What is up, everyone! I am here with another chapter to this story! Finally! Yes, I know you it has been a while I have been working, and a guy like me needs to rest from working two jobs. TWO. I do find time whenever I have to work on my stories. Do not worry, I am not abandoning my current stories. Check my profile for further updates to my other stories. So please be patient since it takes time due to my jobs. Anyways, I am getting sidetracked, let us begin the chapter of this story!
Henshin!
'Thought'
"Phantom"
The Einzbern mansion remains quiet in the night, with one resident mulling over the new situation. Her two maids were serving her while keeping themselves silent.
"What do you think about this 'Wizard,' Illya-sama?"
"He's a complete mystery." She stated. "I never expected to see someone who can use Mana Magecraft here...who is also a Master."
The use of pure, undiluted Mana was long lost since ancient times. It hardly existed… until now, that is. Even creating a unique Mystic Code for him to fight. She could feel Ruler being powered with that very source as well.
Mana was the natural energy of the world, surrounding the caster while Od is the magical energy generated within the caster's body. A Magus would usually need both of them to cast a spell by converting them into "Prana" using magic circuits.
It was impossible for someone to act as a container of that Mana, undiluted, and raw form nonetheless, without converting it into Prana. The mahoutsukai was able to do so.
It was new to see, and it piqued her curiosity.
"Are you gonna fight him?"
"No, I can't do anything as Ruler said." She shook her head. "He is her Master in this Grail War, so he is also a neutral observer. Also…"
"Also?"
"His Mana and magic are getting stronger. And it doesn't look like it has any limits." Illya clarified. "If enough time has passed, he will be a very powerful magician...possibly rivaling the Servants in power."
"I see." Her maid nodded. "Are we gonna observe him?"
"Yes," Illya answered. "If we observe him, we might find out what the reason is for his arrival."
Something is going in this Holy Grail War, and she needs to know it quickly. She fears that it will change the entire course of the War entirely. Either for good or for worse.
A Wizard's Fate
Chapter 6: A Dragon's Fire
With the defeat of the Gnome Phantom, the mahoutsukai was able to relax for a moment after fighting two Phantoms in one day. He was improving with each fight and learning a few strategies with the spells he uses with the Rings.
While he is glad he is improving, he knows that the Phantom leaders will make a move after so many failures. They will probably be the ones to go after the Gates personally.
He fears what could happen next if they ever do so. His presence already alerted most of the Masters here, and he couldn't let them encounter the leaders of the Phantoms. His teacher warned him that some Phantoms could be on par with a Servant.
Now that sent a shudder down his spine. He hopes he is prepared for it when the time comes. While he has done well so far, he fears that he could fail. He promised his mentor he wouldn't let him down.
An amber seal appears on the floorboard, and then manifested the familiar robed Wizard they recognized — the White Wizard himself.
"Teacher, you're here…" Enrique noticed. He never expected a sudden visit from the White Wizard at this time of day, not to mention he wasn't supposed to show up until the next day. The only times the American would do something like this is if it involves a crucial matter. He knows his teacher, and if he is here now, it meant this was an urgent matter. He noticed the White Wizard carrying something in his hand. "What brings you here?"
"I am here to give this to Wajima." He replied, opening the box, revealing a unique red Magic stone. Seeing the valuable stone made Wajima rush over to see it up close.
"A rare red Magic Stone…" the Ring Maker gasped.
He has seen many Magic Stones during his days as a Ring Maker, but the red color of the stone in front of him was different. He can tell it was unique than most red magic stones.
The White Wizard lifted his hand a bit, offering the Magic Stone, "Wajima if you please."
"Most certainly," He nodded, grabbing the box with care before heading to his small workshop to begin the creation of a new Ring.
"A Magic Stone?" Ruler asked, never heard of the item before now. "What is it?"
"A Magic Stone is the main material for our rings." The wise wizard explained. "In other words, it's the source of our spells."
She raised an eyebrow in surprise hearing this. The stone that the wizard has in his hands is the source of their spells.
"However, the Magic Stone Wajima now has is a special one. If used, it will enhance my student's magic." He stated. "He is now strong enough to use this. Once he uses it, a fraction of his Trial will be complete."
Enrique quickly stands up from the sofa, astonished. "Y-You mean… if I can use that Ring, a part of my Trial will be complete?! Is this true, Teacher?!"
"That is correct." He moves his hands to his back. "It is only the first part, however. Once you complete the first, there will be more to complete. You are still a long way to becoming a full-fledged mahoutsukai."
"I-I see…" Enrique said. "I won't let you down, Teacher!"
If this was his necessary step, then he will not disappoint the White Wizard.
"Good. Continue your Trial and be very careful." The White Wizard advised as he used his Teleport Ring.
TELEPORT, NOW!
Once the White Wizard vanished from their sights, Ruler stared at the Magic Stone that rests on Wajima's work table. She can sense raw and pure Mana stored inside it. Once she takes a closer look, she sensed a brief vision of a dragon.
'What...was that vision?' She thought in confusion over what she just saw. Could the new Magic Stone be related to the Inner Phantom inside her Master? The White Wizard did say that the Magic Stone is a special one.
Would it be good or bad for him? She isn't sure what's going to happen once the new Ring is made.
The bell rings, allowing many kids to leave school. One kid, in particular, is currently waiting for his parent to pick him up. He paused, his eyes drifting to his classmates whose parents were picking them up.
The young boy lowered his head, his hands clutching the school bag tightly. He misses his father ever since he went away… He envied them.
He wonders why is he the only one who lost his father. Why does he feel so unhappy without him… having to make his mom sad.
