A/N: What is up, everyone! I am here with the latest chapter of my Wizard story! I am surprised you guys are actually liking this story judging from the favorites and follow along with reviews. Anyways, I hope this chapter is worth it since it took me some time and I want to thank my BETA readers for looking over it. That being said, let us begind the newest chapter of my story, shall we?
Don't forget to check out my other stories including The Wild Omega (Kamen Rider Amazons [2016] x Akame Ga Kill), Overwatch: Key of Destiny (Kamen Rider Gaim x Overwatch) and Chalice: The Wild Card Chronicles (Kamen Rider Blade x High School DxD).
Henshin!
'Thought'
"Phantom"
The Night in Fuyuki City was calm and quiet as some parts of the streets were empty. Ever since the incident 10 years ago, most of the town was advised to never go out very late in the night in terms of safety. Everyone unaware of the true reason behind it. In a church, the silence was waning in the building. In the far center of the holy place was a priest.
The man has short brown hair, but now it reached down to the back of his neck and brown eyes. He wore a completely black ensemble of pants, boots, and dress shirt underneath a long blue coat and wore a golden cross around his neck.
This was Kirei Kotomine.
He was the priest of the church, but that was just his public persona. He was also the mediator of the Fifth Holy Grail War. His duty was to provide a safe sanctuary for Masters who had lost their Servants and could no longer compete but could still be targeted by other Masters.
He was also responsible for explaining the rules of the Holy Grail War who had no idea what they were doing.
The rules of the Holy Grail War stated that seven Servants would be summoned by seven Masters. But then, something changed.
"A Ruler-class Servant?" Kirei noted the presence he felt. There hasn't been a Ruler-class Servant for a long time. And now there is an 8th Master with that very Servant.
This could complicate the Holy Grail War or make things a little more interesting. Not to mention, the strange detection of pure Mana being practically in certain locations of the city. No Mana was that pure and raw, nor is it focused on a certain place. It brought his full undivided attention to it. Every now and then, there would be a detection of the pure Mana, even the disappearance of the energy.
Something clearly is going on and he would need to find out what is going on in this city.
A Wizard's Fate
Chapter 3: The Encounter of Another Master
A day has passed since the fight against the Inner Phantom that once resided in Taiga Fujimura. Not only it was the day Enrique defeated two Phantoms but also the day he used a new Style form, the representation of Land. However, he wasn't the only one he recently learned something.
For Ruler, she met the Inner Phantom that resides in her Master's Underworld. The Dragon. She finally understood why she was no longer empowered by the Grail, it was because of Dragon. She became wary of the beast knowing that it is waiting for her Master to fall into despair. It angered her that the dragon wished to harm not just her Master but herself due to being empowered by his Hope.
If he falls into despair, so does she and she did not want that to happen. Not a chance.
Right now, Ruler was by the register while her Master was dusting the antiques on the shelves. The Servant had some thoughts about the Phantoms, and since her Master knows about them then it was best to ask him.
"Master, if I may ask," Ruler started. "How come these Phantoms are unable to attack this shop?"
"Oh, Teacher cast wards around the place to prevent Phantoms from entering or going near the shop," Enrique replied. "He is very pragmatic and thinks ahead."
"What about the detection of Phantoms?"
"Teacher taught me how to detect people who have abnormal amounts of Mana, but only those with Mana." He explained. "Only Phantoms contain Mana but no Prana whatsoever."
"I see…"
"Well, to be more precise, a Phantom's body is made of Mana."
Phantoms were the corrupted magical core of Gates that were driven wild by despair. Once awakened, the Inner Phantom would go on a rampage and destroy their Gate's Underworld until they finally broke out. Once freed, they would take the appearance of their Gates, taking their memories and their hope with them. This allowed them to blend in with humans.
"Is that how you can perform magic?" Ruler asked. "Is it because your Inner Phantom is the source of your Mana?"
"Yeah, but my Mana is not unlimited. I still have to sleep and eat to recharge. Without Mana, my rings won't work. The more magic I use, the lower my Mana gets, especially when my armor takes damage." Enrique explained gaining a nod from Ruler.
The nearby crystal ball flashed the one that was left behind by his Teacher in case. It flashed red, telling Enrique that it was Garuda who was alerting him. Quickly picking up the crystal ball, he looked through Garuda's eyes via the crystal ball.
"There's a Phantom on the loose," said Enrique. "You keep watch of the shop, okay?"
"As you wish, Master."
Nobody else would fall to despair today.
Putting on his jacket he made his way to the door until he heard Wajima call out. "One moment, Enrique!" He heard Wajima.
Turning around to face the ring maker, Wajima approached him before handing the mahoutsukai a new Ring. The ring in his hand had the image of a dragon by the strange thing it was the air-like image in it as if it involves himself or something else.
"A new Ring?"
"Correct, I hope it will be useful for you later ok." Wajima nodded.
"Thanks, Wajima," he thanked the owner. "I'll be back."
"Be careful and remember what I said," The owner reminded, waving his hand.
"Alright," Enrique responded before leaving.
In one of the streets of Fuyuki city, many people were up and about, walking around as some enter shops, others into restaurants, or simply exploring.
One is a young woman with aqua eyes and long wavy black hair, which she styled with flanking twin-tails tied with black ribbons. She is wearing a red turtleneck, a black skirt, and long black socks. She was currently going over a list as she was making her way home.
But she was still trying to investigate and search for the 8th Master and Servant. While all seven teams were around, there was now an 8th team who somehow made themselves known in the middle of the Grail War. She just wonders who were they and why now, in the middle of the War.
She was pushed out of her thoughts when she heard screaming. Raising her head, civilians were running away in fear but as they do, she saw the reason of their fear.
In the midst of the crowd, a monster was seen laughing in sheer glee and manically. By the sight of it surprised her.
The monster's upper body was covered in silver armor with red 'vents' while the rest of its body was a pitch black color. However, its body had flames that were coursing through and around his body. His head was the most intimidating; his head was a fireball as the tail of the flames acted as its hair while leaving its jaw open, revealing the darkness inside its mouth along with a single blue gem that acts as an eye for it to see.
The ebony haired Magus was rather shocked to see such a being. While she can sense the raw Mana that was coursing through its body, it still didn't change the fact that it was looking at a helpless human being.
"Time for you to fall into despair!" It laughed, approaching the victim with glee.
Just as she was about to intervene, the sound of a motorcycle was heard as she noticed someone driving on a silver motorcycle with an odd design. The rider rammed the monster away as she could only see the person's back facing her.
For the driver, he removed his helmet. "Go and get to safety," She heard him say to the civilian.
Without a word, the civilian quickly ran away as the young man faced the monster, "Looks like I have to deal with you just like I did to the previous one."
"You! You're the Yubiwa no Mahōtsukai!" The new Phantom growled in realization.
'Mahoutsukai…?' The girl thought to herself, taking note of the young man who seems to be a year or so older than her. With the ring on his finger, he placed his hand over the buckle on his waist.
DRIVER ON, PLEASE!
The stone flashed before light engulfed the belt, transforming it into a silver metal belt. Enrique then reached to the belt itself and pushed the switches causing the hand to move from pointing to his left side to pointing to his right side. A magic circle lit up in the center before the belt began to...sing much to her confusion.
SHABADOOBIE TATCHI HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TATCHI HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TATCHI HENSHIN!
The raven haired teen held up his left hand with the ring. Pressing a hidden mechanism on it, he pushed a metal siding forward over the stone, making it look like a face with large eyes on it, saying only one word as he brought it to his changed belt. "Henshin!"
FLAME, PLEASE! HII HII, HII HII HII!
Once the seal passed over him, he was now in his armor. Seeing this shocked her to no end. She witnessed a young man changed into armor all from mana!? What kind of Mystic Code was that armor!?
"Raise the curtains cuz it's Showtime," He announced. Placing his hand over the Driver, it rang out.
CONNECT, PLEASE!
The rune formed next to him before he reaches in and pulls out his sword gun. Witnessing it shocked Rin perhaps even more so than his armor. She just saw him pull a weapon right out of a Rune Circle! She couldn't detect any usage of magic circuits or Prana! How was it even possible for him to be able to do that!?
