The World Holy Grail War Chapter 24: In Search of Allies Part 2
~~Last Time, As Stephen & Co retreat to under the Sewers, Wolfgang fills them in on whats happening in France aswell The True Names Of their Enemies, Sticking to thier plan to find allies Wolfgang informs them of three potential Servants whereabouts as the head northeast and come upon a town called Domremy-la-Pucelle~~
Jeanne d'Arc stood before Everyone as she looks down at Mordred and Siegfried still holding their swords out yet their eyes were fixed on Jeanne as well as everyone. Moments ago Before Mordred and Siegfried where summoned Jeanne showed herself to Stephen and upon telling her the situation.
She used her rights as a Ruler to force summon Mordred and Siegfried to them. Just then doors from the houses open as people come out of their homes gathering around the church in a big crowd offering prayers and praise to Jeanne.
Stephen looks at the crowd baffled at how they're acting toward her, but as his eyes look around they pass by Jeanne but then shift back to her as she looks at the masses with a soft smile yet her eyes seemed troubled which confused him.
The other Saber 'Gil' steps in front of Jeanne and holds his hand out to address the masses.
"Bon peuple de Domremy, je vous assiégeais tous de retourner chez vous! Le Saint Saint Et je dois aborder cette question en privé, Sur ma parole, ta sécurité est notre priorité absolue!"
[Good People of Domremy, I besiege you all to return to you're homes! The Holy Saint And I must address this Matter privately, On My Word you're safety Is Our top Priority!]
As soon as Gil spoke however Stephen not understanding a word of it lets his eyes drift to the crowd but his eyes widen in surprise as the People look at Gil with disdain and revolt, Not understanding what that's about Stephen looked confused as the masses begin going back to their homes.
Gil looks dejected from the looks the People gave him when they leave as Jeanne behind him looks concerned.
"Gil..."
Gil noticing the concern of Jeanne's voice turns around and bows his head to her and thanks her for her concern, Jeanne seemed a little relieved as Gil then turns his head to Stephen and the others.
"Master Stephen! We will talk Under the roof of this Holy Place! However I will insist you do not bring that Vampire with you!"
Jeanne again looks at Gil with Concern yet as Mordred, Siegfried and Cu look to Stephen for his answer as Stephen had his hands in his jacket pockets with a blank look on his face, he then pulls one of his hands out sticking the middle finger to Gil.
"Fuck off!"
Gil and Jeanne where stunned by Stephen's reply as Siegfried looked confused with Stephen's action however Mordred and Cu amused by it roll their eyes expecting it.
"Am no leaving Ma Assassin oot here by herself! Ah already told ye tae get those Master's oot here so go get em cause I'm going naewhere. Especially wae you!"
Gil looks offended by Stephen's remark however Jeanne steps forward.
"You may have you're Servants at you're side Master Stephen yet I must implore you that we speak inside [bows her head] Please..."
Jeanne spoke sincerely as Stephen despite looking un-fazed by it conceded as he starts walking over while Cu and Carmilla followed behind him when Stephen walks to Mordred he notices her wounds and looks worried yet when he looks to Siegfried his eyes widen slightly not seeing so much as a scratch on him except wear and tear.
Once they were inside the church the doors closed behind them, Inside the hall Jeanne turns around and bows her head to Stephen.
"Firstly, I thank you for coming here to help the People of France! You have my sincerest gratitude!"
Jeanne said sincerely looking grateful as Gil did the same, Stephen on the other hand though not minding it his attention shifted elsewhere looking out for something until he spots two individuals.
"Are those two over there the Other Masters!"
Stephen asked looking past them as Jeanne and Gil lift their heads up.
"They are, though the language barrier prevents you from negotiating with them we will relay to them our discussion, is this acceptable for you?!"
Gil states as Stephen with his hands in his jacket pockets shrugs his shoulder with a slight tilt of his head not really bothering.
"Nae bother, Like I was saying before I want yese tae help us beat this Dragon Witch and the Servants helping her! by the way dae ye know she's calling herself Jeanne anaw?"
Jeanne and Gil gave an unexpected reaction as if this was the first they heard of it. Gil looks to the floor looking guilty meanwhile Jeanne looking concerned spoke.