Why are they the only ones left behind…
He continues to walk on the streets, mulling about his past thoughts until he stopped when he noticed something ahead.
The young student saw the monsters, earning fright upon seeing them. One of them was pointing at him. He immediately walked back in fear and began to run from them. He's afraid that the monsters will try to hurt him. He wanted to get away and find his mother.
The golems blocked his path before going back, but they were also blocking the other way out. They had him cornered. The boy was afraid as the Ghouls were ominously drawing close. He closed his eyes, his hands over his head before gunshots echo around the perimeter, making him open one eye, finally seeing who did it. Standing in front of him was a young man who had an odd weapon pointed at the monsters.
"Huh, no Phantom this time." He noted before he shrugged. "Oh well." Grabbing the Ring, he moves the placed Ring over his hand buckle.
DRIVER ON, PLEASE!
With the buckle now a silver belt, the foreigner pushes the panels to activate the transformation.
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 its showtime."
With the weapon in hand, he charges towards the Ghouls, blocking their spears the moment they tried to stab him with it. Pushing the spears up, he swiftly delivers a horizontal strike across their rocky hides.
He flips over one of the golems before using the gun mode to pelt a few silver bullets into The Ghouls' rocky hides. Each shot not letting any of them get close.
Switching the weapon to sword mode again, he twirls the blade and strikes the Ghoul in front of him. Spinning around, he knocked the gang off their feet and hit them back to the ground.
With another Ghoul attempting to impale him, Wizard grabs the lightpost and spins and releases his hold. His feet hit it in the chest while skidding on the concrete. Wizard lowers the gun to execute the Ghoul before his attention turns to the remaining kaijins.
"Time to take care of you golems quickly." Imbuing flames onto his feet, he then twists his body around, doing several kicks to each of the golems, sending them flying. The Ghouls immediately exploded in the process from taking too much damage. Seeing one more Ghoul, he shoots the last one, the resulting shots destroying it.
Seeing all the Ghouls defeated, Wizard twirls his sword and sheaths it back into the seal. His armor vanished via magic seal and looked at the boy.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
The boy could only look up at him before the lower end of his vision spotted someone. The child immediately runs to the person, allowing the mahoutsukai to notice who he was running to.
The woman looks to be of Japanese American descent. She seems to be in her mid to late 20s with dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. She was wearing a light blue shirt while wearing dark pants. She was carrying a yellow bag with stripes.
"Are you okay?" The young woman asked the child. He nodded before pointing at the raven-haired teen. The mother looks at his direction, but when she looked at Enrique, her eyes widened with familiarity.
"Enrique…? Is that you?" The young woman asked.
The mahoutsukai blinked upon seeing the woman. How does she know him? Seeking answers, he spoke, "Do... I know you?"
The woman giggled, "Of course. Don't you remember the person who often babysits you and your sister when you were kids? I was in high school when I helped your mother."
Enrique started before old memories returned in his mind; his eyes slowly widened in familiarity. "Yuki?!" He realized in disbelief. It was his babysitter when he was a little kid! "I didn't know it was you."
The woman smiled. "It has been a long time, hasn't it? You certainly have grown last time I saw you."
"Y-Yeah… it has. So you have been living here in Fuyuki City?"
"I moved here nine years ago due to my father and mother."
"Oh, right, your father works in the business industry." He remembered before looking at the boy who was hiding behind her leg. "Who is he?"
"He is my son." She answered.
"Huh? He is your son?"
"When I was 20, seven years ago, I met someone during my time here," she explained. "And we were eventually intimate. Next thing we knew, a year later, we had Minato." She looks at her son. "Come on, Minato, don't be shy. He's a friend."
"H-Hello…" the boy replied shyly.
"Hello there," Enrique responded kindly. "Nice to meet you." He looks up at Yuki. "So you were planning to pick him up from school?"
"Yes, until I saw what happened."
"What about his father?" Yuki lowered her head as her son gripped the hem of her clothing tightly. Enrique realized he brought up a very touchy subject and judging from seeing this; he had a perfect guess to what happened. "Forgive me for my words, Yuki. I didn't know."
"It's alright…" She assured softly. "It's just been a bit difficult. Being a single mother and such…"
Enrique's eyes softened upon hearing this. His former babysitter not only lost someone she loved, but she now had to raise a child on her own. Pushing that thought aside, for now, he rubs the back of his neck before making eye contact with her. "So… um… I am sure you are wondering about what happened earlier. How about you and your son come with me to the cafe that's nearby that way I can explain things?"
"Alright," Yuki nodded.
The female Phantom was a bit disappointed that the mahoutsukai interfered with their plans once again.
"You think it was a good idea to send those Ghouls?" Phoenix questioned.
"I thought it would be an easy task for them to make the child fall into despair," Medusa replied. "However, it seems the mahoutsukai has become a problem again along with his Servant."
The mythical Phoenix hopped over the fence and landed next to her. "Why not let me do this? That mahoutsukai and his Servant got nothing on me!" He insisted. "I can kill him and send the Gate into despair, even make that Servant of his vanish! That is three-in-one!"
"No." Medusa denied, crossing her arms under her bust, walking ahead of him. "You will only get mad and attack someone out of rage." She glanced at the disguised Phantom. "I can't have you accidentally killing a Gate."
Phoenix fumed for a moment, and his teeth gritted in his jaw out of anger before he rushed up to her, "It won't happen, I swear!" Medusa frowned as her eyes glowed a menacing blue, her markings appeared before revealing her Phantom form. Seeing the aura she gave off as well as her mood, Phoenix placed his hands on his hips, realizing the answer. "You don't trust me, huh?" He sighed before turning around and walked in the opposite direction.
