Notes
Hey guys, this is a worseman, and this is the fourth part of the second arc in this crossover fanfiction
I was originally writing this chapter the longest paragraph, but I was burned out due to reaching my writing limit so I decided to stop at some point. I tried my best to write more descriptions of scenes, characters, and fighting. I add or expand more scenes to this chapter but I was having difficulty thinking of making it and some parts of the story are either out of place or jumping elsewhere, making the reader confusing. However, This chapter is the first version so I might replace this with the second version if you all dislike it. The second version is that I'm going to rewrite this chapter.
This chapter has a surprising element at the end but I'm not sure if it is suited to your taste. Just like I said, this is the first version so I might replace this with the second version.
If you spot any grammar errors or spelling in this story, I will try my best to improve my story.
Disclaimer
I don't own any characters from both Kamen Rider and Fate Franchise as both belong to their respective owners except my OC.
Wizard jumped over the grunt and slashed its back with his sword in mid-air. He swiftly landed on the ground and attacked another one. Ghost took out Musashi Eyecon and slotted it into his buckle when he opened it to take Ore Eyecon out. He then pushed the handle to change his form.
KAIGAN! MUSAHI!
(Biwa Chord)
KETTOU! ZUBATTO! CHO KENGOU!
(Biwa chords and slashing sounds)
Musashi Parka emerged out and spun in a clockwise direction to slash the surrounding grunts while Ghost managed to duck down to avoid getting hit. He stood up while his Ore Parka disappeared into a cloud of orange dust and Musashi Parka put itself on him to change his form. He separated his sword into dual one-sided swords and began to attack the grunts.
Den-O swung his sword on the sliver tortoise humanoid creature with a turquoise scarf and large shell on its back. However, Testudo Oceanus turned around from Den-O's swinging sword and blocked the attack with its shell on its back. Den-O continued to slash several times but had no luck to leave no slash mark on its shell. He was later hit and flew away from Testudo Oceanus. He landed on the ground roughly by his back but he quickly stood up to see his assailant, which was revealed to be a deformed-like bird dragon humanoid creature with its wing on his back.
"Momotaros. Let's swap right now!" Kintaro's voice shouted in Den-O's head.
"Oi! Don't..."
Kintaro's yellow spectacle entered Den-O's body and Momotaros ejected out. Den-O pressed the yellow button and swapped his pass over the symbol.
AXE FORM!
The red armor pieces flew off Den-O's body and changed their shape along with colors from red to yellow. It was then attached to his body; yellow thigh guards, round-shaped shoulder pads with red detail, and the center part of his chest plate armor were black while the left and right were yellow. An axe with yellow sides slid down the silver line on the helmet and the yellow pieces opened up and went down to the eyes becoming the new visor. Kamen Rider Den-O Axe Form.
"Ore no tsuyosa ni… omae ga naita!" Den-O announced with Kintaro's voice while cracking his neck.
"Dumbass bear! Don't do that so suddenly!" Momotaros' voice shouted angrily.
Den-O disassembled his sword into the pieces and assembled it into an axe. He charged towards two kajins and jumped into the air. He swung his axe down at Gargoyle Phantom and slashed to the right at Testudo Oceanus.
Archer and Amadeus fired their weapons at the flying wyvern while Agito, who was in his Flame Form, slashed the grounded wyvern and the grunts with his sword which its blade covered in flame. Artoria and Corvus Luscus exchanged their attacks with each other. She raised her sword and blocked its incoming attack. She then swung it away with her strength to stumble and thrust towards it. It flew backward from getting it but it stopped its track in mid-air and flew up to the sky.
"Tch," Cu clicked his tongue in annoyance as he was facing Minotauros Phantom.
Minotauros Phantom fired its fireball at Cu but Cu began to dodge while charging towards it for a close attack. He swung his spear to hit the grunts to clear his path and when he reached there, he jumped up in the air and turned his body around with his spear to give it more force to strike down at Minotauros Phantom. It tried to move back but was caught by Cu's strike and lost its horn in the process. It stumbled back but was able to stand firmly. It growled in anger and ran forward with its axe to attack Cu.
Mashu and Jeanne rushed towards Martha, but Mashu noticed that Martha did not try to defend herself and felt something off until Tarasque suddenly intercepted them and began to attack with its large claw. Jeanne jumped back while Mashu swiftly lifted her shield to protect herself and stumbled back by its powerful hit against her shield with her dragging feet, leaving her trail. She gritted her teeth while trying to stop herself from dragging back further.
'So heavy! I couldn't even see it prepare to attack. Even with such a large body, its speed is…!'
Tarasque suddenly noticed its whole body slowly began to be enfolded by a white light.
"It's being enveloped in the magic's light! This is-." Mashu quickly turned her head around to see Marie who was casting her spell.
"I will stop the dragon!" Marie shouted firmly. "You two-"
Suddenly, the white light instantly disappeared, shocking Marie.
'The magic was negated!?'
"I'm being underestimated, no? Did you think that I wouldn't do anything" Martha questioned before commanding Tarasque, "Tarasque!"
Tarasque leaped over Marie and Mashu towards Ritsuka with its claw moving forwards to slash him. Mashu hastily turned around to Ritsuka and shouted, "Senpai!"