"No...I admit we heard of her from Siegfried but I did not know she was calling herself Jeanne...What is the meaning for this...?"
As Jeanne seemed to think on this Cu steps forward and spoke.
"When we got here we faced the Dragon Witch's servants but we had to retreat! A Caster Servant told us about them and where we might find other Servants. But honestly...I didn't expect to run into the actual Jeanne d'Arc herself! You're definitely a Ruler Class Servant from how you Summoned the two Sabers! but you know, What's the deal with this Dragon Witch then? Is she really a fake?"
Cu asked hoping to get some insight from the Person herself however Jeanne looks lost in her thoughts for a moment before she answered.
"...I do not know. Whoever this Person is can't be me! The Ruler Class is a special class that few have, as it's impossible for there two of the same Heroic Spirit in the same class for our Spirit Core's hold our very being in them, That makes the appearance of this other me more perplexing!"
Stephen listening to this then steps in.
"Either way she needs tae get put doon! That's why I'm here tae asks yese if you'll help us! I'm sure those two will dae it if you ask them efter what happened wae that crowd ah mean seriously they practically worship ye!"
Jeanne smiles yet she looks to the floor looking slightly troubled which Stephen notices and yet Cu comes into view with his hand on his chin.
"Well that's not surprising, Ruler is well known and thought of since it's her own country due to her faith as well, it's no wonder people offer her prayers to her!"
Hearing that Stephen flashes back to his reaction upon meeting Mordred and the One Master Dylan who they met before when she revealed her true name as they were completely different compared to Jeanne's.
Gil excuses himself to speak with his Master as Siegfried does the same while Mordred glares at him as he did so, a while Later Gil and Siegfried can be seen from afar talking to their respective Masters as Jeanne is seen kneeling down giving a prayer at the front meanwhile Stephen and his servants conversed.
"How's it looking? yese hink they'll come wae us?"
Stephen asked glancing over at Gil and Siegfried talking to their Masters as Cu with his hand on his chin adds on.
"Hmm, who knows! like you said before Master they're Normal people! they might have Servants but if they don't have the resolve to fight it's meaningless! That's why you suggested Jeanne ask them herself as it may have coaxed them into falling in line but as expected she's not a Ruler for nothing, She won't ask them because despite how messed up this Holy Grail war is her position as a Ruler won't change how she does things!"
Cu explained as Stephen clicks his tongue at that.
"Wit dae ye hink aboot the Dragon witch then? is she just calling herself Jeanne for the sake ae it or is she another version of her like you are cause we met another you who wis a Lancer?"
Cu pondered for a second before he answered Stephen.
"Hmmm, no I doubt that! Like Ruler said it's a special class only few have, not to mention it's impossible for there to be two versions of her with the same class, things just don't work out like that In a Holy Grail War"
"Aye except this isn'i a normal Holy Grail War is it though! At least fae wit you lot have been saying!"
Stephen states as Cu cringes admitting that was true. Their attention suddenly shifts as Gil and Siegfried can be seen approaching them, Once they came over with Siegfried face looking composed while Gil's face however already told them the answer.
"They're no up for it aye?"
Stephen exclaims as Gil except for Siegfried still looking composed as both bow their heads.
"I am truly sorry! Though it is Our wish to fight the Dragon Witch As Servants we do not wish to collide with Our Master's orders!"
Hearing this Mordred clicks her tongue with a dissatisfied look.
"Tch, Cowards"
Gil and Siegfried look at Mordred for berating their masters but Stephen cuts in before something starts between them.
"How no but? They cannae actually be hinking ae staying here! nae affence but if even wan ae those Servants turn up this whole place is gonnae get burn tae the ground with them in it n that's nae joke!"
Stephen expresses as Gil looks to agree with him but again not wishing to complicate things with his Master he didn't answer.
"What about Ruler? Is she planning on staying here?"
Cu asks as Gil swiftly responds.
"No. As a Ruler Servant, Jeanne certainly wishes to settle this matter, she would most likely have went to the Enemies stronghold by herself, But she knows that even with her rights as a Ruler she would struggle against a Servant that Possess the omnipotent device that is the Holy Grail!"