"Where do you think you're going, Phoenix?"
Phoenix stopped his progression before turning around as he changes into his Phantom form, "To get the okay from the big guy personally." He answered. "See ya later."
With his parting words, Phoenix left as he heads to the main lair where their great leader resides.
In the cafe, the raven-haired teen was talking to Yuki and her son about the incident earlier. While Minato was eating a muffin, Yuki gasped at his explanation about the event.
"So… you became a Wizard when you were 16?" Yuki summed up. "It's…"
"Hard to believe?" Enrique chuckled. "Here, let me show you." He brings out the Garuda Ring.
GARUDA, PLEASE!
The plastic tray appeared, and parts of Garuda assembled before forming the familiar. Pulling the ring out of his finger, he placed in the Ring, thus causing Garuda to fly around the young woman and her son. "See? Cool isn't it?"
The woman giggled upon seeing the red bird fly around the two. "It is interesting," she commented while her son tried to catch the bird, much to their amusement to see the child playing with Garuda. He pulled out a crumb from the muffin before offering it to Garuda who happily accepted as it nibbled it on his palm.
"I know it is a bit to take in, but I think you should allow Minato to stay with me at the antique shop for his safety." He advised. "The Phantom will continue to go after him until I can prevent it."
"I understand, Enrique," Yuki replied. "Please, keep him safe?"
"I promise, Yuki." He stated firmly. She took care of him in the past, and it's time for him to repay the favor. "Where do we meet tomorrow?"
"I think we can meet nearby the bridge." The young mother suggested. "Not many people use it so we can meet each other pretty easily."
"Sure thing. We'll meet there." He accepted. "Just be careful, okay?"
"I know." She then looks at her son. "Minato, I want you to be nice to him and be brave for me."
"But…"
"I know you are worried, but I want to protect you. I don't want to lose you too." She assured her son. Minato looks at his mother before he slowly nodded, earning a thin smile from Yuki. "I'll be fine, Minato. Enrique-san is a good man; you can trust him."
"Okay, mama…" The young boy nodded. The young woman stands up before looking at Enrique. "Keep him safe for me."
"I will."
"So he's gonna stay with us?"
"If Yuki's the Gate, then no doubt seeing him get hurt will make her fall into despair," Enrique explained. "So we're gonna keep an eye on him."
Ruler glanced at the boy who was looking at the surroundings of the antique shop.
"Is he going to be okay? I know he's the son of your old acquaintance, but…"
"Whatever the Phantom is, it will not harm him." He stated firmly. "I made a promise to Yuki that he will be safe."
"I see." She replied. "I'm gonna keep an eye on him as well."
"Thanks, Ruler." He appreciated the help.
Glancing at the boy, Ruler then asked, "About your acquaintance, how do you know her?"
"Back when I was in elementary school, my mother had to work, so she hired Yuki to babysit Marie and me. She was kind, even treated us nicely during those years growing up. Shortly after her graduation from high school, she had to move."
"I see why you see her as a good friend." Now the blonde understood the connection. While Yuki was his former babysitter, she was seen as close as family. Almost like a sister. "I'll watch outside, Master. I'll be there if trouble arises."
He nodded as Ruler leaves the room. Enrique then looks at the young boy who is sitting on the floor with a sad expression.
"Are you alright, Minato?"
"Will… mama be okay?"
"If I learned anything from her, it was about looking out for you." He remembered his childhood. "Your mom is a good person who took care of my sister and me when we were little. My mother had to work in the meantime."
"Really?" Minato spoke in awe.
"Of course. I'm sure she'll be able to pull through for the day." He assured the young child. "So don't worry and believe in her."
The boy lowered his head, remembering those words. "I miss my papa…" Minato hugged his legs.
Enrique's eyes softened. Minato is worried about his mother's safety, and he doesn't blame him for that. If he were in Minato's footsteps, he would have felt the same. "I know you miss him. I can understand that feeling of not having a dad there for you." The boy lifts his head to look at him.
"You… do…?"
He nodded, "He left when I was only 4, and I never knew anything about him. All I can remember is a partial appearance of him, but that was all. But you, you had a chance to be with him and know what he does. What truly matters is that he will watch over you, even from the great beyond."
The boy remained silent, thinking about the mahoutsukai's words.
"Now, you should get some sleep. We will see your mom in the morning."
"Okay…" the boy climbs onto the bed while the mahoutsukai leans against the chair. He briefly glanced at the window, reminiscing about his childhood. A small frown formed but quickly vanished. To this day, he still wonders where his father went. Was he dead, or did he just left them for no reason?
Craning his head down, he crossed his arms and closed his eyes to rest for the night.
With morning arriving, the mahoutsukai knew that today was an excellent chance to take Minato back to his mother. With no Phantom appearing whatsoever, he felt relieved that there wouldn't be any trouble. He made sure Minato ate breakfast before leaving the store.
"We're gonna arrive at the place soon." He looks at the young boy. "You must be worried about your mother."
The boy slowly nodded as they continued to walk towards the meeting place. The mahoutsukai hoped that Yuki is unharmed from the Phantoms...
If either one is injured or killed, it will cause despair for the one that is left. That's why he asked them to separate for a day. At least with no attacks on Minato, he was sure the Phantoms gave up knowing without Minato, Yuki wouldn't fall into despair.
Yes, it was a risky gamble to make knowing that he doesn't know which one is the Gate. Come to think of it, why did the Ghouls target Minato first and not Yuki? He knows the Ghouls target the Gate, but it didn't make sense. He shook his head. No, he shouldn't overthink right now. All that he needs to do is meet up with Yuki so her son can reunite with her.
