4: Survive the Night
"So you choose death? Very well."
Saber woke up late in the evening in a small bed in a small hotel room. Actually, he did not intend to fall asleep, but the pillow smelled so good, that he couldn't resist. Illya's steady heartbeat reached him from the distance, filling his own heart with peace.
The connection between them worked well now, he could easily find Illyasviel, hidden somewhere in the northern part of Miyama district. He has already checked how far from his Master he can go without any consequences. It seemed that the red Fuyuki bridge was the critical point – he felt heavy just a few kilometers further on the other side of the river. The ley lines of this town formed a really strange pattern and he was not very compatible with them.
Now his Master was safe and content after a long sleep. Siegfried felt sorry for Illya. She may soon see some parts of his shattered memories in her dreams and it's certainly not good for a child. Blood, slaughter, more blood and ever more slaughter - his legend is like a long nightmare. Little girls deserve the sweetest dreams, not something this creepy.
"Forgive me, Master. I wish I could show you some good things instead."
The world was still beautiful, not in a way he remembered it, but some things were even better. Yesterday he discovered many new things, including motorcycles and delicious Japanese sweets. In his life he had never tasted so many sweet things, and he has never suspected, that food can be this good. It would be great to share this new experience with Illya - Saber could already imagine her reaction, wide smile and sparkles in her eyes.
He sighed, examining his own thoughts. He's been summoned here to fight, not to have fun or grant wishes. But he could not deny, that he intended to grant a wish and actually had some fun in the town. Should he feel ashamed because of that? Was it really wrong and unforgivable?
Maybe not, if he won't forget about his task. The best way to make his Master's wish come true is to defeat Arturia and make sure that Illya's parents abandon the war. But would Kiritsugu truly give up? And, what bothered Saber even more, would he be able to win against Lancer?
Siegfried did not know fear, but the strange sensation he could feel, thinking of Arturia's lance, was as close to it as possible. If there's a weapon in this war able to annihilate him, through his weak point or not, it's certainly that lance with a strange, divine aura. In a different situation he would be happy to have such a wonderful opponent, but now he had the clear goal. He must focus on surviving, no, even more - on wining this war.
It was not a good time for thinking about killing Arturia, now they were allies. Illya wanted Saber to help her father and he will do it. This little and cute Master won't be betrayed, not by him. But no one said that Saber must obey the orders of Kiritsugu Emiya, and he had no intention to do so. This time he was not treated like a tool, some things were for him to decide.
Well, soon it will turn out if it was a good idea.
He sighed again and turned on the TV. It was the time for the evening news. Something bad happened in Fuyuki, a serial killer, who targeted mostly children and young women, murdered another family few nights ago. It looked like the culprit was enjoying the suffering of his victims, not to mention how much he desecrated their corpses, cutting off their heads, limbs or drawing pentagrams with their blood.
"He's trying to summon something? He's a mage?"
Saber frowned, angry at the psychopath, who spreads evil across this beautiful town. Such things were not forbidden during the Holy Grail War? Involving innocent bystanders draws too much attention to already dirty conflicts of magi. This war should have a supervisor from the Church too, shouldn't it? It wasn't the first time, so why no one intervened? They don't watch TV or what?
Most likely they don't really care. Normally Siegfried also wouldn't be involved, but… He wanted to help, even if no one asks him for it. And this case seems to be a part of the war, more or less, so nobody will cry, if he finds and kills the bastard, right?
Saber soon left his room and sank into darkness, not yet sure if it will be the night of sightseeing, fighting or hunting.
"Look at her, Ryuunosuke! Her very existence is the answer!" In his dark lair, Caster was looking into the glass sphere, which he used to observe the city. "She is the maiden of my destiny!"
"Huh?" His Master came closer to take a look. He saw two women on the beach, walking carefree under the moon: a white-haired and red-eyed beauty in the company of a mysterious blonde with dangerous golden eyes. "Which one?"
"Jeanne, of course! My dearest Jeanne, who's been abandoned by God and perished in shame." Caster's excitement has just reached a ridiculously scary level. "But now she returned, matured, wiser and stronger, to take revenge on her persecutors! My wish has been fulfilled at last! It's a miracle!"
Ryuunosuke was not really sure, what's happening. Tears were running down Caster's cheeks, while he was staring at the image of the blonde.
"So… what are you going to do, Mister?"
"I will come for her soon, of course. Together we will challenge God and show him the greatest blasphemy this world has ever seen!"
A Master and his Servant were sitting on the sidewalk in the park, analyzing maps and discussing their wishes to the Grail. The big, bearded man was speaking about conquest, but the young mage wanted only to be treated fairly by other people.