What kind of magecraft was he using!?
The armored Wizard rushes towards the monster who brought out his own sword. The mahoutsukai parries the incoming attack before thrusting the blade to the Hellhound, sending the fiery beast tumbling from the stab.
The fiery Phantom growls before it unleashes a breath of fire, causing Wizard to flip to the side as his weapon converted into its gun mode before firing a few silver bullets at it, a few being blocked by the Hellhound at a rapid pace while the rest came in contact with its body.
The ebony haired girl watched as the unknown warrior was fighting the fiery being, seeing the two use swords. But her focus wasn't on the fight, it was on the armored Wizard. She could sense the pure yet raw Mana in his body. The Mana that was more refined, stronger, than the ones she was familiar with. She could detect no other type of energy around him, only Mana. It was like his whole body was a container filled with pure Mana.
"Time for another new change," Wizard declared as he presented the emerald ring. Pressing the switch, he flips the panel on his ring before moves his hand to the Driver.
HURRICANE, PLEASE!
A green magic circle forms below him as he leaps onto it.
FUU-FUU, FUU-FUU-FUU-FUU!
A whirl of green wind surrounded him before the magic circle phases through him, showing his new form. The chest plate was a vibrant emerald green with the sides being connecting triangles with green bands on his wrists and ankles with the inside of his coat attachment being green as well. The shape of the gemstone on his face was an inverted triangle rather than a circle like in his Flame Style.
This once again surprised the girl upon the change of armor pieces but what really surprised her was the breeze of wind began to circle around him with a loud howl. It was like the air was his ally.
Before she knew it, she literally began to witness his feet being lifted off the ground, the wind surrounding him, almost like he is floating!
She was completely befuddled upon seeing this and then she sensed no Prana being used and only Mana and soon came to an answer.
'Magecraft using only Mana…?' She finally realized.
Using Mana that pure was impossible and yet the person in front of her was capable of doing just that. However, she could sense something else, making her realize it.
'He must be the eighth master…" She realized.
She never thought she would see a young man wear armor composed entirely of mana. Heck, even controlling the elements of nature to this extent! As a Magus, this was considered a big discovery for her!
Wizard struck the Hellhound onto the air before he flew towards him, striking the Phantom with a diagonal strike before flying to the side and strike it across the abdomen. Ducking under the Phantom's next attack that would have struck his neck, the mahoutsukai converted his weapon to Gun Mode.
Taking aim, Wizard fired wind-charged silver bullets. They pierced Hellhound's hide and it screamed.
"Time for the finale," declared Wizard as he opened his weapon's Hand Author.
COME ON SHOOTING, SHAKE HANDS
HURRICANE, SHOOTING STRIKE!
Air gathered around Wizard and into his WizardSwordGun. Taking aim, Wizard squeezed the trigger and fired a ball of magic-infused air at the Phantom.
The Phantom shot out a fireball that hit Wizard's attack, causing an explosion. When the smoke cleared, the Phantom was nowhere to be seen.
"Great, it got away," he sighed. He turned to see the person the Phantom tried to go after was gone as well but he took notice of someone else who watched the fight. When he got a good look at her, the person who was watching is a young woman with aqua eyes and long wavy black hair, which she styles with flanking twin-tails tied with black ribbons. She is wearing a red turtleneck, a black skirt, and long black socks.
The girl stared at him in surprise for a moment before she regained her composure.
"Who are you?" The girl all but demanded.
"A Mahoutsukai can never reveal their secrets," Wizard replied, thankfully his helmet slightly distorted his voice.
"Mahou… sukai… as in Mage?" She translated carefully.
"That's correct and now if you excuse me, I have some chasing to do," he turned around, only to see a man pointing a sword at him. "Okay… I didn't expect that."
The man in front of him has white hair, darkened skin, and onyx colored eyes. He wore a black bodysuit with a red trench coat and silver armored boots. He also showed a lot of confidence.
And judging from this tiny situation he was in, there was no doubt that the man was a Servant while the girl was a Master.
Goody...
"Not until you explain to me how you are capable of performing Magecraft using only Mana as well as that thing that tried to attack the civilian." She frowned.
The young man glanced at the girl then at the Servant who still had his sword trained on him.
"Sorry, but I'm busy," Wizard apologized as he slipped on a ring and scanned it.
SMELL, PLEASE!
A foul-smelling gas was released around the armored Master. While the girl and her Servant were distracted, Wizard got on his bike and sped away.
With the girl coughed as she waves her hand while her Servant swipes his blade to clear the gas. Once it cleared, they saw the armored Master was gone.
"He escaped…" The girl frowned.
"That he may have… but something tells me we will see him again," The man said.
"Hopefully we will. I need answers from him."
"And another thing…" Her Servant started.
The girl raised an eyebrow until she pinched her nose upon finally noticing the smell.
"You reek badly…" He answered, covering his nose from the putrid scent. As a Servant, they have heightened senses and this was one of the things that he didn't enjoy.
"Why the nerve of that guy!" She exclaimed in disgust. Her clothes actually smell like rotten eggs-like sulfur! Because of whoever that mahoutsukai was, she smells bad and now has to take a bath for hours! "The next time I see him, it's a Gandr up the ass!" She cursed.
Then her Servant spoke up again. "Um, Rin?" He calmly spoke up causing his furious Master to turn her attention to him. "What are we going to do about all the people that saw magic being performed in broad daylight?" He asked causing Rin to widened her eyes before narrowing them in anger.
"I'm going to castrate that bastard if I ever see him again!" Rin shouted in anger as she started doing damage control done by morons that were, somehow, even more idiotic than Shirou. Suddenly, she noticed the damage from the fight slowly repairing itself, the rubble and debris being brought together like there was no damage anymore; everything is put together as if it never happened.
"What the…" She looked around, wondering what happened. "Who is doing this…"
Her Servant was wondering the same before noticing a small crystal white bird as it glowed, magic pouring of its body. Whoever sent the bird, it was transferring their magic to the bird, fixing all the damage. Once the damage was repaired, the bird flew away from his sights. Whoever is behind this, is preventing anyone, including Magus, from investigating.
Enrique felt a shudder go down his spine when he returned to the shop to be greeted by Wajima only for him to gag a bit.
"You stink!" Wajima pinched his nose.
"Yeah, I'm going to need a bath. Your new ring works, by the way." Enrique replied.
When he returned to the shop, he had to send out his Familiars but the moment he entered, that was when Wajima and Ruler took notice of the smell.
Even Ruler had to pinch her nose to block such a foul smell that was coming from her Master. "Master, I think a bath is needed for you. You smell strongly of rotten eggs."
He sighed before he nodded and walks up the stairs so he can clean himself. In the bathroom, he removed the clothes he wore and entered the bath, the warm water soothing his body, allowing him to relax. It was times like this where he needed time to relax.
He raised his head to the ceiling, seeing the light. Slowly reaching his hand out to the light, he soon closes his hand into a fist, recalling that day where he nearly fell into despair.
It was the day he vowed he would never allow another person to suffer the same fate of falling into despair.
Lowering his hand into the water, a sigh escapes his lips. Ever since the White Wizard took him in two years ago, he changed and he knew it too…
Before meeting his Teacher, he only cared about helping his family and help take care of Marie since he doesn't know where his father went. He didn't socialize much either… he barely smiled too.
But now, he was a traveler, a learner, someone who smiles at people he talks to. He acted more mature than an 18-year-old would act. Hell, he became friends with Taiga, Wajima, and Ruler (despite her being his Servant). He saw the wonders of the world and learned so much thanks to the White Wizard.
He became a better person after two years. But… even now, there are times he remembers that day. The day where his life was ruined and nearly ended. It felt like it was reminding him of his mistakes and what he has done in the past. Sometimes he wonders if it was a way to tell him that he was that teen and now changed for the better.
He doesn't know if it was a good thing or not.
His head sank into the warm water, his eyes looking at the reflection of the water.
The girl he saved from the Phantom was a Master. That just made things complicated. However, that alone would not stop him from saving her from falling into despair.
He also needed to track down that Hellhound Phantom. Right now, it was probably laying low and coming up with a new plan to get the Gate to fall into despair. If the Phantom assumed its human disguise, it could gather information on the Gate and find the source of her hope and destroy it.