Fortunately, Tarasque was hit to its face by the standard from Jeanne who jumped in the air. It sent flying backward and fell to the ground with a loud crash and the dust surrounded it, making the Chaldea blind to see it. Ritsuka was both shocked and amazed by Jeanne's strength against the large behemoth creature like Tarasque. He snapped out and thanked her, "Thank you, Jeanne!"
"Not at all…"
Jeanne turned to Mashu and Marie and began to command, "Mashu! Marie Antoinette! Let's reformulate our strategy. Mashu and I will target Martha while being wary of Tarasque. Marie Antoinette, while protecting the Master, please warn us of Martha's attacks."
Ritsuka was even more amazed by Jeanne's ability other than her strength and thought, 'Incredible… I heard that Jeanne used to be a soldier but seeing her like this makes me realize it…' He however became a little concerned for her. 'But right now, the real problem is -' He began to call Jeanne while focusing on Martha and Tarasque, "Jeanne."
Jeanne turned around to Ritsuka.
"Wasn't that last hit way too strong?" Ritsuka asked as he looked at Tarasque to examine. "Because Tarasque is here and you've regained some of your power, but to think it could rival even you…"
"Yes... I've recovered some of my power as a Ruler so I understand but…" Jeanne began to focus on Martha and Tarasque. "She has been afflicted with 'Madness Enhancement'."
"You mean one of the skills that all Berserker classes have?"
Mashu nodded, "Yes Senpai. Heroic Spirits that received it have almost all of their base abilities raised, but in exchange, their rationality is stolen and becomes subservient to their Master or…"
"I didn't think that such a thing could happen to Saint Martha. However, we're able to communicate," Marie cut in Mashu's explanation with her shocked tone.
"So, she's being made to fight against her will…?" Ritsuka mumbled before gripping his fist. 'What the hell. Isn't this excessive…."
"Even so..."
Ritsuka, Mashu, and Marie looked at Jeanne who continued to speak firmly. "We have to fight! To go forward, We must defeat Saint Martha!"
Ritsuka and Mashu realized that they needed to defeat Saint Martha and Jeanne Alter's other servants to clear the path to defeat Jeanne Alter themselves to fix the singularity. Both replied, "Alright!"
Marie, on the other hand, was very quiet as she was speechless by Jeanne's confident words. She then spoke aloud, "That's… That's right."
Jeanne turned to Marie in little surprise as Marie continued, "This is what a fight is. Even if I am to rip my dress, those who would violate this country must be challenged. I thought I had prepared myself but I still have a ways to go." Marie smiled. "Saint Jeanne D'arc. The you who has lost your way is quite adorable. However, right now, you are wonderful. You are just as I imagine the person I admire would be!"
Jeanne's cheek became a little red as she was embarrassed by Marie's complimentary words. She suddenly noticed a wyvern diving towards Marie from the sky to kill. She shouted while began to move towards Marie, "Marie, watch out!"
Marie quickly turned around to the diving Wyvern but she was saved by Ghost who intercepted its diving and chopped its head with one of his dual swords. The headless wyvern crushed into the ground. Ghost turned around to Marie to see if she sustained any injuries and felt relieved that she did not receive it.
"Thank you, Takeru," Marie thanked Ghost.
"You're welcome, Marie," Ghost replied as he turned around to Martha and Tarasque.
Wizard jogged towards the group to join the fight and asked, "Do you need any assistance?"
"Yes!" Ritsuka nodded.
"It doesn't matter how many of you stand against me but you have no luck to defeat me!" Marhta shouted, catching the group's attention. "If you don't have the will to fight, I'll end this in one strike!" Martha's cross-staff began to glow as it emitted a magic essential.
Mashu quickly raised her shield up. "Magic reaction increases! It's her Noble Phantasm, Master!"
This caused Jeanne and the group to become tense as they prepared to defend against whatever kinds of Noble Phantasm that Martha had.
"On the fifth day, the lord had created the leviathan, Its child would display its ferocity through the slaughter of innumerable heroes."
All of the sudden, the glow of light appeared out of nowhere below Martha's feet along with Tarasque who also suddenly glowed white. "Now together with me, Tarasque. O, sad dragon that knew naught of love."
'I have a bad feeling about this,' Wizard thought.
"Now Tarasque!" Martha shouted at the top of her voice. "To those noble one's who would resist destruction! Grant them the test of this one strike!"
Tarasque flew up to the skies, shocking everyone.
"It flew!? Tarasque is…" Ritsuka was shocked to see that Taraque was glowing brightly as if it was the sun. He realized what Martha was going to do next once she finished her sentence to release her noble phantasm and remembered the word that she had said. He quickly turned to Mashu and shouted, "Mashu! Active your Noble Phantasm now!"
"Yes, Master!" Mashu acknowledged without asking.
Ghost quickly dematerialized his duel sword and opened his buckle to take Musashi Eyecon out as Musashi parka disappeared. He took a cyan-blue Eyecon out and pressed, creating a hologram of an arrow pointing downward on top of the apple itself and slotted it inside before closing. He pushed his belt's lever as it was announced.
KAIGEN! NEWTON!
(Falling apple sound effect)
RINGO GA RAKKA! HIKIYOSE MAKKA!
