"Lancer kill yourself!"-mental link
"Lancer died!" - speech.
'You aren't human!'-thought.
Fuyuki city.
'I thought Fuyuki is a small city but the more we walk the more I think I may have been mistaken.' Avenger thought while she was in spiritual form. She didn't have any clothes and according to Master, she would gain attention if people saw what she was wearing. Master called it cosplaying or something. For a few hours, two of them were walking around the city. Patrolling was never her favourite job but Avenger understood its necessity. Unlike other Masters, they were at a disadvantage appearing in the city right when the war had already started.
'Master said that it is something to do with him suddenly learning about the war. He is not magi and knows very little about magecraft. It seems that he was a regular civilian not long ago...However, outside magecraft he prepared everything in advance. Hideout, money and as he said, some tools that he needs. He is not magi but for some reason, he gives me an impression that he is used to doing something like this, a lot.'
Avenger knew very little about her current Master, besides the fact that his name was Lelouch Lamperouge and he is from a faraway land, she didn't know anything else. However, it didn't mean she needed to know him too well. He isn't a magi but her Master isn't an ordinary man either. Besides, he is cooking for her and supplies her with a good amount of prana, so it was enough to Avenger for the time being.
As they were walking among some lived in buildings, her red eyes notice that they heading in direction of an old abandoned house. The building was in its last days, it seemed like it would soon collapse of its own volition. The construction fencing around the area was an obvious sight that building was being repaired. In her spiritual form Avenger asked.
"Master, is there any particular reason why we are here?" she didn't need to worry about others hearing her since only the raven-haired young man could hear her.
"Yes, some tools that I ordered four days ago should have been brought here by now." he said and moved towards the entrance. "Can you open it, Avenger."
Without words, red-haired demon king materialised on the other side of the fence and opened the door for him. Her Master walked inside and thanked her. "Shouldn't there be workers right now?"
"Not today." Lelouch said and made his way towards the old house. Avenger wondered if she needed to transform into her spiritual form but then decided to stay in her physical form for now. 'It is far more enjoyable to walk on your own.'
"This tools that you ordered. Are they magical or something?"
"Sadly no. Right now I don't have any connection to the mystical underworld or whatever it is called. However, I do know about the regular one and how to contact it." she smirked and let out a small giggle.
"Ara, ara Master. It seems you're not law-abiding citizen after all." After she said it, Lelouch turned to her and with a small smile.
"Please, just don't report me to the authorities." Lelouch asked playfully.
"Silly Master." Avenger said and walked closer to him until she was a few inches from his face. "In this country, I'm the authority." She said in a low tone with a smile that inspired fear and excitement in whoever saw it. Her red eyes stared at his raven one, she expected to see some kind of embarrassing reaction. However, sadly for Avenger, her Master just stood there with a devilish smile on his face.
"Don't worry, Avenger. As your Master, I won't allow myself to forget who I'm with."
As he turned away Avenger couldn't help but pout. 'It seems it won't be to tease Master, oh well I just need to try harder.'
Without turning to look at her, Lelouch asked. "By the way, Avenger. How is modern-day Japan for you?" as he asked he started looking for something in the house.
"Well, it is not bad, to say the least. If even a small city like Fuyuki this huge I can't even imagine what Kyoto looks like. I also curious about Tokyo since it is the capital these days."
"And what about other things?"
"Well, architecture is different. There are some old fashioned parts as well but I think I like the modern style more. Oh, also these skyscrapers look interesting. Many people can live in a tall building on a small plot of land." she remembered how they saw some skyscrapers on the way. "In the past, the closest thing we had were castles and even then, only nobles lived there."
"We didn't visit the centre of the city but I'm planning on going there soon. Maybe even tonight."
"Hm?" Avenger looked at her Master with curiosity. "I thought we were looking for other Servants tonight." Lelouch nodded.
"Indeed. I'm sure some of the Masters decided to stay in a more populated area since it minimises the risk of attack during the day."
"But rules forbid Servants fighting during the day." her Master nodded.
"You're right, Avenger." Lelouch smirked. "However, any rule can be easily broken if it means victory, doesn't it?"
The red-haired Servant let soft laugh. "You are right as well, Master." Rules mean nothing for people who want to achieve victory above everything else. Avenger lived her human life without care about someone's else rules, only following her own. She didn't follow other peoples rules before and she wasn't about to start now. It pleased her that her Master was the same. "However, if we won't fight by the rules other Servants might do the same."