That is how they strike: Blend in, get information of the target, and then make them fall into despair.
He won't allow that to happen. Especially after… that day…
The day he held onto his hope at the edge of despair. But at a great cost…
He closed his eyes and sank into the warm water further and drifted off into his thoughts and memories.
Enrique was manning the counter when the bell above Wajima's door rang, signaling a customer.
"Welcome," Enrique greeted only to freeze for a moment at the sight of the 'customer'.
'Oh great, her again…' he complained in his thoughts upon seeing the girl, the Master from earlier. The way she was looking at him showed he did something to piss her off, which was not a good sign. "Can I help you?" He asked feignedly.
The girl stared at him with a frown, "I know you are that Mahoutsukai from yesterday. You have the same Mana that he has, only Mana."
"Sorry you must be mistaking me for someone else," He replied as he was about to walk away but her Servant stopped him with the blade pointed at him.
Not this again!
"Ugh… look I'm right now busy at the moment so can you just go?" Enrique sighed.
"I need answers." The girl informed. "Especially after you caused my clothes to smell like rotten eggs!"
"That I apologize but right now, I can't since you can see that I'm currently working." He gestured to the shop they were in.
Enrique felt Wajima grab his head.
"Enrique, don't be rude! This lady came in and is a customer! Please, entertain her properly! Apologies, miss. I'll make you some coffee!"
The girl and her Servant glanced at the man who just left and made coffee before looking at Enrique. He sighed, "In case you wonder, he knows everything so don't think about hurting him in any way."
"How can he be aware of this!?" She points at him accusingly.
"Can't tell you why."
Rin's frown grew, "You really have a lot of explaining to do."
"Archer, you are to stand down!" Rin took notice of his Servant much to her shock. It was a Ruler class Servant!
For Enrique, he felt relief that Ruler was here as she stares at the girl and her Servant with a small frown marring her angelic features. While she was wearing her casual clothes, the Magus could tell who she really is.
"What's a Ruler class Servant doing here!?" Rin asked in shock. 'She looks almost like Saber!'
"The mahoutsukai is my Master and you are prohibited from threatening him in this Grail War." Ruler informed the Magus. "Especially here in this shop." She added with a glare in her eyes.
"Who said I was threatening him?" Rin stammered out.
"Archer," Ruler glanced at the said Servant that is next to the girl.
The now named Servant stared at Ruler before he slowly lowered his weapons, reluctantly obeying her command. Deep down, he was wary of her due to his other status.
Ruler stared a little longer at the Servant until she nodded before looking at the girl, "If you wish to talk to my master then it is best you act more civilized than being rude. Right now, no fighting is necessary."
The girl was silent for a moment before she crossed her arms, "Fine…"
"Master?" Ruler glanced at the mahoutsukai.
"Alright…" he nodded, accepting Ruler's advice.
Enrique took a sip of his tea while Ruler stared at the girl. The three were at a cafe that was nearby. His Servant insisted the best option was to talk to her like civilized people in public and knowing Ruler, she would make sure that the Master that was sitting across from him doesn't try anything that would break the rules of the Grail War.
For the girl herself, she too was looking at Enrique knowing that not only was he the 8th Master with a Ruler-class Servant but someone who can use Magecraft without the use of Magic Circuits or Prana. While the person in front of her wasn't like a certain auburn teen she knows, she could sense an aura around him.
The young mahoutsukai sets down his cup before looking at the girl.
"So… do you have a name?" Enrique asked with a raised eyebrow.
"My name is Rin Tohsaka," Rin said with some level of self-importance.
"Don't know you." the mahoutsukai stated flatly. He was pretty new in town, so he really hadn't met a lot of people. Rin frowned but the mahoutsukai was unfazed. "What do you want from me anyway?"
"Just how can you do that kind of Magecraft using only Mana?" She asked. "None of us Magus are able to achieve those type of feats you have done!"
"Firstly, I'm a Mahoutsukai, not a Magus," He corrected before he frowned. "And secondly, why would you want to know?"
"I'm a Magus. Researching and discovering new types of magic is what we do. So, that's why I want to study you and perhaps it will help me get into Clock Tower."
"Clock Tower?" Now that Enrique had heard about. His teacher had mentioned about the Clock Tower, once or twice. It was the University of the Magus Association. "Look, I've only been a mahoutsukai for two years." He said. "Why bother studying me?"
"Your Magecraft is different than the ones I have seen and studied! Do you know just how much you can do with your skills?"
"It's nothing really," He shrugged. "Besides I am only doing what I was taught to do in certain situations."
"You must be lucky to be so powerful in such a short time," Rin said without much thought as Enrique tightened one of his hands into a furious grip.
That was probably the worst thing she could say at that moment. Rin failed to realize how insensitive her comment was. Setting the cup down, his expression turned enraged.
"It was not fun and games…" he stated angrily.
"Eh?" Rin was confused and backed away from him see his anger, allowing him to continue and explain.
"You think I was lucky? I'm not... I have seen people, innocent people that I didn't even know succumb to the agony and despair, allowing the monsters inside them to rise…" He lowered his head as he could see the eyes of Dragon in the reflection of his drink. "You think it was luck, but to me, it was guilt... They died, I lived... the only one who survived. Every day, I never forget to remind myself to how I acquired this magic." Ruler finally began to notice something about her Master. The mahoutsukai was finally revealing a vulnerable side. "And so… I have to live with it."
"...What happened to you?" Rin questioned.
Flashbacks entered his mind of that day, remembering the pain everyone was going through, the screaming that was soon replaced by the Phantom's cheers and roars of freedom. Even remembering his words when he nearly fell into despair.
"I rather not tell you more about it," he said as he finished the rest of his tea. He stood up as he paid for the tea for the three. "And another thing…" Rin looks at the mahoutsukai as his Servant stood by him. "Don't speak of what I told you to anyone else. There's a reason why the monsters are kept on the down low…" he said his parting words before he and Ruler left the cafe.
The walk back to the antique shop was silent as Enrique was quiet the entire walk back. For Ruler, she showed concern for her master. She never thought to see her Master show a vulnerable side, a side that displayed survivor's guilt, a reminder that his magic wasn't something he earned. It was given to him at a cost.
"Master…? Are you alright?" Ruler asked.
"I'm fine…" he replied without hesitation. "It's been awhile since I ever mentioned that day…"
"Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah, it's nothing to worry about, alright?" He replied.
"As you wish." She obeyed.
But Ruler was not convinced. The day Enrique got his magic was likely the worst day of his life. He was driven to despair, finding hope at the very edge of it. His magic was the result of it.
His magic would also be a reminder of that day. Every time he used his magic, he would always remember how he got it.
Enrique could never move on from that day. So he would use his magic to prevent anyone else from experiencing the same tragedy.
He swore to himself and to his teacher. When he noticed the antique shop, he looks at Ruler. "Ruler look, I understand you want to make sure I'm okay but… I just need time, alright?" He explained. "I know you want to make sure I am alright since I am your Master but sometimes… certain topics can be difficult to understand, okay?"
"I… I understand master," she obeyed. Her Master nodded before the two enter the shop.
Enrique was at the local library. Wajima had sent him to help return his library books and to borrow a few books for him to read. As Enrique needed to get out of the shop to clear his head, he agreed to the request.
After dropping off the books Wajima had sent him to return, Enrique took out the list Wajima had given him and went to look for the books.
Upon finding one, Enrique reached for it, but at the same time, someone else went to grab it too. Their fingers accidentally touched.
"Sorry about that," He apologized.
"It's okay." She replied kindly.
It was a young woman with violet hair, which she styles with a pink ribbon on the left side, and violet eyes. He took notice that she was wearing clothing consists of a pink cardigan, a white top, and long cream-colored skirt. If he had to admit, she was cute.
"Were you trying to check out this book?" He gestured to the book in his hand. She nodded in response. Looking at the book in his hand, he decided to be a gentleman and hands it to her. "Here."
"You're giving it to me?"
"Of course. Besides, I can always check it out next time," Enrique smiled. "And like the old saying my Teacher told me, 'ladies first.'"
"Thank you..."