A cyan blue parka emerged out and flew up above Ghost's head before placing itself on him. His mask lit up with a cyan glow and his faceplate was identical to the hologram. His silver shoulder pad was connected with arrow line rope to both gauntlet gloves. His right hand was equipped with a spherical glove while his left hand was the same but with a ring wrapping around it. Kamen Rider Ghost Newton Damashii.
"Like a star-"
Martha raised her arm to the air and swung down to point at the chaldea group.
"SAD DRAGON THAT KNEW NAUGHT OF LOVE!"
Tarasque, who was inside its shell, dived down at the ground while spinning around to gain more impact and devastation to its dive.
"Everyone! Please get behind me!" Mashu shouted as she jogged forward. She closed her eyes and breathed in to relax. "Director… Give me strength!" She opened her eyes with determination. "True name… Pseudo-Register. Releasing Noble Phantasm! LORD CHALDEAS!"
Mashu's shield began to conjure a spectacle of castle brick wall while Ghost quickly pushed his belt's lever.
DAI KAIGAN!
NEWTON!
OMEGA DRIVE!
Ghost lifted his right hand to point at Tarasque and began to conjure a cherry red energy behind Mashu's Noble Phantasm. It struck against her noble phantasm, creating a shockwave with smoke and igniting a fire on the trees to burn. Ghost and Mashu stood their ground to hold their defense as best as they could but it was too powerful to stop and their strength was slowly strained.
"I guess I should help," Wizard said as he quickly took out and wore another Land Ring with an additional design on its horn. He flipped his belt switch and hovered over the center.
LAND, DRAGON! DAN DEN DON ZU DOGON, DAN DEN DOGON!
A yellow magic circle appeared in front of Wizard and passed through him. A spectacle of Dragon, which was made out of dirt, emerged from him and flew around in a circle, followed by dirt, rock, and dust. As he was engulfed, it disappeared, revealing his new form. His robe changed to the color yellow, as he gained additional armor, his legs have greaves, his chest plate changed to a chest plate that looks like a dragon's face, his shoulders pad was now a large silver pad with a square-shaped topaz gem on them, his helmet horn became long and his forehead has an additional gold ornate with a squared topaz in the middle. Kamen Rider Wizard Land Dragon Style.
The group was astounded to see Wizard's new form.
"A dragon?" Jeanne said but became speechless at Wizard.
"Wow!" Marie said aloud as her eyes sparkled in astonish.
Wizard took out his connect ring and replaced it with a topaz ring with an insignia of the dragon holding a boulder stone with both its claws. He flipped the switch and hovered it over his belt.
VERY NICE! GRAVITY!
THE BEST!
Wizard raised his hand up as the large yellow magic manifested above Tarasque and swung down along with the circle. As the circle passed through it, Tarasque however did not slow down at all by the effect of gravity.
'Even with my gravity ring couldn't help to stop,' Wizard thought as he focused on slowing Taraque's attack to stop.
Den-O swung across Gargoyle Phantom to its chest, stumbling it. Testudo Oceanus charged towards him but was intercepted by Agito. Agito slashed Testudo Oceanus down and kicked his leg to its chest to push it back. Agito looked at Den-O and said, "Let's finish this, Den-O."
Den-O nodded while grunted in agreement with Agito. He took his pass out and hovered across the buckle of his belt.
FULL CHARGE!
Den-O's axe blade began to be covered in yellow lightning from his belt. Agito grabbed his sword hilt with both hands and moved it to the position beside his face. His cross horn opened up, releasing an additional horn and the blade ignited into a flame. He began to charge towards Testudo Oceanus while Den-O threw his axe up to the air and jumped upwards to it to grab. As Agito got closer to Testudo Oceanus, he began to slash at the same spot and passed by while swinging his sword throughout its body. Den-O grabbed his axe and swung down through Gargoyle Phantom. It cried in pain as it fell to the ground with its back and exploded. Testudo Oceanus grunted in agony and the white light halo ring manifested above its head. As it was about to scream, it immediately exploded.
Minotauros Phantom struck its axe down at Cu but Cu moved to the left to avoid its strike. He then moved his spear straight to its chest and pierced through. It growled in pain and tried to move its axe but it could not. Cu moved his spear back out of its chest and swung it across to clean off the blood if it stained. He jumped back while Minotauros Phantom fell to the ground and exploded.
Artoria blocked an attack from Corvus Luscus who was flying in the sky and diving at her with a strike. She was a little annoyed that she was in a tight position where she could not get out and she was too tired to block the attack and countered despite failing. Her eyes caught it diving down towards her and readied her sword to strike it with a precise moment. Fortunately, a metal-spear-like projection flew and hit through its body. It screamed in agony and fell to the ground roughly beside her as it rolled across further from her until it exploded. She turned around to see Archer who was aiming his bow.
"Thank you, Archer," Artoria thanked Archer.
"No problem, Saber," replied Archer as he lowered his bow down.
Gritting his teeth, Ritsuka felt a strain as he continued to transfer his mana energy to replenish Mashu's Noble Phantasm and it was not enough to do that. He needed to find a solution to win the battle so he began to speak to Roman. "Doctor! Give Mashu more energy!"
"We are! But in terms of ability, Mashu's Noble Phantasm can't defend against Tarasque, especially with the help of Takeru and Haruto's power," Roman said in the tone of anxiety.
"I'm fine, Master!" Mashu shouted, easing Ritsuka and Roman's concern while gritting her teeth by the force of Tarasque's spinning attack. "I'll show you… I can stop this…!"