"We're almost there." He observed as they approached the bridge that is supposed to be their meeting spot.
At least they made it–
Their eyes widened in horror when they saw Yuki's battered and unconscious state. The reason for her bruises was the one and only Phoenix who grabbed her by the neck and lifted her.
"Mama!"
The voice of the child earned the Phantom's attention. His azure eyes are gleaming deviously at the two.
"Ah, good to see you arrive." He dropped the woman and kicked her away like trash. "Now this will be easy pickings for me. If you don't mind allowing me to make, that brat falls into despair."
"What?" Enrique quickly looks at Minato. The boy was the Gate, not Yuki! Looking at Phoenix, he growled in anger. "I won't let you harm him!"
Acting on the defensive, Enrique quickly moved his hand to his waist to activate his Driver.
DRIVER ON, PLEASE!
With the buckle now the silver belt, the foreigner quickly pushes the panels to activate the transformation.
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, bringing it to his belt.
"Henshin!"
FLAME, PLEASE! HII HII, HII HII HII!
Once the seal passed over him, he was now in his armor. Quickly wielding the Wizarswordgun, he charged towards the new Phantom. The red Phantom uses his claymore to stop the attack before parrying it with a vertical strike.
"Grh," Wizard grunted before he dodges the large sword again. He had to be careful. For a blade that large, the Phantom was able to wield it easily with one hand. He then attacks again, the Phantom blocking his slash with the edge.
"You can do better than that!" He grinned, slashing Wizard's armor once more before punching him in the helmet. The hit staggered the mahoutsukai, grasping his head to rid the ringing noise in his mind. The punch disoriented him.
Shaking his head to recover from the disorientation, he aims his gun at Phoenix. However, the Phantom grabs his wrist and twists it. Wizard grunted, the weapon falling to the ground before an elbow hits him in the chest.
"Okay… gotta change it up." He switches his Fire Style Ring with Land Style.
LAND, PLEASE! DO-DO-DO DO-DO-DON! DO DO-DO-DON!
A yellow magic circle appeared under his feet then traveled up his body, turning the ruby red portions of his armor topaz yellow, changing into Wizard Land Style. Seeing Phoenix with his claymore, Wizard uses his Defend Ring.
DEFEND, PLEASE!
A stone barrier erupts between the two, but Phoenix cuts it down like butter. Wizard moves back, casting it again but the Phantom once again tears it down with his mighty blade.
"I'm not done yet!" He punches Phoenix who laughed. Grabbing the ringed bearing wizard's wrist, he throws him across the bridge, landing next to his WizarSwordGun.
The raven-haired mahoutsukai immediately grabbed the weapon before shooting again. Phoenix buckled a bit from bullets, rubbing his hide. Wizard couldn't even hurt the Phantom with his gun at all.
With another Ring in hand, he activates the spell.
BIND, PLEASE!
Using the Bind Spell, it grabbed hold of Phoenix's arms, but the Phantom was proven stronger than him as he quickly broke them.
"Is that the best you got mahoutsukai!?"He strikes Wizard across his chest, sparks bleeding off his armor. The foreigner grimace under his helmet before firing again. However, Phoenix planted his sword in the ground, serving as a makeshift shield.
Each bullet collided with the sword, preventing Phoenix from being harmed. It grinned before charging at Wizard with a slash, sending him stumbling in pain.
When the foreigner tried to shoot, Phoenix shoves his gun aside and punch his helmet again. Wizard uses the railing of the bridge to keep himself standing, but he could feel his Mana was draining by the second from the damage and spell. Looking at his enemy, the Phantom holds the mahoutsukai by the neck, the latter against the railing and gasping for air.
He tried to pry himself free, but Phoenix wasn't allowing it.
"All this, for a mahoutsukai like you?"The monster mocked. "At least now, you won't be a problem."
Grabbing its sword, Phoenix aims the blade at Wizard's faceplate.
"Release my Master!" Phoenix glanced to his left to see Ruler in her battle attire.
"Ru… ler…" Wizard breathed out from the hold Phoenix has on him.
The Phantom hummed with amusement, "Well, what do you know? Your Servant is here to rescue you."He mocked, slamming Wizard against the railing. "Heh, it makes things more exciting."
"R-Ruler… get away… he's... strong…" Phoenix punched Wizard's gut, causing him to lose more air before using Catastrophe and strike him again.
"MASTER!" She yelled before rushing to the Phantom with her war flag. Phantom chuckled before tossing Wizard over the railing, the mahoutsukai plummeting into the water while the Phoenix blocked her attack.
"Whoops. He slipped off my hand,"Phoenix mused, taunting the Servant.
"How dare you harm my Master!" She shouted as she tries to strike the Phantom, but when she did, the Phantom dodged the attack before using his massive blade to hit her. She used her war flag to block it, but the amount of strength the Phantom had was not like the other Phantoms they faced. This… This power was strength on par with a Servant. A Saber possibly.
Was this the strength of the generals that lead the Phantoms? If so, it meant she was facing a higher tier Phantom. One of their sub-leaders. This was serious if one of their sub-leaders are here.
Avoiding the next attack, she saw Phoenix lunged at her. Just as she backflipped from the attack, she used her spear and launched a bench beside her towards the Phantom as a diversion to attack, but the Phoenix wasn't going to let it happen. Using his power, he unleashed flames to incinerate the bench into ashes. However…
Ruler's eyes widened, her pupils dilating at seeing the raging flames. Flashbacks of her death returning into mind. Unlike Wizard's fire that was more controlled, calming, the Phantom's fire was raging, burning away anything in its wake. Just like the flames that consumed her when she died.