Lelouch nodded before speaking. "We just need to pretend to follow them. They're most likely some sort of organisation which makes sure that Masters won't break basic limitations. Besides, it will be difficult finding an ally if other Masters decided that we are too dangerous. So, for time being we fight by the book."
"Understood."
"Good." after so much talking two of them finally found what they were looking for. It was an old suitcase covered in dirt with a lock on it. Her Master pulled out a little key. "Say what you want about criminals but they sure have manners, at least sometimes, I found this key inside our house when I moved there. They said that the chest will be transported separately to avoid potential problems with the police."
"And they are?"
"Mafia, Yakuza, fanatical terrorist, doesn't really matter." waved away her Master as he kneeled to open the chest. Once opened, both raven and red eyes saw what was inside it. There were many things. Some closed packs, details of some mechanism, small cameras and microphones, binoculars, however, Avengers's eyes went wide when she noticed one specific object. Without saying anything to her Master, Avenger went after it and soon this object was in her hands. Her Master sighed before saying.
"I see you like it. Well, it is a nice handgun after all." Avenger nodded while she was holding a firearm. She aimed it with two hands before trying with one hand. "I see you know how to hold it." her Master said with amusement.
"Grail provides us, Servants with basic information about the modern world. It doesn't give us all the information but it can give specific knowledge depending on the class or the ability of the Servants." said Avenger as she aimed at the furthest thing she saw, which was pretty far. "For example, some Servants can gain the ability to ride pretty much anything that can move, be it animal or vehicle. As for me, I can use any firearm without any problems. Think of it like you read a book about a specific object in the past and now have the knowledge of how to use it." As she finished, Avenger returned handgun to her Master. "It feels nice in hand but I don't think this gun is from Japan."
"Correct, this is a TT pistol." Lelouch said and looked at the gun checking its conditions." This nice thing was used to be very popular in the union that happened to collapse three years ago." Lelouch said remembering what he read about this world's history. "After that, there was a rather large amount of weapons that no one needed anymore and so it all was sold. From what I was told, right now there is the extremely large quantity of military accessories on the black market. Guns, ammunition and even tanks...You know what tanks are?"
"But of course, Master." Avenger said proudly with closed eyes. "I know everything about any weapon and how to use. During my life, I was one of the few people who saw the full potential of firearms. My, if only I had stuff like this Japan would have been mine in a matter of the weeks." she said it with a melancholic smile that Lelouch saw for the first time on her face, however, she immediately sighed. "However, I'm sure someone among my soldiers would have sold it for good money. This would not be the first time of betrayal." Fucking Mitsuhide. Anger appeared in her eyes as they become even redder. Lelouch who saw her like for the first time stayed silent as he went on checking other stuff he ordered. After a minute Avenger calmed down, thankful that her Master stayed silent during it.
There was silence for a few minutes before her Master said. "Okay, it seems everything at place. We will bring it back to our base and leave it there. Then we heading to buy you some clothes."
Avenger's red eyes looked at her Master with curiosity. "Is there a need for that?"
"Yes." he nodded before speaking again. "It will be easier for you to walk with me this way. Besides." A warm smile appeared on his face. "This way you can learn more about this world and speak with other people in the city."
Avenger blinked, not expecting this response. "How considerate of you, Master. However, won't it distract us? " Lelouch just shook his head.
"Don't say it. I'm sure it is better to walk on your own than in spirit form. Besides, I think there should be shops not far away from our house. It won't be a problem at all." Avenger stared at him for a moment before disappearing in spirit form.
"If you say so, Master."
Walking back home with a suitcase wasn't hard at all. Some people stared at him with a surprised look, either because of an old suitcase or the fact that he was a foreign young man. Once they left suitcase back at their base, Lelouch made his way towards the nearest shop, Avenger following in spirit form.
A half-hour later two of them found themselves at a female clothes shop. The shopkeeper gave him a curious look since and asked if he needed something. Lelouch answered that he was needed clothes for his friend. Shopkeeper started to ask what kind of clothing and size on what Lelouch just said that his friend would soon come here to pick it herself. Once he left alone, Lelouch grabbed the nearest clothes and went towards the fitting room. He left clothes there and closed doors.
"Here, try this one." he said, knowing that Avenger materialised behind doors. After a minute his redhead Servant has come out with new clothes. "How is it?"