Ritsuka was both nervous and feared to see Mashu struggling to hold her Noble Phantasm. He needed to find a way to help Mashu and the group to survive and defeat Martha now but he could not find the way, especially Roman who unfortunately had a limitation of solutions to help them. Until Jeanne spoke out. "Ritsuka. Allow me to use my Noble Phantasm."
Ritsuka turned to Jeanne. "Jeanne!"
"Like Mashu's, my Noble Phantasm is also one that defends against attacks."
"...But what about your strength? Are you able to do that?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm willing to do that right now or else we lose."
Ritsuka was first hesitant to allow Jeanne to use her Noble Phantasm, but seeing the situation, he had to do it so he allowed her. "Do it, Jeanne."
"Thank you, Ritsuka. You honor me and allow me to use my noble phantasm," Jeanne smiled before walking towards Mashu, Haruto, and Takeru while chanting to activate her Noble Phantasm. "Here is the work of our lord…"
Mashu turned her head around to see Jeanne walking forward while Haruto and Takeru were still focusing on stopping Taraque's attack. She asked, "Jeanne?"
"Mashu. From now on, I will be with you." Jeanne said, "This situation...No. In order to defend France."
Mashu began to smile. "Yes!"
Jeanne raised her standard to the air and the fag banner waved by the gust of wind.
"My Banner, defend my brethren! LUMINOSITE ETERNALLE!"
The bright light began to shine out of Jeanne's Noble Phantasm and dispersed around the surrounding area. The flame of the burning tree was extinguished and Taraque had completely vanished out of existence, leaving only burned trees and burrowed ground. Martha was completely off guard by the light and not noticing Taraque's existence, which acted as her Noble Phantasm, being erased. She was then spaced out. Seeing the opportunity, Ritsuka quickly turned to Archer and shouted, "Archer!"
Archer aimed his bow at the dazed Martha and pulled the string backward along with his arrow. Wizard took out his gravity ring and wore a ruby ring with an insignia of the dragon breathing out a fire. He flipped the switch and hovered over his belt to cast magic.
VERY NICE! SPECIAL!
THE BEST!
The land dragon emerged from Wizard and moved around him before disappearing in front of him, giving him a gauntlet that was shaped like dragon claws on his both arms. Archer released the string from his grip, firing an arrow towards Martha along with Wizard firing as well but releasing a yellow spectacle of dragon claws projectiles from his both claws. Martha snapped out of her spacing as she realized that she was still in battle against Chaldea and Kamen Riders and saw three projectiles heading towards her. Martha swiftly dodged the arrow and deflected one of Wizard's claws with her staff. However, seeing the last claw getting closer to her, she tried to deflect again but exploded upon hitting her staff and staggered. As she recovered, she suddenly felt a punch in her stomach. She looked down to see a flagpole piercing through her body in shock. She looked up to see Jeanne as well while vomiting her blood out, staining her face.
"Saint Martha's spirit core has been pierced," Roman said in relief, "It's our win!"
Martha's shocked face slowly relaxed, "...I see. That's enough."
Jeanne looked at Martha and asked, "Did you-"
"Hold back? Of course not," Martha chuckled with a smile, "This is fine, it's fine this way. Seriously, don't make a saint massacre you!" Her smile was replaced with a frown. "...Listen, let me tell you one last thing: You'll never beat the dragon controlled by the Dragon Witch. There's only one way to surpass that type of dragon. Go to Lyon… the city was once known as Lyon. It won't be a saint who defeats the dragon, nor a princess. Ever since ancient times, only a "Dragon Slayer" is capable of killing a dragon." Her face became sorrowful as she began to apologize, "I'm sorry, Jeanne D'arc. I've dishonored you with my blood…"
"Saint Martha," Jeanne mumbled in dejection.
"Don't make that face… It's okay...This is what's right…" Martha reassured Jeanne with a smile before becoming sad again. "Tarasque, I'm sorry. Next time, I hope I'll be summoned properly."
With that, Martha disappeared into a golden light and her blood vanished as well from Jeane's face. Jeanne was silenced for a moment until she heard Artoria's voice. "Jeanne."
Jeanne turned around to see Artoria whose face was filled with concern, and she assured, "I'm alright, Artoria. I'm feeling a little tired."
1431
Orleans, France
The sun rose in the skies at a slow pace and the clouds passed by. The group had a good night's sleep after fighting with Martha and the Kaijins and having breakfast while discussing the information extracted by Jeanne.
"Saint Martha was peaceful, yet fierce as a person from what I could tell. She is the Iron Saint. She is a woman like adamantine, who solves things with her fists in the end," Maria said as she covered her mouth with her hand to yawn, not disrespecting her lack of habit. She then drank water from the cup, given by Archer. "So sleepy…"
"They say she defeated the Tarasque with a sermon, but I bet she just beat it up," said Amadeus.
"Glad that she isn't here to hear from you or otherwise she would beat you up," Archer replied.
"Oh please. I know when I will be quiet," Amedus chuckled, "Anyway, thanks to the information by Jeanne, we know where we're going."
Ritsuka looked at his communication wrist device and pressed to see the screen of Roman, Kota, and three Kamen Riders, "Doctor, how far are we from Lyon?"