Seeing her state, Phoenix punched her away from him. The Phantom 'grinned' widely in realization. It seems that his flames have brought a mental effect on her.
"What's the matter? Intimidated by my fire?" Phoenix mused. The Phantom unleashed another set of flames, causing Ruler to feel more intimidation at the memories. Her hands are shaking, her breathing heavy upon seeing it. "Afraid of little flames?"
To see this, it was an advantage for him.
The Servant felt pain in her stomach as Phoenix slams his fist, causing her to gasp for air. She fell to her knees, her staff used as support while coughing harshly. Lifting her head, she was greeted with a kick to the face, sending her away as she crashed onto a crate.
She grimaced, standing back up. The Flames… she accepted her death in the past, but even old wounds can surface from her past.
'Could this be...a side effect?' She recalled Dragon's warning during her first visit to his Underworld.
Death… she recalled even driving one to end can be a sense of despair for the Phantoms. In other words… her death in the past could have left a sliver of that emotion in her. Even Death itself can be something to fear.
'You are empowered by that shallow vessel's Hope. If he falls into despair… You will die too, much to my pleasure to witness in the future.'
She remembers the warning of Dragon. As a Master and Servant, they were linked.
'I have to be careful...I have to find Master quickly.'
She blocked the Phantom's large blade, planting her feet on the concrete. The strength Phoenix held was unlike most Phantoms they previously faced. The White Wizard's words were valid. Some Phantoms are entirely able to stand their ground against a Servant.
"You can hold on against me. Perhaps you will be more of a challenge than that stupid mahoutsukai." The Phoenix grinned.
The Servant frowned heavily at the Phantom's insult towards her and her Master. Evading his giant sword, the Servant slams her war flag against the Phoenix's red hide. He grunted as Ruler uses her foot to force it to kneel. When she grabs her sword to strike him, Phoenix uses his flames around the blade to shield himself.
While Ruler was the strongest Servant of her class, Phoenix had to tread carefully. Even with his abilities, he could get damaged like any other Phantom. It was time to teach this bitch a lesson for facing the strongest Phantom.
The flames grew around the claymore and swung it upward, forcing Ruler back. She grimaced at the strength of the Phantom. He wasn't backing down against her. Using her spear, the weapon in Phoenix's hand collided with the war flag. The Phantom sneered as Ruler suddenly felt the grip of her war flag growing hotter by the second, the metal of her staff becoming red.
She yelped, grasping her hands from the searing burns under the fabric and armor with the weapons clattering onto the ground.
"I will enjoy burning you to the ground."
Before the Phoenix could continue his torment, a pair of chains wrapped around the Phantom's arms and pulls him away, Phoenix grunted before noticing the source.
The Rider-class Servant.
"Another Servant?"
"So the Phantom this time in Phoenix…" She said with a frown aimed at Phoenix before looking at Ruler. "I'll hold him off, go find Wizard and get to safety."
"Thank you, Rider." Ruler thanked before she went to get her Master.
"Oh? So you want a challenge, eh?" Phoenix drawled, twirling the mighty sword he wields. "Ruler was one thing but judging from your Prana… a Rider-class Servant?"
"So, you knew."
"I know many things."He chuckled. "Being in Fuyuki, you can see everything. Right, Rider or is it Medusa?"
Her eyes slightly widened in surprise. She never expected him to know her true identity instantly. Her hands grip the chains tightly.
"Oh, looks like I hit the mark. It's interesting to hear that you have the same name as her."
"... what?" This sent wary and confusion. What did he mean by 'same name as her'?
"You will find out or not." The flames burn on his sword. "Besides, your hope is to protect that stupid 'former' gate."
Rider frowned, the cloth around her eyes hiding her glare. "You will not harm her."
"Go ahead and stop me then."
With the challenge set, the two lunge at each other.
Ruler ran around the area to find her Master's location. He was severely wounded from the fight against that Phantom and can die at any moment. She doesn't want him to die.
"Master!" She called out, trying to locate him. "Master, where are you!"
Looking at the edge of the riverside, she finally saw her Master trying to reach the shore despite his wounds. Running to him, she quickly kneels. Her Master weakly looks at her, but the Servant saw the familiar crimson eyes before it changed back to the dark brown color and passed out.
"Master…?" She saw those crimson eyes before. The Phantom within him carried his vessel to shore. Did that Phantom save his vessel? For what purpose exactly?
Shaking her head at the question, she knew she had to bring her Master to safety and treat his wounds.
After bringing her Master back to the shop, she informed the Master-Servant pair working in the shop about the current situation. Ruler was genuinely thankful for Rider's assistance, and now she explained to Sakura about the incident. She panicked when she first saw Enrique's condition until Ruler had to assure her.
"Yuki-san's son is the Gate, not her?" Sakura said in worry.
"Thankfully, I managed to contact the hospital…" Ruler replied with a slight grimace. "She's still currently having treatment for her injuries."
"Is she going to be okay?"
"I hope she recovers soon…" Ruler spoke, worried for her condition. "Minato can't take it if he loses her mother…"
"Can I watch over her?" Sakura suggested. "Minato may be targeted by that Phantom while he's alone with her mother."
"Are you going to be okay?"
"If it's getting them to safety, I should be fine." The brunette assured. "We can't let him lose the only family he has left." She lowers her head for a moment before looking at Ruler again. "Ruler-san… how is Enrique-san?"
"He's wounded, but he's gonna live." Ruler replied. "It may take a while for him to recover."
"I see…he may injure himself more if he goes out again…" Sakura grimaced. "He'll be fine, right?"
