Archer could admit, he was far from the strongest Servant in this Holy Grail War. Compared to the other Servants and their legends, Archer had no such legend. With parameters that weren't the best entirely, and in a straight on fight he'd lose. Which is why Archer never fought head-on, and instead fought with the abilities he knew best. Never focusing on improving his weaknesses, but instead trained to the max the powers he knew best. Which is why he needed to test the familiar here of what it could do so he can plan on what skills he can use on it.
"Grua!" One that caused his feet to skid back as the paw slammed into his favored blades Kanshou and Bakuya, and caused Archer to skid back a bit. His eyes analyzing this Grimm's power as he realized this familiar was quite strong to push a Servant back.
'Not as powerful as Berserker,' Archer thought as he then let another paw slam into his defenses. Noticing how Kanshou was showing a crack in it now. 'But a direct hit may be harmful even to me.'
It still confused Archer how a simple familiar could even match a Servant. Servants were after all, the highest-rank familiars possible. Not to mention most of the Grimm Archer faced were easily killed by him and even Rin. Yet this one showed greater strength than the rest combined.
'Could it be that some are just more stronger as elites of sorts?' Archer thought as he avoided the Ursa's claws which ripped apart the tree near Archer like paper. Also realizing that this Grimm had more defined features and more bone armor compared to the other Grimm alongside a bigger size and mass. Most likely through an unknown reason, some nGrimm became stronger through specific circumstances. Ozpin might know, but he wasn't here. So instead, Archer will just fight to get rid of this thing.
Starting with the reject Care Bear.
"Archer." Rin called out as she saw her Servant using acrobatics to avoid any lethal strikes. "You finished studying the thing?"
"I have." Archer said as he then projected a bow and arrow, dismissing his blades. "And it is no match for me." He then began firing nameless arrows at the Grimm. All of them pierced through the Grimm's hide, aimed carefully to avoid the bone armor as it was much tougher than even steel itself.
The Grimm roared in pain, though it didn't seem too inconvenient by the attack as only the arrow heads stuck in. It's too thick for the arrows to penetrate that far deep. It ran at Archer and swiped it's paws to kill the man that stood before the Ursa. Sensing the self-loathing and resentment in the man, among other emotions. Archer twisted himself and jumped up to avoid the attack.
Projecting a new weapon in favor, this one in the form of a spiraling sword and thrust it down at the back of the Ursa's neck. A single hit would decapitate the bear. So it was a surprise to Archer when the bear actually avoided the attack by rolling forward and then slamming it's right paw into the ground and lifted the blocky material that made the stair steps and threw it at Archer.
The Servant of course didn't care to much that some rocks hit him alongside dust, and landed while then running forward as he tried to send Cadabolg into the creature's gut. This weapon could destroy landscapes, so killing this false bear would be simple. The beast of course didn't allow it, as once Archer got in range it's eyes saw the sword and the bear rushed to the side to avoid it.
It lifted it's head and lunged to bite Archer with it's maw. Instead Archer just dismissed Caladbolg and did an uppercut to the beast. Archer also realizing this Grimm wasn't as stupid as it looks.
'The armor,' Archer thought as he then stepped back to avoid some swipes from the Ursa, that shrugged off the uppercut. The Ursa then slammed it's paws against the stairs where somehow the earth beneath them caused a line of rocks to protrude out of the ground as a long-ranged attack. All aimed at Archer who avoided it by jumping over it. 'It has scars and cracks. Clearly this thing has fought before and learned.'
Rin herself came to the same conclusion when she saw what should have been a mindless Grimm avoid Archer's attacks yet dodged it. As if realizing it was dangerous, something familiars shouldn't even be aware of. 'Guess not all Grimm are dumb like I thought.'
Still, even if this thing was a bit smarter than the average Grimm, it wouldn't be enough. Archer rushed at it and projected nameless blades that he then used to attack the Ursa's face. Slamming the metal against it and annoying the Ursa as it then tried lifting its left leg to stomp on Archer. That was the chance Archer needed as he then got behind the Ursa and lifted his blade and reinforced it.
The Grimm might not actually be a real bear, but it should share some similarities to it.
Scrch!
