8: A Promising Cooperation
"Ha, ha, ha! Wonderful! There's still a chance that I will get a decent duel in this war."
"Kirei, have you just lost another one of your spies?"
Kotomine did not expect Gilgamesh to reside in his private room. Executor froze at the door, seeing the King of Heroes lying shamelessly on his sofa and drinking his wine without asking permission.
"Why do you think so?"
"Your face." The golden-haired Servant shrugged. "You looked exactly the same when Saber slaughtered almost half of your little army."
Kirei winced at the memory of the fight in the forest. It was a humiliating defeat. The difference in strength between Saber and Kotomine's Servant was preposterous. To think that such power belonged to a Master, who doesn't really need it… What a waste!
"Why are you here and not with Tokiomi?"
"He's avoiding me. Probably he's afraid that I'm going to kill him," his guest answered simply, as if it was just an unimportant detail.
Kotomine raised one eyebrow, not sure what to think about it.
"And you may kill your Master?"
Gilgamesh rolled his eyes and completely ignored this last question.
"Mongrels are not fighting each other, I'll soon be bored to death." He sighed, changing the topic.
"Oh? Aren't they all pursuing Caster? Rider and Berserker are fighting him right now."
"I'm not a pig Kirei, I don't like bathe in mud." Gilgamesh's eyes narrowed, but he seemed to be too bored to get angry. "It's a mongrel's job to hunt bugs, not mine. So, which Servant killed your spy?"
"I'm not really sure. It was a surprise attack, so maybe Archer. Anyway, I think I saw Master of Saber, but…"
"But?" Now Gilgamesh was really interested, his eyes were shining again and the boredom, which was clearly visible in his moves, disappeared completely.
"It seems that his Master is a little girl, one of the Einzbern's homunculi, but still a child. Strange."
"Ha, ha, ha! Wonderful! There's still a chance that I will get a decent duel in this war."
Kotomine thought, that it's rather quick and unexpected change of mood, but did not comment it in any way.
"You've seemed to be disappointed with Saber last time, after the battle in the harbor?"
"He showed me nothing back then. There's no way I could be satisfied with something such half-hearted, Kirei." Gilgamesh sipped some wine, threw his head back and laughed again. "This type must be cornered, like a wild beast, to show his full potential. Although it's incredibly childish, that little girl may be a trigger to unleash his power. I want to see him raging, helplessly and desperately, defending his Master. In such circumstances he may be able to entertain me. A little."
Kotomine did not know what to think about it. He understood such reasoning, but his own feelings surprised him. How could he find it exciting? It was an evil plot, for nothing else, but a twisted pleasure... Why he wanted to assist and even join King of Heroes in this kind of 'entertainment'?
Not yet ready to consider his new sensation, Kirei only asked:
"And what about Lancer? You said that she's worth your time."
"Ah, this one is interesting, but a lot easier to handle." Gilgamesh swirled the wine, watching his own reflection in the glass. "She's the one who crushes every obstacle on her way. Just like that. The only thing I need to do is to stand between her and her goal when she almost reaches it."
"I see." A strange shade crossed Executor's face, when he took a seat next to his guest. "So you're really are here only to have fun and mess around with other Heroic Spirits."
"You don't like it? What should I want? The Grail, which is already mine, like everything in this world?" Gilgamesh laughed. "And what is it that you want, Kirei?"
Another troublesome question. Isn't he participating in this War because the Grail may be able to give him an answer?
"I…"
"What an amusing face you've made just now!" Gilgamesh smiled and gave the priest a look of a lazy, wild cat. "You don't need to have a general answer. After all, people are capricious creatures, they chase one little desire after another. If it's so difficult for you, tell me what do you want right now, Kirei."
Right now? Is there really something he wants? He's been nervous recently, like if he's waiting for something, but… What was it?
And then he knew. He felt a sudden relief, realizing this simple truth. There must be a person just like him, who walked the same path and already knows the answer.