"How foolish! You're in this battle just for your reputation?" The boy literally flew away, when Rider flicked his nose. "Perhaps you should use the Grail's power to grow another thirty centimeters? Hmmm, this one looks like a warrior, but he sneaks in the shadows."
"What are you talking about?" Waver Velvet looked around and froze. A Servant in modern clothes was standing a few meters from them. The young magus read his status and blinked, utterly surprised. "S-Saber?"
"Greetings to the famous King of Conquerors and his Master." The intruder bowed slightly. "I didn't mean to disturb you, I was just passing by. Too bad that you've stopped talking, it was very interesting."
Waver's face turned pale, when he realized, how close the enemy Servant managed to approach them unnoticed. Rider looked unmoved, but he too was thinking how could it happen.
Saber with Presence Concealment skill? The boy swallowed. No, impossible. Maybe we've just been careless?
"So you already know my name, but will you give us yours in return?" Rider did not change his position and had no slightest intention to do so. "Who are you? A wandering knight, like the ones of the Round Table?"
Saber chuckled at this unexpected compliment. He must say Arturia about it when they'll meet again. It was also a nice try to provoke him, to be honest.
"Well, kind of. I have nothing against giving my name to such respectable opponent, but…" He looked around and winked meaningfully. "Too many uninvited ears may hear it, so forgive me for now."
"I see." It was more than enough information for Rider. Now he was sure, that the true name of this hero will tell him about his weakness. "You're already involved in this conversation, so come, sit with us and tell me what you think."
"Whaaaaat?!" Waver did not hide his discontent. He was staring at his Servant with his eyes wide open. Right now he did not look like a self-proclaimed genius, not at all. "Seriously?"
"About what?" Saber sat down on the sidewalk, face to face with Rider, as if it's a normal thing to do for two Servants, summoned here to fight each other.
"About our wishes. What do you think?"
"Every wish is important, but… Honestly?" Rider confirmed with a nod. "I think that you don't really need the Grail to grant them. It's something you should do yourself, because in this case the process is more important than the effect."
"Huh?" Waver seemed to be even more confused than before.
Iskandar burst out laughing. It was a deep, vibrating sound, which was coming from his belly rather than from his throat.
"Interesting! I think I like you. I would like to see you in battle first but if your sword is as sharp as your tongue..." Still laughing, he poked Saber in the arm, like he would do to one of his trusted companions. "I ask you here and now – will you join my army? You will be treated like my friend, sharing both the glory and the joy of conquest. What say you?"
"Haaa?" Waver blinked, not believing his own ears.
Siegfried smiled, captivated by this charismatic man.
"I respect your dream of conquest, but I'm not interested in fighting for it or for you, at least not for now."
"Why? Your pride won't let you join me?"
"No, I suppose I'm not half as proud as the other Heroic Spirits." Saber smiled."I just have a promise to keep. Sorry."
Iskandar sighed.
"You've already swore your sword to someone else? What a waste, what a shame. So, when the time comes…"
"Yes, I will gladly answer to your challenge. It would be an honor, great King of Conquerors." Saber stood up with a smile, waved to them and slowly walked his way, heading to the port.
"Hey, Rider." Waver stared at Saber's back. "I thought I've picked a weird Servant, but… There are more, who are not really interested in fighting for the Grail?"
Iskandar laughed at his question.
"Probably. If you love life and enjoy everything this world can give you, you will never miss the opportunity to come back, even for a while, right?" He slapped his Master in the back, making him cough painfully. "No, you probably don't get it yet. You must grow up. Or rather get old, ha, ha!"
His young Master stared at him without understanding.
"Don't look at me like that, boy. Anyway, it's not the time to think of death, first you must let yourself truly live!"
"If you love life so much, then why you risk losing it in battle?" Waver clearly was trying to figure it out.
"Isn't it obvious?" Iskandar spread his arms as wide as he could, as if he was trying to embrace the whole world he intended to conquer. "To experience it to the fullest, of course! You never feel as alive as on the verge of death, when you're heart is dancing!"
King of Conquerors waited patiently in silence for the boy to confirm, that he understands this lesson. After a long moment of heavy silence, he sighed and stood up.
"Enough talking then, I'll show you soon what the conquest truly mean. Now we should go."
"What?! Where?!" - Waver shouted, already back on his feet. He had a bad feeling about it.
"We're going to follow Saber, of course," Rider explained with a wide smile. "People like him have a talent for getting into trouble and I won't miss the fun!"
After a short command his chariot has descended from the sky, accompanied by thunders, and ready for the ride.
