A/N: What is up everyone! I am here with another new chapter of my story! I am glad you guys are enjoying the story so far as well as the progress of it. Not to mention some of you are curious on whether this story will have different routes. To answer that question…
You will have to read this chapter and see the A/N at the bottom of the chapter. Hehe…
Don't forget to check out my other stories including Remnants of Desires: After the Fall (Kamen Rider OOO x RWBY), 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"
Somewhere in Fuyuki City, resides a woman who was watching from an orb. She was wearing a hooded bluish-purple robe, obscuring her identity. While she may look mysterious, in reality, she is a Servant.
A Caster-class Servant.
She had been observing the city since the Holy Grail War began and she gained an interest in the Servant Saber due to her class. However, something changed. She felt the presence of an 8th Servant which could only mean there was an 8th master. And that Servant being a Ruler-class Servant. It concerned her a bit knowing that with that Servant around, he or she would suspect she is responsible for the deaths of civilians.
However, it wasn't just the presence but the anomaly she detected. While she spectates from the orb of seeing her target Saber, she decided to check the anomaly she detected recently. While she detected a Servant, the anomaly she felt was different.
It felt familiar.
When she found the source, a soft gasp escapes her lips.
To her surprise, she was witnessing the young man used Mana. Not the diluted power used by modern mages, but magecraft that was thought to be lost for centuries. Even more, she could sense the pure Mana he has, his entire body filled with Mana. Not to mention the Servant that was with him, Ruler.
She watched as the young man used the forces of nature: Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water.
As she watched more and more, she was seeing him use the kind of magecraft was lost long ago. To think there was actually someone who was using magecraft with Pure Mana! After a long time, there was someone finally capable of using magecraft with the use of Mana.
She could sense the power, its need to grow stronger and never stop. All that Mana that was in him, there was no Prana or anything like that. Only pure, refined, Mana.
Just the thought of siphoning his Mana left her licking her lips in anticipation. She has to know more about this person. She needs to know what he is capable of, his skills, his abilities, everything if she is to get the Wizard on her side and win the Grail War.
"You have caught my interest, Master of Ruler." She smirked.
A Wizard's Fate
Chapter 4: A Caster's Plan
Another day passed since the defeat of the Hellhound Phantom. Sakura Matou and her Servant Rider became employees of the antique shop Wajima owns. Working alongside the mahoutsukai and his Servant, Sakura became friends with the raven-haired teen.
She, for once, was truly happy to have the feeling of freedom after a long time. The White Wizard not only provided her and her Servant a place to stay and protection but also for his apprentice to give her a new sense of hope.
It was nice to have two new friends.
Right now, it was the afternoon as Sakura was starting her first day working at the antique shop that Wajima owns. With her was Enrique, Ruler, and Rider as they were doing their separate tasks around the shop. Ruler was currently dusting the antiques, Enrique was manning the counter, while Rider was helping Sakura with her tasks as well.
The Rider-class Servant wasn't showing any form of hostility to Ruler or her Master. No doubt since they had no interest in the Grail, they don't fight them only if it is necessary. As much as Rider wanted to, her main priority is to protect her true Master. That being said, she wanted to make sure Sakura is protected from other Masters and their Servants along with the Phantoms that lurk around the city. Her happiness was important to her. Like Ruler, she had no interest in the Holy Grail.
As of now, Enrique was continuing his task until he noticed Sakura trying to place one of the boxed antiques on the shelf. Deciding to lend a hand, he walks over to her and gently grabs the box. "Here, let me help you." He offered.
"You didn't have to do this…" Sakura said shyly. She was still new to talking to the mahoutsukai, the person whose Master not only freed her but the young man gave her a new sense of hope.
"It's fine with me, Sakura," Enrique smiled. "Teacher thinks you and your Servant should have a place to stay. Besides Wajima doesn't mind having you two help around the shop."
"T-Thank you…"
"It's the least I can do to help you. Teacher wanted me to help, so I did." He said. Whatever happened to the girl, he promised to help her have a new sense of hope so she wouldn't feel so down.
To Sakura, the raven-haired teen reminds her of her crush, Shirou. Both help people but what makes Enrique different was the sense of hope he shows every so often, even giving people he meets a sense of hope. She began to look up to him.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Hm? What's wrong?"
"What's your family like?"
The raven-haired teen blinked before he smiled as he reached into his pocket before presenting Sakura a family picture. "That's my mom. She works as a teacher for an elementary school that is close to home." He then points to the teenage girl. "And that's my little sister Marie. She is going to be 14 soon. She can act like a kid at times but she likes to help cheer people up."