"Enrique. My name is Enrique Alderete."
"Sakura. Sakura Matou."
"Sakura, like the cherry blossoms." He noted. "A fitting name if you ask me."
He noticed a tint of red on her cheeks but he pushed that thought aside for now. "Anyways, I should get going. It was nice meeting you, Sakura." He bowed before he makes his way to the counter to get the books checked out.
The young girl watched him leave before looking at the book in her hand. Holding the book close to her, she heads to the counter to check out her books as well. Once the process was done, she exited the library and made her way back home. Humming to herself, she began to dwell on her thoughts about her day. She couldn't help but wonder what she should do for Shirou.
He was the reason why she was able to continue on, especially after…
Shaking her head, she didn't want to remember those memories. The only thing that mattered was today and hopefully a good day.
Until now that is.
The sound of screaming caught her attention as she noticed people were running in fear. Confusion settled in, wondering why they were scared until the sight of strange golems showed the reason.
The sight of the Ghouls caused people to run away in fear as Sakura felt afraid before she too began to run that a couple of Ghouls blocked her escape.
"Where do you think you are going, Gate?"
She slowly looks back to see a menacing fiery being, laughing in joy to see the girl cornered. "Guess you were the actual Gate, not that other human." He chuckled as he stepped closer.
Sakura felt fright upon seeing the kaijin and its followers. "And quite frankly my dear, you are a special Gate."
Suddenly, gunshots were heard and the Phantom reeled back as several bullets impacted its chest.
"What!? Silver bullets!? That means..."
"Step away from the girl, Phantom!"
Standing in the distance with his Wizarswordgun aimed at the Phantom was Enrique.
"Enrique-san?"
"Yubiwa Mahoutsukai!"
"Mahoutsukai?" Sakura repeated.
"I'm so glad to hear that you Phantoms really do know about me. That means you know what I can do to you."
"Tch! So what!? If I defeat you here, I'll be rewarded! I won't lose this round!"
DRIVER ON, PLEASE!
"We'll see about that," said Enrique as he slipped on his Flame Ring and flipped the visor down over the ruby stone. He then turned the Hand Author with the switches on his belt.
SHABADOOBIE TATCHI HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TATCHI HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TATCHI HENSHIN!
The raven haired teen held up his left hand with the ring. Pressing a hidden mechanism on it, he pushed a metal siding forward over the stone, making it look like a face with large eyes on it, saying only one word as he brought it to his changed belt.
"Henshin!"
FLAME, PLEASE! HII HII, HII HII HII!
Once the seal passed over him, he was now in his armor. The sight surprised Sakura. The ruby gems on his chest and head, the dragon symbol on his shoulders, and the weapon in hand. It was a sight of something from fantasy just like in the books she read!
"I am the wizard who protects the hopes of mankind; Kamen Rider Wizard! Now, time to raise the curtains cuz it's showtime!"
"Get him!" Hellhound ordered the Ghouls. "I want his head on a platter!"
Obeying the command, the Ghouls rushed towards Wizard but they weren't quick enough to see him raise his gun again to shoot down a few before switching the weapon to blade mode and strike the first Ghoul that got close.
"Out of my way!" Wizard shouted as he slashed a Ghoul across before striking the rest in his path of the Phantom. Jumping up, he nailed Hellhound in the face with a kick, sending it tumbling.
Hellhound felt infuriated that the mahoutsukai appeared and prevented it from getting near its target. "Take this!" The Phantom roared as it attempts to cleave Wizard in half. However, he dodged the attack by a backflip and landed on his feet.
"Whoa, this puppy is a little excited. You need to get fixed."
The joke felt like an insult to the Hellhound, the flames burning with rage. "Why you…" It growled. Leading the Ghouls, the Phantom attempts to gang up on the mahoutsukai.
Looking around him, he twirls the blade, the mechanism converting it into gun mode.
"Tough crowd," he jokes and fired around him, before ducking from Hellhound's slash. Twirling from the next attack the Ghouls committed, the mahoutsukai continued his assault towards the Ghouls. Each one falling by his blade or shots. Once the last of the Ghouls exploded into ashes while Wizard was unfazed while staring at the Hellhound Phantom.
"Che, time for a change of plans," A large set of flames appeared as the Phantom was now on a flaming motorcycle and quickly began to drive away.
"Oh no, you don't!" Wizard yelled out as he quickly scans his Ring.
CONNECT, PLEASE!
With the magic circle formed, he quickly grabs the Machine Winger and begins to chase after the Phantom.
With their swords in hand, the two try to strike each other or knock each other off their respective motorcycle. The Hellhound tries to cleave Wizard's neck but he ducked before he quickly converted his WizarSwordGun into its gun mode and shot the Phantom a few times.
"You are gonna regret saying those words to me, mahoutsukai!"
"Aw, having trouble? I thought you would act like the good dog you are."
"THAT'S IT!" This surely pissed off the Phantom as it brought up its sword, gaining a smirk from the mahoutsukai.
Right where he wants it.
The moment the Phantom swung its blade, Wizard hits the brakes to get behind the Phantom who was swerving to keep balance.
"This is your stop," Wizard aimed at the wheels and fired. The wheels exploded, causing Hellhound to lose control of the motorcycle as the wheels were skidding left and right until it crashing into a small construction area, resulting in a small explosion.
Wizard stopped his motorcycle in front of the burning crash site to see the motorcycle that Hellhound drove destroyed and there was no sight of the Phantom. He stares at the spot a little longer before turning around and drove back to Sakura. After stopping the motorcycle, he got off before approaching her and knelt down, making sure there were no injuries on her.
"Are you alright?" He asked with concern and kindness laced in his voice.
"Is.. that really you, Enrique-san?" Sakura asked.
Wizard realized she saw his transformation and knew that his teacher didn't want others to know. But the girl was as innocent and kind to be. Making a risky decision, he looks at Sakura. "Sakura, please don't tell anyone about my identity." He pleaded. "Promise you won't tell anyone?"
She slowly nodded, giving the mahoutsukai relief upon her answer. "I must go now, Sakura. And be careful, okay?" He advised before he quickly left as Sakura could only watch in awe from what she witnessed earlier.
After the fight was settled, Enrique drove back to the antique shop. However, when he opened the door, he stopped when he noticed his Teacher, causing his posture to straightened. "Teacher…"
The White Wizard looks back at his student before holding the Hamel Cane. "I am here to see your progress. I heard from your Servant that you had to deal with a Phantom."
"Yes, Teacher. The Phantom is Hellhound."
"Who was attacked this time?" His teacher asked.
"A young woman by the name Sakura Matou."
This earned White Wizard's attention. "Did you say Matou?"
"Yes, Teacher."
What started out as silence, a soft growl was heard underneath the helmet. While the normal humans couldn't hear it, Ruler did due to her heightened senses.
"I see…" The robed wizard muttered. "Continue your trial and remember to tread carefully."
"Understood."
The White Wizard used his Teleport Ring and vanished from his sights. Enrique still felt unsettled to the Hellhound fight. Something felt wrong and it seemed a bit too easy defeating that Hellhound Phantom. He knew it used flames to fight but there was something else… he just couldn't put a finger on it…
Just as a precaution, he decided to send Garuda to watch over Sakura just hoping the gut feeling was wrong.
Homurahara Academy was ending the school day, allowing the students to return to their respective homes or participate in their clubs. For Sakura, it was another time to return home… that place.
She looks at the book in her hand, remembering the mahoutsukai who she promised not to tell anyone of his identity. Never thought to see someone use actual magic, like in the books she read as a kid.
That young man who fought those… golems and fire monster. But they weren't a bother now thankfully due to the mahoutsukai. She just wonders why he was after those monsters?
Just as she was starting to ponder, she noticed someone she recognized, much to her happiness.
"Shirou-san!" Sakura beamed, seeing the auburn teen walking over to her. "You are heading home?"
"Yeah, since the class is over I thought to head back," He replied. "Do you want to come along?"
"Hai!" She smiled.
The two walked their way back to Taiga's home, the duo enjoying each other's company. Well, Sakura more than Shirou due to her little crush on the boy.
"Shirou, can you stay home this evening?" The plum-haired girl asked her senpai.