"Grua!" Particularly, feeling pain from having a blade enter the back of it's knee and coming through it as well. The Grimm wounded as it fell forward. It's left leg was unable to move properly unless the blade was either removed or dismissed. Archer had no plans on dismissing it. The Servant then got ready to kill the thing, projecting a certain spear that could tear through the back of the skull even with it's tough hide.
Though before Archer could, Rin called out to him. "Archer!"
He sensed it, and the Servant turned where he saw other Grimm come out. They had heard the call of the Major Ursa, and rushed to it while ready to attack Archer. Their claws and teeth showed as they then leapt to attack the Servant of the Bow.
Archer smirked as he then projected Kanshou and Bakuya and began slewing the Grimm to shreds. Unlike the Ursa, these ones weren't as strong. Beowolves were de-clawed, and the small Nevermores had their wings plucked while any jaw that opened to reveal teeth were kicked away. Rin even helped by shooting down the other Grimm that would attempt to strike Archer's back.
Still, while it only took Archer but a scant few seconds to deal with the Grimm, that time was used by the Major Ursa to get back up. Slamming it's knee hard on the ground and making the tip of the blade that stuck out from it's knee to painfully slide back and out of the Grim's joint. It then dug its claws into the earth well enough to make a traction and lunges forward at Archer.
Archer turned, unamused and projected a shield in front of him. Nothing as powerful as his greatest defense, Rho Aias, but a still good shield. One he then reinforced and speed forward as he slammed the shield against the Ursa's face. A slight crunch was heard as the momentum the Ursa used backfired on it, as part of its snout cracked and some teeth actually fell off of it.
The Ursa wasn't out yet, as it then began running forward on all four. While it was no Berserker, due to its nature and empowerment the Ursa was more than capable of physically hurting Servants. Archer feeling himself going backward as his feet couldn't stay in one place as the Grimm kept moving forward.
Archer dematerialized the shield and then slammed his fist onto the top of the Ursa's skull. He might not have comparable strength like other Servants, but Archer could punch through walls if he wanted to. While the Ursa's skull was tough, it wasn't tough enough as the fist actually made it crack while slamming the Ursa's jaw onto the ground.
Rin looked a little impressed by that. While Archer always showed how good he was with his archery and swordsmanship, he never really bothered using his fists. To be fair though, Archer was no hand-to-hand combat expert. At best he just knew the basics. Still, even he didn't mind rough-housing now and then, and with the Ursa down Archer lifted his hand in the aid and projected a blade.
With a simple swing while putting his muscle into it, the blade dug deep into the back of the Ursa's neck. Admittingly, it didn't cut through it like Archer had hoped it would. But it still dug deep enough that once the hide stopped it, the Major Ursa disintegrated away into black smoke.
Archer huffed. "Did that witch really think that could handle me?"
Oh sure this thing was smarter and much more stronger than the other Grimm Archer has faced. But in the end, it didn't really have the necessary skill to actually beat him. As if to answer his question, none other than Assassin replied, who's still there. Having watched the fight and decided to give his opinion.
"My 'Master' is a great magus, I won't deny that much." Assassin said to Archer who turned toward him. "But when it comes to a fight, she is far from the best. Being an armature when commenting on a fight and assumed the bear could handle you just because it had more strength than the other Grimm."
It was like a person watching a professional sword battle. To the watcher, if they were just an average person, they'd just think the sword battle is 'flashy' and 'cool'. Not realizing just how difficult it is to train in the sword for those who dedicated their lives to it. The proper posture, breathing, muscular strength, and the skill needed to use the blade without it falling off one's hand. Caster was the exact same.
After she found the Grimm and had it test it's might on some trees and buildings, she believed it was good enough to deal with a Servant. Maybe it could have, as it did have terrifying strength. But that was all the Major Ursa had, and against Archer who has experience and great skill, the Ursa was nothing more but a slightly-tough obstacle.
"Still, you best be careful when you get up there." Assassin told them. "While I bet she's fuming her pet didn't kill you, she still has more familiars and defenses ready to turn against you all."
"Awfully chatty to help the enemy, aren't you?" Rin said with suspicion. Archer was actually with her, and still kept a good eye on Assassin in case he tried anything funny.