Sakura smiled upon seeing the photo but she noticed something. "I don't see your dad."
A small frown formed on his features. "My dad left when I was only 4 and my sister was 8 weeks. I don't know who he is to be honest… he never returned for the past 14 years."
"I'm sorry to bring up bad memories," she apologized.
"It's okay," he waved off. "You were only curious. I'm not mad at you or anything like that."
Sakura smiled until she noticed Garuda flying around them. She giggled before she raised her hand, allowing the PlaMonster to gently land on her palm. It tilted its head at her, chirping.
She couldn't help but admire the PlaMonsters when she first saw them. They were Enrique's familiars after all. Not to mention they were all so adorable. She remembers hugging them in joy when she first met the cute familiars.
Garuda chirped, fluttering in front of the girl with a playful attitude.
The brunette wanted to hug the ruby-colored bird again before noticing the time on the clock, the time displaying it close to 10 o'clock in the evening. "Oh! It's time for me to go." She realized. "See you later, Enrique-san."
"You be careful, okay?" Her new friend advised and look at her Servant. "You too, Rider."
The lavender-haired woman sent a sly grin right at the young man. "Oh~? Are you worried about me~?" She teased.
"Well, yeah," He scratched the back of his head. "Of course I would be worried about you and Sakura."
Sakura giggled while Rider couldn't help but feel amused to see him see his way through her words. He must have assumed it wasn't a tease. The brunette waved the three goodbyes before the duo left the shop and to the apartment White Wizard lend them to use.
The mahoutsukai yawned, covering his mouth as he does. "Might as well call it a night." He yawned again before heading to his room to get some sleep for the night.
As the night continued with everyone in the antique shop fast asleep, Ruler opens her eyes, finding herself in the Underworld once again. Turning around, she saw Dragon who was glaring at her. Angered she had to appear during his slumber when he was enjoying the sleep for the night.
"Great, look who showed up?" He mocked.
"Dragon…" Ruler acknowledged the large Phantom.
"What brings you back to the Underworld this time?"
"I want to know how long you have resided in my Master."
The dragon's nostrils snorted as Ruler's hair blew a bit before the dragon got up. "I have been here for as long as I can remember. Before the stupid boy was even aware of my presence."
"What do you mean?"
"I have been here since I was a mere newborn Phantom." He clarified.
Ruler began to put the pieces together before her eyes widened upon the information. If the Dragon was here since he was a newborn, then it meant…
"You are telling me that… you have been around since my Master was a mere infant…?"
"What do you think?" Dragon snorted. "Since he was born, I was born within him. I wasn't aware at first until my body grew and fully realized what I am. Every stupid year I wait for an opportunity to escape but instead, I'm trapped here in this prison."
"For a good reason," Ruler argued, only for the Dragon to look at her face to face as she could see her reflection in his eyes, a growl heard from him.
"Watch yourself, Servant," he warned. "You may be powerful but we dragons were the most feared beings in the world for a reason."
"Your threats hold no weight, Dragon," Ruler frowned.
The Phantom stared at the Servant for a good minute before a smirk graced its teeth. The Dragon was surrounded by a glow, causing Ruler to shield her eyes until it died down. Lowering her arms, she sees her Master in front of her. Only it wasn't Enrique. The eyes were the same as Dragon with a smug grin etched on his lips.
"This would've been the form I took once I was freed from this place."
Ruler felt her blood boil and anger present upon seeing Dragon take the form of her Master. The monster who was insulting her Master's image.
"How dare you!?"
"I'm part of him. I have every right to look like him. Have you ever wondered why the Phantoms have such different personalities from their Gates? They are a reflection of their Gates' dark side. Everyone has a dark side."
"Go back to your true form!" She demanded.
"What's the matter? Don't like this form?" Dragon taunted.
"You are insulting my Master's image! That's what!"
"It's not like you care about your 'Master'," Dragon pressed on. "Or do you?"
Ruler remained silent as she looks away, not willing to give an answer until "He showed a respectable purpose. My Master stops monsters like you. If anything, he has a far more noble reason to stop the Phantoms… even if it troubles him…."
"Oh?" Dragon raised an eyebrow. "Gives me a much better reason to make sure he falls into despair."
Hearing this drove Ruler to unsheathe her sword and held the blade close to Dragon's neck. "Don't you dare harm or insult my Master. I won't let that happen. Not a chance."
Dragon stared at the Servant before he scoffed. "We will see about that," he said as he reverted back to his Phantom form. "Let's hope you can keep your word to your 'dear' Master."
Everything turned black before Ruler opened her eyes, greeted with the ceiling of the room. She looks around once again before she calmed herself down.