"Hm, it seems nice but I don't think it is my type." Avenger said as she extended her arms at the sides."Yes, it is not enough. Besides, it is a little tasteless, these are pretty tame clothes." she frowned. "Master, I want something...how do you say it? Fashionable? Yes, Fashionable! I need something more stylish than this, Master."
Lelouch looked at her. He picked some casual clothes that won't catch the eye. He thought that someone like Avenger won't care about a simple thing like this but it seems like she was looking for something fancier. On the other hand, she lived several centuries ago and clearly wants to see and use everything the modern world can offer.
"Very well." Lelouch said and called for the shopkeeper who immediately approached them. "Sorry for bothering you, but can you help my friend?" he pointed at Avenger.
Once shopkeeper saw Avenger, a blush appeared on her cheeks. "O-o course! I will gladly help, ma'am! Just follow m-e!"
Avenger smirked. "It will be my pleasure as well. Please led the way." Her smirk grew larger when the shopkeeper quickly nodded her head and started to walk away, the blush never leaving her face. Once she left them, Servant turned towards her Master and said. "It is nice to know that despite what century it is my charm still works." Lelouch snorted.
"I don't remember having such reaction first time seeing you."
"But of course, I would have been disappointed if you did, Master. Besides," a sly smile appeared on her face. "It always worked better on the women."
Lelouch just shook his head. "Just don't take too long, seductress. I will wait outside." Lelouch pulled out a wallet and handed it to her. "Please, don't spend everything." As he was walking away he heard Avenger saying.
"Don't worry, I'm sure shopkeeper will give it for a cheaper price if I ask her nicely."
'Right now she reminds me of certain green-haired pizza lover.' Thought Lelouch as he went outside the shop and sat on a bench that was near him. A sudden memory about his partner brought an unexpected feeling of pain in his chest. 'Stop thinking about the past, Lelouch. You know it is for the best. I need to focus on the task before me, winning this war, I can think about them after that.'
Lelouch took a deep sigh before looking around. It was the middle of the day, people were on their way, some of them occasionally glanced at him and moved on. 'This seems so peaceful. No fighting, no Britannian occupation or anything like that. I'm curious if my original world is like this right now. Hm, I hope so. I left everything prepared for Suzaku and others, it will be pretty awful if they screwed up. At least Kaguya and Schneizel are competent enough.' Then Lelouch's eyes went wide before he pinched his nose. 'I'm doing this again, damn it. I need to think about something else. Maybe I need to focus on this war and what we will do once will find other Servants.'
It would better if they could observe other Servants with their Masters, but since neither Lelouch nor Avenger knew any espionage magecraft they could try to gain the attention of another Servant. Lelouch could think of a few possibilities if they managed to find an enemy Servant. He and Avenger could go for the kill or try to talk. Avenger said that since she is in Japan, her legend is at its strongest, she should be one of the most powerful Servants. However, it didn't mean that they could be careless.
Our enemies are wizards who spend their lives perfecting their skills, not to mention Servants. History greatest heroes, we can't take them lightly. We need to find a Master and Servant who are looking for allies as well. Preferably someone weaker than us, this way it will easier to pressure them either by force or simple manipulation. Lelouch didn't want to make deal with being far more powerful then Avenger, there was a high possibility of them striking them at back. Weak will always seek strong for protection while most powerful will compete with each other.
'We will need to get as much information from our future ally as possible. Avenger provided me with some knowledge about the war, not to mention what I have already known but it is still not enough. The last war happened 60 years ago, other Masters must have been preparing for years while I had less than a month. Huh, I suppose if anything this war is challenging.'
"Master."
Lelouch's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Avenger. He slowly turned at the direction and spoke. "What is it, Ave-" However, Lelouch's eyes went wide and he froze.
Avenger's new clothes were almost completely black. Her pants were tightly hugging her legs with black heels. Her top was had some eastern style golden ornaments drawn on her sleeves. On her chest, Lelouch saw a triangular cut that was showing a little bit of her cleavage. Her shoulders were exposed, on the right side, she had fake gold flower with a little chain going all the way down to her stomach. She was also wearing a gold belt.
The former Emperor couldn't help but stare at her. Lelouch saw his fair share of beautiful maidens in the past but even he had to admit that woman in front of him was magnificent. Avenger, of course, noticed how her Master was amazed and slyly smiled. "Finally, a reaction I was looking for."
