Chapter 7 : Echoes of the Past
Author's note : It's been a while isn't it ? I simply didn't have the will to continue, and inspiration struck on other projects. Well, I'm starting again, with SMT V coming ever so closer, I'll be coming back to this story. I won't update regularly or even often, but I can say confidently I will produce more chapters in the future. Like, near future, not in six month. Anyway, I hope all of you who decided to follow and favorite this story will enjoy this chapter.
To a human passerby, if there was any left alive to stroll in the devastated Tokyo, the sight of the bloc Kayneth was walking through would make them believe that the gods themselves had protected the place. The streets were clean, intact facades were the norm, trees were growing strong at regular intervals, and not a single demon was in view. And in fact, that assumption couldn't be closer to the truth: the gods didn't protect the place as much as they restored it for their own purpose. From the moment he has set a foot in the street, Kayneth detected the powerful Bounded Field he crossed, one he quickly recognized as a ward against evil spirits. It lacked in finesse, but as he expected, those phantasmal beings relied on the vestiges of their powers from the Age of Gods rather than magecraft. His Servant was watching, ever watchful, but nothing happened as they reached a luxurious looking building, one he could admit was worthy of his presence by aesthetic alone as it resembled a more European establishment rather than a backwater Asian shack.
Lancer took the lead as they both took a step on to the red carpet of the hotel stairs, leading to the large double doors with the name "Megami's Embrace" written in golden letters above. Yet Kayneth's gaze was attracted instead to the demon guarding the entrance, a towering armored and crowned humanoid with a massive shield and spear in hand. Its face was concealed by a feminine looking red mask and a triple winged helmet crowning its head, leaving but a strand of blond hair and a bit of porcelain skin noticeable. In the same way its body was hidden by a white toga, leaving sandal wearing feet, leather armored legs and arms barely visible.
"Magus, it has been a long time since your kind has stepped forth before this place. Do you seek the hospitality of the Megami's Embrace?" Asked the demon with a dignified and clearly feminine voice.
Kayneth sent a critical gaze at the entity standing before him. While it was most certainly not as powerful of an impression as what he would have expected from a Divine Spirit, comforting his building theory about the nature of those "demons", it was still much greater than he expected after the first few examples he has seen already, perhaps on par with Lancer.
"Indeed. I, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, ninth head of the Archibalds and Lord of the Clock Tower, will take residence in this place for the duration of the Holy Grail War. I hope your accommodations will be suitable for one of my station." Said the magus with supreme confidence.
"Very well." Acknowledged the demon, and the doors behind her opened without a single movement from its part. "Know that I, Pallas Athena of the Megami Race, is the guardian of this place. As long as you dwell within these walls, you shall be under the protection of my divine Aegis."
Even the unflappable magus couldn't help but frown at the declaration. Pallas Athena? The Greek goddess of wisdom, strategy and craft? He would have never associated such existence to the creature he was seeing in front of him, but he had now the suspicion it was concealing its true power. To appear weak would never cross the mind of an esteemed magus like himself, but Kayneth wouldn't put it past a deity who exalted ruse and deception in warfare.
"Thank you for your service. Let's go, Lancer."
His Servant seemed on edge just as much as before, eyes darting all around. Good. The little encounter with Assassin proved he would not succumb to a treacherous assault, at the very least. Entering the hall, he was pleased to discover a formal reception desk visibly handled by a pale woman in a white gown, her right arm covered in armor while her left was handling a vase containing a warm flame.
"Greeting, honored guest. I am Brigid of the Megami Race, receptionist of this establishment. What can I do for you?"
"I will… ask you to give me your range of prices." Kayneth corrected himself, acutely remembering how his resources were not as vast as they should have been and that asking for the most expensive one could possibly make him a fool.
"We have single rooms available for 1000 macca a night. Our lowest priced suite, the Rhodes, cost 3000 macca for a night and day. The Septem suite is currently in use by another client until another sixteen days. The Troy and the Olympus cost 6000 and 10000 macca for the same period respectively. Regardless of your choice, the Megami's Embrace will offer you protection and access to numerous services without further charges."