"Few miles ahead, Fujimaru-San," Roman's voice replied, "It would take an hour to reach there on foot but luckily, you have servant's transportation that you can ride on which is mainly Rider. No offense, Marie."
"It's alright," Marie assured.
"Since we already know the identities of Lancer, Assassin, and Rider, the remaining classes are Caster, Saber, Archer, and Berserker," said Roman.
"Caster is most likely Gilles de Rais because he vents his hatred on France for my death," deduced Jeanne.
"And the other that looked like a Saber seemed to know Marie…" Mashu added, catching everyone's attention.
"Ah, that's right. If she knows who I am, then…" Marie said with a thoughtful expression. "Perhaps she's Chevalier d'Eon? I've no proof though."
"Chevalier d'Eon, A spy with Louis XV's intelligence agency, the secret du Roi," Sougo informed about Chevalier's identities. "She was also both Dragoon and plenipotentiary minister, but about her gender, It's confusing whether he or she is either male or female."
"Figure, but he is mostly male with a feminine figure, Sougo," said Kota.
"It matters little, everyone from a distant world. She was summoned from a different time than me, but her splendid face hasn't changed." Maire said with a smile.
"I see… It would be wonderful if she would join us…" Roman sighed in dejection.
"We all already know from Jeanne that all of the servants that were summoned by Jeanne's other self were given 'Madness Enhancement' regardless of their alignment or background," said Artoria.
"It's probably the power of the Grail," Roman deduced with his eyes closed. "Even without an episode of madness, it can give them Berserker traits…"
"Hmph. The goal of a Holy Grail War is to get the Grail, but they already have it." Marie pouted. "It's not fair!"
"Everything is unfair, little girl," Cu mumbled towards Maire.
Takeru saw Haruto who was spacing out as he was looking down to the ground with a thought. He was a little concerned so he called his name, "Haruto?"
Haruto snapped out of his thoughts and looked up and turned to Takeru. "Hmm…"
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, but it got me thinking about something that doesn't make sense."
"What makes no sense?"
Haruto turned to Maire and Amadeus and called their name, "Maire... Amadeus."
Maire and Amadeus turned to Haruto with a questioning look and Haruto began to ask, "Why are you two summoned?"
Jeanne realized what Haruto's question was implying and agreed with him, "Now that you mention it, Haruto, although the Holy Grail War hasn't begun, someone already has the grail. This is a reversal of causality. A bug, if you will, and perhaps the Grail is resisting it. The greater the opponent, the more powerful Grail's reaction."
Mashu understood Jeanne's theory of summoning and said, "I see. In other words, somewhere else in France-,"
"More other Servants summoned here like Maire and Amadeus," Archer finished Mashu's words before sighing in annoyance and remarking sarcastically, "That just keeps getting better."
"Oh my! That means I can meet even more people, right?" Marie asked with a tone of excitement and shock.
"That's not necessarily a good thing and it may just mean more enemies," Amadeus said with his sweatdrop at Marie's enthusiasm before standing up. "Anyway, we should hurry. Let's go to Lyon."
Mashu was shocked at Amadeus's anticipation of traveling to Lyon and never saw him in that state before. "I'm surprised because he seemed to like, um, the type of person who'd hate to travel on foot…"
"Oh no, Amadeus loves traveling. He's traveled to many places ever since he was a child," Marie said, clearing Mashu's impression of Amadeus for traveling.
"Well, I suppose it's true that I'm used to traveling," Amadeus replied with a smile.
"What are we waiting for, everyone? Let's go," Ritsuka told the group with a smile.
The group began to stand up and traveled on their transportation to Lyon.
1431
Orleans, France
"Did Rider commit suicide? It's troublesome that she retained her sanity even with Madness Enhancement," Jeanne Alter said with her serious but disappointing look before smiling, "Still, she likely fought with all of her might. If that's the case, we can't let our guard down." Her smiling mouth turned to frown. "Next time, 'he' and I will mobilize. I'm also taking the Servants summoned today." She turned to the pale man in his long black robe with an odd scarlet pattern around his neck. "Please contact the Berserk Assassin, Gilles."
"Understood. If I were who I was before, I would've stopped you. But now, you're perfect Jeanne! You don't even need luck! Please trample over them as much as you wish." Gilles smiled happily.
Jeanne Alter was quiet before asking, "Gilles. Which do you think is the real one? Me, or her?"
"What a silly question to ask your friend."
Both Jeanne Alter and Gilles swiftly turned to see Sin walking out of the pillar and he turned to them to bow down like a king or queen. She became a little irritated at the sight of him but she asked anyway, "What do you want?"
"Oh, I simply just walked around the castle but I overheard your question, Dragon Witch," Sin replied. "You should already know your answer whether it's right or wrong."
"Why do you care about me?" asked Jeanne Alter.
"Just to see the progress of your plan but seeing it, it slowly became stupid if you keep this up," Sin answered honestly.
"How dare you say that to Jeanne D'Arc. You bastard?!" Gilles shouted angrily at Sin while pointing at him with his finger. "I will rip your limb off!"
"Quite an anger you have, Gilles de Rais or Bluebeard if I'm not correct to say your name," Sin said with a curious look.
Gillies's hand began to shake in anger upon Sin's word and he was ready to cast a magic spell to kill Sin, but Jeanne Alter surprisingly stopped him.