"I just wish to fight my foe and nothing more. Anything else is irrelevant to me." Assassin bluntly said to them both. "I might have to fight you though," The Servant then admits, "But only if Caster forces me to. While I wouldn't mind trading blows with other Servants, I'm interested in one man and one man only."
Last thing Assassin needed was to fight a Servant, only for Musashi to come and attack him while he had expended his strength. The bastard used such trickery to weaken his opponents, and Assassin wasn't going to let that happen one bit.
Rin and Archer were still wary, but both moved past Assassin and then climbed up towards Caster's lair. No more Grimm attacked, and no Dragon Tooth Warriors also came either. The two didn't even face any curses or defensive wards as they climbed up, meaning either Caster was arrogant, or was just confident her preparations could deal with them. Probably both as well.
Eventually, the two made it all the way up where they saw the temple of Caster's lair.
It has clearly changed quite a bit. For one, there were massive statues of stone warriors that could be seen, with Dragon Tooth Warriors next to them. The sky above the temple also is covered by a massive magic circle. Unnoticeable by ordinary folk, but seen by those who came up this way. Whatever the circle did couldn't be good. Where at the center of the gate is none other than Caster, who grinned as she saw the two who entered her sacred grounds.
"My, my, I see you arrived here. Even though it is the height of foolishness to do so." Caster then gloated, as from behind her red eyes glowed. Grimm that were held back by Caster, as they were more than ready to also attack.
"Says the one who thought sending an animal after us would work." Rin then insulted back with a smirk, making Caster clearly fume. But she regained her composure and chuckled.
"Yes. I admit, maybe I did put too much stock in these...Grimm, you call it." A Beowolf came to her side, where she then snuzzled it. "But they are quite useful still. My studies on them have shown quite a bit about them."
Rin couldn't deny in being interested in that. While she did feel it was best to rid these things from Fuyuki, that didn't mean the magus side of her wanted them fully gone. Just a bit of study to see what they were exactly and how they worked. However, this is a battle that she had to win. No room for chit-chatting.
"I don't suppose you can share a bit of your studies, could you?" Rin then asked, while then mentally speaking to Archer. 'The second she tries to speak, move in.'
'Understood.'
"Hehe." Caster just chuckled. "Maybe I could. But seeing as you are about to die, I have no reaso-" As Rin commanded, Archer moved the second Castet went into her little monologues. He had bent down and ran as fast as he could, going at speeds that surpassed a bullet. Kanshou and Bakuya were already out by the time he was five meters in front of Caster, who actually looked surprised not at Archer's attack, but at how quick he was. Lancer might be faster than him, but Archer could run quite well.
The Servant of the Bow then attempted to strike down Caster with his blades. Already he reinforced them, making them appear much larger than they should normally be. And then tried to bisect the enemy Servant.
Ding!
Instead, a barrier appeared and stopped Archer from cutting Caster's body into pieces. Caster showing anger but also smiling at the same time. "I suppose I should have seen an attack coming from a brute such as yourself." Archer's eyes widened as he saw a purplish-pink glow coming from Caster's right hand. "But that is why I prepared, didn't I?"
A beam of energy was then launched at Archer. Quickly he had his blades make a type of X-shield to defend him. While Archer had low magic resistance, his favored blades would give him a great increase in magic resistance. True a direct hit on his body would be fatal, but so long as the attack hit the blades, he was safe.
"Guh!" From being disintegrated anyway. Not from feeling the force of the attack launch him so hard, that he slammed into the invisible wall that surrounded the temple ground. Rin looking surprised as she then gritted her teeth and quickly held many gems in between her fingers.
"Alright, I might not do much but try this!" Rin then launched multiple of the gems at Caster which then flew in a streaming light toward the Servant. Caster just snickered as she just made a minor defense against the petty attack made.
"Cute." Caster told Rin as she waved her hand. "Try this now."
The statues shaped like warriors then stood straight. Caster had created these statues with her magecraft, and as such were golems that then faced Rin. The Dragon Tooth warriors also gazing at their target with their weapons raised to attack. Rin felt nervous now, as while she was certain she could take the golems and Dragon Tooth Warriors on, they're were quite a lot of them here.