There was no doubt that the Phantoms are truly monsters, taking the form of people and ruin their vessel's image. She knew they were a threat to not just the Grail but to the innocent people as well.
Her Master wasn't alone on this. She won't disappoint him either. She will continue to help him fight off the Phantoms and save the innocent people. They were a threat to not just the Grail but also innocent lives.
As morning dawned on the antique shop, the mahoutsukai was up and wide awake for the new day. He was currently helping Rider with moving a few supplies as he sets down some of the boxes. As he did, he noticed Ruler coming down the steps.
"Morning," Enrique said to his Servant. However, he noticed she didn't get much sleep, seeing the tired look in her eyes. "Is everything alright?"
"I'm alright," she assured.
"Are you sure?"
"I appreciate your concern Master," She acknowledged. She didn't know how to tell him about her capability of being able to visit the Phantom that resides in Enrique's Underworld.
"Okay, just tell me if you're not well," he advised, earning a nod before leaving to do more work around the shop.
Rider, on the other hand, decided to use this opportunity to tease the Ruler-class Servant, "Perhaps were you thinking of steamy thoughts in your sleep?" She teased with a sly grin.
Ruler looks at Rider, confused at first before her face turned red as a cherry in realization. "W-Why would I think such thoughts?! I am devoted to God, why would I think of such a thing?!" She stuttered.
"It's a perfectly normal thing to think of, Ruler," The lavender-haired Servant pointed out. "All humans have… urges. Some that desperately need to be fulfilled."
The Servant crossed her arms, giving a dirty glare at the lavender-haired woman. "I am not that type of woman, Rider!"
"Perhaps," Her lips curled slightly, glancing at the mahoutsukai for a moment. "But there is one thing I do know."
"And that is?" The blonde raised an eyebrow at her fellow Servant.
"If you don't hurry up and admit your feelings," Rider's sly grin curled even further. "I'll steal him for myself."
Ruler felt her cheeks heat up more than before, almost choking. Having feelings for her own Master!? That wasn't true at all! She has no feelings for him! Yeah the mahoutsukai has a noble goal to fight the Phantoms to prevent others from falling into despair but to have feelings for him? There is no way that's possible!
"Keep your unholy thoughts to yourself, Rider," The blonde said. Seriously, just why would Rider say something like that to her? It's not like she actually has feelings for her own Master…
Does she…?
In the junkyard of Fuyuki, Phoenix was following Medusa, walking past all the scrap they could see. The former didn't seem to enjoy this at all since they were looking for someone.
"Medusa, are you sure he's here? Coz this place is a dump," complained Phoenix as he walked alongside the female Phantom in the junkyard.
"Unlike you, Phoenix, I make it my business to know about our comrades' whereabouts. Makes tracking them down very easy."
Phoenix rolled his eyes.
"And there he is," Medusa pointed. On a nearby car was a man who was in the middle of his catnap. "Phoenix, be a dear and wake him up."
Phoenix huffed but knew better than to argue with Medusa.
The Phoenix approached the stack of cars, "Oi! Get up, you lazy ass!" He kicked the pile, causing the man to fall off into the ground.
"Owwww! Why did you have to do that?" The man complained.
"There is no time for a catnap." Medusa frowned. "You have to make a Gate fall into despair and give birth to a new Phantom."
"Do I really have to?" The man complained, soothing his back. "Making Gates lose hope is hard work, it sucks. Isn't it easier to just kill them?"
"See, Medusa? Even he agrees with me!" Phoenix said.
"Idiots..." Medusa muttered. "Killing normal humans is fine, but we need Gates to spawn more of our kind. Our master commands it."
"And getting rid of those 'Masters' of the 'Grail' so we can take it.'" Phoenix added.
"And if you don't do as he commands…" Medusa glared at the man. He was confused until her eyes glowed and glass from the cars shattered into pieces. He screamed in fright.
"Okay, okay! I'll find the Gate!" The man gave in fearfully.
"Good, now this is your target," she presents a photo of the Gate. Tossing it in the air, the man converts into his Phantom form and tears the image apart.
"Alright, I'll get it done."
"Watch out for those Servants. If they get in the way, kill the Masters before they can expect it."
The Phantom saluted before running off in his human form in search of the Gate.
Sakura was walking out of the classroom after a day of class ended. She was adjusting to her new life knowing that what Zouken has done is over and her hair and eyes were back to their original color. Some of her classmates were surprised that her hair and eyes were different.
As for Shinji… she noticed sometimes he would appear afraid of something. He would avoid Sakura and seem nervous. He also seemed to be looking over his shoulder very often, like he felt like someone was watching him.