Kiritsugu has arrived as planned to the hotel and met there with Maiya. His equipment was ready, as well as all the reports. But the first thing he did was to check the transmission from the cameras placed in Illya's hideout.
All systems were working perfectly, Kiritsugu checked the rooms of this old house and smiled, seeing Illya on the corridor. She was yelling at one of her maids, probably Leysritt, with a ridiculously serious expression. She should have been sleeping right now, but the change of time zone after a long journey may be a problem, especially for a child. Or maybe she was so nervous at night because of the Holy Grail War?
"There was an incident last night at the Tohsaka mansion." Maiya showed Kiritsugu the record. It looked like Assassin was annihilated by the unknown Servant of the red magus.
They've discussed this matter and were almost sure, that it was a poorly arranged bluff. It looked like Tohsaka was waiting for all the Masters to start this show and hid Kotomine Kirei in the church, so he could act freely under his father's protection.
"Oh?" Maiya froze suddenly, when one of her spying bat familiars detected something interesting.
Kiritsugu abandoned the cigarette he was going to light up and instinctively picked up the rifle.
"What's happening?"
"It's seems that we have the first serious battle at the harbor. At least three Servants appeared there."
"Iri is somewhere around the harbor with Lancer, right?" - Emiya contacted his wife immediately, glad that he had taught her how to use a cell phone.
"Kiritsugu? Yes, we're at the docks. Saber is fighting two opponents at once" – Irisviel said, surprisingly worried. "And Lancer can sense more Servants nearby. Should we help Saber?"
"Only as a last resort. Stay calm, I'll be there soon. It's a perfect opportunity to know our enemies."
"Ok, I'll let Lancer decide when to intervene."
She disconnected in a great hurry. It was not surprising, considering the loud noises in the background, strange explosions, sounds of clashing swords and crushed containers.
"Let's see what Servants in this War really can do," Kiritsugu whispered, more excited than he really should be.
Gilgamesh was laughing, visibly pleased. His little plan was successful.
"You dare to call yourself Saber, the strongest class? You should enjoy my gift more."
He was standing at the top of a mountain of stacked containers and watched the battle below. This duel was chaotic and brutal, like any other fight with Berserker as one of the opponents. This particular Berserker was like an animated, raging black armor, covered by strange shadows.
"I see." Saber remained calm and focused, the contrast between both fighters was fascinating. "You've provoked Berserker to go into frenzy and then lured him here to attack me."
Gilgamesh gave him a wide, vicious smile.
"And you walked into my trap like a complete fool. A small burst of mana was enough to invite you."
"A champion takes on all challengers," Saber quoted Illya's favorite line with a strange, thin smile.
"Then reap what you sow." King of Heroes opened the golden portals in the air around him and threw some weapons at both warriors. "It's time to increase the difficulty, you've started to bore me."
Shit, Saber thought, seeing blades coming at him from all possible directions. Although he managed to block or dodge all of them, he found the necessity of doing so extremely annoying. Every time Saber was about to land decisive blow, more blades came to disturb him. Gilgamesh was clearly mocking them with his unusual attacks, there was no logical explanation of this behavior.
Berserker grabbed one of the flying blades, a fine bastard sword, probably his favorite type of weapon. Their duel became even more fierce and spectacular right now. Some parts of shattered containers and fragments of asphalt were flying around, also no street lamp remained untouched. Only the moon kept shining upon the battlefield.
"I really don't mind fighting you all night, but what about your Master?" Saber stepped back, blocking another powerful strike. Their clash carved another large hole in the ground. "You will exhaust him to death, you know?"
Berserker only growled and attacked Saber even more vigorously.
The real problem with this Black Knight was not his strength, which made him able to actually pierce through Saber's dragon skin and scratch him, but the combat skills of the mad warrior. He must have been a top-class swordsman to keep up with Siegfried with such ease. Even without releasing the energy from his sword, Saber should end this fight relatively quickly, but he got stuck in a disadvantageous position, because of the continued attacks of the strange golden Servant.
What's his goal? To force me to use my Noble Phantasm?
Soon another enemy decided to join the fight. The rain of small arrows has fallen at the fighting Servants. One of the missiles hit Siegfried's back, dangerously close to his weak point.
Great. Who else wants to kill me tonight?
The attack of the invisible sniper seemed futile at first glance, but soon they all realized the true meaning behind this strange maneuver. No arrow actually pierced through Saber's dragon skin or through the armors of his enemies, but the air around became strangely heavy, like in a forest full of poisonous plants.
When the toxin reached Saber's nostrils, his vision became blurred. He was slowing down with every breath and the fact, that Berserker seemed unaffected, was not a good sign.
At this rate he'll…
"Enough!" The rider in black entered the scene. "Three on one? And you still dare to call yourself Heroic Spirits?"