With that Last Part Stephen wonders with surprise just how powerful a Ruler class servant is if just that one thing is keeping her from taking action nevermind the Other Servants and the army of Wyverns.
"Well the People aren't going to be happy about that when she does decide to leave won't it!"
Cu states as Stephen turn his head around to Cu confused at that.
"Wit dae ye mean?"
"You saw it didn't you? how all those people flew right out their doors the moment Ruler showed herself? If she's planning on heading out sooner or later it, it will send them into a Panic that their Glorious 'Savior' is forsaking them, leaving them to themselves!"
Gil cuts in suddenly angered by Cu's words.
"Hold you're tongue! Jeanne is benevolence in itself! With the faith in Our Lord the People are naturally drawn to her! and naturally look to her who is the messenger of God! I won't stand for you words!"
Gil states However Cu seems to gleam something from his words.
"Oh? but don't you find that to be wrong?"
Gil freezes as he doesn't understand the meaning in Cu's words.
"We are Servants! Naturally so you should know we shouldn't be getting involved with normal people! It's true that Jeanne d'Arc has a certain charisma due to her legend and her connection to You're God but that's no reason to be encouraging that sort of thing- Say, Gil-No Gillies de Rais! Aren't you also confusing admiration for Ruler for you're fixation On God like how you're clinging to her because of her closeness to that being?"
Gil shudders at Cu's words as he knows a Servant should not think such things and shouldn't be encouraging normal people finding benevolence in Jeanne merely for her legend and connection to God, However as things started to get tense another development was forming.
"...Hang on-You're 'Gil' as in Gilles De Rais...?"
Cu and Mordred flinch as they're eyes shift to Stephen who while still casually standing with his arms folded his eyes looked like they could burn a hole through someone as he glares at Gil while he looks confused at Stephen's glare he replied normally.
"Indeed, Servant Saber, True name Gillies De Rais!"
For a split second after Gil revealed his class and true name Stephen had one thing going through his mind and that was what Wolfgang said to him about the Caster Gillies De Rais the Murderer and Rapist of many Young boys.
Despite knowing that they are in fact two different people, and despite not meeting the Caster Version yet, In his mind Stephen saw this Man would at one point goes on to be that Version and despite that, it wasn't the main reason he was furious with him
*THWACK*
The Servants stood shocked as Stephen Punches Gil across the face, despite the fact Gil was a Servant and could have easily dodged or blocked it the mere fact that a Normal Human would even try to punch a Heroic Spirit was a surprise in itself not to mention Stephen's Magic Circuits appeared along his hand adding a boost of Magic energy in the blow as Gil hits the floor.
Cu and Carmilla stood stunned for a moment as did Mordred for a split second until she snickers with her hand on her mouth amazed at what Her Master just pulled, Gil though not injured was reeling from the process of what just happened as even Siegfried with his calm and cool demeanor looked surprised.
Jeanne and the two Masters turn to the noise of what just happened and were also stunned at what they saw as Stephen stood with his fist still out tightening it so hard as it shook.
"See you! How dare you try to say tae Me that Assassin couldn'i be here just cause she's a Vampire! so wit does that say aboot YOU! YOU FUCKING WASTE A SPACE! You gaunne try n tell me you have any right to be here despite knowing how you're gaunnae end up!"
Cu steps forward holding his hands up as he tries to calm Stephen down.
"Hey Master! I get what you mean but he's-"
"-THAT DOESN'I MATTER! N THAT'S NO EVEN THE POINT! He's trying tae Judge people for wit they are n what they did when he's nae better-"
In a split second pause Stephen swings his fist around him and points back at Carmilla and Mordred respectively.
"-SEE THESE TWO! WAN AE THEM REBELLED AGAINST THEIR KING N NEARLY BROUGHT MA AIN COUNTRY TAE RUIN BUT I'M NO JUDGING HER FOR IT! I'VE NAE RIGHT TAE CAUSE IT'S ALREADY HAPPENED N THERE'S NAE POINT BRINGING IT UP EFTER ALL THIS TIME CAUSE SHE'S STUCK BY ME N EVEN FOUGHT FOR ME! N CARMILLA! I JUST FOUND OUT NO LONG AGO WIT SHE'S DONE! OH AYE IT SHOCKED ME THAT'S FOR SURE BUT FUCK IT! AGAIN I CANNAE JUDGE HER FOR IT CAUSE I WISN'I THERE AND DESPITE THE FACT SHE WAS EVEN MY ENEMY AT WAN POINT SHE DIDN'I HOLD IT AGAINST ME AND FOUGHT FOR ME STILL!"