As for Archer, he knew he had to make a move and now. He landed on the ground and then began projecting his bow and arrows and began firing as fast as he could project. The arrows hitting the Dragon Tooth Warriors and scattering their pieces as Archer then ran in a half-circle, firing his arrows at Caster.
Unlike with the familiars though, not a single arrow even touched Caster as she has long since created a barrier to defend herself automatically. It was how she defended herself from Archer's first attack, as he had gone way to fast for her to just utter a defensive spell. Archer realized this, and decided he needed to shoot something stronger than what he had on him. To breach her defenses.
"Grua!" To bad Caster decided to let the Grimm loose onto him. The golems and Dragoon Tooth faced Rin, and the Grimm would face Archer while backed by Caster. The witch floating in the air laughing as she mocked the two.
"Did you really think I was just sitting around doing nothing this entire time?" After that last battle, Caster focused on being ready for the next fight when they came. Archer frowned and just decided to cut down an incoming Creep. To his surprise though, when he tried the blade didn't leave so much as a mark on it.
Bzz!
Probably because a defensive ward protected it from his attack.
"Rah!" A Beowolf behind him. Archer sank a new blade into the chest where the heart might have been if Grimm had any. Either way it killed it as it vanished away, only for a child sized Nevermore to come in and tried to claw his face. Archer cut down the bird, and then the next Ursa that tried to slash his back. Another Beowolf came but instead of its head coming off when Archer went for decapitation, another defensive ward appeared to defend it.
'That's her game!' Archer thought as he then moved backward while firing an arrow that split itself into many. Some sank into the hide of the Grimm with a few dying while others withstood it. Another batch just had strong enough armor to deflect the arrows, while another group didn't even have to defend as defensive wards came to protect them. 'She's attempting to catch me by surprise with these Grimm, and waste mana on them.'
Quantity vs quality. An old debate that always made one question which side was better. Trufully, in this situation even if Caster sent an army of Grimm at Archer he could deal with them easily. However, she mixed in some Grimm with defensive wards that would catch him by surprise, even if by a few seconds. Seconds that can allow a Grimm to attack him while he was busy recuperating from the failed attack.
Very good, as Archer also noticed how one Grimm, when it attacked him managed to leave a small mark on his body. A body that should have been capable of withstanding bullets without a mark on them.
'She's empowered some of the Grimm.' Archer cut down both arms of a Beowolf, then twisted as he cut down an Ursa's head off while jumping up and kicking it's disintegrating head against a Creep's skull. 'Some with defensive wards,' A Nevermore sent some feathers at Archer that hit his back and actually stung. 'Others with offensive ability.'
Archer twisted in the air and sent Kanshou at the bird killing it. He then got behind a Beowolf and raised Bakuya to call the other blade back. The blade boomeranged towards Archer's position when instead of slicing through the wannabe werewolf, instead a defensive ward protected it sending the blade back.
'Even worse I can't tell which is defended or empowered.' Archer moved as he grabbed Kanshou while sliding under the feet of an Ursa and cut off it's legs. A Boarabtusk suddenly came into view and entered ball dash mode and slammed into Archer's chest and actually hurt him. Nothing to injured, but it forced Archer to shove the thing off him as he then dodged an ursa's foot which crushed the ground where Archer's head had been in.
He then got up but had to move when suddenly Caster sent beams of magic against him. Archer defended himself with Kanshou and Bakuya again, but a Grimm used that chance to slash his back. Thankfully, it wasn't one of the empowered ones.
SNAP!
The Boarbatusk near his leg was, as it bit his leg and dragged him onto the ground. The Grimm then swarming Archer and while over half couldn't even hurt him, a few that were empowered by Caster could. Not helped when Caster decided to then create a barrier around Archer and the Grimm that was about fifteen meters in diameter trapping him with the Grimm inside it.
As for Rin, she wasn't having it any easier. She shot her Gandrs at the Dragon Tooth Warriors, who easily fell apart from her attacks. Unfortunately, just as fast they picked themselves up with their scattered bones popping back into place. The statue warriors also aided in Rin's troubles as they attacked her.
Twice as tall as her, made of stone, and held stone weapons. Weapons they didn't hesitate in using as they swung them at Rin who dodged them with her Reinforcement spells on her body. She was much faster than these things, and stronger as she could throw a fist and break apart one of the Dragon Tooth Warriors.