"I want to face Kiritsugu Emiya."
After a moment of silence, Gilgamesh laughed. It was a soft, pleasant sound, this time devoid of malice.
"So, we're going after the Einzbern team? Fine with me." He poured the wine into another glass and handed it to Kirei. "You will get your answers, I will get some fun. Let's make a toast to this promising cooperation."
They clinked their glasses. Kotomine stared at the drink, crimson and sweet like blood. He accepted it hesitantly and tried the wine. It tasted… different than before, like a promise of something extraordinary.
Kirei still did not know pleasure, but suspected, that this excitement is as close to it as it possible for him. He smiled.
"Ah, promising, indeed."
"Did you hear that, Rider?" Waver tensed, alarmed by strange screams.
They were riding through the canal to attack Caster in his hideout. The anemone-like creatures were dying under the wheels of Iskandar's chariot with annoying, squishing sounds. A small alchemic trick was enough to find this place, but it seemed that someone was already fighting here.
Rider did not answer, but ordered the bulls to speed up. Soon they entered a large grotto, probably an empty water tank. In the green glow of a flare, fired by one of the fighting magi, they saw tens of massacred corpses. Some children were crucified on the walls, their intestines were scattered around to imitate a grotesque painting of a mad abstractionist. Others were lying on the floor, gutted and chopped... It was definitely not a view, that can be easily forgotten.
Waver was trying hard to not vomit, but he failed eventually. Ashamed and still shaken, he tried to concentrate on the battle.
In the centre of this awful place, Berserker was fighting the summoned demons, using a long metal pipe. He was surprisingly calm, but too many tentacles blocked his movements, keeping him away from Caster.
This time Berserker's Master did not hide in the shadows. He was standing near the wall, commanding a swarm of strange insects. They were biting the enemy magus without mercy, literally eating him alive. Considering the circumstances, Waver could say that this psychopath deserved it.
Caster was not able to help his Master. His body was partially burnt and it seemed that the fiend was barely able to materialize. Actually it was a miracle, that he managed to survive the Rhongomyniad blast.
"So, boy… What should we do?"
It was not really a question, but another lesson. Waver should carefully chose his words, but had not enough time to do so.
"Actually, it would be better if we just let them be…" Rider raised his hand to punch Waver, so the boy finished in a great hurry: "But we can't just stand and watch, when the supervisor ordered everyone to defeat Caster, right? Right?"
Iskandar sighed. It was clearly what he wanted to hear, but the way Waver said it was disappointing.
"Boy, I think I can forgive you this time." Rider drew his sword and grabbed the reins. "Let's go then! Gordius Wheel! AAAALaLaLaLaLaie!"
Their charge literally wiped the monsters away, cleaning the path for Berserker. The Black Knight, now free from irritating tentacles, understood their intention and attacked Caster without a second thought. One powerful strike was enough to finish the fiend off, this time once and for all.
"Honestly… that was surprisingly quick." Rider stroke his beard, somehow disappointed. "Oh, it seems that our black friend has enough fighting for today."
Berserker dematerialized immediately to relieve his Master from pain, but Kariya collapsed anyway, totally exhausted. He fell on the ground next to the corpse of Ryuunosuke, almost completely eaten by the insects.
"S-sakura…" The Matou magus reached out his hand to Iskandar. "Please… help Sakura."
"What?" Rider got off his chariot and came closer, not really knowing, what's going on. "Who's Sakura?"
"In the Matou residence… Sakura."
Kariya could say nothing more and fainted. Even unconscious, he was bleeding from random places - it looked awful enough to make even Rider worried about his condition.
"Hey, boy, we must do something or he's going to die!"
"I know, but I can't help!" Waver's hands were shaking. "I can't use a healing magic!"
"I can!" A woman's voice came from behind. They turned around and saw two familiar figures, the blonde and the silver-haired one. "He still can be saved, I suppose."