Lelouch blinked a few times before coming to his senses. "Sorry, it's just, well you're beautiful, Avenger."
Her smile became bigger. "I already know it but thank you, Master." She walked closer to him and returned to him his wallet. "Don't worry about the money. That woman was nice enough to give me a generous discount. My, you needed to see her face, it was redder than tomato when she saw me like this." Lelouch chuckled.
"I can imagine that." Avenger always had charisma, for most of the time while in her battle armour, she was giving the impression of a great leader. However, now she looked more like a supermodel, her red hair and eyes attracted attention even stronger. "I'm sure you're happy with your new look."
"Absolutely." Avenger agreed with him as she looked at her reflection in the glass window of the shop. "I'm used to wearing my armour all the time but these new clothes feel nice. And I like the attention that I'm getting." She looked around and Lelouch followed her gaze. Truly, some passing by people stopped to stare at her.
"I bet you are. However, we need to go." Lelouch looked up the sky. "The sun will settle soon. We will be busy tonight."
Avenger who was carefree until now became more serious and nodded. "You are right, Master. In that case where we are going?"
Lelouch pointed in the right direction. "There is a bridge nearby. And in the opposite direction, there is Fuyuki port. I was thinking about first checking port and then heading towards the bridge. At night the port will most likely be closed, there won't be anyone. Such a place might be good "
Avenger listened to him before speaking. "The bridge might have a high point to look around. Someone like Archer might be there but if it so then it will difficult to get close to him...Port is a nice place to start."
"Then it is settled. We are going to the port."
A few hours later.
Fuyuki had a modern port that was covering a huge area of land. Avenger remembered that during her time, seaports weren't as big as this one. She remembered how she dreamed about setting sail beyond Japan after the war. It was nice to return to Japan as a heroic spirit but the female warlord wondered if the Grail War could happen somewhere else, at least she would have seen other parts of the world.
Both Avenger and her Master were walking in direction of the port when the female Servant felt something. She narrowed her red eyes and looked at her Master who asked.
"Did you feel it?"
"Yes...is this another Servant?
Avenger clenched her teeth. "It would seem he is calling us." Such audacity! She was lord of this land. Still, it made finding other Servants easier. "Should I go?"
Lelouch thought for a second before speaking. "No, we will wait. Other Servants might show up as well. It would be better if we didn't reveal ourselves too soon." he started looking around, trying to find something. "First, we need to find a place to hide. Preferably where we can see the enemy Servant. If no one approaches this Servant, we will make our move soon." Avenger nodded.
"Very well." she looked at the side and saw a good spot for them."Master, look." Before her Master could respond, Avenger changed to her armour and lifted Lelouch.
"Wha-!" raven-haired man wasn't able to finish as his Servant picked him up in bridal style and jumped at the air. Lelouch was shocked by such a sudden move but stayed silent. Avenger made several jumps, basically flying over huge chunks of land before she landed on top of the warehouse. She put down her Master. Lelouch coughed before speaking, "Please, inform if you going to do something like this."
Avenger smiled. "Sorry Master, but I felt another Servant...though I gotta admit you are pretty light." Lelouch just sighed before pulling out binoculars.
"I see someone." Avenger looked at the direction where her Master was looking and nodded. "Yes, I see him as well." Thanks to her abilities as a Servant she saw a man with two spears. "He has spears, this must be Lancer."
"He is waiting for someone to come to him. You said you felt the presence of another Servant?" Lelouch asked as he glanced at her.
"Yes. Speaking of which," she said and saw two figures approach Lancer. Two women, one with white hair and red eyes, while other was blonde in knight armour who was holding something invisible. "Here they are. The second Servant must be Saber but I can't see her sword."
"This second Servant." Lelouch suddenly said as he studied the appearance of a new Servant. "Something about her feels familiar."
Two Servants started to fight before they raised their weapons and rushed at each other. "Incredible." her Master said with awe. "So this is the power of Servant." Avenger had to agree, these two were fighting very well. However, she could see that they weren't using their full potential yet. They were fighting skillfully and carefully. A spark appeared in her red eyes when she saw how Lancer managed to hurt Saber despite her armour being in the way of the blow. Saber touched her fresh wound before blue light appeared in that place.
"Was that magic?"
"It would seem so. The white-haired woman behind the Saber must have healed her." Answered Avenger as she observed how Saber got rid of her armour. Two of them started to fight more fiercely this time. "They are fighting more seriously now. Master, do you see their parameters?"