'But I'm outnumbered.' Rin thought with cold realization. These things weren't particularly strong, even the golems, but they had numbers on their side while Rin had limited mana and gems. She also saw Archer trapped in a barrier with Caster laughing as she aided her new familiars to kill him.
Rin considered attacking Caster right now. But before she could, she saw something in the corner of her eyes. Rin threw a gem that exploded in light to blind whatever was coming for her. It worked as intended.
"Not enough." But did little to stop Caster's Master from slamming a fist into Rin's gut. The blow should have hit her head, but the light caused Kuzuki to misjudge but still land a good blow. Sending Rin back and landing on the ground while feeling very sore on her stomach. She was lucky she reinforced that part of her body at the last second, otherwise Kuzuki's hand would be inside her body.
But Rin still felt pain from the blow, and felt as if she could throw up. Not that she'd get that chance as the enemy Master came in and jumped up in the air. He soon began falling with his left heel high up and ready to slam into Rin's face and cave her skull inward while crushing her brain.
Rin rolled over and managed to avoid the attack. The ground burst from Kuzuki's move though, and some small but sharp pieces of rock hit Rin in the face and the eyes. On instinct she shut her eyes as she also tried to avoid crying out in pain from it.
A massive hand then gripped her waist. It was the golem, and as she was lifted Rin forced herself to open her eyes, ignoring how teary there was and saw the golem with it's unmovable expression look at her.
It then squeezed.
"Uhu-!" Rin felt her body slowly getting crushed. She reinforced herself, but it didn't stop the pain and the golem was still gripping together. Reinforcement was good, but even the spell had limits. The human body could only be reinforced so much, and Kuzuki was an exception to that rule since his version of the spell was more different than the one Rin used. Either way, she was in trouble and could do nothing but pound the stone fist crushing her to death.
Archer heard his Masters pain, and narrowed his eyes. He was being kept down by the Grimm that held Caster's enhancement spells, and stomped on and bitten by the rest. While he was far from dying, they were whittling his strength and it was clear Caster was getting ready to kill him with with how she was chanting a spell. The only reason she hasn't is because she was clearly amused at how he was struggling.
'That'll be here downfall.' Archer thought as he decided it was time to unleash one of his reserved tricks. He'd rather not have done it truthfully, but in this situation where his Master's life is at stake, he had no choice. As upsetting as it is, Caster held all the cards in her hands and was to strong here in her workshop.
"Let's take that away." Archer said as he then began chanting lines that nobody could here.
"I am the bone of my sword." He spoke aloud, the Grimm of course not caring as they continued to assault him. One that was empowered slashed his chest and began damaging his outfit. Archer didn't even flinch.
"Steel is my body and fire is my blood." Nearby Rin finally managed to break free. Destroying the golem's hand with a gem. Sadly for her, in her injured state while she fell, Kuzuki took that chance to leap at her and grab her. Gravity took hold and Kuzuki brutally slammed her down onto the ground.
"I have created over a thousand blades. Unknown to Death, Nor known to Life. " Rin's reinforcement broke, her concentration ruined as she was sweating. Kuzuki stared at her coldly with no emotion. Instead, simply getting ready to kill her.
"Have withstood pain to create many weapons. Yet, those hands will never hold anything." Caster then tilted her head, as she then sensed something. Nearby, Assassin also felt the air change as he observed the battle. Even so, he didn't think this was a fight that could be won in the current state.
Kuzuki lifted his fist ready to end this, with Rin wondering if this was the end.
Archer thought otherwise.
"So as I pray, Unlimited Blade Works!"
Then like so, a bright light came from beneath Archer. One that caught Caster's, Assassin's, and even Kuzuki's attention alongside Rin. The Grimm screeched as they vanished as the light encompassed them.
"What in-" Those were all the words Caster could say as she to vanished into the light, with the last thing she saw was Archer looking rather smug. Kuzuki, seeing Caster vanish, called out for her only to be blined alongside Rin. The entire temple being enveloped until the light vanished away, where it was just the temple standing along with one confused girl.
Rin.