"Lancer, huh?" Iskandar gave Arturia a suspicious gaze. "You're late. The battle is over."
Lancer ignored him completely. She had no intention to let Iri come any closer to the enemies.
"Irisviel, saving a few, or even a few dozen of people is not our goal. We're here to kill other Masters, not to help them."
That was something that Kiritsugu would say, no doubt. Why then it made Iri extremely sad? Of course they were both right in this matter, but deep in her heart, Irisviel could not accept it. Besides, she was sure, that there is at least one person, who would not hesitate to help this man.
"But…"
Suddenly, Rider decided to interfere. He slapped Waver in the back of his head to draw everybody's attention.
"You see, boy, the true conquest is not about attacking an enemy, when he's weak and not able to defend himself." He pretended to educate his Master, but his speech was clearly prepared for Lancer. "It's about facing an enemy when he's at his full power, so he would have no choice but to accept your superiority. To win, but not destroy. To conquer, but not humiliate!"
"I know it already, stop doing this!" Waver was desperately trying to free himself from Iskandar's hand.
Arturia stared at Rider coldly, ready to accept his challenge. She did not like to be instructed, especially when someone dared to question her morality.
"What's with that look, Lancer? The Master of Berserker collapsed because he had to finish your job. At least show some gratitude."
"Don't start the fight, you idiot!" Waver tried to jerk Rider's arm, but it was as effective as wrestling with a rock. "U-waaaah!" He hid behind his Servant's back, seeing enraged Arturia, who was ready to strike.
"Stop it, Lancer." Iri kneeled next to unconscious Kariya and prepared a healing spell. "We've come here to fight Caster, not to quarrel."
"Irisviel, Caster is defeated. We are enemies again."
Iri only shook her head; this time she was surprisingly stubborn.
"Not tonight, Lancer. Please, trust me."
"Well, it seems that it cuts off the discussion." Iskandar smiled widely, watching Irisviel and her healing magic in action. After a while, Kariya's shallow breathing became stable again. "So, where we should take him?"
"If he's really a member of Matou family…" Waver scratched his head, thinking. "Their residence is somewhere in Miyama district, more or less in the centre, if I remember correctly. Rider, you really want to take him there?"
"Of course. We decided to help, so we can't give up halfway, right?" Iskandar looked around. "We can't leave him in this tomb. This place must be destroyed."
They all agreed in this matter. It's sad, that the parents of Caster's victims will never know, what happened to their children, but destroying this creepy lair was the best thing Rider could do.
"It's over," Irisviel said, swallowing the tears. "No more deaths. No more suffering. Caster is finally defeated."
"Have you completed your task, Archer? That's why you returned?"
Kayneth was visibly irritated. He was sitting in his apartment, like a king on his throne, monitoring the situation outside through the eyes of his familiars.
"Yes, Saber was under the command of the Einzbern Master."
"Ha, ha, ha! Of course - Emiya Kiritsugu! He cheated somehow to have two Servants. Or rather killed Saber's original Master."
Lord El-Melloi stroked his chin, proud of his own deduction, and Robin had no intention of explaining his mistake. He was glad, that this little trick has worked. After all, he did not lie, it was Kayneth's fault to rush to conclusions.
"I knew that defeating this rat is the key to our victory. I will finish him off immediately, so he won't be able to cheat again."
Kayneth fell silent, with a strange smile dancing on his lips. Archer was almost sure that his Master was already imagining, how to humiliate his defeated enemy.
It would be nice to win first, don't you think, you dumb, arrogant aristocrat?
"Why are you still here, Archer?" Kayneth rolled his eyes. "You really don't know what to do without my instructions? Find Caster and kill him. Go, bring me a new Command Spell, in replacement for the one wasted because of your insolence."
It was Kayneth's point of view, but arguing was pointless, as always. Robin only nodded and left the room with a painful sigh.