"Yes, Saber has better parameters but so far they are even."
"Should I go?"
"Not yet." shocked his head, Lelouch. "We need to find more information about who they are. This way we will know who we are dealing with."
Knowing the identity of the Servant will be a huge advantage. Thanks to the Grail all Servants could easily access knowledge about all other Servants once they learned their true names. Their history, what weapons they use, how they fight and what kind of person they are. The last thing was most important in Avenger's opinion. She didn't want to work with a suspicious person who might stab her at the back.
'These two are knights, that easy to tell. All this honour and chivalry bullshit is easy to recognise as knight code. Well, at least it might make things a little bit easier.'
"Master, did you notice it?" Avenger asked.
"Yes, two of them fight with honour as knights should." he said with the serious face before smirking. "We can abuse this trait to our benefit. Not to mention Lancer's spears seems to have some sort of magic." Avenger smiled darkly as well.
"Indeed. However, we don't know their names yet."
"Oh, be a little patient, my dear Servant. It isn't like someone will announce their name so easily." her Master said with a smirk and Avenger had to agree. 'What kind of idiot would reveal his identity?'
Suddenly a thunderous roar pierced the sky. Lightning appeared out of nowhere and a chariot with bulls came from the sky. Inside it, they saw two men, one huge man with red hair huge muscles while another was a small boy who looked like he was about to vomit. Lancer and Saber stopped their fight and looked at the new Servant with a surprised expression. However, the huge redhead man opened his mouth and triumphantly declared:
"I'm Iskandar, King of Conquerors! I'm the Rider class in this Grail War!"
Every Servant and Master, expect hiding sniper and his lover, froze and were staring at Rider with a shocked expression on their face. The one who was astonished the most was Rider's own Master.
"..." both Avenger and her Master were speechless for a moment. Lelouch didn't move, still trying to understand what just happened but already processing information about the new Servant, Iskandar. Avenger on another hand stared at the king of conquerors with slightly open mouth and narrowed eyes.
"Well, he just did it." Avenger didn't know if she should have been amazed by Rider's announcement or laughing at his strategies failure. 'Still, it can work in his advantage as well. King of conquerors shouldn't be taken lightly. The man almost conquered all of the known world while he was alive.'
"Master, what should we do?"
"Iskandar or Alexander the Great...well, this might be an obstacle." Lelouch closed his eyes and thought. "Let's wait for his next move-"
"Join my army!"
Lelouch slowly opened his eyes and stared at him, his face didn't show any emotion but Avenger could feel how her Master was trying to stay calm. She couldn't blame him. This Iskandar was nothing like she imagined. 'King of conquerors? I only see a king of fools if he thinks anyone will join him.'
"Heroic spirits summoned through the Holy Grail, gather here and now!" Iskandar shouted as he raised his fist in the air. "These too-"
"Master, I'm asking again what should we do?" Avenger asked Lelouch, not bothering to hear what Rider said next.
Lelouch turned to look at her before glancing at three Servants. After a moment he answered. "Go there. It's time we presented ourselves. However, do not attack anyone just yet. We will decide who is the best candidate to ally with after some direct observation. So far Lancer seems like the best candidate with his two magical spears. If we play our cards right we might take out Saber tonight."
"As you wish." Avenger said with a frightening smile on her face, happy to finally have some action. She went into spirit form and moved towards three Servants.
She appeared before the three of them. Avenger slowly raised her Katana with a right hand and pointed at Iskandar. Three Servants looked at her with different expressions. Lancer surprised, Saber narrowed while Rider just smiled. She glared at him and yelled.
"Who is the fool who dared to call me?! The lord of these lands!"
"Oh-ho! A Servant and I can already tell you are powerful!" commented Rider as he looked at her with shining eyes. "You will be a great addition to my army!"
Avenger narrowed her eyes. "King of conquerors, your arrogance knows no bounds if you think I will join your army." She turned towards two other Servants and pointed her weapon at them. "I'm the king of this country and all of you better remember it."
"Heroic spirit from Japan? But that's against the rules." Said a white-haired woman who was silent until now. Avenger quickly glanced at her. Something about this woman felt wrong, she didn't seem like a human to Avenger.