"I'm… sure." The Servant nodded. "But I'll keep an eye on his condition."
She wasn't sure of his condition, knowing the person from her Master's past was critically injured. Then there was the damage he suffered after having to fight Phoenix who pummeled him.
"Ruler, could you please give this to him when you have a chance?" Wajima said as he gave her two new Rings. One Ring looked similar to Enrique's Flame Style Ring with a few ornaments added on it and the second Ring had the inscription of a dragon breathing its fire. "These Rings will give him a new power."
"I understand." She understood. "I'll give this to him." She then goes up the stairs to the room where her Master is.
Grabbing the uniform jacket, Sakura is about to leave for the hospital until Rider spoke. "Sakura...be careful."
"I know. I'll call for help if there's trouble." The brunette assured her Servant before leaving.
Enrique runs across the halls of the hospital, searching for the room Yuki and Minato are in. The hallways felt like a maze in his eyes. He needs to find them. It was eerily quiet, and empty.
Turning a corner, he saw one of the hospital rooms was left open. Running to it, he saw the unconscious Yuki and her son by her mother. He made it in ti-
The sudden presence of mana earned his attention immediately. It was behind him. He quickly looks back but was grabbed by the Phantom, Phoenix, his claw around the mahoutsukai's neck.
"Nice try, mahoutsukai." He sneered and threw him against the wall. Enrique grunted but was unable to get back up.
"G-Get away from her!"
Phoenix shoves the medical bed, knocking the unconscious woman to the ground.
"Let's see him fall to despair now." The Phantom raised the blade with both hands before slamming the claymore into the vulnerable woman. He laughed as the boy was horrified.
"M-Mama…?" Minato whimpered, seeing his mother die in front of his eyes by the hands of Phoenix.
The ring-bearing Wizard begins to witness purple cracks forming on the boy's body. The sight made Enrique's eyes widen in horror. He reached out, trying to stop it but couldn't.
"NOOOOO!"
Enrique quickly sits up from his bed, breathing rapidly as sweat beaded down his face. His breathing slowed down, noticing he was in his room within the shop. It was a nightmare...
"Master?" He noticed Ruler who is looking at him with worry.
"Ruler…"
"You've been having nightmares," She noticed.
"I did...?"
"Yes, and you're wounded from that Phantom, Phoenix. I treated you while you were unconscious."
The mahoutsukai looks at himself, noticing he was indeed patched up from the injuries he sustained from Phoenix. He lifts his head, wondering how she found him.
"Wait, how did you manage to find me?" He asked.
"When I was looking for you, I saw you crawl onto shore before you passed out."
"What?"
A look of confusion was earned from Ruler. "Master, you don't remember doing that?"
"I… don't know…" He admitted but deep down, he guessed who helped him.
Dragon.
'Why did Dragon save me…' He wondered deeply. He would have drowned from the attack yet it didn't happen. It brought more questions into his mind. However, he can't be distracted right now. He had to stop Phoenix from harming Minato's mother or him.
He gritted his teeth before he stands up, albeit in pain and walks to the door.
"Wait, Master! You're still injured."
"That Phantom is going to come back to finish what he started. I can't let that happen."
"But you are injured and still worn out from that attack. You need to rest."
Stopping in front of the door, the raven-haired teen abruptly turns around, his calm demeanor now replaced with anger.
"If I don't fight, then what good is it for me to save anyone?!" He snapped. The Servant was startled to his sudden outburst. It was rare for her to see him express such anger.
"Master…"
"I can't let this happen. This isn't just about Minato or his mother!" He grimaced painfully, remembering his childhood. "I… I am… scared… afraid to see someone leave without any answers… to never see them again."
For 14 years, he had always wondered why his father, the man who he could barely remember leave his own family without any answers. He still hoped that one day, one day, he would return. To give him clues to why he left. To never see them.
She noticed his Master showing his vulnerable side. While he is mature, unlike most teenagers, deep down, he doesn't want anyone else to suffer as he did. He doesn't want anyone else to bear the burden and guilt he holds.
"Master...I understand why you wanted to stop him...but, if you fight in this condition, you could die." Ruler pointed out.
"But-"
"You still have your family waiting for you. If you die, they will be sad." She stated firmly. "You don't want anyone else to leave their loved ones behind, right?"
He lifts his head as Ruler gently held his hand up. "You brought hope to those you have met. You saved others and allowed them to be with the ones they care about. Like you did with Sakura and Rider. They are happier because you were there to help them."
"Ruler…" Enrique went silent. She did raise a good point. He did help others just for being there for them. Thinking deeply about it, she is right. His presence brings hope to the people around him.
"So don't push yourself." She replied with a comforting smile. "You don't have to do this alone, Master. I'll help you until the end."
He lowered his head slightly but noticed minor burn marks on her delicate hands. "Ruler… your hands…"
"Just injuries from fighting Phoenix…" She explained. "I'll be alright."
"But you're hurt…" He looks at her.
"I'm a Servant Master. I'll recover soon enough." She assured him. "You took much more damage than I did."
His cell phone suddenly rings, prompting him to answer. "Hel-"
"Enrique-san! That red Phantom is in the hospital looking for Yuki-san!" He heard Sakura shout in panic.
"What!?" He exclaimed as Ruler overheard it as well.
"I-I don't know what to do! I am with the attendants, but that Phantom is still moving!"
"Stay with Yuki and Minato. I'll be right there." He hangs up but grimaced. "Ruler, we have to go."
She nodded. This situation was now dire, and they had to stop Phoenix.
"Hide and seek won't last long when I find you, Gate!"Phoenix laughed. "Once I make you watch as I kill your mother, I will enjoy every second to see you fall for a brat you are!"