It seems that we will be the greatest losers in this Holy Grail War…
"What's wrong?" Sola-Ui had a nasty habit of eavesdropping. "Your Master made a decision, why you can't just accept it?"
"Miss Sola, if Master goes after Kiritsugu Emiya unprepared, like the last time, he will die."
"Do you have a problem with that?"
Archer stared at his Master's fiancée, not sure, how he should react. What has just happened? It was provocation? A proposition? Or maybe a threat?
"Miss Sola, it's not funny."
"Do I look like I'm laughing, Archer?"
Robin helplessly shook his head. Sola-Ui was definitely not laughing, but she also did not show any kind of fear or worry. Actually, she probably won't care, if Kayneth dies.
"Let me give you some advice, Archer. When the time comes, remember who gives you stupid orders and who supplies you with energy to stay in this world." She smiled and it was not a smile of a young, beautiful woman, but the one of a twisted, manipulative witch. "Choose wisely."
She gave Robin the last meaningful glance and slowly walked to her room, leaving their Servant confused in the corridor.
Tokiomi had to reconsider his plans.
He was sitting in his magical atelier, visibly nervous. His fingers were tapping out a strange rhythm on the table. It was totally not like Tokiomi, but he had a good reason to be worried.
Gilgamesh was not only ignoring his Master, but also openly opposed him. He couldn't be trusted. He was impossible to control. Tohsaka had no chance to win the War with such troublesome, useless Servant. It was more than a bad luck – like if the Grail itself was plotting against the fire magus…
"Ridiculous!"
The Grail shouldn't have its own will or plans, it was created as a simple but powerful magical system. So why did Tokiomi have a feeling, that everything what's happened till now, was a part of a bigger scheme? Why did the Grail allow this abnormal Servant to be summoned?
"I need to calm down. I'm starting to imagine things. But…"
He stared at the three Commands Spells on his hand and clenched his teeth. It was no more a matter of pride, or of being the head of Tohsaka family and protector of this land. It was about survival. He cannot get rid of these spells, because using them may be the only way to prevent a certain Heroic Spirit from killing his Master. Tokiomi suspected, that one spell won't stop Gilgamesh from doing as he pleases, probably he will be forced to use all of them at once.
It was a tempting idea - to order Gilgamesh to commit suicide right now and then try to make a contract with another Servant. It's a privilege of the three founding families, to be a Master even after losing all the Command Spells, so it would not be like admitting defeat, but…
But…
No, as a member of Tohsaka family, he must act calmly, according to plan. Elegance is always necessary, even at war. There's no need to haste, avoiding Gilgamesh and reconsidering the possibilities should be enough for now.
Their plans have already changed, to be honest. Unfortunately, Kirei's Assassin became their main force, so he must be spared and survive as long as possible. But combat abilities of this class are extremely low and there's no way to win depending only on them. Tokiomi Tohsaka desperately needed a powerful ally.
He sighed and settled himself comfortably in his usual chair.
According to Kirei's research, Rider is a top class Servant, but his Master is a third-rate magus from nowhere. The mysterious Matou Master is probably as mad as his Servant. Lord El-Melloi seems to be a honorable magus, but he picked a weak card in this game and was forced to hide in the shadows… Saber's Master is still unknown, so only one choice remained.
"The Einzberns, huh?"
Tokiomi sighed again. Their Master may be a hired freelancer, but there must be a reason for old Jubstacheit to trust him. What's more, this enigmatic man summoned a Lancer, probably the most loyal and honorable of all classes. It may be worth to give it a try.
"Let's meet and talk first, we will decide later."
"What's this?" Kiritsugu looked at the jade bird on Maiya's hand. "A spy?"
"A messenger."
Emiya raised his eyebrows after reading the letter delivered by the familiar.
"Oh? Tohsaka wants to meet with us on neutral ground? Interesting. Iri will go to the meeting."
"Should we call Madam immediately or wait for her return?"