"What a joke." Suddenly said a new voice said and all Servants looked at the new person. A blonde man with red eyes appeared from spirit form and stood on the street light pole. He was in full golden armour. "Two barbarians dare to call themselves kings when in truth I'm the only king in this Heaven and Earth."
Avenger didn't know who was this Servant but she could easily tell that he had a lot of divinity inside him. 'Demi-God? Well, this may work in my favour.'
"And who will be you?" asked Rider who was pitched by someone. Looking down he saw his Master. "What is it, boy?"
"Rider, it is the Archer who killed Assassin." Rider's Master whispered to his Servant while Goldern Archer glared at them.
"None of you deserve to know my name yet. Still," the blonde man looked at Avenger. "Even from here I can feel something wicked and wrong inside you. Who are you mongrel?"
'Should I tell them?' she wondered. No, her identity was a strategic advantage which she wasn't going to lose so easily.
"Avenger, you only need to reveal your class, it will be more than enough." her Master said thought mental link and a devilish smile appeared on her face. 'Oh, I'm curious what kind of reactions they will have.' Avenger laughed before raising her Katana at the sky.
"I'm the one who shouldn't have been summoned! I'm the vengeance from the past! I am the eighth Servant, Avenger!"
All of those who were in the port froze. From Servants in front of her to the Masters who were hiding in the shadows. Even two Masters who were far away hiding at church and the mansion were affected by the sudden declaration.
"Avenger?" slowly asked Saber with clear surprise in her voice. Lancer and Rider both were shocked as well, however, Iskandar brought a hand to his face and examined her carefully. Even Archer was silent right now but unlike others, he was staring at her with irritation. Avenger noticed it and smirked at him, while Archer clenched his teeth once he saw it. I can feel how divinity that is running through his veins. My, it will interesting dealing with him.
The white-haired Master was probably the most surprised by such a revelation. The Master of Rider scared more than before asking. "Wait! How it is possible?! There only seven Servants! There is no way the eighth Servant can exist!"
"I agree." stated Saber as she pointed the invisible sword at Avenger. " The Grail war has only seven Servants. State your true class!" Avenger hissed before speaking.
"Watch your tongue, knight. I'm was summoned as Avenger class and if you doubt it then feel free to test me." She smirked as she continued. "It will my pleasure to burn you alive."
Lancer who had been watching Avenger suddenly stood between two Servants with his red spear pointed at her. "I don't know who you are Avenger." He moved and stood in battle position. "However, the one fighting Saber right now is me and I'm not going to let you interfere in a duel between knights. Behind him Saber smiled, pleased by the chivalry of Lancer
'Master, says that Lancer so far is the best candidate for an alliance. However, it seems that his honour as a knight won't allow him to accept someone help to fight Saber.' She glanced at others. Both Rider and Archer were carefully watching her, waiting for her response. 'Bastards.'
"Avenger, if possible we need to avoid open conflict while so many Servants here." said Lelouch and Avenger started to think about ways to avoid fight while Archer was near. The blonde man seemed as most powerful Servants beside herself and Saber.' Try to find information.'
"Those are big words coming from the foreigner who dared to start a fight on my land. All of you stand on my territory without my permission. In my time passers-by had to pay to for such luxury." She lowered her Katana. "Seeing how none of you knows about my presence I'm ready to forget about such rudeness but I demand tribute."
"Ha-ha." Started to laugh Archer who bent over and placed his arms on his stomach. "What nonsense! You are indeed a joke if you think I will lend you anything." As he said that two golden portals opened behind him, a sword and spear appeared in the ethereal glow as Archer aimed the portals at her. "Such foolishness deserves nothing but death, mongrel."
Avenger glared and clenched her fists. A second later a dozen of matchlock guns appeared in the air around her. All of them aimed at Golder Archer. "Come on, Archer. I dare you." She said with low tone. Tension raised in the air with all other Servants watcher silently, waiting for one of them to make a move.
However, this situation was interrupted by the new quest. Out of thin air appeared a new figure clad in black smoke, though black armour could have been seen just underneath the haze. The most visible aspect was the glowing red visor. Berserker! Immediately concluded Avenger when she felt a giant amount of raw power coming from a new Servant. Archer who as until now aiming at her turned to look at Berserker who was silently staring at him.
"You dare to look upon the King, rabid dog?!" when he didn't hear the answer, Archer's portals started to move and now aimed at Berserker. "Die, mongrel!" he shouted as he shot a sword with high speed at Berserker. However, instead of dodging Berserker stood in place. The next move surprised even Avenger. Within a fraction of a second Berserker took into his hand the oncoming sword and blocked the following spear.
