Author's Note: I do not own the Fate series or Fate/Apocrypha in any way. All credits goes to its creator, as well as anything I use from other animes.
With that, enjoy the chapter.
italic [spells and chants]
'thoughts/telepathy'
Chapter 11: Escape from the Castle
(Adrian P.O.V)
This was bad in any way possible. I only want to gain information, not battle a Servant for it. And here I am, going face to face with a Servant so early in the war. I can only curse my luck for this development.
"I will admit, you are brave to enter the castle on your own, but that was also a foolish endeavour." Archer of Black said to me.
"True, this was a stupid endeavour but I would've still done it regardless." I responded. I was currently think of how to get out of this situation. Now that I've exposed myself, chances are I won't be able to escape without fighting.
However, fighting a Servant is already pushing the limit. If it was a Master, then I would be able to handle it without exposing myself too much.
Not only that, in the distance I can see an army of golems and homunculi headed towards here. I'm going to be surrounded if that's the case, I have to make my escape by any means necessary.
'I got no choice, it's time to get serious.' I thought as I prepared myself.
Holding my hands to the side, I focused my mana as I materialised something in my hand. Motes of blue light surrounded me as I grabbed what seems to be a handle.
When the light dimmed, what was in my hand was a weapon. It was a single sliver-white sword with blue markings running down the blade. The most unique thing about the sword was that it had a black circular guard that surrounded the grip.
Archer of Black had a raised eyebrow, he was most likely intrigued about my weapon. "That is a unique weapon for a Master, you are definitely not a normal Master. But then again you are the disciple of the Wizard Marshall." He said.
That got me a bit surprised, but now that I think about it, the Yggdmillenia had detailed information about the Red Faction Masters and had spies in the Clock Tower to gather information. Though they most likely knew because Zelretch announced it to the people there.
I sighed as I responded. "Well, that damn vampire announced it to the higher ups that his disciple is taking part. He really wants to make my life miserable."
"Well, this is Zelretch we are talking about. I feel a bit bad for you." Archer of Black chuckled a bit.
"Yeah, but we're not here to discuss about that old man, right?" I said as I twirled my weapon a bit, moving myself into a running position.
Archer of black took notice of this as he drew an arrow, ready to fire at me. "You still intend to continue like this, I will acknowledge your spirit, if nothing else." He said.
"Thanks, I guess. But I have no intention of going down now!" I declared as I pumped mana into my legs and I moved forward. Archer of Black at the same time, fired his arrow at me, here comes my first serious fight, especially against a Servant.
(Normal P.O.V)
Adrian moved forward as Chiron fired his arrow. A blast of orange light was headed straight for Adrian but he swung his sword at the arrow and managed to cut it. A burst of smoke erupted from the impact but Adrian was completely unharmed as he continued to move towards Chiron.
Chiron was surprised that he cut the arrow, but also he saw there was no damage to Adrian's sword as well. 'My arrow didn't do any damage to his weapon…that sword is no ordinary sword.' He thought.
Chiron then proceeded to fire a few more arrows at Adrian, but Adrian's eyes were glowing as he got ready to anticipate each attack. Adrian moved his head and dodged one arrow as one whizzed past his head.
He then proceeded to avoid a few more arrows while getting closer to Chiron. If Adrian wasn't able to avoid the attack, he used his sword to block the attack. This went on until he was close enough that his sword can reach Chiron.
Adrian swung his sword at the Archer, but Chiron used his bow to block it. Right after, he kicked Adrian in the gut and Adrian got sent back a few metres but recovered immediately.
Adrian imbedded his sword to the ground to get his bearings very quickly as he had his other hand raised in front of him as he chanted an aria.
"Set" upon saying that word, several magic circles appeared above Adrian, a black key began to emerge in each one. With a wave of his hand, the black keys launched themselves from the magic circle and headed straight towards Chiron.
Chiron moved to dodge the black keys by jumping away, avoiding the black keys as Adrian casted several more magic circles, each circle was crimson red. However, the circles were not aimed at Chiron for some reason.
"Burn, engulfed it all!" Blasts of flames appeared from the circles, however the direction they were fired at wasn't Chiron but the castle instead. The flames were short from reaching the castle, however they hit the ground, in front of the army of golems and homunculi.
The flames engulf the area, a few blasts even hit a few golems and incapacitated them. That way, the homunculi and golems are not able to assist Chiron as the flames were in the way.