"Hmm?" Said boy looked a bit confused at the girl. "What for, Sakura?"
The girl blushed lightly as she tried to come up with a good excuse to keep her beloved senpai away from the horrors of the Holy Grail War. If he were to die… it would utterly destroy her. "Well, the string of murders and the gas leaks that have been going around are increasing. I just… don't want you to get hurt. It would…" She sniffled, tears appearing at the corner of her eyes.
"A-Alright, alright! I promise, Sakura!" The auburn-haired teen waved his hands in a comical manner to settle the girl down. "If you don't want me to stay home in the evening then I promise to stay home!"
"Thank you, Shirou," said Sakura.
"I knew it." A voice mused, much to their surprise.
Jumping out of Shirou's shadow was none other than the Hellhound Phantom, alive and well, the kaijin quickly bringing his blade and pressing it against Shirou's neck. "Just as I thought. This human is your hope." He sneered maniacally, pressing it against the auburn-haired teen's neck further. "I appreciate it. It took me a while to find out but now? It is good enough for me to please the boss of our mission."
"What… are you?" Shirou breathed out.
"Shut it, human." Hellhound demanded. "I am only here for my target and to make sure I get what I have searched for."
"L-Leave Shirou alone!"
Hellhound merely looked at her, "Why should I? You are nothing in this pitiful world." He spat mockingly.
"W-What?"
Shirou could only try to struggle against the monster's grip, feeling the burning sensation from its body as parts of his clothes were burnt from its fire.
"How pathetic. Haven't you ever realized the reason that you exist even after your own father sold you away to a mere worm?" Hellhound taunted with a toothy grin. "Or the fact that your sister didn't acknowledge you after your reunion? Or how about when your own mother said nothing but stood there as you were taken away to live with the Matous?"
"Sakura, don't listen… to it!" The teen gasped for more air as the blade was pressed further, the trickle of blood leaking from the cut.
"How about that when you were offered the chance to fight in the Grail War, you gave in to pressure from your brother and handed over the very woman that vowed to protect you?" The Phantom continued.
"Stop it…" Sakura whimpered, placing both of her hands on her ears, trying to deny what she was hearing.
"You know what I think? The reason you cling to this dumb human is that you blame yourself for your own Uncle's death." His flaming head flared with amusement. "You cling to this Shirou boy because you are nothing but a whore."
"T-That's not true!"
"Oh~? Then explain the situation now." Sakura flinched. "No matter what, death will always follow you. First, your uncle and now this poor human will suffer a fate. I am sure you remember your horrible moments with that man and his worms; even the times you were violated. Your own sister doesn't care about you! Everything is all because of you! You are responsible for everything!"
"Leave… Sakura… out of this!" Shirou gritted.
The Phantom looks at his hostage then at Sakura, the flames flickering with amusement. "How about you stay put!" He brought up his blade and struck Shirou across his chest, blood spilling from the large gash.
"SHIROU-KUN!"
The Phantom laughed manically before pointing at Sakura. "You see this!? This is all your fault! You are NOTHING!"
The young girl couldn't bear any more of the Phantom's words and actions, she fell to her knees and cries, reliving the worst moments of her life. The Phantom's words were all but true… It was all her fault.
Everything was all her fault...
*Ba-Dum!*
Sakura's eyes widen. In moments purple cracks began to form on her body and slowly spread. Her own body feeling cold.
"Now let that special Phantom be born from your despair!"
Before he can watch the human fall into despair, he quickly noticed a rod slamming him onto his chest, sending the Phantom flying and landing away from his target.
After regaining his footing, the Phantom darted his head, seeing the Servant Ruler.
"You!?" He growled. "You are a Servant!"
"I am and you are not harming an innocent life, Phantom," She declared, slamming her flag spear to the ground.
"You think you are so tough, huh!?" He mocked. "Why don't you go back to the place you come from!"
Ruler frowned until she said, "I think that is for my Master to decide."
"Eh?"
All of the sudden, silver bullets hit Hellhound from its side, sending it reeling from the attack. Across from him was Wizard in his Flame Style form.
"I should have known you actually survived that crash," Wizard said before glancing at his Servant. "Ruler, let's beat this Hellhound."
"As you wish," she nodded as the two faced the Phantom.
The duo rush towards the Phantom as he brought up his own blade. "I am not gonna make the same mistake again with you, mahoutsukai! Third time's a charm after all!"
The fiery Phantom blocks Wizard's blade before he quickly ducks from the blade that Ruler brought forth. While it did buckle from the amount of strength she had, he wasn't like Minotaurus.
The Servant pushed the Phantom back and kicked him at a good distance. "Master! Now!"
Just as the mahoutsukai could even strike, the Phantom did something unexpecting. "Not this time!" Hellhound roared as he suddenly vanished into the shadows, catching Wizard and Ruler by surprise.
"What the-?!" Wizard got out but Hellhound appeared from his shadow, striking him across the back, sparks bleeding off his armor.
"Master!" Ruler had to come to aid him but Hellhound suddenly appeared in front of her, punching her away. She tried to swing her spear at him but the Phantom disappears into the shadows before reappearing behind her and kicked her forward. It swung its sword at her but the Servant easily blocked the attack and struck it across the chest. The Hellhound stumbled while Ruler lunged her spear towards it but the Phantom wasn't going to allow it as it dove into the darkness once again. "Come out for the coward you are!" She demanded the Phantom.
" Call me a coward, but I rather fight smart." Hellhound appeared behind Wizard and kicked him, launching him towards his Servant, the two colliding and fell to the ground. Standing back up, the duo saw Hellhound holding the blade against Shirou's neck. "Now, I suggest you two back off or I will decapitate this human! Then again, he will bleed to death anyway and that girl's Phantom will be born from her despair."
"You are a monster!" Ruler hissed.
"We are all monsters, Servant!" The Phantom shot back. "Now back off!"
Wizard gripped his gun tightly, willing to use the silver bullets but if he were to shoot, the Phantom would kill Shirou immediately. This was a very bad situation. However, from his peripheral vision, he noticed something, more like someone approaching from behind. It was that blonde woman from before.
"Just let Shirou go, Hellhound," Wizard advised.
"Why would I do that! Both of you are in the way of our kin to flourish!"
"Well, I have one thing that is preventing you from doing that," Wizard informed.
"Hm?"
Saber brought up her invisible blade and struck the Phantom's back, the kaijin screaming in pain and released Shirou before looking back to see the Servant. Just as she was about to cleave his head, the Phantom went into the shadows again.
"Damn you all! This is not going to end! Not by a long shot!" His voice screamed in the darkness. "It's time I end you all for good!"
Ruler looks back at Saber, "Saber, you must get your Master to safety! The monster wounded his torso greatly. If you don't get him help, he will die!"
Saber was hesitant due to the Phantom harming her Master but the Ruler-class Servant was right. Her Master was wounded and she needed to get him to safety before he dies. "Understood… and thank you." The Servant carried her Master as she quickly leaves the scene to take him to get healed. Hellhound was about to prevent the two from escaping but Wizard used his bullets to stop it, prompting the creature of despair to dive back into the shadows.
"This will end here Phantom but for you," Wizard vowed and slowly reached for his Ring holder and pulls out one Ring. Wizard stared at the new Ring that Wajima made for him then at the shadows around the two. Glancing at the new ring once more, he stands up ignoring the slight pain in his body as he chose to continue the fight. Putting on the Ring, he pushes the switches as it rang.
LUPATCHI MAGIC TATCHI GO! LUPATCHII MAGIC TATCHI GO! LUPATCHI MAGIC TATCHI GO!
"It's time we brighten things up!" He declared before moving his hand to the belt.
LIGHT, PLEASE!
Raising his hand, a bright shine of light flashed, lighting the darkness of the area. Upon doing so, it not only brightens the area but it caused the Phantom to get out of the shadows, yelling out from the light that was blinding it.
"Damn light!" He cursed, rubbing the gem on its flaming head as if its 'eye' was blinded by the sheer light.
"Ruler, distract him!"
"Understood!" Following his command, she used her flag spear to slam the rod to its side, damaging its silver armor as flames were leaking from the crack. The Phantom growled before it attempted to cut her down, prompting the blonde Servant to dodge the attack.