"Impressive." she heard her Master. Lelouch wasn't able to see what Berserker did exactly but seeing how a black knight was holding Archer's sword while spear was lying nearby, he managed to conclude. "If this Servant has such speed and strength then I may be wrong about Lancer. However, we still need a Master who is willing to cooperate with us. And so far only the Masters of Saber and Rider are here."
While he said it, Archer shouted, angered by Berserker's act of thievery. Berseker managed to lower blonde man to the ground, making Archer even more furious. More and more portals were opening behind him as he launched more weapons at Berserker. 'Swords, spears, hammers and so on. So far only old weapons but all of them powerful. Who is this Archer?'
"Nothing will remain of your corpse, mongrel!" he shouted as more portals appeared behind him. However, suddenly he froze, Archer slowly looked at a far distance with scrawl as he murmured something under his breath before turning to all other Servants. "Mongrels! See that you have culled your numbers by our next meeting. Only a true hero is worthy of looking upon me." He then glared at both Avenger and Berserker. "Next time one of you will be lying among the worms." Once he finished he went into spirit form, leaving the battlefield.
"It would appear his Master isn't as stubborn as Archer." Commented Rider. Saber let out a sigh before looking at Berserker who stared back at her for a few seconds before exploding with anger as he roared and rushed at her.
It would seem that it wouldn't be Avenger who intervened in the duel between Saber and Berserker. The black knight was furious in his attack as he tried to hit Saber with a street light pole that changed and became black and red.
"So that is his Noble Phantasm." Rider concluded as he watched the fight between them progress. Avenger glanced at another knight who was silently staying off to the side. She expected Lancer to rush in and stop Berserker from intervening in his duel with Saber but he just stood there.
'What happened with 'duel between knights' and 'chivalry'.' she thought, however, upon closer look she noticed how Lancer bit his lower lip and how his face has darkened. 'Oh, is his Master ordering him to stay and wait for the opportunity to stab Saber in the back? If it so then Lancer is sure doesn't look happy with it.'
"Avenger." called her Master. "For now, aid Saber. Her Master is here and if we manage to protect two of them, Saber will be obliged to at least answer our questions." Avenger looked at the situation before her and the white-haired Master of Saber. Something was wrong with her, the redhead warlord could easily tell it but they needed answers.
"Very well." Smiled Avenger, hungry for a fight as she jumped towards Berserker. The black knight was focused on Saber, so he didn't see her attack. With great power, Avenger kicked him in the side and send black knight flying into a shipping container behind him. Her opponent immediately stood up before picking up a pole that was divided in two and rushed at her. He tried to hit with two of them but Avenger managed to dodge one and cut in half another with her Katana.
Berserker roared and was about to make another attack but instead jumped back as Saber appeared before him, invisible sword in her hands aimed at his chest. Once their combined enemy was few meters away, both female Servants stood next to each other, their swords aimed at common foe between.
"Why are you helping me, Avenger?" asked Saber, not taking her eyes off Berserker.
"You still haven't paid your tribute to me. I can't allow you to die without having given it to me." Laughed Avenger. Berserker roared again but then Rider who was silent until now decided to make his move. His chariot ran over the black knight, as lightning followed. Berserker wasn't expecting it and was caught off guard. Now lying on the ground, the black Servant slowly raised itself and looked at three Servants before him.
"And what are you doing, Rider?" asked Avenger with curiosity in his eyes. The giant man laughed.
"Oh, I just got bored watching you fight and wanted to have some action as well." He said and pointed his sword at Berserker. "Besides, this guy only knows how to roar and siding with him will be boring."
"You won't try to recruit him into your army?" wondered Saber.
"As I said, he only knows how to roar. I doubt he can even reject my proposal with normal words." Now three Servants were against one and no matter how strong Berserker might have been, it would be insanity trying to fight against them. It would seem that their enemy understands this as well. Not making another attack, Berserker instead transformed into spirit form and disappeared. "Well, that went better than I expected."
Avenger had to agree with Rider. Her first battle and so far it was easy, then again Berserker was more focused on Saber than her. The question comes to her head. What was Lancer doing the whole time?
"Forgive me, Saber." Speaking of him. Lancer stood on his place, slightly bowing his head. "But my lord ordered me not to stop Berserker. I couldn't do anything. Please, forgive me, Saber."