"Wha…" And just Rin, as she was the only one left on the temple. Caster, Assassin, Kuzuki and even the familiars were all gone. It was just her alone. And only her. "...Archer?" Rin then said aloud, confused by what was even going on.
"Huh?" More so with Caster and the others, as suddenly they found themselves elsewhere, that wasn't there temple ground. Caster feeling the connection she made to feed her mana now gone. "Just-Just what happened?!" She then asked aloud, as she looked around. There she spotted Assassin, alongside her husband and all her familiars. Both created and controlled.
"Caster," Kuzuki then looked at her. "Just what happened?"
"I-" Caster wanted to explain, but truthfully she had no answer. She looked around to see just where she and the others were at. Her eyes then looking to see they were in some sort of barren land. No grass, no trees, just land with nothing to notable except for one thing.
"Swords." Assassin said as he saw the blades on the ground. All over really, as this land held countless weapons all over, stabbed into the ground and seemed to be seen as far as the eye could see. More so, above the sky were ashen clouds of sorts with massive gears as well, which scientifically shouldn't even be in the sky at all. Yet even with this quick glance, Caster knew what this was.
"A Reality Marble." She whispered as she realized what was going on.
"How astute of you. As expected of one of the greatest magi in the world." Stepping out of nowhere, Archer came out looking a bit disheveled but okay overall. While the Grimm did some damage on him thanks to Caster's intervention, in the end he was in decent fighting condition still and clearly held the advantage.
"I must say, you did quite well to prepare for our return." Archer gave a rare compliment to his enemy. "Why, even if the other Servants came to help, chances are we still might lose considering the numbers you bolstered along with the enhancements you gave your familiars."
The perfect way for Caster to fight really, as unlike other Servants Caster didn't hold any ability to fight on her own. She wasn't a master swordsman, or some user of great martial arts. Which is why she focused on her defenses with magecraft, which is the correct thing to do seeing as that was her greatest advantage over the other Servants. Overall, Archer can admit that if things had continued on back there before he intervened, then no doubt he and Rin would have lost. Even if they had managed to beat the numbers, Caster would still have enough mana to crush them along with her Master's reinforcement and Assassin if she forced him.
"But now your advantages are gone." Archer then lifted his hand. Assassin took out his blade and Kuzuki got ready. Both men sensing a change as Caster herself then saw many swords being lifted into the air. The Grimm themselves also noticed the danger, and they looked up to see the blades above them shine menacingly.
Archer's eyes grew cold. "Now perish."
In that instant swords of all kinds fell upon the two Servants, Master, and all the familiars inside.
Cursed swords. Holy swords. Big swords. Short swords. Daggers. A few shields in the mix. Dull swords. Curved swords. Enhanced swords. Spears as well and anything inside the Reality Marble falling upon them all.
The Grimm and golem were easily the first to go. Even the ones with the defense wards found themselves killed by the endless blades that pierced their body. Some unable to even howl as their throats were pierced while others were reduced to pincushions until they died off. The golems and Dragon Tooth Warriors reduced to rubble and broken bones that also vanished away from the constant attack.
For the final three, Caster tried her best to create a defensive sphere for her and Kuzuki. Putting in all the mana she had to protect them, but was panicking internally. Because of Archer, he cut her off from her source of mana in the temple, and she had been reduced greatly. It was also why she left Assassin out there, who was doing his best to survive as well.
Not that it was easy for him. While the swords that came to him were easy to deflect considering how predictable their path of trajectory is, there were just so many of them. Even despite avoiding anything lethal, one could see cuts all over Kojiro as he continued on to deflect and parry all these swords.
Archer continued on, not slowing down or even stopping. Unlimited Blade Works won't last to long, but in the end he held the advantage here and knew Caster didn't have a way to win. Her shields slowly cracking even with all her effort to fortify it. To used she was to the near-endless supply of drained mana she had, now cut off with her Master unable to even do anything.
Unlimited Blade Works soon began to weaken. Archer felt his small world slowly vanishing, as his time limit was just about up. But before the Reality Marble vanished away, Caster's shield shattered and all the swords that tried to enter came at her all at once.
It was just about maybe a minute or two since Archer and everyone else vanished. Rin had no idea what was even going on, but she used that time well.
Bam! Boom! Crash!