Chiron was surprised at Adrian's level of strategy. 'The black keys distracted me so that he could use magecraft to slow down the army that is headed towards here. He took that into consideration while fighting me…he is something else.' He thought.
'Okay, the army won't be coming for some time. Now I can focus on fighting the Archer Servant.' Adrian thought as he resumed his focus on fighting the Archer in front of him.
He moved as fast as he could to close the distance between him and Chiron while Chiron fired another arrow at him. Adrian moved his head to the right to allow the arrow to whizz past him as he got close to the Archer.
Adrian swung his sword at Chiron via overhead but Chiron backed a bit to dodge. He then swung upwards but missed again as Chiron moved slightly. That is when Adrian used his other hand to grab the sword's grip, the circular guard began to glow a bit.
Adrian twisted his body so that his side faced Chiron, Chiron thought that he would go for another overhead swing but actually something else. A hidden blade appeared behind and thrusted at Chiron.
Chiron was a bit surprised but he used his bow to block the blade. He pushed Adrian back as Adrian jumped back to gain his bearings, that is when Chiron noticed his weapon.
Instead of just one sword, now there is a second blade running down the sword. On one side is a sliver-white blade with blue markings, on the other side is a black-blue sword with white markings. The two blades come together at the circular guard grip where Adrian is holding the weapon horizontally.
'A duel-blade, this Master is more interesting than I expected.' Chiron thought as Adrian prepared himself to move again. 'It would seem that my bow would not be of much use.' He thought as Adrian pumped his legs with mana again and moved.
Adrian decided to be tricky and moved as fast as he could to behind Chiron so that he could hit him from his blind spot. But Chiron's movements was faster, before Adrian could swing his sword, a fist collided with his head and knocked Adrian back.
Adrian got his bearings rather fast as he saw Chiron in a punching stance. That got him rather intrigued. 'He's going for close quarters…I guess that means Archer Servants aren't just one trick ponies after all.' He thought.
He gripped his sword tightly and he proceeded to fight with Chiron again. When Adrian moved his sword, Chiron hit the flat side of the blade to redirect the swing and deliver punches at him.
On the other hand, when Chiron used his fists, Adrian used his weapon to block them, then focused his mana at his fists or legs to deliver a punch or kick at Chiron.
While this is does not work all the time as Adrian received punches and Chiron received slight brushing and slash marks, the two of them could get their bearings quickly as they continued fighting.
While all this was happening, Chiron's Master, Fiore was observing the fight from a distance and was breaking out in cold sweat. "Is that really a Master? He is able to fight with Chiron on near equal footing…" She commented, shocked that Adrian can keep up with Chiron.
She wanted to help out, but after seeing her Servant and the Master fight, all she could do was merely watch them. 'This fight is more like a battle between Servants than a Master…" She thought.
As Adrian and Chiron continued fighting in close quarters, it looked like it was pretty even match. However, on a much closer look, Adrian is on the defensive while Chiron is on the offensive. Not only that, Adrian is receiving more damage than Chiron.
This went on for a bit until Adrian jumped back, the two combatants finally took a breather. Chiron had slight bruising and a few cuts on his body from Adrian but is rather fine. Adrian on the other hand has much more injuries, he has far more bruises all over his body and his head was bleeding from Chiron's punch earlier.
"Honestly…what kind of Archer uses his fists?" Adrian had to comment as he panted, the two of them fought in close quarters for a while.
"Well, just because I'm an Archer Servant doesn't mean I am relegated to only using by bow." Chiron commented.
"That's true." Adrian said as he composed himself. He could see that the flames he fired earlier were diminishing, which means that Archer of Black would be aided by golems and homunculi very soon.
"I have to end this now, though I could really use some help from anyone at this point…" Adrian muttered as he grabbed the handle of his weapon with both his hands. He closed his eyes as he began to concentrate on something.
The two blades of Adrian's weapon began to glow in blue light, charging for some sort of special attack as the wind around him swirls. Chiron followed suit as he drew his bow again and nocked an arrow glowing in orange light, ready to fire again.
As the two of them charged their weapons, that was when Adrian felt something. He stopped his weapon from charging, his weapon slowly diminished its glow as he looked to the side. Chiron was a bit confused as to why he suddenly stopped, his arrow also dimming it's light.