As Ruler distracts the Phantom, the mahoutsukai slipped off his ruby Flame Ring and popped on a sapphire diamond-shaped Water Ring. Flipping the Hand Author, he swiped the ring across the surface.
WATER, PLEASE! SUI~, SUI~, SUI~, SUI~!
A blue magic circle passed over Wizard, changing his crimson armor blue with diamond shapes on the sides of his chest and his faceplate had turned into a blue diamond. He could feel the new Style's power, the representation of Water.
"Let's cool things off, shall we?" He announced. The Phantom growled before it chose to unleash a torrent of flames at him.
Seeing this, Wizard puts on his Defend ring and placed his hand over the Hand Author.
DEFEND, PLEASE!
With a seal formed in front of him, the flames were doused by the shield before he pushed it towards the Phantom. Upon contact, it sent the Hellhound sprawling as its flames were dimmed into an ember, weakening it.
"Damn it…" The Phantom cursed, struggling upon the damage it took from the two fighters.
"It's time for the curtains to fall," announced Wizard as he flips the lever, opening the hand on his WizarSwordGun.
COME ON SLASH, SHAKE HAND!
Presenting his hand, he moved it over to the attachment, his weapon responding.
WATER, SLASH STRIKE! SUI, SUI, SUI! SUI, SUI, SUI!
Water began to build up on his blade along with blue energy. Bringing his sword close, he swung the blade as a wave of energy and water was sent towards the Phantom, engulfing it in water as the seal appeared on its body.
"It… can't be…" was all it could say before it exploded upon the attack. Wizard twirled his blade upon his victory, however, the voice of his Servant brought his attention.
"Master!" Ruler called out. Wizard turned around to see Sakura's condition as the purple cracks glowed. However, he also noticed red cracks forming as well. It wasn't good from the looks of it. He quickly rushed over to her and brings out the Engage Ring.
"Sakura..."
"Enrique-san...it's so cold..."
Kneeling down to her, he gently holds her as he presents the Engage Ring. "Don't worry, Sakura. Let me be your final hope."
He gently held her hand, slid the ring onto her finger and held her hand over the Hand Author over his belt buckle.
ENGAGE, PLEASE!
Sakura soon fell unconscious the moment it was scanned as a magic circle appeared over her. "Ruler, watch over her while I fight the Inner Phantom," Wizard ordered.
"Understood," Ruler nodded as she stabbed her flag spear to the ground and kept guard. Wizard levitates and hovers over the circle and dove into it, traveling through a tunnel of magic circles in a purple background.
Landing on the grounds of the Underworld, Wizard scans his surroundings and noticed he was in a neighborhood. He suddenly noticed Sakura and Shirou together making him realize what her Underworld truly was. It was the day Sakura met Shirou. His thoughts were interrupted when the scene cracked with a purple glow and the Inner Phantom made itself known.
The Inner Phantom that emerged was a large lizard like beast with black skin with red eyes and red markings all over its body as the fire was seen through its jaws and feet. The eerie yet revolting thing about the Inner Phantom was the small sight of worms that were crawling all over its body.
It was the Salamander, the mythological fire dwelling lizard but more eerie and creepy looking.
"Yeesh… now that's just wrong…" Wizard cringed in disgust.
The Salamander snarled before unleashing a breath of fire. The armored Master quickly flipped back to avoid the attack. "That was close. Talk about hotheaded." He reaches into his pocket before bringing out DragoRise. "But time to bring out better firepower."
DRAGORISE, PLEASE!
Bringing forth his Phantom, he pressed the switch twice before bringing forth his Connect Ring.
CONNECT, PLEASE!
With the Machine Winger, he drove onto Dragon's back, controlling him. "Alright Dragon, let's show that amphibian who is the real master of fire." Wizard declared.
Dragon roared in agreement before they flew to the air. The Salamander unleashed fireballs at the two, each one being avoided by the Dragon and Wizard.
Converting his weapon to gun mode, he fired at the Inner Phantom as each bullet came in contact with its hide. The Salamander roared before unleashing a breath of fire.
"Dragon!" He ordered.
The Phantom roared in response before unleashing a breath of its own fire. The blast was causing a fiery clash, trying to overpower the other.
Wizard quickly brought out his weapon and aimed at the Salamander. "Breath on this!" He pulled the trigger as the bullet shot through and hits the Phantom, causing it to reel back in pain and stop its attack. However, Dragon's fire pushes through and envelops it in flames.
"Alright Dragon, let's end that amphibian!" Wizard brings out the last Ring to end the fight.
CHOINE! KICK STRIKE! SAIKO!
His Phantom roared before his motorcycle detached, promoting the Dragon to shift and transform into the large clawed foot mode. The mahoutsukai soon flew down at the PhantomHe soon dove towards the Salamander Phantom.
"HAA!" The kick smashed against its head as the Salamander exploded while the purple cracks soon vanished and Sakura's Underworld restored.
However it not only restored it, he saw the worms that were once on the Salamander disintegrating into ashes as if the Inner Phantom was what kept them alive. The scene plays out once again as Wizard witnesses it. The interaction between Sakura and Shirou was a sight to behold since the former developed a crush on the auburn teen.
Smiling under his helmet, he stands up before he leaves her Underworld.
Wizard exited her Underworld through the magic circle, glad that the Inner Phantom was defeated but was left with questions. Pushing those aside, for now, he looks back at Sakura before he gently carries her in a bridal hold.
He began to witness her hair slowly going back to its true colors, going back to a dark brown color. Could there have been a connection between her condition and those worms that were crawling on that Inner Phantom? Shaking his head, he walks over to a bench as he carries her with care.
For Sakura, she slowly opened her eyes, revealing an aqua color as her vision was a blur but she could tell it was Wizard who was carrying her with care and gentleness. She felt herself being set down against the bench as she heard him say, "Whatever you have gone through after the change… you didn't deserve it." He spoke softly, his words filled with pity before Sakura became unconscious once more. Glancing at Ruler, he said, "Come on, let's head back…"
"As you wish," she nodded as her battle attire went back to her casual attire in a flash of light.
He slowly backs away before turning around to leave the scene. As the two were far from Sakura's line of sight, Ruler stopped along with her armored Master. "Master, there is a Servant." She whispered before glancing around. "Reveal yourself, Rider."
A figure jumps down from a tree branch, revealing to be a woman with long lavender hair but her eyes were covered by a purple blindfold. She wore a strapless one-piece dress, a purple collar, black sleeves that left her fingers free and held in place by purple bangles that were placed at her shoulders and wrists, and thigh-high black boots trimmed with purple.
The woman was 'staring' at the two, her focus mostly on Wizard.
"Another Servant?" Wizard observed cautiously, his grip on the gun tightening.
"She is a Rider-class Servant," Ruler explained to her Armored Master before looking at the servant. "Why are you here, Rider?"
The now dubbed Servant noticed the fellow Servant and chose to reply, "Because of my true Master," she glanced at the unconscious form of Sakura by the bench.
"'True' Master?" Wizard repeated. Rider was only silent. "Well if you are insinuating that I harmed her, you are-."
"The monster was the one." Rider responded. While Wizard wondered, he could guess from Ruler that she must have watched the entire fight.
"And it won't harm Sakura anymore rest assured."
She then looks at Wizard as his Servant stood close.
"Why would you, a Master, save her?" Rider questioned. Not once she would ever see a Master save someone from death, especially a fellow Master who has no alliance with another. Yet, she has seen the Master in front of her save her real Master from the monster that the mahoutsukai dubbed 'Hellhound'. The cruel Hellhound. As Medusa in her past, she was aware of the hellish guard dogs of the world of the dead. But for a human to defeat a being who has the abilities of the very beast itself? It was something new to see for such a long time in the modern era.
Wizard crossed his arms, "Firstly, it is my job. Secondly, I am not one to let others fall into despair. Thirdly, like Ruler, I have no interest in the Grail to make a wish. To me, it's pointless. Finally, as a Mahoutsukai, I help others hold onto their hope, it's not just my task but also a promise that I will fulfill for them."
Rider gave a critical 'look' at Wizard, seeing if his words were full of lies and deceit. But… there wasn't a single hint of it at all. His words were all true to the heart.
