. Feel free to ask away, and I, Lancelot and Gawain will try to answer them to the best of our ability."
"Trust me, I have plenty." Rin sighed as she folded her hands on top of her lap. "First off, how did the Grail manifest you in this world?"
"As you know, the Grail uses the Servant System as a vessel of sorts to house a copy of each Heroic Spirit." The three nodded, Saber in particular. "However, over the past Grail Wars, there have been exceptions to that rule. I am the latest example of that exception."
"How so?" Rin would ask, her Magus side genuinely curious.
"I am a Servant currently using a human as a container." Ruler's answer caused them to blink in surprise. "I can understand your shock; while not unprecedented, a Heroic Spirit dwelling inside a human vessel is quite uncommon."
"How did this come about?" Rin would be the most curious of them all.
"For my case, the Grail was rather meticulous in choosing the vessel." Ruler answered without missing a beat. "It had to be tailor fit to house my spirit."
"What would be the criteria?" Saber would be the next to ask.
"A human vessel that had direct blood ties to the Heroic Spirit it was meant to house."
This statement by Lancelot caused the three of them fall silent. Seeing that they were listening to his words intently, he continued.
"If a human were to become the container for any Heroic Spirit, they should share the same lineage. Otherwise, the incompatible human vessel would be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of prana required to house a spirit."
"So in other words, the girl named Leticia Delacroix does exist." Gawain continued the explanation. "However, as for her current state...As her consciousness slumbers while Ruler is in control, I guess you can say the she's 'asleep'."
"I see...and if anything were to happen to Ruler? Like say, when you got attacked last night," Shirou would be the next speaker, his expression serious. "Would she be affected as well?"
Those who knew of the red-head's chronic hero tendencies (namely Saber and Rin) knew what he meant. Thankfully, Ruler caught on and gave him an immediate, honest answer. "To answer that, If anything were to happen to me, she would be affected as well. I understand if you're infuriated by this; from your perspective, it looks like I dragged an innocent soul into a War she is not involved in, one in which she could very well lose her life in. To be honest, it doesn't sit right with me either..."
"Ruler, please-"
"It's fine, Gawain. You need not make justifications about this arrangement." She waved her knight off before facing Shirou with an earnest, serious expression on her face. "Rest assured, I promise you that I will make sure that I will protect this girl with my life."
There was a moment of silence, the red-head giving her a long, questioning look. Finally, his lips curled into a small smile as he nodded.
"Alright. I'll hold you to that."
Collective sighs of relief were heard from Rin and Saber, who were rightfully afraid that the red-head was going to do something brash.
"I have another question." Rin would be the one would steer the conversation to another direction. "This would be the first time a Ruler Class was summoned for the Grail War. Though this isn't the first time an irregular class showed up, why would the Grail decide on having one now?"
"Excellent question, Tohsaka Rin. One I would gladly answer." Ruler nodded with a smile, impressed by Rin's perceptiveness. "Unlike Avenger, which was a result of the Einzberns tampering with the Grail System, Servant Ruler was a measure the Grail added to ensure that there would be a legitimate winner this time around. Considering how the last Wars ended, it's concern is not unfounded."
"However, there is something that may be considered amiss..." She added with a thoughtful expression, her hand on her chin.
"What would that be?" Rin asked for the three of them.
"That would be the end of the last War." Seeing their surprised expressions, Ruler began to explain. "You are all aware of the Great Fuyuki Fire, yes?"
All three of them nodded warily, the looks on their faces telling her that they are unsure of where this was going.
"Well, something was amiss about the circumstances. Namely, how that war ended." Shirou's expression turned somber upon hearing this. As he was the survivor of that fire, it was understandable. "So much death and destruction from the so called 'omnipotent wishing device' has the world understandably on edge."
"Wait." Saber would be the first to feel the weight of those words. "Are you saying that the world feels threatened by it's existence?"
"If you consider that every war does not have a winner, not to mention the questionable circumstances of the Third War, it's not surprising that Alaya has many concerns regarding the Grail." Lancelot would be the first to answer.
"There is even the possibility that the Grail itself could be compromised." Gawain added.