Lancer had been right, concluded Kayneth with irritation. Taking a suite, which was the only suitable choice for someone of his caliber, would let them barely three days and nights if they chose the cheaper one.
"Hum. Which services can I expect this establishment to provide?" Asked the magus, concealing his mood with impeccable politeness.
"Our employees shall provide you with sustenance, healing, recreational activities of physical or intellectual nature, as well as a contact from the Devil Auction to facilitate management of your funds and contracts. A shop will also be at your disposition for obtaining equipment and materials."
A quick transaction later, Kayneth found himself in a bedroom with quite respectable arrangements, including a sealed room for the purpose of magecraft. Savoring the refined wine a floating blue spirit brought him, the magus contemplated his options. He now had three days to obtain information on his opponents, prepare his tools, fashion a strategy and execute it with perfection. He was quite certain that as long as he remained in this place, no competitor will be able to touch him. Yet… turning his eyes on Lancer, his Servant, Kayneth felt the same phantom ache inside his body.
"Lancer. What do you wish for the Holy Grail?"
"What a curious question, Master. Didn't you say I would only be the weapon you wield to victory?" Said the young man as he turned towards his Master, his attitude respectful but with that edge that separated him clearly from Diarmuid. "But as you wish. I have an elder brother you see, one that failed to perform both a human being and a samurai in many respects. His death, however, was an ignoble one even he did not deserve. If this Grail is truly as powerful as pretended, I will use it to change history and grant my foolish brother the life he needed to become a man of worth."
"I see. And how would you go and win this war, were I to leave you to your own device?"
For the first time since his summoning, the composure of Lancer seemed to waver.
"I would likely search for my opponents and vanquish them one by one, until I win or fall. I know all too well that strategy and tactics are not my strong points. All of this is something I delegate to you, Master."
Tapping his glass with a finger, Kayneth forced himself to follow the line of thoughts he would have immediately discarded in any other circumstances, if not for the burning pain he could still feel in his chest and nerves.
"Then, would you follow my orders no matter what? Tell me, Lancer. Is there anything that would make you stop listening to my commands?"
"… Perhaps I underestimated you, Master. I thought you the kind of people taking obedience for granted." Said Lancer after a moment of silence. "I will make myself clear. Though I doubt there is a single innocent soul left alive in this demon-infested Tokyo, I will neither tolerate acts of cruelty nor to be used against the people I have sworn to defend. Should you chose to pursue this path, I will become your enemy, Command Spell or not."
The threat hung in the air, Kayneth's staying as still as a statue with only his hand making the wine swirl in the glass, his face impassible while he resisted the burning desire to make the unruly familiar submit with words and a Command Spell.
"I see. Let us say you have grievously wounded Saber in a duel. Berserker chooses to intervene at this moment and attack Saber. What would you do if I ordered you to ally with Berserker to finish Saber off?" Inquired the magus dryly, the scene playing again in his mind in a flash of anger before he decided to be sure of something. "No, let us say I order you to attack Saber's defenseless Master. Would you obey me?"
"I would do so immediately. As I told you before, Master, even if we were to make a truce with another, I would not hesitate to strike them in the back on your command. The enemy of my enemy is still a target, and I will not let my pride get in the way of my wish." Said Lancer without hesitation.
Kayneth let himself relax inwardly as he listened to the words of his Servant. He made the mistake to not inquire the temperament of his Servant once, and he would not repeat it. In fact, there were, as much as he hated to admit it, more than one mistake he would be sure not to repeat this time: thinking his opponent would play by the rules, trusting the supervisors to not take a side, and believing he could get away without devoting his entire self into the war…
"I'm detecting a strong demon ahead. Do you want to go on?" Suddenly asked Burrough.
Flynn stopped immediately his walk toward the edge of the forest and drew his weapon, prompting his Master to stop moving as well and crouch slightly, most probably unconsciously. He knew the magus was specialized in a form of magecraft requiring gemstones to be charged with mana for a long period of time before being usable, but that sign seemed to indicate physical training as well. It boded well for the fight ahead, as it was certain he would be able to both kill the demon and protect his Master from all harm. If Burrough warned of a powerful demon, it generally meant a difficult battle. Advancing carefully closer to the edge of the forest, where the trees were already massive, the Saber class Servant listened to the silence. Before long, a dark silhouette detached himself from the shadows.