"Sakura-san," She turned around to see Shirou.
"H-Hey, Shirou-senpai," Sakura greeted shyly. Even Shirou was surprised when she returned the next day about her appearance changing but he adjusted to it quickly.
"You are heading back too?" Shirou asked.
"Yes…" she fidgeted for a moment. "Can we walk together?"
"Sure, I can do that."
The two left the school and began to walk together to Sakura's home. "I'm still surprised you changed," He said, seeing her blue eyes and dark brown hair.
"D-Do you like it?" She asked, albeit nervously.
"I think it looks cute on you." He admitted with a bright smile.
Her blush intensified upon the comment, mentally excited to hear such a compliment from her crush.
"So… how are you feeling after… you know," She hesitated, remembering what Hellhound tried to do to her senpai. The memory of that time still haunts her every now and then.
"I'm okay, just a little sore," Shirou said, still reeling from the incident. He faintly remembers seeing someone in black armor with ruby-colored gems fighting the monster that nearly killed him. Was it a Servant or was it someone else entirely? "Say Sakura-san?"
"Y-Yes?"
"Did you… see someone with ruby red gems and black armor? The one who fought the fiery monster?"
The brunette flinched, realizing he was referring to Enrique. While she promised to not disclose his true identity, she had to make an answer.
"H-hai," She nodded meekly. "H-He… called himself Wizard."
"Hmm, Wizard…" The auburn-haired teen thought about the name. "I'd like to meet him someday."
"Eh?" This honestly surprised her. Her crush wants to meet him? Why would he want to meet him?
For Shirou, the possibility of this 'Wizard' being a hero was highly possible. Not a Servant but someone who is actually fighting monsters like that fire one. Preventing any harm to others while being selfless. He wanted to learn how he can be a hero like that Wizard.
"We're here!" Sakura smiled, getting Shirou out of his train of thoughts.
"So, you're working here now?" Shirou asked as he saw Sakura heading towards the door of the antique shop.
"Wajima-san is a very kind man." Sakura didn't know how to tell him about her Servant Rider being the other occupant working here alongside Enrique's Servant. "I even made new friends."
"Who?"
"Enrique-san and his friend," Sakura smiled before opening the door. "I'm back."
"Ah, Sakura-san, welcome back," Wajima said from his little workshop. "Oh, Shirou good to see you again."
"Hey, Wajima-san," the auburn-haired teen acknowledged. "The place seems a little busy."
"Heh, in times like this, it can be busy. Sakura, do you mind helping your friend?" He gestured to Rider who had to adjust her glasses slightly before progressing with dusting.
"Of course," The brunette accepted.
Shirou stared at Rider, wondering about her. She seemed familiar for some reason. He was about to ask Sakura but the sound of rapid footsteps echoed in the stairway and notice Enrique putting on a jacket and heads to the door.
"I gotta go," Enrique said as he quickly made his way out of the antique shop.
Shirou blinked before looking at the others, "Is he going somewhere?"
"You can say that," Sakura giggled, only adding more confusion to the Auburn-haired teen.
With the school day over in Homurahara Academy, everything was fairly quiet. In the music room, one of the students who stayed was gently playing the cello. He is a young man with short brown hair and green eyes. While wearing the school uniform, he was focused on the instrument he was playing.
He was practicing for so long, he wanted to do his best for the upcoming competition to impress his mother. To achieve the same dream she went for.
Once he finished playing, he breathed out softly before the sound of clapping was heard. Turning around, he sees a young man wearing a dark yellow shirt and white pants. It was odd to see him not wear the academy uniform.
"I see you enjoy playing the cello," the teen noticed.
"Y-Yeah…" The brunette replied. "Um… who are you? Are you a student here?"
"Oh? Let me show you who I really am," the man grinned, markings appearing over his body. The sight of the monster made the student in fear upon the sight.
The Phantom was feline in appearance as its fur was white as snow with long pointed ears. Its upper torso was covered in gray armor with yellow markings that he mistaken as eyes as spikes protruding from its body.
This was the Caitsith Phantom.
"Now let's have some fun!" The Phantom cheered, a small group of Ghouls led by him. The Ghouls surrounded the student as he tries to run but using the instruments as the only method to keep a barrier between himself and the unknown monsters.
However, the Caitsith shoved them aside as the student stumbled back as they approached him, cornered.
"Hey, pussycat!" The Phantom and his Ghouls look back, only to be shot and away from the student.
"Who is getting in my way!?" He pointed at Enrique.
"Me," he raised his hand as the Ring in his finger and silver belt caught Caitsith's attention.
"You are that mahoutsukai with the blinging magic I heard about!" The Phantom realized.