"What?!" Rin asked with obvious shock "But...How?!"
"There is no way I can say for certain. I have my theories, but I cannot state them unless its been proven." Ruler nodded, her expression neutral. "However, seeing as we cannot shut the Grail War down without solid evidence of it's corruption, a compromise was reached. The Servant Ruler class was implemented to make sure that the War has winners this time...and to eliminate any and all anomalies that would pose a threat to the world."
Shirou, Saber and Rin were silent, their expressions a looking glass to their current thoughts. They reflected on everything that had been shared so far and the implications of what Ruler had told them. Could there truly be a corruption within the Grail? Is the venerated cup so tainted that it ultimately made their efforts for naught?
"I understand that you feel as if everything you've done until now has been futile." Ruler gave them a somber expression, then a smile meant to cheer them up. "Do not lose heart; Even if you do not win the Grail, I am quite sure the answers to your wishes will present themselves over the course of this Grail War. I am sure of it."
The dimming sunlight shining through the windows told the trio that dusk was just around the corner and, with it, their jobs as impartial judges must continue.
"We must depart." Ruler said as she got to her feet. "The evening comes, and yet another battle for the Grail is upon us. Before I go, however, there is something I must say."
She then turned to Saber and bowed her head, an action that surprised the King of Knights.
"I understand that in the last War, my old comrade Gilles De Rais was a major source of antagonism for you. He mistook you for me, and because of his insanity, he threatened to plunge the world into chaos. For that, I deeply apologize. No words can express my remorse at his actions."
Shirou and Rin stared at shock, most likely due to the revelation that Saber was a Servant in the last War. Seeing as this was something the Servant of the Sword neglected to mention, their reaction was understandable.
Saber's response was one worthy of her standing; She smiled and waved it off, shaking her head gently.
"No need to apologize. While you were his motive for the atrocities he committed last time, his actions and thoughts were his own. You need not bear the blame for it."
"But he was my vassal, and my friend." Ruler looked up with a worried expression. "Perhaps had I known-"
"But you didn't." Saber countered gently. "As I said, what he did was not your fault. If anything, I can see why he went so far. You certainly live up to your reputation, Maid of Orleans. Had I lived in your era, I would have been honored to fight by your side."
At the side, Lancelot and Gawain couldn't help but smile. Watching this was quite nostalgic, as it reminded them of the glory days of Camelot so long ago. Ruler, after staring in disbelief at Saber's action, let out light chuckle as she stood upright once more.
"Thank you, Saber. You have no idea how much that means to me." Ruler smiled as she offered her hand. "I regret that I must remain impartial, but I wish you three the best of luck in the 5th Grail War."
"Thank you. Likewise." Saber smiled as she took the hand in a firm handshake.
"Jeanne D'Arc and King Arthur shaking hands." Rin would comment as she and Shirou watched. "Never thought I'd live to see the day."
After the handshake, no more words were needed to be said as Ruler and her two bodyguards took their leave of the Emiya Residence. The three would nod between themselves and make their own preparations. As Ruler had said, another battle for the Grail is upon them.
On the way to Mt. Enzou...
"Are you feeling okay, Berserker?"
"I'm fine, Ilya."
"You sure? I mean, I don't want you overexert yourself or anything..."
"I said I'm fine, Ilya."
"I don't want you to get hurt again after what happened with Lancer..."
"Ilya!" The white-haired Master stopped mid-sentence at her Servant's half-annoyed tone. Upon seeing the hurt on the girl's face, Berserker's harshness softened as she knelt in front of her Master. "Forgive me, Ilya. I did not consider that you were worried about me since last night."
"I...I'm sorry too." Ilya nodded. "Seeing you fall like that really scared me, you know? I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, Berserker..."
"And you won't. Didn't I tell you that I'm the strongest Servant this Grail War has seen?" The Knight of Treachery let out a chuckle. "I was able to best my Father, the Matou's Rider is a joke, and the only reason Lancer got the better of me was because I had underestimated him, a mistake I will not be making again. So take heart, Ilya. Caster had best bring about the world's end if she wishes to defeat me."