"Oh? So you've decided to show up at last." Gilgamesh's smile widened at the view and it could mean only troubles.
"Maiya, have you spotted any enemy Masters?"
"None."
Kiritsugu clenched his fists. They've checked every corner of the harbor and found nothing, except the supposedly dead Assassin, who was observing the fight from the crane. Archer class possesses Independent Action skill, so Master of the invisible sniper probably did not even leave his warm apartment. The same may refer to Tokiomi Tohsaka and his abnormal Servant, but at least Master of Berserker should be somewhere nearby… Or maybe this black thing is raging out of control now and a Command Spell is needed to make him return to his magus?
Emiya sighed. It seemed that his Lancer was the only Servant actually controlled by a Master here.
What's wrong with this Holy Grail War? It's a rebellion of Servants or something?
With almost all the familiars running freely and no Master to challenge, Kiritsugu could only watch and wait for the results of this crazy battle.
Lancer charged at Berserker at full speed; she did not even raised her weapon against the Black Knight, only hit him with her armored horse. The power of this impact was great enough to send Berserker flying. He hit the pile of containers, then fell on the ground, stunned and battered. After a short while, he vanished into his spirit form, not able to continue the fight.
At this moment another arrows came, targeting only Arturia's horse and less protected parts of her body, especially legs. One or two reached the target. The mare squealed painfully, but Lancer seemed only enraged because of the poison. She looked around, determined to find the troublesome sniper.
Gilgamesh, angry at the intruder, who dared to mess with his show, also focused on searching for the hidden enemy.
"I can feel you, pest," he said, looking at the mountain of stacked containers on the left. Because he wasn't able to localize the exact position of the sniper, he decided to destroy the entire area. The harbor was now glowing with a golden light from his open portals. "Filthy mongrel."
"Are you insane?" Saber jumped back to take cover. Arturia could barely control her scared horse, when the rain of weapons filled the sky above her head.
The containers exploded and collapsed at once, burying the hidden Servant under the mass of metal.
"Ouch." He scrambled out the ruins and stood up slowly, trying to save the remnants of his dignity. One of his legs seemed broken, but he somehow managed to stand. It was a tall but slim man, who looked more like a walking smudge of green, completely hidden under his cloak. "Hey, hey, you should calm down a little. You clearly overreacted."
"You!" Lancer raised her weapon and turned to Servant in green. "Archer, right? You have a chance to neutralize the poison and I will spare you this time. But if you refuse, it will be your end."
So this is serious? Siegfried, thankful for a moment of rest after the exhausting fight, was observing them all - especially smiling Gilgamesh - from the corner.
"Scary, scary!" Even if Archer was really frightened, the tone of his voice remained the same. "I would like to, but my Master changed the toxin with his magic tricks. I have no power to help you."
"So you choose death? Very well."
"Hmmm." Rider stroke his beard, watching the fight from the red bridge. "For a moment I was worried about Saber, but it seemed that Archer will be taken down tonight."
"This is preposterous…" The battle was so fascinating, that Waver forgot about his fear of heights, and enjoyed it with his eyes wide open.
"What exactly?"
"Everything!" The young magus shook his head with disbelief. "This classless Servant and his ridiculous Noble Phantasm! Saber, who survived the battle against three Servants at once! And Lancer is just scary, I don't even know why!"
"Ha, ha, ha! And now, boy, imagine that none of them is serious tonight," Iskandar added with a wide smile.
"Eeee?" Waver groaned, like he was about to vomit. "Then why you're so happy about it?"
"Because now I'm sure that my heart will be dancing pretty well during this campaign!"
Llamrei's hooves pounded the ground when Lancer charged at the defenseless bowman. Archer was desperately trying to escape, but they all knew that he has no chance against Arturia now. She was too fast and angry to be stopped by a weaker and wounded opponent. Maybe a Command Spell could save him now…
"Hey, you! Big guy over there!" - Archer shouted to Saber, trying to slow the horse down with arrows. "Maybe you will move your ass and help me? She's going to smash me!"
The urge to answer his desperate calling for help was as strong as a power of a Command Spell, if not stronger. There was no way for Saber to resist it.
"Damned curse!" – he whispered angrily, standing between charging Lancer and cornered Archer. He couldn't see Arturia's expression under her helmet, when he blocked a strike of her lance with Balmung, but her whole figure expressed hesitation and surprise. She ordered Llamrei to step back, not sure what to do.
She has just been betrayed and wanted to know the reason.
Thank You for reading, commenting and other kinds of support. And sorry for the cliffhanger. I hope You enjoyed his chapter!