"And you are about to get the same thing just like the other Phantoms." Enrique flipped the panels, the belt glowing.
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 as he brought it to his belt.
"Henshin!"
FLAME, PLEASE! HII HII, HII HII HII!
Once the seal passed over him, he was now in his armor. "Raise the curtains cuz it's showtime."
"Let's get him, boys!" Caitsith said.
The Ghouls all rushed at him as Caitsith joined in the fight. The mahoutsukai ducked from their spears before he kicks the lead Phantom away from him.
Once out of the way, he focuses on the Ghouls before shooting them, their rock bodies becoming swiss cheese. Wizard leaps over them before landing on his feet, standing in front of the student. "Stay behind me," he advised, earning a frantic nod.
"Oi! Why do you have to ruin the fun!?" The Phantom accused.
"I am not letting you Phantoms force people to fall into despair. You have to go through me first."
"Then have at it!" The Phantom accepted, his arms becoming swords as the remaining Ghouls assist.
Ducking from the swing, Wizard uses his WizarSwordGun and swiftly strike the Phantom across the torso before spinning on his heel to strike down a Ghoul.
The Phantom took the moment of distraction and swung his blades on Wizard's back. The mahoutsukai grunted in pain before he diverts his attention back to Caitsith. When he saw the next attack, he ducked while the sword cuts clean through a gong.
"Woah, watch where you scratch those claws of yours," Wizard joked.
"These claws will cut you!"
"Let's see you try," The armored teen backflipped from the next blade that would have cleaved him before aiming his gun at the Phantom, firing numerous rounds at it and its Ghouls. Once done he saw the Phantom's body smoking while the Ghouls were on the verge of extermination.
"Why you…"
"SEI!" A bamboo sword sent the Phantom flying and smacking the giant drum.
"Taiga?" Wizard recognized.
"Heya!" She waved. "I'll get him out of here, you can handle those guys!"
The mahoutsukai nodded in gratitude, "Appreciate it, Taiga."
She nodded as she helps the student up and quickly leaves the music room. The Phantom pointed at them, about to chase after them but unable to as Wizard stood in his way.
"Oi! Come back here! If I don't get the job done, I'll never be able to take a cat nap!" The Phantom cried out in a comical manner.
"Your fight is with me, Caitsith," Wizard reminded, twirling his sword in hand. "Now, be a good kitty and play nice."
"Er… I'm out!" The Phantom jumps through a window, only failing to realize they were on the third floor of the school. It flailed its arms like a chicken but kissed the ground upon impact. "I'll be back! Just you wait!"
Wizard leans over to see the Phantom running around, even running into a tree before finally escaping his sights.
"Well… that is one odd cat."
After making sure the student was safe when the Phantom retreated, he had to use his PlaMonsters to keep track of any sightings of the Caitsith Phantom. That being said, once his PlaMonsters flew or gallop away, he noticed that it is already night time.
"It is getting late…" Enrique sighed, driving back to the shop. After the escape of that Phantom, he was tired so he needed to get sleep to restore his Mana so it was a good thing he sent the PlaMonsters to search out for it. Hopefully, he will find out who that Gate was when he sees Taiga again. However, he diverted his attention upon seeing what was ahead.
"What the…"
He stopped the motorcycle when he noticed someone in the middle of the street.
It was a woman with flawless pale skin and lavender eyes. Her lavender colored hair reaches down to her waist while wearing a black top with a jean jacket and a long tan skirt.
Odd…
"Excuse me! Can you move to the side so I can drive?" He called out.
The woman didn't say a word but a grin spreads across her lips. Okay, it was starting to creep him out. There was something really odd and strange about the woman. However, he noticed the woman approaching him.
He was wary at first as she approaches him but when she was in front of his motorcycle, she stared at the Mahoutsukai.
"Okay… what do you want from me?" He asked cautiously. Something really was off but he wanted to make sure what was the woman's motives.
"Can we talk?"
As conversing in the middle of the road would be awkward, Enrique suggested they meet at a nearby coffee shop.
Luckily there was a few that stay open late at night. That being said, the two were at a table, the silence in the air between the two. Enrique decided to break the silence after two minutes of silence from her.
"You have been staring at me for a while now," Enrique crossed his arms, leaning his back against the chair. "Just why do you want to talk to me?"
"Your magecraft."
Enrique raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"
"Well…" Her tone boarded along the edges of sultry. "There's certain… flavor to it that I find intriguing."
"Eh?"
"You energy signature is the only one I've seen in the past, unlike the Magus."
"Yeah, so?"
"The energy you bear…" her grin grew. "I sense it comes from something within you."