"What are you up to?" He asked. Adrian replied. "I felt a presence…" He drifted off for a bit, that is when Chiron's senses went off as he quickly moved from his position. As soon as he dodged, lightning blasts fell onto Chiron's previous position.
"Hahahaha! You don't have your Servant with you yet you are capable of holding your own against one. As expected of my co-conspirator!" A voice spoke.
Adrian turned to where the voice was and was surprised to see him here. The Avenger of the Great Holy Grail War appeared with his trench coat fluttering in the wind behind him, aiding Adrian in his current predicament.
"You actually came to help?" Adrian said. The count smiled savagely as he replied.
"Of course! You called for me, didn't you? Then like a tiger burning bright, I raced across the battlefield to aid you in your endeavour."
Chiron was surprised that another Servant appeared and it was not one of the three that attacked the castle. He had his bow ready as he drew another arrow. "So, you're another Servant of Red assisting a fellow Master, am I correct?" He asked.
"I'll leave that interpretation to your imagination." Avenger said.
Chiron stood there, his bow was fully drawn and ready to fire, while Avenger was ready to move as soon as he fired. Soon, Avenger fired several blasts at Chiron but Chiron fired his arrows to take out the projectiles.
Avenger then moved at high speeds to go for close encounters. His hands were embedded in black fire as he attacked in close range. Chiron was wary not to touch his hands directly and fired his arrows to keep him at bay.
However, Avenger's speed was more than enough for Chiron to think otherwise as his arrows keep missing. So he had to resort to close quarters as well and fought Avenger while avoiding his hands.
While all this was happening Adrian was using his magecraft to heal his wounds for the time being, holding a cloth to wipe the blood on his head. That is when a voice spoke to him.
'Master, are you able to escape in your current situation?' Atalanta's voice ringed through his head. 'Atalanta, you haven't retreated back to the church?' Adrian asked, he was surprised that his Servant was still nearby and within enemy territory.
'You never reported back, so I was prepared for the worst and hung back. I can see you from where I am, I see that you were held back by the Archer of Black. But the Servant in front of you, who is that? I don't think he is part of our faction.' Atalanta replied.
'That can wait until after we get out of this.' Adrian said as he thought of a way to escape Archer of Black's eyes. 'I have Archer of black in my sights of my bow. Should I fire at him now?' She asked.
'Not yet, we need the right timing to escape.' Adrian told his Servant as his mind was working hard to form a plan. 'We need to get out of his range fast, else the other Servants will come to aid him. If Atalanta can hit him while he is pre-occupied with Avenger…'
Soon, he came up with a plan that will turn the situation around. 'Okay Atalanta, here's what we're going to do…' he relayed the plan to her as she stood perched on a treetop. 'I see, understood. Just send me the signal for me to shoot.' She said as she prepared to fire her arrows.
As soon as she said so, Avenger moved to in front of him, he jumped a distance away from Chiron's position. Fighting in close quarters was getting nowhere for the two of them, so the two had a small breather, Chiron took this breather to redeploy his bow.
"Count, I have a favor to ask from you." Adrian said quietly to Avenger in hopes that Chiron would not hear him. He quietly told the plan to the Servant before he smiled wickedly. "Interesting, very well. After all, your journey has yet to end now."
'What are they planning…' Chiron thought as he never took his eyes off the two of them, still ready to fire an arrow at the two of them. Soon, Adrian's plan went into action.
Avenger fired several lightning blasts at Chiron which caused him to move to avoid them. Just as he moved, Avenger fired a big blast onto the ground, which resulted a huge wave of smoke that surrounded the area around him and Adrian.
"Creating a smokescreen to hide your escape I see. However, I know where you would escape to." While surrounded by the smokescreen, Chiron drew his bow as he got ready to fire at a certain direction, likely predicting where Adrian is.
But before he fired, a blast of turquoise light ripped through the smoke and hit Chiron. "Ack!" Chiron felt the pain as he saw an arrow imbedded at his leg, his eyes widen as he thought who would have hit him. 'The Archer of Red? That Servant had not retreated yet?'
But he did not have time to think about it further several more arrows came at him through the smoke. He immediately moved to dodge the incoming onslaught of arrows, but because he was hit in the leg earlier, he didn't avoid every arrow as one managed to hit him again, this time at his left shoulder. Chiron grunted as he dodged the arrows until the attacks stop eventually.