To use the last of her gems to destroy the temple and as best as she could, Caster's connection to the city's mana. Admittingly, Rin did feel bad a bit for destroying public property, but nothing that can be done about it. While Rin may have been uncertain of what was going on, but realized this was her time to move.
By the time she finished destroying the item that allowed Caster to gather energy, she then felt a familiar sensation alongside a familiar voice.
"Rin. It's done." A light overcame her vision and Rin ran back outside. There, she saw Archer standing tall and while looking slightly tired, was alright overall.
"N-no…" Caster on the other hand, had seen better days.
Swords were stocking out of her, and she looked like hell. Blood was spreading out of her body and her clothing had been torn to rags. Her face could finally be seen, and it was quite beautiful. Though the cut marks on it ruined it, and while Caster had clearly seen better days, she looked more worried about someone else.
"S...Souichirou-Sama…" Nearby, Caster's Master was in an even worse mess. He was missing his left arm, and his right shoulder was barely held together by the last threats of muscle and tissue after being cut. Wounds were all over the man, and he lost his eye and some of his scalp had been cut off. That wasn't even mentioning how twisted his leg looked, and the gaping thin hole in his abdomen. Quite frankly, it was amazing the man was even alive.
Archer's eyes darted toward the last member, Assassin.
Out of the three he looked the best. To be fair, Archer focused mainly on Caster, not letting her try to use any of her tricks or even Noble Phantasms. But even so, he was injured and while not to a great extent, enough that it would be unwise for him to fight and miss his chance of facing Musashi. So without a word, Assassin vanished with Presence Concealment. Had Caster not been so worried about her Master, she may have shouted after the Servant, but she didn't.
"You lose." Because as Archer said, she lost.
The Servant looked up, tears in her eyes along with anger. Unable to do a damn thing. While she did have her Noble Phantasm, Rule Breaker, it would be impossible to use in her current state. If things had been different, maybe she could have used it on a Servant before, perhaps even Archer, and gained another ally. But in her weakened state all she'd accomplish is getting her life taken away.
The sound of footsteps is heard, as Archer walked in front of her. Looking up, Caster could see no mercy in his eyes. For her and her Master.
'To think...things were going so well.' Only for this man to pull out a Reality Marble of all things that stopped her. Behind Archer, Rin watched as she knew what her Servant was about to do. Instead of looking away, as a magus and a participant in this war Rin watched closely, knowing she had a responsibility in the end to finish watching this fight end. Archer was in agreement, as he lifted his blade and got ready to swing down.
"!"
"!"
"!"
Then, with the exception of Kuzuki, everyone turned towards the temple. Because something is there, and their own instincts screamed that they shouldn't ignore it.
A shadowy figure was inside the temple, and took a few steps forward.
Archer quickly projected some swords and threw them at the figure. His years of training and battles tell him to end the threat here and now. Not wanting to give this figure a chance to even make their move.
He and Rin watched as his blades flew forward to kill the threat.
"Yum." Only for the swords to vanish away in darkness, as if they hit nothing at all. The figure then stepped out, and from there everyone could see the figure's face. One that made Rin gasp as she could only say one thing.
"...Sakura?"
She had the face of Sakura, and she had her voice. Yet...she was different to. Not just her appearance, with white hair and red eyes...but the aura she gave off felt...Wrong. The girl looked at Rin, and she smiled.
"Hi Rin." Rin took a step back, and Archer alongside Caster could only watch dumbfounded. "Please die." Then like so, the temple burst apart as the jaws of white and red eyes came out with a screech that everyone in Fuyuki could here. All followed by massive wings and the howls of the Grimm.
Caster put up a good fight. But honestly, when I saw her fights and battles it became clear to me that while she is indeed a threat, she needs prep work to work her, hehehe, magic. Here, she could have killed Rin and Archer, and had a high chance at winning later on. Thankfully Archer showed how badass he is, and proved why he's a tough cookie.
Then Sakura came.
The Grimm are not of earth. If I were to compare they're arrival, it would be like an invasive species. Sure Gaia will try and fight back, but like in real life, getting rid of an invasive species is not easy and quite frankly tough for the people trying to get rid of them. And now, Sakura is letting the gates to let the Grimm in and cause more damage.