"Yeah, my Mana, so what?" He had to hide the true origin of his magic. If anyone found out the true origins of the Mana coming from the Phantoms… it would be disastrous.
"I'd like… a little taste," The woman ran a few fingers across Enrique's chin in a caressing manner. "If you don't mind, handsome."
He felt his blood rise to his cheeks. Sure he had conversations with Rider, Sakura, and Ruler but to hear this woman speak with the tone that was almost like Rider's? Just what is with his strange luck with women? It confuses him.
"I think…" he trailed off. "You should wait on that."
The woman frowned. There was something about it that sent chills down the wizard's spine.
"L-Look, it is getting very late so I should get going," He stood up from his seat.
"I'm afraid I can't let you go just yet, boy."
"Why is that?" He now became cautious of her. His fingers twitching and ready to use the Connect Ring.
"Well, I haven't found out the source of your magic yet." The woman grabbed his wrist. The grip of it made it seem that she was stronger than the average woman despite her slender figure.
Was this woman…
"You're a Servant," he realized.
"My, you are sharp for a Mage." She sarcastically said. "But you were foolish to not notice me earlier when I mentioned your energy signature."
Now it's time to panic. He focused on his Servant and calmed himself down and chose to buy time.
"A mahoutsukai can never reveal their secrets, Servant." Enrique quoted.
"Don't you want to share secrets with me? We both use magic long lost after all," she offered.
"My teacher doesn't allow it."
Now, this earned her attention. Another Mana user? Just how many were there? Was there a chance that it is inherited by bloodline? Could his teacher have stronger Mana Magecraft? All those questions were running. It was a two-point package for her.
"Oh? So you have a teacher~?" Caster's interest was piqued. If this boy's soul was like an untapped well of energy, she could only imagine how powerful the master's soul must be.
"Yes and he is very secretive," He grabs her hand and slowly pries it off of his wrist. "I won't tell you about him. And please, if you have any other questions, tell that to Ruler."
He noticed her body tense upon the sheer title of the Servant. Did something about Ruler affect her?
"Very well. I have to follow the rules anyways." Caster pouted. "I was actually hoping you would listen to a lady's plea."
He rolled his eyes, "Try again next time."
"Spoilsport."
He turned around and leaves the area. For Caster though, her interest was now piqued highly. At first, her focus was on Saber and her Master but now? Now she wanted Ruler's Master (maybe even the Servant as well). The possibility of understanding the magecraft from the mahoutsukai. She could sense the Mana he has in his body, its need to grow infinitely.
She was gonna have so much fun playing and experimenting with his body...
The next day, Enrique was sitting on the same stool, eating the usual beef ramen. As he was consuming the noodles, he heard the door open to reveal none other than Taiga. Slurping up the rest, the woman sits next to him. "Hey Taiga."
"Heya," She smiled. "Has everything been alright?"
The mahoutsukai glanced at the chef who was away from a hearing distance then at Taiga. "It's been okay but the Phantom got away…" He sighed. "How is that student?"
"A little shaken up from what happened but he is alright for now. Turns out, he is one of my students in my class."
"So you know who he is?"
"Yup. Tatsuya Shimada." She confirmed. "He is a cellist and he's currently trying out the competition that is coming up in the school. He seemed to have been practicing every day so he can have a chance to win."
"I see…" Enrique pondered to the possible reason to why the Phantom is after the student. "So that is why it is after him. If that Phantom destroyed his cello… or his hands, he would fall into despair…"
"Music is what he loves," Taiga added. "He wanted to show his mom how much he has practiced and how far he has learned."
The raven-haired teen nodded in understanding. "Hey Taiga, is there any way to make sure he is alright?"
"Well…" the woman pondered. "I don't know how since he often leaves when school ends whenever he doesn't practice. Wait! What about your familiar summons?"
"That's actually a good idea," Enrique smiled. "I can send Garu to keep an eye on him." He yawned.
"You alright?"
"A tired night to be more exact…" he sighed, recalling the conversation with that Servant. "Hopefully I can find that Cait Sith this time. An Odd cat that Phantom was…"
"Heh, I am sure you will put that cat in its place," Taiga chuckled.
"I just wonder when it will show up is the question…" Enrique took a bite of his ramen.
Taiga pondered for a moment before snapping her fingers, "I think I know when it would try!"
"Eh?"
"The school is having a music competition tonight and Tatsuya mentioned being there to play his cello." The English teacher explained. "If that Phantom heads there-"
"Then it would try to ruin him by preventing him from playing the competition! Taiga, you are one smart woman!" He praised.