"Oh...okay then." Ilya nodded. For a while, they did not speak and walked in silence, each unsure of what to say to the other.
"Ilya." Berserker would finally speak up, remembering her dream this morning. "If you do not mind me asking...your mother, Irisviel...what was she like?"
For a while, Ilya continued to remain silent, looking at the ground with a somber expression on her delicate features. Berserker, afraid that she may have overstepped her bounds, was about to apologize when her Master finally spoke.
"I don't remember much about Mama. She left ten years ago, so I don't have many memories of her." Ilya looked ahead with a soft smile. "I do remember that she was nice. She was always happy to see me, and she always took care of me. I was sad when she left, but I figured that would be okay. At least Papa would come back..." That smile was then replaced by frown. "Why is it that everyone we ever loved just leaves us, Berserker? Mama and Papa left me...And your father too, right?
"Yes. My father did abandon me in favor of her kingdom." Berserker nodded in agreement, she then patted her dejected Master's shoulder. "To be honest, I know not the answer to this question either. At my last moments, I wondered what it would've been like if Father had accepted me as a son worthy of the Pendragon name. Perhaps the calamity that was Camlann would be avoided, perhaps Camelot would've lived on with me inheriting her throne, or perhaps...perhaps I would've had a happy family."
"Berserker..."
"I could run all the possibilities in my head, but it won't change the fact that they never happened. We'll find our answers someday, Ilyasviel. Until then, I will stay by your side. I will be your sword to smite your enemies, and your shield to protect you from them." The Knight of Treachery found herself smiling. "I enjoy having you as a Master...and if I may, I would like to call you friend as well."
Ilya was, for the lack of a better term, dumbstruck by this fervent declaration. Not knowing what else to say at such sincerity, the little Master nodded as she took her Servant's hand, the soft, gentle smile that formed on her face speaking more than words ever could. "I...I'd like that, Berserker."
With a smile, they spent the rest of their walk in silence. Eventually, they had reached the foot of Mt. Enzou. At the top was Ryuudou Temple, in which Caster had put up her workshop.
"It's as I expected." Ilya analyzed as Berserker activated Secret of Pedigree. "If we tried to enter anywhere other than the path, you would weaken. There is no other way to go than through the front."
"And without a doubt, Caster's pet Assassin is already waiting in the wings." Berserker nodded, knowing this only because Ilya's status as the Lesser Grail. "A mere lurker in the shadows has no chance against me."
"Even so, we still have Caster to worry about, so I recommend you do not underestimate her." Ilya warned. "Her Class is the best when it comes to defending their territory, so we have to tread lightly."
"Agreed." Both of them looked to the stairs, which at that moment seemed to just go on and on, before Berserker would break the silence. "Are we ready, Ilya?"
"We are. Good hunting to us both." With those words left to hang in the air, they ascend the stairs, ready to start the next battle for the Holy Grail War.
Ryuudou Temple.
"Ah, so Berserker and his Master decided to make their move on us." Caster watched her crystal ball from the shadows, smirking with sinister intent. "Very well. I'll have Assassin let them pass. I wish to roll out the welcome mat personally."
End Chapter 14
A/N: After seven months of inactivity, CLARENT BLOOD ARTHUR IS BACK!
Mordred: *Puffs her chest (Whatever constitutes as one anyway) with pride* HAH! AT LAST, MY GLORIOUS TALE CONTINUES!
Ilya: Uhm...it's kinda my story too.
Anyways, sorry that I took so long and that this one's preeeetty short. Lack of motivation, real life, and brainstorming ideas for the Fate/Zero Hourverse have kept me away from this for a while. Now, I'm happy to say that I finally got this one down!
Saber: And then he will disappear for another 6+ months or so.
Hey, you can't rush quality! Anyways, we're in for yet another battle in this 5th Grail War. There really isn't much to say except...well, there WILL be a casualty at the end of this arc. That is all.
Oh, and be sure to leave a review. Could always use those. Until then, I'm the King of Beasts and I'll see you in the next chapter!
Next Time on Clarent Blood Arthur: Something Wicked This Way Comes.