With Stephen's outburst Carmilla was visibly stunned by this as is Mordred while Cu on the other hand puts his hand on his face in disbelief at this.
(Ah, This guy...He really does look at us like we're people...He wouldn't judge what people have done in the past...so he doesn't judge Saber Or Assassin on the things they done cause in his eyes they're helping him to do what's right simply cause it is...Honestly, He's too much)
As Gil still lays on the floor, he looks dejected at the verbal abuse he just got but then from behind him Jeanne is seen.
"Stop this at Once!"
Jeanne spoke aloud as it brought Gil back to reality as everyone looks to her.
"Master Stephen I ask you do not say any more! The Enemy will exploit every weakness shown so disputing and arguing will not aid us in the slightest!"
Upon that Stephen paused for a moment taking Jeanne's words into account.
"...Does that mean yur coming wae us?"
"Yes. As you must know something is very strange about this Holy Grail War, Servants summoned across the World...Even with my knowledge as a Ruler I can't fathom how this came to be...In any case I absolutely must reach the truth of this! The Dragon Witch and her Servants are another reason! If they are allowed to run wild the whole world will suffer and Human History must be preserved!"
As Jeanne spoke this Stephen felt like saying something but he held back as he spoke to her.
"...Wit aboot those two! efter finding oot who this prick is [Points his finger at Gil] There's nae wae he's getting a pass just cause his Master said so, so I'll drag him n his Master by their throats n that's it!"
Stephen exclaimed as it was clear he was not budging from that despite Jeanne's protest.
"Wait a moment! You can't just decide that! Didn't I just say disputing and arguing will only benefit the Enemy! Master Stephen I know you're upset but you must-"
"-Upset!? Sorry wummin but you've got you're words mixed up! I'm Pissed as hell at the fact those TWO shitebags er there are just sitting oan their arses waiting tae get saved Cause Nae affence tae yurself Jeanne but God's no saving them n yur just adding tae that delusion-!"
At that point Cu grabs Stephen with his hand over Stephen's mouth muffling his words until he stops and looks back at Cu with a glare stating 'wit you playing at?!'
"Sorry Ruler, I apologize for My Master snapping at you guys! We'll take our leave now an gather supplies and meet you outside of town, you're best probably slipping out un-noticed cause like I said if you announce it to the people its just going to turn out bothersome, You're best leaving Gillies or Siegfried to calm things down, Got it?"
Jeanne takes Cu's words into account as she looks to the floor pondering on it and with a firm look nods her head as Stephen and his Servants leave with Cu moving Stephen along with his hand still on his mouth.
"Oh yeah before we head let me just say one thing...!"
Cu's words grab Jeanne, Gil and Siegfried's attention as they look to him as Cu turns his head back slightly to them.
"My Master may have came on strong and a bit harsh but I agree with what he tried to say! If those two over there aren't wiling to fight the Dragon Witch well I'd understand IF they're just scared...but you know! they shouldn't kid around calling themselves Masters, after all-"
Cu Pauses putting his free hand on top of Stephen's head giving him a small pat on the head.
"This guy has been dragged in a lot of fights, One Recently was in Rome and for me he showed his grit and resolve at fulfilling his role as a Master so No offence to you two! But compared to those two Masters I'm glad this Guy is My Master! but since they're still Normal People that got dragged in to this it's became Our job to show the best path they should be taking-Ah, well...That's just me as a Caster talking! Sorry I felt I should be sure to say that so you should be telling you're Masters how it is and what's best for now! Well Ruler We'll meet up with you later!"
As they left Gil looks downward looking even more dejected and frustrated with himself as Jeanne looks at him with concern, Siegfried on the other still looked like a statue as he sees them off yet suddenly he looks down and opens his palm out in front of him and then puts his open hand onto his chest as his scar glowed as there was a small ache.