The older woman blushed, bashful of the praise. "Oh, you're making this poor woman blush!" She placed her hands on her cheeks.
"What time is the competition?"
"9:00 pm."
"Alright," Enrique consumed the rest of his ramen in one go. "I better get ready." Placing his money on the table, he left the ramen shop as Taiga waved to him.
Driving back to the antique shop, he eventually parks his motorcycle in front of the building. He turned off the engine and enters the shop. "I'm back!" He stopped when he sees the one and only White Wizard who held his cane while Wajima was drinking tea while Sakura, Rider, and Ruler were looking at the robed man.
"T-Teacher," he bowed.
"I have come to see your progress," the wise wizard informed. "What is the Phantom you have faced?"
"Cait Sith." The mahoutsukai replied.
"Target?"
"A student of Homurahara Academy by the name Tatsuya Shimada."
"I see…" The White Wizard taps his cane and allowed a White Garuda to fly to him, its talons holding an identical ring that he uses. "I was told what the Phantom plans on doing. If you want to defeat it on time before it reaches its destination, then use Teleport. Wajima already completed its making."
This surprised Sakura. Teleport was the most sought after spell Magus were unable to achieve. And yet the White Wizard and now Enrique can Teleport.
Enrique grabbed the Ring from White Garuda.
"Now continue your trial and tread carefully," White Wizard cautioned before he uses his own Teleport Ring.
TELEPORT, NOW!
Once the White Wizard teleported from their sights, Sakura immediately rushed to Enrique, looking at the Ring in his hand. "So you can now teleport?"
"Seems like it," Enrique nodded.
"An impressive ability, Master." Ruler commented.
Enrique grinned, a plan now devised to take on the Phantom. "And a plan to take down that Phantom."
Once dusk reigned over, the Phantom made its way to its target to make the young musician fall into despair. With the mahoutsukai not around, this was the perfect chance to attack. That being said, it was in the school halls, heading towards the gymnasium where his target is currently in. The sound of instruments heard in the distance.
"Hehe, this is going to be very easy for me! The mahoutsukai won't win this time!"
"Boo." A voice whispered in its ears.
Screaming like a cat, the Phantom held its claws onto the ceiling before noticing who scared him. "YOU!?" It was Wizard who was laughing. "HOW DID YOU GET HERE SO QUICKLY!?"
"A mahoutsukai can't reveal his secrets now can he?" Wizard chuckled before scanning a Ring.
CONNECT, PLEASE!
Reaching into the runic seal, he pulls out the WizarSwordGun at the ready. "Alright, Phantom, we will finish what we started," Wizard declared, twirling the gun as it converted into its sword mode. "Let this be our last act before the curtains fall."
"We will see about that, mahoutsukai!" Caitsith pointed at him.
With the challenge accepted from both sides, they lunge at each other as Wizard blocked one of Caitsith's attacks before spinning on his heel, avoiding a stab that would have hit his hip before he countered with a vertical strike at the Phantom.
"Come on little cat, give me your best shot."
"Oi!" The Phantom felt offended. He was no mere cat! He was Caitsith!
He dodged the attack before locking blades with the Phantom. The Phantom's body glowed before another blade extended from its chest, hitting Wizard as sparks bleed off his armor. The Wizard stumbled before he ducked to avoid a slash that would have cleaved him.
"Okay, I didn't expect that," He noted.
"Hehe, I'm a living weapon, runt! You can't stop all of my blades!"
"Can't hurt to try," Wizard responded. He lunged at the Phantom with swift strikes but each one was met with a blade or two from the Phantom's body.
He jumped over the Phantom but the latter acted quickly with its body as a sword extends from its skull, hitting the mahoutsukai once again. He grunted, beginning to feel the pain in his body.
"Ha! Is that the best you can do, mahoutsukai?"
Wizard slowly stood up, staring at the Phantom. He needed to get the Phantom away from here… and that is what he will do.
Grabbing the newest Ring, he puts it on his finger before scanning it.
TELEPORT, PLEASE!
"Let's try this!" He rushed towards the Phantom and grabbed hold of it.
"Hey! Hey! What are you doing!?"
The Phantom sees a runic circle around the duo before they were teleported away from the school, finding themselves on the civilian bridge of the city.
"Heh, can't get there now can you?"
"You planned this!?"
"Just had to get to you at a good distance," he looks at his Ring. "Guess the plan worked."
"You are going to pay for that!"
Now angered, the Phantom lunged at him but the mahoutsukai now dodged, getting himself at a good distance from its claws and blades before converting his weapon into gun mode. Aiming at the Phantom, he fired silver bullets at the Phantom's hide, each shot injuring it.