Sakura peeks from the door, seeing the Phantom in the hall as it tosses aside supplies to the ground, even shoving people away from his path. She first spotted the Phantom when she heard screaming earlier and found out why. It was a big problem upon seeing the durable Phantom. Seeing it harshly shove a nurse to the ground, Sakura squeaked and quickly closed the door as silently as possible as she looks back at Minato huddling near his unconscious mother.
"Mama…"
"Don't worry." She assured the young boy. "That Phantom won't get your mother."
The young brunette remembered how dangerous, and crazy, the red Phantom can be based on Rider's words. It was a battle maniac but controls his emotions and holds a temper.
"Come out, come out, wherever you are~!" They heard Phoenix's voice drawing closer.
Silence suddenly drew over. Sakura places her ear near the door, but suddenly a blade nearly got her as she jumps back with fright.
"Here's~ Johnny!"Phoenix tears the door off its hinges. "Now…" his azure eyes were locked on the Gate and the two girls. "Time to say nighty night, for good!"
"PHOENIX!"
The Phantom looks back but was tackled out the window, both of them crashing out the second floor and into the ground outside. Running to the window, Sakura took notice that Wizard was the one responsible as the two fighters gained distance.
"Sakura!" The young first-year noticed Ruler entering the hospital room. "Are you alright?"
"I-I'm alright, Ruler-san." She assured. "Yuki-san's okay in this room."
"Thank goodness. Can you get her and Minato to safety?"
"I will." Sakura then grabs Minato's hand. "Let's go, Minato." They then went to safety where Yuki won't be harmed.
'I have to help Master.'
Quickly stepping out of the hospital, the blonde Servant watched as her Master fights the Phantom. Their blades violently clash, but the mahoutsukai slowly kneeling to Phoenix's strength. His arms are trembling, the claymore trying to behead Wizard.
She has to help him. Quickly donning her Servant attire, she slammed her flag spear at Phoenix, sending him back.
"If it isn't the Servant."Phoenix grinned."Ready for another beating?"
"You will not harm Minato's mother."
"Try if you can."The Phantom taunted as he broke the clash, sending her away from it. Regaining her footing, she looks at the mahoutsukai after remembering the Rings Wajima gave her. If it can help beat Phoenix, then it was the chance they need. She may be a Servant, but the Phantom was proven to hold his ground against her, unlike the previous ones. They need all the advantages they can get for this.
"Master, use this!" Ruler immediately threw the items at Wizard to which he caught it.
"New Rings?" He recognized the two new Rings. "Wajima managed to finish it in time?"
"He said that it would give you new power!" She explained to him. "You can use it now, Master! I'll buy you time to use it!" The blonde parries Phoenix's sword, twirling it and kicks the Phantom away from her.
He is looking at the two new Rings, primarily the unique Ring that looks similar to Fire Style. If it can help him, then it was time to try it out. He then wears the new Ring on his finger as he stands up.
"Please, let's hope this does something!" Wizard quickly moves his hand to the buckle to activate the new Ring.
ERROR!
"Huh!? No!"
ERROR! ERROR! ERROR!
"Why won't it work!?"
"What's the matter, Wizard? Run out of tricks!?" Phoenix sneered, clashing his sword with Ruler's own.
ERROR! ERROR! ERROR!
"Shut up!"
He tried again and again to activate the ring but to no avail. He needed to enable it! He has to use it! The Phantom harmed not just the person he knew when he was a child, but the Phantom harmed his Servant! He won't give up! Looking at the Ring, he clenched his hands as his knuckles turned white.
"Please...not just for me...but for everyone...PLEASE WORK!" With one last chance, he placed his hand over the buckle.
Enrique slowly opened his eyes, and shockingly found himself standing in a familiar scene.
"Is this...?"
"Your Underworld," A voice called out.
Enrique turned, only to face his mirror image, but the red eyes gave his doppelganger away. The familiar crimson eyes brought familiarity, knowing full well who he was facing.
"That's you, isn't it, Dragon?"
"It's nostalgic. A moment of despair." He stated as they look at the memory playing out. "The moment you still have questions about to this day."
"What do you want?" Enrique asked.
"I can tell you want to be stronger." The dragon stared at the young man. "But it looks like you're going down for the count."
The mahoutsukai glanced at Dragon. "Are you going to gloat that I'm going to die?"
The doppelgänger snorted. "As much as I want, you seem to use that Ring for a reason." His eyes glanced at the item in question.
"So this Ring relates to you." He realized.
"Indeed. That Ring will give the power that you wanted. But are you prepared to take the risk?" He questioned.
"So what if I am?" Enrique retorted. "That day, when my father left, it was also where I held hope. I may have barely know who he is, but I will never forget the words I remember. 'To have hope no matter what happens to the very end.'"
"Quite obstinate as ever you are." The human-disguised phantom chortled.
"There is also one thing to it as well," Enrique said.
"Hm?" The Phantom raised an eyebrow. Enrique pointed the ring at Dragon. "You're also a part of that hope, Dragon," Enrique said to his Inner Phantom.
"Are you calling me your 'hope'?"
Enrique smiled, giving his answer.
The doppelgänger stared before he laughed, "Hahahahaha! Very well! You can have my power to fight! But remember that this will push you closer to despair!"
"We find hope at the edge of despair, Dragon. Remember that."
Enrique's clone smirked and then transformed into Dragon. "By doing this, you will be bringing yourself closer to despair." He warned him. "Are you prepared to go down this path?"
"I will try harder and hold onto my hope no matter the cost. I have gotten this far; I am not giving up here."