"That's enough, Gilles," Jeanne Alter ordered before looking at Sin with her irritating eyes and repeated questions. "What do you want, Sin?"
"I'm glad that you truly want to know something that you wanted," Sin said with a proud smile. "Your other self and the group are heading towards the destroyed town but... you might come across sooner or later."
Jeanne became disappointed at Sin's answer but gripped his hands on the chair's arm in frustration at him. "That's all you have to answer me?"
"Of course, because I'm not going to ruin this 'story' which is about the battle between you, the Resurrected Dragon Witch, and the Dying Pure Saint, and I'm also not going to reveal the thriller part," Sin explained proudly, which irritated Jeanne Alter.
"...Get out."
Sin chuckled and bowed down. "Well then. I will not disturb your plan."
As Sin walked away from Jeanne Alter's sight, she sighed in frustration and facepalmed herself. She truly wanted to incinerate him for his behavior but it would not help to comfort her at all. She reluctantly thought that ignoring him was possibly the best course of action to ease her irritation. She turned to Gilles and told, "Gillies. Do not try to kill him because he's not worthy."
"...if this is what you truly wanted, I will oblige," Gilles acknowledged without questioning.
"Let's continue the plan as always."
1431
Orleans, France
"Guys, I've got some great information!"
The group turned to Marie as she approached them. They had sent her into the town as she would likely be the most inconspicuous of the group.
"I assume it relates to the Dragon Slayer?" asked Archer.
"Yep," Maire nodded and turned to Ritsuka and Mashu. "The city that St. Martha told us about Lyon. To put it simply, Lyon was destroyed a little while ago. Its refugees have settled here."
"The 'used to be' nuance interests me. So, it's just as I thought?" asked Jeanne.
"Yes. The town is filled with monsters that seem to have arisen from the depths of Hell along with the arrival of weird humanoid creatures. But I think what came before that is the important part. They said Lyon had a protector: a knight with a large sword, who defeated wyverns and skeletons," Marie explained about information of the Dragon Slayer.
"I see. Perhaps that's the Servant Martha spoke of before."
"Yes, but a little while ago, some scary people came, probably Servants. He was overwhelmed by their numbers and is now missing. And so Lyon was destroyed."
"I hope he's alive so let's believe in what St. Martha had said," Ryotaro said, comforting the group.
"Oh, right," Marie said, realizing what she forgot. "Charles VII visited the village and General Gilles de Rais marshaled the routed soldiers, they said."
"Gilles!" Jeanne said in shock.
"The one who is still alive before his death and becoming a servant," asked Takeru.
Jeanne nodded.
"He's attempting to attack Lyon and take back the city," added Maire.
"I'm sure it would be… difficult to meet with him," Mashu said in concern for Jeanne.
"Why is that? Gilles de Rais is an admirer of Jeanne, right? If she asks, he's sure to lend a helping hand?" Maire asked, tilting her head.
"That's precisely the reason I can't," Jeanne replied, "He knows I've become the Dragon… he'd never accepted me like that."
"... I see." Marie nodded, "I'm not sure that's quite right, but I understand that you might not want to see him. You're a girl after all," She turned thoughtful for a moment before continuing, "Yes, I can agree we don't need to see him. We're in a hurry, after all. I don't think that normal soldiers can handle those monsters in Lyon anyway…"
"Right," Ritsuka nodded, "We'll head to Lyon and clear out the city of monsters while looking for our Dragon Slayer."
"Ritsuka..." Jeanne said before smiling. "You're right. This is nothing…"
"Yes!" Marie smiled. "That's what it means to be a boy! Here's your reward!"
Marie turned to Ritsuka, instantly closed the distance between the two of them, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek before pulling away. This caused everyone in the group to be surprised at the scene.
"What?" Mashu asked in shock as she was speechless.
"That's unexpected," Haruto commented with his widened eyes.
"Well? Was it good?" asked Marie.
Ritsuka remained frozen before his face turned bright red.
"Nice going, Master. You finally scored the lady!" Cu howled with laughter with Archer shook his head in amusement and Artoria stood silently with a faint blush on her face.
"Master! Hang in there…. Jeez!" Mashu walked over to Ritsuka to snap him out.
"She finally went and did it, huh?" Amadeus shook his head at the display, "Sorry, just ignore that. Maria has a bad habit of kissing everything." He chuckled, "It caused chaos at the palace. There were factions formed of people she had kissed and people she hadn't." He then frowned, "No playwright would touch a story about the court which almost destroyed itself before the revolution."
"Senpai!" Mashu was busy shaking Ritsuka, who was still red in the face. "Snap out of it!"
"You guys don't do kisses?" Marie asked in confusion as she surveyed the group. Her reply was a few chuckles and shakes of the head.
"No, we don't do that," replied Shouichi with his amused tone.
"What about you, Jeanne?"
"I- I do not!" Jeanne blushed and recoiled, "I'd only do that to someone I was going to marry-"
Sensing someone walking towards the group, Archer turned and materialized his bow. He then pulled the string with the arrow and released it, firing the arrow to the ground. It exploded, upon hitting the ground in front of the group of men wielding weapons. They flinched but still have not backed away from the group who turned around to look in the direction where the men were.
"What are you doing?!" Mashu asked in shock loudly at Archer's display.