"So, the snake whore finally sent someone after me." Said a dark, gritting voice. "But I would have never guessed she would have someone like you at her feet, Samurai."
Flynn raised his eyes to look at the face of his opponent, a giant man wielding a single-edged bronze sword and wearing the pelt of a wolf as his only cloth. His arms and legs were covered in green warpaint, and only the lower half of his face was visible, the rest covered by the face and jaw of the dead wolf.
"Scanning… Berserker of the Brute Race. Physical attacks are useless. It has a weakness to Force." Biped Burrough from the Gauntlet. Flynn adjusted his grip on his katana as the demon continued to rant.
"Those ungrateful spawns of hers only exist to spread their legs. I've simply used them like they should, and this bitch think I have to pay for it? Isn't that a joke, Samurai?"
"Even so, you should respect what they gave you." Replied Flynn calmly, which seemed to piss off the demon.
"Peuh! What about you, human? Isn't it natural to take what's offered to you?"
"I will not waste my words for a monster ruled only by its base desires. Saber, eliminate this demon." Commanded Tokiomi.
Before the magus even finished his sentence, the berserker had already raised his weapon and hurled himself at Flynn. The samurai blocked the bronze sword, the impact echoing into his arms as the Brute demon attacked again and again, forcing him on the defensive. He couldn't afford to simply dodge and let the demon go past him, risking his Master at the same time, but that didn't mean he was without option. Deflecting a particularly wide blow, Flynn took the fraction of time before another assault to make his own move.
"Zandyne."
Following his words, a massive gust of wind exploded in the face of the demon, pushing him backward with a pained grunt. Flynn pressed his advantage by releasing the same Force spell again, flinging the Brute against a tree before focusing on shifting the balance.
"Luster Candy."
The mana drain was noticeably higher compared to Zandyne but worthwhile as he felt his body become lighter, sturdier, just in time to block the renewed assault of his opponent. But when the demon raised his sword in the air with two hand, Flynn recognized an incoming wide range attack. If he didn't counter it, his Master would be in the radius.
"Tetrakarn."
A red-orange barrier appeared around the samurai and his Master. When the berserker slammed the ground and sent a massive shock-wave in their direction, Flynn felt his mana reserve fall considerably as the barriers stopped the attack from affecting them, trees trembling and the ground breaking under the pressure. Then in a flash of light the shock-wave rebounded from the barrier to the demon, who shrugged it off like it was nothing but distracted it long enough for Flynn to Concentrate.
"Zandyne!"
The supercharged spell impacted the demon and exploded. The berserker roared in pain, fizzling as if its physical form couldn't hold itself together anymore.
"Damn you Samurai! You think you'll get anything by killing me? That snake bitch hates you more than anything, and in your current state she'll tear you apart! Let me live, and I'll help you fight her!"
The demon's grip on his weapon changed almost imperceptibly. Flynn didn't answer, instead tilting his sword upward… and intercepted the thrown sword of the berserker before it reached Tokiomi. Before the demon could charge, Saber released a last Concentrated Zandyne, dispersing the essence of his foe into curls before it faded for good.
"Good work, Saber. Your spellcasting is truly potent."
"Thank you, Master." said Flynn cautiously, feeling something approach.
A flap of wing from above made him raise his head, in time to see a Lilim float down with a satisfied expression.
"Nice job! Even if Mother won't be happy you lived, that jerk really pissed me off, so I don't mind giving you the reward!"
Taking the stack of macca bills from the demon's slim hand, Flynn counted 2500 adding to their 487, making their total a paltry 2987. Macca seemed to be much rarer compared to his time among the living, as both the prices and the amount received for the job were very low.
"I'd love to stay and taste you, but my shift is coming! Good luck and stay away from Mother, Samurai!" Said the Lilim as she flew away, leaving them alone at the forest edge.
"Congratulation on completing the quest!" Announced Burrough.