Atalanta ceased her firing as she lowered her bow once she confirmed Adrian has left the battlefield. "Looks like Master managed to get away successfully, in that case I don't need to stay any longer." She commented as she disappeared into blue motes light, reverting back to her spirit form.
The smoke fully cleared as the attack of arrows ceased, Adrian and Avenger had long escape the area. Chiron removed the two arrows imbedded in his leg and shoulder. He went to observe the surroundings in search for them, but unfortunately he could not detect the two of them, nor the Archer of Red.
'That was very crafty, the Servant earlier created a smokescreen but not to escape, but to act as a signal for Archer of Red to fire at me. Also the smokescreen prevented me from finding where those two escape as I was busy dodging the attacks that passed through the smoke.' He thought.
Chiron continued to look at the forested area as he commented. "That Master… he is similar to Jason in terms of craftiness and he is able to fight against a Servant. That is not something a regular Master is capable of doing."
"Are you alright, Chiron? You're hurt." Chiron looked behind to see Fiore moving her wheelchair towards him. "I'm alright, though I have severely underestimated that Master." He said to his Master.
"Yes, I can't believe he could fight against you and was able to hold his own." Fiore commented. "I actually mistook him for a Servant for a second."
"That is true, in any case there is more to that Master than we originally thought." Chiron said.
As the two of them wonder, a voice interrupted their thoughts. "Fiore, have you managed to take care of our Master situation?" Darnic's voice rang through their heads.
Fiore had to give her uncle the unfortunate news. "Unfortunately no Uncle, it seems that two enemy Servants were still around and they helped the Master escape with them."
There was silence in the air, no doubt that Darnic was fuming with rage that the intruder has escaped. That was when he relayed his orders again, his voice was trying to be calm and collected. "Fair enough, for now help Gordes in finding Rider with that homunculus, I'll expect that you give us a report of this incident later, Fiore."
"Yes, Uncle." Fiore answered as the communication line ended. She sighed as she thought. 'Uncle will definitely not like this one bit.'
"I suppose it can't be helped. I did get wounded, but I am still able to continue." Chiron said, reassuring Fiore that he is fine despite the attacks made on him.
"Okay, let's go find Rider but don't push yourself too much." Fiore said and the two of them went to find Rider of Black.
"It would seem that we have managed to lose them." Adrian commented as he got carried by Avenger throughout as they travelled through the forest. He didn't think about how to get away fast and Avenger simply picked him up and moved.
"Alright, we can take a rest here." Avenger said. He dragged Adrian through the forest until he found a clearing that was relatively safe and stopped there.
As soon as Avenger dropped Adrian, Adrian was on all fours as he felt vomiting from moving that fast. "Ugh…note to self…bring a barf bag so I can throw up…" He commented as he recovered from being nauseous.
"Heh…for someone who could stand up to a Servant, you can get motion sickness rather easily." Avenger commented.
"Considering that we moved at such speeds, anyone would have gotten motion sickness." Adrian said as he took deep breaths. "Also, thanks for saving me."
"No need for thanks." Avenger replied.
"Your tenacity for surviving is one I have to complement, it's rare to see a Master that can hold his own against a Servant." He said.
"But, that doesn't mean that I have an edge among the other Masters right?" Adrian said.
"Hmph…you are also rather humble, but from the way you fought earlier this isn't the first time you fought a Servant, correct?" Avenger asked.
Adrian didn't say anything but his eyes wandered slightly, most likely remembering the events much early on. That is when Avenger got his attention so he could say one more thing.
"In any case, we shall part from here. You should watch yourself Adrian, this Holy Grail War has only just begun. I wonder if you are prepared for what's to come…."
With that, Avenger walked away from Adrian, leaving him at a secluded part of the forest. 'what's to come huh…does this mean that something will happen during the latter part of the Holy Grail War?' Adrian thought.
But he decided to hold those thoughts for now. "I better return to my house, I am burnt out from just today." He commented as he walked back, while at the same time being careful for any familiars that are surveying the area.
After walking a certain distance, Adrian noticed something going on at a clearing. He was obviously curious, so he went to check it out while making sure he stayed hidden.
(Astolfo P.O.V)
Well, this sucks.
After all the effort I did to take that homunculi away from the castle, they are going to take him back to the castle to do who knows what.
Once my job was done in helping to deal with Berserker of Red, I took this chance to save that homunculus and took him out of the castle and we're currently in the forest.