"Just scaring them away, but they never run away," Archer replied while his eyes focused on the group of armed men.
"...Seems like they've become bandits. This tragedy is enough to shatter anyone's mind. We cannot let the townspeople suffer. Let us capture them," Jeanne said, seeing the group of bandits.
"I can give them a point being either brave or stupid after I fired a warning shot," Archer replied as he dematerialized his bow and summoned his duel dagger.
"They're desperate to rob us to survive," Artoria mumbled, summoning her sword.
The group began to fight with the bandits and it was an honest quick one-sided fight especially for Kamen Riders who can defeat them without transforming since the bandits were mundane. All of the bandits have been tied up tightly with rope and some of them were being scared of Ryotaro who was possessed by Momotaro, due to his rage and brutal beating which made him sheepishly embarrassed. After handing over the bandits to the town to deal with them, they began to move to Lyon to locate the Dragon Slayer.
1431
Orleans, France
"So this is Lyon..." Ritsuka frowned as he viewed the city with the damaged outer walls and scorch marks.
"Doctor, are you detecting any life signs?" Mashu inquired, only to be met with static. She frowned before turning to the other Servants. "Sorry, it seems reception is bad here,"
Ritsuka nodded and turned to the group, "Everyone, let's split up to cover more ground to find the Dragon Slayer. Haruto, Ryotaro, Amadeus, Marie, Archer, and Artoria will take the west side while me, Mashu, Jeanne, Cu, Takeru, and Shouichi will take the east side."
"Sounds like a good plan to me," Cu complimented.
"Oh and take this, everyone," Ritsuka said as he gave everyone a small device.
"What is this? A communication device?" Shouichi asked as he held the object up for inspection which was revealed to be a metal disk.
"Yes, they are and it is based-mystic code created by Da Vinic," Ritsuka replied, "She said to prepare for 'Every possible situation' or something like that. Just press the button in the center."
"Thanks / Sure / Whatever."
There were various replies that Ritsuka received before the group split off into their various search parties.
[~~~~~]
Western Search Party
Haruto, Ryotaro, Amadeus, Marie, Archer, and Artoria wandering around the empty streets. They would occasionally encounter a stray undead although, between the Servants, they were easily dispatched.
"It's far too quiet because there should be more Kajins and monsters around here," Haruto said, scanning around the street.
"You're right and I heard a few footsteps, breathing, growling, or other sorts of sounds from the undead," Amadeus agreed with Haruto as he was trying to hear but nothing noisy came to his ear.
"I don't like where this is going, but we should exercise casually around the area. Who knows what kind of monsters will show up beside them," said Artoria as his eyes moved around to see the area while pointing at the undead.
"Saber is right, but I might think that they have already converged somewhere else?" Archer offered a thoughtful look on his face. "Perhaps they might have already engaged elsewhere to leave the street empty."
"Possibly, but I hope they are not fighting with Master," Artoria said, hoping that the east search party would not encounter too many enemies.
"There is a small chance that our master will not encounter any enemies, especially servants," replied Archer. "But don't worry, he is not some weak or wimpy kid. He can take care of himself."
"...You're right, Archer. I think I'm worrying too much."
The group felt uneasy by the slowly changing atmosphere and the increasing silence in the city as they continued to walk through the destruction street.
"Vive la France! Hello!"
The group quickly turned around to Marie in shock.
"Maria, what do you think you're doing?!" Amadeus asked in shock.
"I'm just shouting to attract anyone to come toward us because it's better than us walking unbearably," Marie answered innocently
"Marie, I know you're trying to help us but It's too dangerous and stupid to do that," Amadeus scolded Maire who pouted at him. "I would rather prefer peaceful quiet in the destroyed city than making known to the enemy to kill us."
Just then, the sound of a metal disk was beeping and Archer was the first to take it out of his pocket. He pressed the small button in the center of the metal disk and it instantly projected a screen similar to Roman in front of the group. A few moments later, it flicked and the east search party appeared in front of them.
"Archer, have you found anything and Dragon Slayer?" Asked Ritsuka.
"No, Master. There is no sight of the Dragon Slayer," Archer replied while shaking his head. He scanned around the area again. "But what concerns me is that there is no enemy in the street beside the undead."
"You're right. We don't see any Wyvern, Phantom, Lord, or Servants in the street," Ritsuka agreed.
"We should hurry up to continue the search for the Dragon Slayer or else something awful will happen," Haruto suggested as the two groups silently agreed.
"Master! Enemies spotted!" Mashu's voice shouted, alerting Ritsuka to look away from the screen.
The communication cut off.
Hearing the loud footsteps, Amadeus swiftly looked at the street to see Ghoul and Formica Pedes grunts coming out of the shadows and the destroyed building. They slowly walked towards them while blocking the path to the east. The servants summoned and readied their weapons while the two Kamen Riders went to transform. One of the grunts growled and the rest began to rush towards them to kill. As the group was about to prepare to defend themselves, the wall exploded with flying bricks and dust, either knocking some of the grunts away or instantly killing the few. They were surprised at the sudden moment out of nowhere but saw a shadow male armored figure in the large cloud of dust from the demolished wall. As it swept away to reveal the identities of the shadow figure, Ryotaro's eyes went wide while Haruto gaped in shock as both recognized him.