Later on Stephen and His Servants were back on the outskirts of Domremy-La-Pucelle with the acres of tree and fields as Mordred and Cu give Stephen a scolding.
"Oi Master! I get they pissed you off but getting angry about it doesn't help our chances at getting allies! If those guys understood a word of English us Servants would've probably have been at each others throats! Even if their normal people they're still Masters and could have set them on us on a whim!"
"That's right! You're Our Master Understand! We follow you're orders but I don't want my Master being an Idiot and leading us on a flunked Mission! That whole talk went down the toilet when You punched that scrawny Saber-Well, I'll admit it was funny! But like I said It's pointless dragging ourselves across the country looking for allies if you're just gonna pick a fight with them cause you don't like or approve of them!"
After both finished Stephen who was looking out at the aftermath of Mordred and Siegfried's fight across the fields with a calm look but then as he turns his head back to his Servants as his expression does a one-eighty turn as he looks annoyed as hell.
"Ugk listen tae you two! Cu! You practically took a few digs at them with what ye said before we left so you cannae say nuthin aboot it! N you anaw Mordred! Earlier you preferred using force tae make them obey us so you're just taking any kind ae negotiation n chucking em oot the windae cause resorting tae force is just easy n simple for ye ain't it!? Gies peace you two!"
Both servants popped a vein though while Cu forced a smile at Stephen's cheek Mordred on the other hand pulls out her Clarent.
"HUUUUH!? BASTARD DO YOU WANT ME TO HACK YOU APART!?"
Mordred yells however Stephen without using words uses one of his hands to point out what Mordred was doing as it proved him right as he turns his head back around and folds his arms.
"NNNNGH!"
Mordred hisses like a wild cat as she gets pissed by Stephen's retort but then Carmilla suddenly spoke out to Stephen.
"...Honestly, You should learn to hold you're tongue...what kind of Master actually picks a fight with a Servant...It's Foolish"
Carmilla suddenly speaking catches both Mordred and Cu's attention as both know its the first time she spoke to Stephen after what happened at the hotel as Stephen turns his head around to her.
"Aye I know, see if I'm being honest I wasn't even thinking about that! I just done it cause I wanted tae! if they tried anything efter that well-"
Stephen pauses for a second as he puts on a cocky smile.
"-Ah knew yus would back me up so I guess that's why I didn'i have tae hink ae it but i felt great anyway so Nae point in stressing it oot aye?"
All of Stephen's servants sigh out in disbelief at this as this is how their Master can act when he snaps, just then all their attention shifts as someone came towards them.
"I'm Sorry If I made you all wait!"
Jeanne is seen as she caught up wae them as she seemed a bit cheerful which Cu notices.
"What's up Ruler? Did something good happen?"
Jeanne pauses as a light shade of red blushes appears on her face as Cu said that, when she composes herself she then spoke with enthusiasm.
"Actually, After what happened Gil and Siegfried spoke to their Masters once more and had a serious talk with them and they agreed to let them fight! They convinced the townspeople to evacuate the country for now! They will escort them across the border and then meet up with us afterwards!"
Hearing this Cu smirks as he looks excited that things are about to get good while Mordred huffs turning her head not seemingly pleased by it and Carmilla on the other hand didn't seem mildly interested in it.
Stephen on the other hand while looking back had a raised brow that stated 'oh really?' as he turns his head forward as his face looked firm and his eyes looking resolved as he start moving.
"Ah! Just a moment Master Stephen!"
Stephen stops but he doesn't turn around as Jeanne then continued.
"Thank you again! I don't know how but I feel that It was what you did that allowed this to happen...though as Servants contracted by Masters it's a mystery to me how it works!"
At that a moment past as Stephen leans down slightly letting out a sigh as he started moving again.
"Honestly, Like ah said we're normal people! we're no daft, Anyone could tell how bad hings are gaunnae get that's why yese just need tae tell us wit the script is n take it fae there!"
At this Jeanne looked puzzled however his servants understood it as they all begin moving as well.
"Anyway, looking forward tae having ye wae us Jeanne!"
Stephen utters as Jeanne nods and raises her flag.
"Yes! Once again I am Ruler, True name Jeanne d'Arc! I will fight beside you and wave this flag to lead the way to Victory!"