Dragon flew up and then descended upon Enrique, fusing with him in a flash of light.
FLAME!
Phoenix stumbled as he could feel the Wizard glare at him while Ruler suddenly felt her Master's Mana rising and a sudden surge of power.
DRAGON!
The red magic circle then came out of him, slowly, before it paused right in front of the mahoutsukai and a fiery aura of Dragon flew around him.
BOU! BOU! BOU, BOU, BOU!
The coat section of his suit turned bright red as his chest armor became silver, resembling a dragon's head. The shoulder armor had set to circular silver plating with round rubies in the center. His helmet had also changed slightly as well, sporting a gold head ornaments like his Phantom would wear with an oval ruby embedded in the center.
"What… the hell…?"Phoenix gawked. He never expected to see this form nor witness what had occurred.
"Master…?" Ruler gasped upon seeing Wizard's new form. She could feel the power rising slightly and the aura around him changing. Almost as if his Inner Phantom temporarily gave Wizard his ability to defeat Phoenix. His flames weren't like Phoenix's own. His was to bring death while the Wizard's flames were meant to protect the lives around him.
"It's time I show you the Dragon's Fire!" Wizard roared. "Time for the second act to begin! Now, it's the real showtime!"
CONNECT, PLEASE!
Wizard reached into the circle, drew his signature weapon, and blocked Phoenix's strike then pushed him away with a kick. Phoenix went flying and crashed into a nearby bench, breaking it in half. The fiery Phantom roared as he rushed towards the mahoutsukai who was no longer intimidated by the Phantom.
Dodging the blade he swung at him, Wizard thrust his sword, hitting the Phantom's side before he brought up one of the Rings he held.
COPY, PLEASE!
A copy of the WizardSwordGun appeared in Wizard's free hand, allowing him to be dual wield. Twirling both blades, he blocked Phoenix's massive blade before using the other edge to strike his abdomen. Spinning around, he avoided the next attack before he converted both blades into gun mode and fired at the Phoenix with many silver bullets, each one pushing the Phantom back.
"What is this power!?" Phoenix demanded in disbelief. How could the wizard become so sharp all of a sudden? It just did not make sense!
"It is what Hope can bring."
"Damn you!" He rushed towards the Wizard until the latter moved to the side and kicked Phoenix forward. Seeing the opportunity, he brings up the new ring that Wajima made for him.
"How about we test this Ring now?" Wizard suggested, sliding the new Ring into his finger while flipping the lever of his belt. As it rings out, he moves his hand over the belt.
CHOINE, SPECIAL! SAIKO!
A dragon made of fire emerged and flew into Wizard's back before the Dragon's head popped out of Wizard's chest. With the appendage appearing, Wizard's magic circle reveals itself in front of Dragon's face.
"Time for the curtains to fall, Phoenix," Wizard announced before the Dragon's face unleashed a torrent of flames towards the Phantom.
Phoenix yelled, "YOU… YOU THINK YOU'RE SO HOT! TAKE THIS!"
He fired his blast of fire, but Wizard's flame consumed it. Phoenix screamed as he was engulfed before exploding himself. The ring-bearing wizard landed on his feet as Dragon's face vanished while witnessing the ashes of the now defeated Phoenix.
He sighed with relief before turning around and approached his Servant. He reached his hand out to her before he gently pulls her up. "Are you alright, Ruler?" He asked.
"H-How did you… the thing that appeared…" She gasped. She never expected a unity between the Inner Phantom and Wizard, especially witnessing Dragon's face form on his chest earlier.
"Dragon decided to lend me more of his power for a moment to beat Phoenix," Wizard smiled. "Besides, as your Master, isn't it my job to look out for you as well? I want to make sure you are safe as well since you have helped me. As you said, we have to help each other."
The Servant stared at him before she suddenly felt her cheeks burn up as she felt her heart racing slightly at his words. Not only her Master stopped Phoenix, but he also protected her from the Phantom's fiery wrath.
"Are you okay?" Wizard noticed the redness on her cheeks. Could she be having a fever of some sort?
"I-I'm fine, Master," She stuttered.
Wizard was confused about her nervous response, but he shrugged before canceling his armor. "Come on, let's go see how Minato and the others are doing. I am sure the others are worried about us."
"R-Right."
The duo left the scene after defeating the Phantom and obtaining a new form. Only now, more troubles are about to rise...
As the night was still young, the ashes and Catastrophe rested on the ground. However… the ashes slowly become fragments and wisps of fire formed above each one. The pieces slowly pull themselves towards the sword, the breeze of the wind increasing like a harsh blow. Each fragment began to assemble, and the fire surrounding the sword before the flames burst like a pillar. A light in the night that burns with fury. When the fire subsided, it revealed none other than the supposed defeated Phantom. His speech was full of anger and exhaustion, his grip on his blade tightening.
"This isn't over…" He vowed. "Next time… you won't be so lucky Yubiwa Mahoutsukai, Servant Ruler. You both will burn."
The resurrected Phantom bellows in rage, the flames were incinerating the plant life around him.
A/N: And there you have it, folks! It seems things are starting to get dangerous with Phoenix coming back and the debut of Flame Dragon. Also, let me give you information about the battles involving Phoenix against Ruler. While Ruler is the strongest Servant class, Phoenix's strength is ALMOST similar to a Servant. If you have seen his capabilities in the show such as flipping a car with just a kick or ripping the door off it. Even cutting through rock with his blade. That showed his strength alone. Against Ruler, he can stand his ground but not to entirely kill a Servant. There you have it on some information. I hope you all enjoyed it and my next update will be my Chalice story. Until then, see you all later! Stay in the shadows, everyone!