"Hmmm." Kiritsugu was thinking for a while. Irisviel has changed recently, for the first time she decided to act on her own initiative. She visited Illya in her hideout, then joined the hunt for Caster. She became strangely rebellious… Emiya would like to know the reason for this sudden change of her behavior.
"Are you angry at Madam?" Maiya knew him just too well; she could easily guess, what he's thinking.
Surprisingly, Kiritsugu smiled.
"How could I? Making decisions and taking responsibility for them is the most important part of being human. I'm glad, that Iri can experience it at last." He looked away, embarrassed. He should be rather focused on the upcoming fights. "It's fine as long as Lancer assists her. Actually, it was a good choice. Now, when other Masters think, that we do exactly what the supervisor said, I can focus on the most important tasks."
Maiya nodded. She did not have to ask, who's their target.
They had a score to settle with Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald and were determined to finish this as soon as possible.
"Saber!" Illyasviel poked her Servant, demanding attention. "You'll be back in the morning?"
They were cleaning the table after dinner. Siegfried was totally helpless when it comes to preparing meals, so he took it upon himself to wash the dishes. No one liked to do it, so they accepted his self-sacrifice without a word.
"Of course. I won't let anyone separate us again. It was a stupid idea."
"Um, I'll be waiting for you. Uuummm? What's wrong, Sella?" Illya noticed a worried expression on her maid's face.
"Someone is trying to dispel the barrier around the resid…"
"Look out!"
A strange flash of light outside alarmed Saber. The girl and her maid fell on the floor, having no time to scream. Siegfried used his own body as a shield to protect them.
All windows exploded simultaneously, hit by the rain of various weapons, coming from all possible directions. The blades easily broke through the glass and even through the roof. A few seconds were enough for the enemy Servant to almost completely demolish this part of the residence.
As expected, it was not a true attack, but a show to disorientate the inhabitants. Most of the weapons did not manage to scratch Saber, but the barrier around the house has been destroyed and…
"Assassin? Again?" Siegfried sighed, helping Illya and Sella hide behind him in the corner of the room. It was not the best position for a defensive fight, they had to move from here as soon as possible.
Luckily, Leysritt was already near them, with her ridiculously big halberd in hands. She was surrounded, but did not let any of the enemies break through.
Saber wanted to avoid the fight inside the house. He needed a moment to prepare the evacuation route for Illya, so he took his Master and Sella to the next room and destroyed the wall with one powerful punch. With Leysritt, fighting on the other side of the collapsed wall and guarding the passage, they could proceed with their plan.
Siegfried had to admit, that Illyasviel was surprisingly brave and quiet. She must have realized, how dangerous the situation is, and was unusually obedient. Saber was really proud of her.
"We must hurry." He wrapped both Sella and Illya in his magical cloak, and activated the invisibility spell. "If you remain quiet and keep walking in the shadows, no one will be able to notice you. Go to the castle, we will join you there later."
"Let's go!" – it was Sella's voice. Saber could feel a little hand, touching his fingers in silence, before the two walked through the partially destroyed corridor to the back door. Good, no one should be able to target them in this chaos.
Well, almost. An Archer class Servant or any other with a high level of Clairvoyance would have no problems to see through this little trick. It's enough to deceive Assassin, but someone far more dangerous was waiting outside. In the harbor this abnormal Servant proved himself to be extremely perceptive. Illya still will be able to evacuate safely, but only if someone 'entertains' this golden bastard for a while.
"Leysritt…" Siegfried materialized near her and forced the nearest opponent to step back. He wanted to say, that she should be careful and only keep Assassin busy, but the warrior maid already knew, what to do.
"Yes. I will. You too. Don't die, Sa-ber. Ill-ya will be sad."
"I won't die." He smiled. "My orders are clear. So… be careful!"
He grasped Balmung's hilt and left the house to answer the challenge, ready to sacrifice everything to protect his dear Master.
Sorry for keep You waiting and thank You for reading! If You have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact me.