The discreet sigh coming from his Master told Saber he still wasn't used to either the coming and going of the demons, Burrough, or both.
"Is the money we now possess sufficient to seek a hostel?"
"I believe so, Master." Nodded Flynn, opening the map on his gauntlet to locate their next destination: a place in Shinjuku. According to the demons he interrogated sooner, a powerful divinity has taken residency in the place and offered shelter to those who could pay him.
"Very well. Let us depart at once, Saber." Said Tokiomi, and they walked away from the forest. "However, I am worried regarding the enmity mentioned by both this succubus and the demon you felled. There is only one figure I can figure to being the mother of succubi, and I cannot see the link you could have had with the mythical Lilith."
The monstrous form of his old foe sprouted from the samurai's memories, as well as the disguise in which she had first encountered him and his friends. He didn't hate her, not like he first did after her rampage in Mikado, after he had to kill Issachar, and after she turned Walter into an opponent. His Master made the right conclusions, though of course couldn't know the details.
"Allow me to explain, Master Tohsaka." Beeped Burrough. "During his journey, Master Flynn hunted down the demon Lilith twice and put an end to her plans. If she carries memories of that time, her animosity is not surprising."
"I see." Acknowledge Tokiomi, understanding the difference between original and demon. "I suppose she is the one controlling of the Night Club, and her decision is what barred us to rest in the place."
"Very likely." Said Flynn, recalling how Maya did not introduce herself as the owner of the Club. "We should be careful. I doubt she will attack us, but Lilith is stronger than Maya. We can't underestimate her influence."
"I see." Repeated Tokiomi, deep in thought. "The sooner we reach a place to reside in, the sooner I will be able to formulate a plan. Let us quicken the pace, Saber."
"As you wish." Nodded Saber.
"Looks like the Quest is going well." Concluded Burrough.
Under the city of Tokyo, the large network of metro was plunged in the dark. No electricity flowed in the cables throughout the tunnels, for the ones still in shape, at least. Many of them crumbled a long time ago, be it due to fighting or lack of repairs, and navigating in the maze would be a daunting task even for one accustomed to move with neither light nor points of references. And in the shadows lurked not only demons, but also the creeping Domains of those strong enough to materialize them, taking over sections of the metro as their own traps for preys and imprudent. Yet the slender figure moved in the metro with supreme confidence, her black and purple attire blending with the shadows. Domains seemed to be unable to catch her, demons didn't notice her approach even as she passed by an inch of their form, and even the ground didn't keep a trace of its passage. Until she reached an unassuming spot, where she delicately moved a panel to unveil a passage and slipped inside, replacing the panel behind her. The passage led to a small room, a resting place for workers during the tunnel excavation. A splintered table, a gaping locker, and a rusty metal bed were the only items inside.
"Master, I have returned." Announced Toki.
A male figure was leaning on a wall, completely immobile, not even a breathing escaping his body. He didn't answer, his long black hair half-covering his face. Smaller than the tall woman who approached him, his pale skin a striking contrast to his dark coat outlined with fur, shirt, pants and glove, he looked somewhat similar to his Servant.
"Saber, Lancer and Rider identified. Berserker is unknown. Caster and Archer are hiding. Attempt upon Lancer's Master, unsuccessful. Lancer identified me."
Her words didn't elicit a reaction at first. After a long silence the lips of the man moved, and a low, emotionless voice escaped them.
"Are they among the Masters?"
"No Masters are corresponding to your description either Hakuno Kishinami nor Leonardo Bristario Harwey."
A dark purple stain appeared upon the Master's face, expanding all over the right side of his visage and leaving only a gaping void before retracting and disappearing almost instantly, leaving no trace of having even appeared. The man stood up from the wall, dusting off his sleeves before opening his eyes. His cold, black pupils met the dark red gaze of the Servant, before straying toward the exit.
"Lead me to the demons."
"Yes, Master." Answered Toki in a reverent, almost affectionate tone.
Her Master was strong. Not as strong as the one she pledged her life to, but still worthy of her devotion. Even against her former friend or Flynn himself, she knows they can win. After all, one only needed to target the weak link to win against opponents in this war…