"You are dedicated to it, aren't you…?"
"I am," Wizard uncrossed his arms. "After a certain incident, it allowed me to see the world with my own eyes, to see how much hope there is for people, a chance for them to not give up and fall into despair."
"Even if it means to use magic in broad daylight?"
The mahoutsukai rubbed his faceplate, almost like pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes and quite frankly, I only do this because I care about helping people, unlike the Magus my teacher told me about. Sometimes secrets can have bad effects to the public."
"So why is it that you use it so casually in front of others?" Rider retorted. "Would it not have been better for you to have left her on her own since she's a Master just like you?" She questioned.
He simply stayed silent for a second till he spoke up. "I swore I would never turn my back on a life in danger no matter what, that is my rule that I chose to live by." He said calmly.
Rider simply remains silent at the earnest mage before her before she calmly carried Sakura into her arms and jumped away leaving Wizard there with Ruler by his side.
"We should go, Master," Ruler said.
The mahoutsukai nodded before following his Servant.
After going back to civilian form and the Servant in her civilian attire, the two made their way back to Wajima's shop. Not to mention the mahoutsukai needed to get rest from the fight. It was another task finished as the Hellhound Phantom and Sakura's Inner Phantom were vanquished. It still begs to question about the worms that were on the Inner Phantom. Just what was up with it and were they the reason Sakura's hair and eye were purple? It brought more confusion to him but his Servant got him out of his thoughts.
"Master."
"Yeah Rul-" He stopped when he found himself not just in the shop but they see the White Wizard who turned his head upon seeing the two.
"T-Teacher," He bowed. "I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you arrive every two days."
"I arrive because my Familiar has seen you, with the help of your Servant, defeated the Phantom along with saving Sakura Matou." He responded calmly. "Despite the fact that a civilian was in danger and another Servant being involved in the fight."
"I-I could explain-"
"White Wizard, I ordered the Saber-class Servant to take her Master to safety and not interfere further," Ruler defended. "If anything, I assisted and made sure her Master received help while we both fought the Phantom. My Master had to fight the Phantom in order to save the girl."
The amber mask met her amethyst eyes before his body relaxed slightly. "Alright… but make sure you both prevent anyone else get harmed. The Magus cannot know about the Phantoms."
The raven haired teen opened his lips slightly, remembering his fight against the Inner Phantom. He needed to tell the White Wizard about it. "Teacher, I know you said you can't interfere with my Trial," Enrique remembered. "But I want to ask you something."
"Speak."
"When I fought the Inner Phantom within Sakura Matou, it had worms crawling on its body. They felt… wrong." He continued.
The White Wizard was quiet before he glanced back at his apprentice. The worms his student mentioned meant one thing. He recalled one person. ...No, a monster who uses Worms. A frown laced with anger was hidden under his amber helmet.
'Zouken…' White Wizard realized in his thoughts. He was aware of the fiend. He was no longer someone to consider a human. Like the Phantoms, he was a monster. "Keep away from anyone of the Matou family other than her." He informed.
Enrique wanted to do something but he reluctantly had to obey his teacher knowing that the White Wizard has his tasks while he has his own to finish.
"Yes Teacher…" he bowed. He understood what he has to follow and it was not to question the White Wizard, ever.
"And another thing, Enrique." The said teen raised his head. "While you still have much to learn, the fights of Minotauros and Hellhound showed you are capable of fighting the Phantoms. Just remember that despite some being easy to defeat, there will be stronger ones in the future, some on par with a Servant."
This piece of information surprised Ruler. A Phantom as strong as a Servant? She needed to take note of it for the future battles.
Enrique nodded in understanding, "I understand, Teacher. And thank you."
The White Wizard nodded before using his Teleport Ring once again.
TELEPORT, NOW!
For Ruler, for some reason, she swore she felt a sense of anger in the White Wizard when her Master mentioned the worms. Was there something that he knows?
'What is that man hiding…?' Ruler narrowed her eyes slightly.
In one part of the city, a home of a wealthy family that belonged to the Matou Clan.
The only thing that marred the nice looking room was the old man on the other side of the room. The mere sight of the man felt wrong. His skin was gray and wrinkly, he leaned on an old wooden cane to support his weight, but most noticeable were his eyes. They were black and shrunken in his head, it felt more akin to looking at a monster than a man.
He was in his thoughts to what he sensed earlier. Something wasn't right at all. The worms within Sakura Matou were completely gone and the presence of a Ruler-class Servant was known, especially the detection of the natural energy.
"Something is going on…" he frowned. He needed to tell Shinji to look into this. However, before he could, he detected Mana in the vicinity, but not around. It was close, very close.
He heard footsteps approaching before the person made themselves known. The person who stepped out of the shadows was a man he wasn't familiar with. He was garbed in white clothing and hood, a silver belt around his waist as there were rings strapped to the sides of his chest. The noticeable feature was the amber mask gleaming in the moonlight.
"Zouken Matou," the White Wizard spoke as he approached Zouken. "Let's talk."
"Who might you be?"
"Someone who has obtained greater knowledge than you with your perversions of the Grail."
"Oh? So you heard of me?"
If one could see through the White Wizard's mask, it was a look of disgust and anger.
"I know what you have been planning to do to the girl, Sakura Matou and it has gone far enough." He warned, accusing Zouken. "The involvement of Angra Mainyu."
Zouken narrowed his eyes at the masked man, "You think you can take away what I have painstakingly been working on for a long time?"
"I can. I have no choice but to erase you." He moved his hand over to the buckle on his waist.
EXPLOSION, NOW!
The White Wizard aimed and fired an explosive blast from his hand at Zouken. The blast pushed the man while at the same time injuring him, the power he was feeling was the use of pure Mana. The Matou could only wonder how the masked man was using Pure, raw Mana. The man frowned heavily at the White Wizard who was eerily calm to what he is doing. No sense of fear, only the need to stop Zouken.
The man glared. "So, you will assault me in my own home?" The man tensed and the White Wizard could almost smell the stench of his magic. The magic that disgusts him greatly.
Zouken thrust his hand towards the White Wizard. And suddenly a swarm, for it could only be called that, of flying worms flew towards the man. The robed fighter dodged to the side to avoid the worms but they followed him as they began to prevent any form of escape.
The worms were almost upon him, but the White Wizard was fast and smart as he brought up a ring.
BLIZZARD, NOW!
Seals appeared around him, acting as a barrier of sorts before a blizzard of ice cold wind engulfed the swarm. Each and every worm were trapped in ice before he forced them to shatter, becoming nothing but snow.
"Those worms won't save you," he continued as he dodged another attack that Zouken sent. "You defiled an innocent life for too long!"
THUNDER, NOW!
His hand surged with electricity before he thrust an electric attack onto the old man. "And this time, you won't come back to see the end."
If one was able to see, was the wrath as there was the glow of piercing golden eyes in the reflection of a window. In the window was a faint silhouette of a mythical beast that was draconic in origin. Placing one last Ring, he scans it.
YES! SPECIAL, UNDERSTAND?
A large seal formed in front of the White Wizard and soon unleashed a large blast of blazing Mana. The sheer intensity it has was powerful as the man could only see the incoming blaze of power, consuming him.
Once the blaze dissipated, there was no trace of the twisted man anywhere only ashes. He lowered his helmet to see a small worm trying to get into his armored boot. He simply raised his foot and squishes the bug.
The White Wizard stepped out of the room then heard a pathetic whimper. He looked over to see Shinji Matou cowering. He also looked down at the book that was lying on the floor. It reeked of dark magic.
He grabs the book, examines through the pages before noticing a Command Seal. Slamming the book shut, he grabs his Hamel Cane and slices the book in half.
He let the two halves of the book fall, pages scattering. Even if it could be put back together, the magic in it was gone. White Wizard looked at Shinji. The boy yelped as the White Wizard glared at him.
"So, this is how far the Matou Clan has fallen." He muttered. "Tell Sakura Matou to go to a shop that is not far from your school." He leans in as the boy swallows in fear. "And never speak of this incident, understand?"
Shinji nodded frantically as the wise wizard uses one last Ring to leave the scene
TELEPORT, NOW!