There were the occasional golems that came to stop me, but with my lance the were handled no problem. The poor guy was panting hard earlier so I decided that we take a break.
That is when Saber of Black showed up behind us, along with his Master, Gordes. I can't believe they came all the way just to retrieve him, just how much does Caster of Black want him?
And so, I was in a predicament, Saber came at me and I used my lance to keep Saber busy for some time for the guy to get out of here. But Saber's Master chased after him and I can't help him without dealing with Saber.
And things just got from bad to worse. After a bit of fighting, Saber disarmed me and now my back was against the wall, with Saber's sword pointing at me. I knew I couldn't beat a Saber class Servant, but I can't afford to leave things like this.
"Stand aside, you idiot! I'm going to save him!" I yelled at Saber.
"For what reason? Because he came to you and ask you for help?" He inquired.
"No! I decided to help him out of my own volition!" I shouted, trying to make my point across to him. "Do servants need a reason to help people? Am I supposed to forget the mercy, the pride I held in my lifetime? NO! I'm Astolfo, one of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne! I won't let him fall, I swore not to!"
There was some silence as neither of us moved, until Saber closed his eyes and he actually retracted his sword. I had to gasp, I didn't think I got through to the man.
"My wish…" Saber muttered as another silence was in the air. That was when I heard a shout not far from us.
"You damned homunculus!"
Seeing that Saber is not fighting me anymore, I quickly dashed across the field to see what happened. When I arrived at the scene, I was shocked. The boy was slumped against a tree, and I think I saw blood coming out from his mouth.
Damn it! I could see him struggling to move but can't do so, I have to help him fast.
"To think that you did this to me…" Gordes said as I saw him reaching to grab him. But before he could do that, we heard some form of movement in the forest.
I saw Gordes turned to where the sound is coming from but as soon as he turned, I saw a foot landed on his face and kicked him aside. Damn, that kick is going to leave a mark, the person who kicked him knows how to kick him.
Gordes fell from the impact as he tried to recover as fast as he could. "Damn it, who did that?" He yelled as he put his hand to his face where he got kicked, looking at the person who hurt him.
A figure was standing in front of him, as well as in between the homunculus. He had a dagger out, aimed at Gordes, he had red hair and honestly, looked worse for wear as I see several bruises on his face.
That was when I saw the marks on his hand, they looked like Command Seals but it doesn't look like he is on our side.
"Red Command Seals…and you're not in our uniform. You're the Red Faction Master that supposedly sneaked into the castle! What are you doing here?" Gordes shouted.
What, the Master of the Red Faction? Earlier when I went to get the boy away from here, by pure chance the alert came saying that a Master infiltrated the castle. That was my chance since everyone will be busy dealing with the intruder. But now…the Master that infiltrated the place is here? And did he really kick Gordes away from the kid just now?
"Eh? He saved the boy just now right?" I had to blurt out. "This is unexpected." Saber caught up to me commented.
"I was about to escape, but then I saw what you were doing. I mean seriously, a homunculus that can barely walk yet you beat the ever living crap out of him. What do you have to say for yourself?" The Master said.
I know right!? That Gordes is just cruel, I mean he didn't even allow Saber to introduce himself. What kind of man disallows someone to introduce him or herself?
"Why do you care? He is just a tool meant for our cause! That said…Why would you even need to save an excuse of an experiment?!" Gordes angrily asked as he pointed at the Master.
Yeah…why did he saved him? I don't think there is any reason to save him, I decided to save him of my own volition. The Master didn't even have to get involved in this.
I saw him look back to the homunculi, looks like he also didn't know why. He probably moved his body without thinking, just like any hero would. He simply sighed as he answered.
"It's really simple… Do I need a reason to save a life?"
Of all the things he could've said, he said that…So you also decided to help him of your own accord when you saw our infighting…that got me thinking.
If I can't save the boy, then maybe you can help save him for me, Master of the Red Faction.
That's the chapter. From the looks of things, Rider is going to have Adrian take care of the homunculus.
Anyway, I will try to have the next chapter out as soon as I can, the next update would be after I update the other story. My work schedule doesn't make it easy to write out the story.
If you readers are patient enough to wait for the next chapter, I'll be very grateful. Do leave me a review so that I know how is it I can improve on the story.
With that, thank you for reading!