"You are-"
[~~~~~]
Eastern Search Party
Ghost slashed the Formica Pedes with his sword and countered the attack from behind by another one. Mashu lashed out at the undead and parried its spear by her shield before spinning around and struck it upward with the template with the side of her shield. Beside her, Agito, who was in his Storm Dragon Form, struck his polearm to the ghoul's chest and charged towards the grunts.
"This is seriously annoying," Cu said before piercing through the grunt with his spear and running along with it towards the wall to collide.
As Jeanne skewered the ghoul, she noticed something heading towards her and countered it with a loud slap. She looked at the assailant who was revealed to be a red feminine snake humanoid creature dressed in an Egypt-like outfit with its snake tail hair. Anguis Femineus swung its whip towards Jeanne to hit but Jeanne dodged the whip hit. However, it continued to attack her while she also continued by both avoiding and blocking its attack. Ghost jogged towards her to assist but received a slash on his chest by another assailant. He looked at the assailant and it was revealed to be a cat-like humanoid creature. Caitsith Phantom charged towards him and swung his arm, which was his claw, across his chest, but he leaned back to avoid the chest and went for an attack against it.
"Senpai!"
Hearing Mashu's cry, Ritsuka turned around to see the ghoul approached him, ready to swing its spear down at him. Fortunately, Agito came to his rescue and blocked its attack. He kicked his leg to its chest and swung his polearm towards it. He turned around to Ritsuka and examined if he was injured. "You okay?"
"I'm fine and thanks," Ritsuka replied with a smile.
Ghost kicked Caitsith Phantom away and turned to the group. "We need to end this right now."
"Agree, Takeru. Especially we have to put the undead's soul back to resting to have peace," Jeanne agreed as she looked at the undead among the grunts with a little hint of sympathy.
"Peace?"
The group heard a sickly voice call out to them and turned to see a gangly male with long black shoulder-length hair, long-bladed claws, and a white mask covering half of his face stepped into the street opposite them. He scowled at Jeanne and said, "Do they desire peace? What a foolish thing to say. They have no peace in their souls, there is certainly none for us Servants. This world has been frozen for years."
"Servant!" Mashu shouted out before she stood protectively in front of Ritsuka.
"Who are you?" Jeanne asked with her glare as she pointed her standard at the enemy servant while the others all prepared themselves as well.
"Correct…" The servant gestured with a bow towards the group. "Ah… My name, people call me Phantom of the Opera…"
"What… You're the title character of the novel was the Phantom of Opera?!" Ghost asked in bewilderment as he could not believe that the servant was the character of the novel.
"My… So you have heard of me…" Phantom replied in amusement before becoming serious. "Well then, by the order of the "Dragon Witch", this town is under my absolute control."
"This town is not yours to control," Jeanne voiced out in anger as her grip became tighter.
"Now, now, now. This is the middle of Hell, where the dead lived. What are you going to do?"
"That's easy..." Ritsuka said as he raised his hand and curled into a fist. "We're going to kick your ass!"
"Heh, you spoke out of my mouth," Cu grinned at Ritsuka's words as he readied his spear.
"Just like that, Master!" Mashu agreed. "Let's send him flying!"
The wall exploded out of a sudden with flying bricks and dust beside Phantom and the grunts and Phantom turned around but received a punch to his face. His whole body went flying straight to the destroyed building and collided, demolishing half of the ruined building. The eastern group was surprised and trying to process what just happened. Ritsuka turned to Mashu with his dumbfounded look and asked, "Did you use magic by saying a word?"
"No, I don't have magic, Senpai," Mashu shook her head while still focusing in front.
As the dust cleared, A black and dark blue armored figure standing with his fist reaching out. dark blue shoes, with white ankle-clasps, dark blue shin-guards, and black diamond kneecap guards, dark blue metal clasps with the right leg having a golden flame motif, dark blue chest armor with golden flames with his arms in the blue metal with his left arm having the golden flames; his shoulders covered in protruding guards that looked like dragon claws and his helmet had a white mouth plate, blue dragon head-shaped eye visors, and a golden dragon head moniker.
"A Kamen Rider?" Jeanne exclaimed in shock.
Ghost was surprised to see a familiar figure here in all of the places. "Banjou?"
The figure turned around to see the group upon hearing his name called out and saw Ghost and Agito among them. "Yo, long time no see, Ghost."
The messy stack of destroyed brick shackled down to reveal Phantom and he came out of the demolished building. He turned around with a furious look and yelled while pointing his long-bladed claw at Banjou, "Who are you?!"
Banjou turned around to face Phantom and the grunts and slapped his fist into the palm of his hand hard. He began to proclaim, "Kamen Rider Cross-Z." He prepared his fight stance to be ready. "I get the feeling I won't lose!"
Extra Notes
I added Ryuga Banjo, also known as Kamen Rider Cross-Z, in this story although I was having a conflict on whether I want to add him to the story and made him be a permanent stay throughout the entire story. This is because he has a dragon motif and to test out if he is both liking to you, reader, and suitable to this arc. I also compared him to the specific Fate Character because both were somewhat similar along with Sento too. I won't reveal the identities of these two fate characters who are somewhat similar to Ryuga and Sento, but I think you, reader, would get the answer sooner or later.
If you all have a problem with it along with my story, I will try my best to rewrite it to suit your taste.