With a magic circle formed below him, he teleports away from the scene and into his own place of studies. Seeing his place of rest, the robed wizard inhaled deeply but was then replaced with anger. He slams his hand against the wall, his anger boiling before calming himself once more. He couldn't believe what Zouken has done and he ended it. And yet… this was another sin to add to his list.
"These magi...they do terrible things all in the name of their knowledge. Cruelty is acceptable as long as the existence of magic is hidden and it produces results. But who am I to say I'm not as cruel?" He has done things he wasn't proud of but it was for good reasons. He has seen other Magi do terrible things, abusing their use of Magecraft.
It was one of the reason why he chose to study other methods but the result… it too didn't end well. The memory of that day. Glancing at a mirror he could see the reflection of the beast within him.
But then again, if he justified himself, would he be just as bad as them?
The White Wizard picked up a framed photo. It depicted a man with his wife and their two children.
He put the picture there as a reminder. A reminder of what he has been fighting for, to protect. He wasn't proud to leave the precious people he cares about behind. Glancing at a table, there was a metal briefcase.
"He needs to grow faster," he said and he opened up a briefcase that contained a rare red magic stone. "Hopefully, he's ready for the next stage."
A small roar was heard, causing him to see his Familiar jumping onto the desk. The Familiar was black in color with three heads that were a silver color and canine in nature. In its mouth was an envelope and he knew who it was from since he sends his Familiar to send letters to a certain someone.
"Thank you, Cerberus," he thanked as he grabs the envelope and presented a new one. "Deliver this letter as usual."
Cerberus nodded before it soon left his domain. White Wizard glances at the frame once more.
After getting some good rest, and eating his usual favorite food, the young mahoutsukai was awake for the new day as he along with Ruler were helping around the shop as Wajima was working on a new Ring to add to the arsenal. The Light Ring he used against Hellhound was very useful indeed and he was thankful for that.
And now, the raven haired teen was busy cleaning the counter, the door opened as the jingle was heard. "Welcome to-" Enrique greeted before he stopped upon noticing two familiar people he recognizes.
"Sakura?" Enrique blinked, surprised she is here at the shop. He even noticed the familiar woman, Rider who was wearing normal clothes instead of that battle attire. She even wore glasses instead of her blindfold. "What are you doing here? Along with your… 'friend'?"
Sakura seemed nervous until Rider spoke up, "She was told to come here to the shop and I volunteered to take her here."
"Huh? Why here?"
"Because of me." Enrique quickly looks by the sofa to see a magic circle appear before it revealed White Wizard. Seeing the man appear out of nowhere made Rider on guard while Sakura was shocked upon seeing the action.
"Teacher?" The raven haired teen blinked.
White Wizard glanced at Sakura along with Rider. "I wish to speak to you both. My student, you and your friend should continue to work while I speak to these two."
"Y-Yes sir," Enrique nodded before Sakura and her Servant followed White Wizard to another room.
With the three, the White Wizard sets down two cups of tea for Sakura and Rider. The young girl gently grabs the cup and said with a shy look, "T-thank you…"
"Your welcome," The White Wizard responded as he took his seat. "I am sure you have questions to what happened and why you were targeted."
The two girls nodded in confirmation.
The White Wizard took a deep breath. "What you saw was a monster that was constructed from Mana within a human who is capable of Magic."
"You mean Magecraft?" Sakura guessed but his response was shaking his head.
"Magic as in those you see every now and then from books, myths, fantasy, and such." He raised his hand to his belt.
BLIZZARD, NOW!
Opening the palm of his hand as a runic seal was seen, ice formed before he waves his hand, the ice falling like snow, surprising Sakura while Rider was calm.
"With our Mana, we are capable of magic that the Magus can't accomplish. Our own bodies have no Prana, only Mana. Raw, purified, and growing power. Those with potential are called Gates."
"Gates…?"
"Correct," White Wizard confirmed. "There is also something else I should tell you but first…" he grabs another Ring and scans it on his buckle.
MUTE, NOW!
A large magic circle formed on the door, creating a barrier to block any sound from escaping. "Now the reason why I use this is to inform you about Zouken Matou." He informed. "He will no longer harm you."
"W-What do you mean?"
The White Wizard simply said nothing but Rider soon realized why. "You ended him…" the Servant realized.
"He has done far too much pain to your true Master and he was going after something he should not obtain. So I ended the pain he inflicted to those he harmed by ending him."
This mentally surprised Sakura. After so many years, the man who inflicted so much pain was gone…
"I have questions…" Rider said to the White Wizard.
"You may ask," he allowed.
"Why did the hellish Hellhound attack, my master?" Rider demanded calmly.
"Sakura was a special Gate," he explained to the Servant. "Her body not only contained Prana but also pure Mana that other Magi don't have. The natural magic energy. That very energy the Phantoms are born from. If she were to fall into despair, they would have produced a special Phantom that uses Prana and Mana as one."
Rider nodded, now understanding why the beast attacked Sakura. "It was because of the Mana in her, wasn't it?"
"Correct but thanks to my student, he has saved her from falling into despair," He nodded. "The Phantom inside her has been vanquished and those worms included since those parasites were drawing its mana, thus destroying them in the process." He looks at Sakura who was speechless and also at a loss of words. "You have endured so much and you couldn't find freedom. But now, Zouken and his pests have been vanquished. You, Sakura, are finally free from the pain he has done to you. You have held onto your hope for your prayers were finally answered."
"T-Thank you…"
White Wizard stood up from his seat.
"W-Wait… I… where else can I go…?" Sakura asked. "I… don't know where to stay…"
"I will provide it for you," The White Wizard informed. "You will be protected from others as well. My friend Wajima wouldn't mind allowing you or your friend here to work part time."
This surprised Sakura, seeing an armored man willing to help her with everything, even care and protection. Ever since her uncle died 10 years ago, no one has ever gave her protection but now.. now there was two other people who are willing to help her.
"You… you really want to help me…? W-Why?"
The White Wizard inhaled deeply but he chose to reply. "Because no one should go through such ordeals by the Matou clan. You deserve freedom, love, and kindness. Not abuse." He replied before tossing Rider a card. The Servant examines it, seeing runes appear on their own.
"If you need anything, that card will bring forth my Familiar so you can deliver letters." He walks to the lobby. "Wajima, I have a favor to ask."
"Yes?"
"May you allow Sakura and her... friend to work here? I'm sure your two employees could use some extra help in case they have to do their personal tasks." He referred to Enrique and Ruler.
The owner looks at Sakura and Rider for a moment before smiling, "I wouldn't mind that at all. The more the merrier." He accepted.
The wise wizard used one last Ring to leave the scene
TELEPORT, NOW!
With a magic circle formed below him, he teleported away. Once gone, Sakura walks up to Enrique.
"A-Ano… Enrique-san..." Sakura spoke, earning Enrique's attention.
"Something wrong, Sakura?"
"Thank you."
Enrique blinked before he smiled, "It's the least I can do for a friend. Didn't I told you before? I will be your final hope."
Sakura blushed softly before gazing at the Magic Ring. If anything, she was happy. She finally felt a sense of freedom after 10 years of pain. Clutching her shirt, she hugged him tightly, surprising the mahoutsukai. He wanted to push her away until he heard the muffled sounds of crying. His eyes softened before he slowly comforts her.
"Thank you… thank you…" He heard her say through her crying.
The mahoutsukai smiled, "Anything for a friend."
A/N: Well! That is it for this chapter folks! I am sure you are wondering about Zouken's death and the worms. If you think about it, the worms are a part of Zouken and if the Phantom were to emerge from Sakura, he would practically become a Phantom if his real body were to die. Not to mention, the White Wizard has much experience in combat and more about him will be revealed. Plus, he was acting smart to handle the worms by freezing them since the worms were a part of Zouken. With the worms gone, she would be normal again. So there you have it.
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter of the story along with the defeat of the Hellhound Phantom and Inner Phantom. I will come up with OC Phantoms as well so don't you worry. Anyways, don't forget to review, favorite, follow! Plus I am open to any suggestions you guys make for my story. I will see you all in the next chapter so stay in the shadows everyone! Oh and look forward to my newest story soon!