Saber smiled before speaking. "It is okay, Lancer. I don't blame you, in fact, I want to finish our duel." Lancer smiled before speaking.
"I wish the same thing, Saber. However, I'm afraid that I cannot do it now, my lord calls for me." he turned away and was about to leave when he said. "Let's finish our fight next time."
"Very well, Lancer." Answered Saber and another knight left. She then turned to Avenger and Rider. "I should thank the both of you as well. Even though we are enemies you helped me."
Rider just waved away her thanks. "Don't think about it. I just wanted to do at least something this night and not just sit and watch others fight."
"Hm, I still need my tribute, Saber." This time female knight tensed remembering how Avenger demanded them to pay to her. "I think I have an appropriate demand for you and your Master." She glanced at the white-haired woman before returning her gaze to Saber. A wicked smile appeared on her face. "Let's become allies!"
Both women in front of her stared at her with disbelief. Saber had surprised expression and her eyes were wide.
"A-an alliance?"
"I mean that's a little..."
"Wait!" Rider shouted suddenly. "I ask you to join my army and Saber looks at me with anger and now she considers Avenger's offer. That's unfair!" Rider sounded offended as of he was the kid whose toy was taken away.
"Stay silent, idiot!" yelled his Master before glancing at Avenger. She smirked when the boy scared by her hid behind his Servant. "Emm, Rider I think we need to go."
Rider wanted to ask why but his Master looked at him with a pleading look. Iskandar sighed before speaking to them.
"It would seem my Master is already tired by events of this night. We will take our leave but I hope to see two soon."
Avenger turned back to her potential allies. "So what is your answer, Saber?"
Before Saber could answer, her Master interrupted.
"We are thankful for your assistance, Avenger. But we can't take your offer." She said with determination.
"Irisviel." whispered Saber, her Master looked at her with a warm smile. The female knight was silent before speaking. "You heard my Master, Avenger. I won't accept your proposal."
Avenger had a neutral expression, a little annoyed by quick rejection. "It's okay." said her Master in her head. "While a shame such an outcome is to be expected. Still, we can ask some questions at least." Avenger agreed.
"Such a shame. That means that next time we meet you will most likely be my enemy." Saber nodded.
"Maybe, but it is the Grail War after all."
"Hm, very well. In that case, at least answer my questions." Both of them glanced at each other before nodding to her. "Where can I learn all the information about this war? I was summoned at the last moment and neither I or my Master know all the rules about this war."
Saber's Master had a surprised look. "You don't know the rules?"
"Yes, my Master isn't very knowledgeable about the Grail War."
"Not my fault."
'Actually, it is.' thought Avenger after hearing her Master who sounded offended. "So?"
It would seem that white-haired woman now known as Irisviel would be the one to answer her question. "I-All the Masters and their Servants need to register at the church in the city."
"Church?" asked redhead Servant a little bit annoyed to learn this.
"Yes...is there a problem?"
"Depends." said Avenger before turning away. "Still, a shame that you don't want to ally with me but so be it." As she made to leave she suddenly stopped. "By the way, during all of this, I couldn't help but feel like someone was watching us."
Irisviel looked a little nervous before speaking. "Is that so?"
"Indeed." Avenger said. The next second a weapon appeared in her hand. Saber stood on the guard when she saw it. It was a huge mini-gun with Japanese decorations on it. However, Avenger pointed at the side of the red crane. A second later dozens of shoots were made and went towards it. Red crane became covered in the fire before it exploded. "Now, I'm calmer."
She looked back and smiled when she saw horrified expression on Irisviel and concerned look on Saber, it would appear Irisviel knew something. "Well, have a good night. This ruler of Japan would see you next time." She said and transformed into spirit form.
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Okay, I know this chapter might felt rushed but I have reasons for this. I just wanted to pass with the port as fast as possible. The following chapters will be slower. I know it is very important since almost all servants met each other but I wanted to focus more on the later parts of the war. Because of Avenger and Lelouch, some things already changed. For example, Lancer was ordered to stand instead of helping Berserker and fighting Saber since now two servants didn't participate in the fight from the start (Rider and Avenger). Also, if you feel that I'm bashing Iskandar don't worry, he is one of my favourite servants but some of his actions might seem a little bit silly.
Thanks to Beta-reader: Zanka no Tachi 31!