The Phantom roared and lunged at the mahoutsukai with its body covered in blades. Seeing this, Wizard quickly puts on the Defend Ring before sliding the panels and activate his spell.
DEFEND, PLEASE!
Bringing up a barrier of fire, the Phantom tried to stop but to no avail as the flame shield deflected its own attack and thrown back to the ground. The attack burnt its snow white fur into a crisp. Falling on one knee, the Phantom growled weakly.
"Now… time for the curtains to fall," He opened the panel of his WizarSwordGun.
COME ON SHOOTING, SHAKE HANDS!
Hovering his hand over the weapon, it responded to the Ring he used.
FLAME, SHOOTING STRIKE! HII HII HII! HII HII HII!
Taking aim, a ball of fire conducts in the gun barrel before it grew and Wizard pulls the trigger, unleashing a fireball at the weakened Phantom.
"I… lost…?" The Phantom roared in agony, exploding into flames from the Wizard's finisher.
Wizard sighed in relief. Guess Teleport really did come in handy to beat the Caitsith Phantom. With the Phantom vanquished, he can leave. Turning around to leave, he stops himself from seeing someone on the other side of the bridge.
The azure hair with the thin ponytail was seen on the man's head. Piercing red eyes glistened in the night while filled with curiosity. The man was also wearing a blue bodysuit with a red spear in hand. The magic radiating from it made him cautious.
This is the Lancer-class Servant.
"Who the hell are you?" Lancer questioned.
"I'm simply a Master," Wizard replied calmly as possible, his hand gripped the sword tightly. Deep down, he was panicking knowing that he never fought against a Servant before and the gap of power between the two was large. Recalling how a Master and Servant are linked, he focuses on it, informing Ruler about it. While she can no longer astralize, she has the speed needed to arrive on time.
"Oh? Is that so?" Lancer raised an eyebrow in interest. He has never seen the armor before in his entire life. Could the Master be using a unique Mystic Code? It was curious indeed. Not to mention, the pure Mana that was coursing through his body to fight the Cait Sith. He was aware of the Phantom Cait Sith during his days in the past but to see a monster with the powers of the beast in the modern era, it was odd, to say the least to see a creature harness it.
Even the runes that he cast to perform the spells when the mahoutsukai uses his rings. Kinda reminds him of his old teacher. If she ever hears him call her old… the memories sent a shudder down his spine. He rather not remembers those moments with that woman. Scathach scares him.
Wizard though was on guard and trying to buy some time for Ruler to show. "As I said, I am simply a Master."
"Well, if I take you out, that means one less Master and Servant to deal with," Lancer remarked as he prepared to attack. This should be interesting.
"Shit." Wizard needed to act quick.
"Lancer, halt!" The man saw Ruler on the rooftop, her flag swaying in the wind. "You are to not attack my Master."
"Ruler…" Lancer acknowledged, realizing that he was in front of the 8th Master with a Ruler class Servant. "Surprised to see a Servant like you here."
"Indeed," She acknowledged. "What reason brought you here, Lancer?"
"I was curious." He raised his hands in defense. "I haven't seen runes being used in a long time."
This earned Wizard's attention. First that woman and now this guy? Were they both aware of the rules of ancient magic? "You know of this?" Wizard asked cautiously.
Lancer rested his spear on his shoulder, closing his eyes with a grin, "You could say that. Haven't seen runic magic in a long time… until now that is." Wizard stared at Lancer as Ruler stood by him, keeping her guard up with her sights on the spear wielder. "I could have taken down the thing you called… Cait Sith was it?"
The armored Wizard nodded cautiously.
"Huh… guess that thing harnessed that cat's powers after all." He turned around. "Good to see another person who holds a devoted sense of justice."
The duo witnesses him walk away while they see his attire shifted to look normal. Something about Lancer. Ruler couldn't help but wonder what else is there to that Servant. Something was off...
"Let's head back, Ruler," Wizard advised, dismissing his armor.
"As you wish, Master." She complied before following him back to the antique shop to get the rest needed.
A/N: Well that is it for this chapter folks! It seems Caster and Lancer have confronted our mahoutsukai, both with their interests peaked upon seeing his abilities. What will come next for Wizard and his Servant? And what Phantom will he encounter next? We just have to find out in the next chapter.
Anyways to tell you about the routes (Fate, UBW, and Heaven's Feel) the answer is yes. I do plan on making two other different stories that follow different routes. And also different pairings. Here it is.
A Wizard's Fate (Fate Route): OC x Scathach
A Wizard's Fate (Heaven's Feel Route): OC x Nero
So there you have it.
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and look forward to the next. Stay in the shadows everyone!