Chapter 19

Confrontation

The next day

"So…first of all, what comes to mind when killing a dragon?" said Marie.

"Ice!" shouted Ritsuka. Everyone stared at her while Sumireko burst into laughter.

"Ah sorry, couldn't resist. A dragon slayer of course. So…wait, were there any dragon slayers in France?"

Marie nodded. "There was one, Saint Georgios, but that is not who we're looking for. The one we're searching for is…um…"

She looked at Mozart. "Who was it again?"

Mozart shrugged. "I have no idea. All we know is that Elizabeth over here felt intense fear when going near the area of our supposed dragon slayer. So either it is another dragon or a dragon slayer. Add in the fact that the town we saw still had people, and surprise surprise, Charles VII of all people visited…well, suffice to say it's a dragon slayer. Oh and someone quite familiar with our dear Saint visited as well."

Jeanne was blinked and just nodded. "He…"

"Yes, it was Gilles De Rais. He came to provide backup for the city. I believe he left just a week ago if the civilian we talked to was accurate."

Artoria froze in the middle of biting through a massive chunk of wyvern meat. "Wait, Gilles, as in the one that kidnapped and…well killed children?! How did one associated with a saint turn into…whatever that thing I fought in the fourth holy grail war was?!"

Jeanne shook her head. "I was not alive to witness it, but he was just a good man before. I do not know why he turned, but…I suppose I must apologize. In any case…I do not think meeting him would be a good idea. He likely knows who the dragon witch is, and…he wouldn't accept me."

Artoria choked on her soup. "*Cough* Please tell me you are joking. You think that man would despise you just because of some rumors that you turned into a witch? You may not have been alive to witness it, but I have…met the man after he was corrupted. Calling it obsession would be an insult to the level of fanaticism he had for you."

"N-no, he wasn't that bad was he?"

"Your faith in others is honestly astounding."

"Oh…"

Ritsuka nodded. "Well, no use getting nervous over meeting someone you knew before. So that's it then. If we meet him we meet him, if we don't then that's all the better. In any case, our next destination is-"

"-The city of Lyon. That's where they will head next," said Jeanne Alter. "After all, their biggest threat is our resident dragon."

"OOHHHH, As expected of my saint, your eyes see all!" Shouted Gilles.

"HAHAHA, Praise me more!" She said, before glancing in front of her, her smile fading.

Multiple servants kneeled in front of her. Several were familiar faces, while there were several new ones as well.

She grit her teeth. Rage began to cloud her mind.

(They've already gotten in my way once. Never again. This time…I will crush them.)

To see their faces in despair, to break that one little girl's will, that would be ecstatic!

…huh?

Confusion began to cloud her mind. Normally, the thought should have filled her with joy, with satisfaction. But…

There was nothing. No, there was one emotion at that thought.

Disappointment.

Not the type where she would think that she should have tortured that damn master more instead of just killing her off.

No, her thoughts were more along the lines of "Ah, what a waste."

(A waste?!) Her expression darkened further, and she clicked her tongue.

The alter suddenly sprang up from her throne and pointed at one of the servants.

"Rider."

"Yes, master," said Martha.

"...No, you won't be enough. Assassin, archer, both of you aid her. Kill the servants and companions of the master, but leave the master alive."

"Yes master!"

"So, about that other Jeanne," said Ritsuka.

"What about the other me?"

"Do you think…we could somehow convince her to…i dunno, join our side?"

Jeanne froze in shock. "You DO know she just tried to kill you right?"

"Yeah yeah, but I just feel like I can convince her somehow." muttered Ritsuka.

The servant silently shook her head. "Indeed, God forgives all no matter their transgressions."

"However."

She stared at the city coming into view.

"My alter…if we can even call her that. She…she is different. Everyone deserves forgiveness, but…that is only if they have done something wrong."

She gazed into the sky. "In my eyes, she knows what she is doing is 'evil', but her very nature is to commit such an evil. But none of her hate, her words, I don't feel any 'genuine' feeling to it. It's…hard to explain."

She did not speak further. Then she opened her mouth again.

"Master. Just promise me."

She gazed at Ritsuka.

"Promise me, should we meet again, let me face her alone."

Taken aback by the sudden intensity in her tone, Ritsuka blankly stared back.

"Uh…yeah, sure."

*Fwoom*

A pillar of flame suddenly erupted next to them.

"...master…incoming," said Kiyohime, who stepped out. She had been

"SCREEEE!"

A loud cacophony of screeches filled the air. In the distance, a cloud of wyverns began to descend upon the city outskirts.

"Ohhhhh crap!" shouted Ritsuka. "Martha! Bring out Tarasque and blast us there, quick!"

"Oh my! It seems she predicted we would arrive here!" Marie cheerfully remarked.

"And she also predicted that you might come along here, so we were sent to stop you."

A familiar figure walked in front of them.

"Oh god, now there's two of them!" shouted Sumireko upon seeing the enemy Martha. Alongside her were the archer from before, and a new, white haired man. He wore a long trenchcoat that fell all the way to his ankles, and carried a sword with the tip spreading out to the side, creating a strange t shape.

"Heh, I've been meaning to pay you back, but the lord said that I should turn my cheek when slapped so I will simply hold you back for now." muttered Martha. "All of you, go forward, I'll handle them…"

*Twang*

The pluck of a bowstring resounded as an arrow flashed from behind her. Atalante deflected the arrow with her bow and growled.

"Unfortunately I'm not keen on letting an ally die," said Emiya with a wry grin.

"HAHA! Well said!" Shouted Mozart. He waved his hand over his face, and a mask covering his eyes appeared. He glanced at the swordsman.

"In any case, I have business with that man. Run along now, we haven't all day."

Everyone nodded and began to head toward the city. The enemy Martha signaled for her Tarasque to attack, but a fist from the side interrupted her.

She tilted her head, dodging the blow, and launched a counter. Her fist was easily caught.

"Ah, no longer putting appearances on, are you? I suppose your master is very trustworthy!" said Martha.

"Well, she does not believe in our lord and savior, but she is a good child. Putting that aside, I won't let you go after them." said Martha. She yanked Martha toward her and launched a low kick.

"You seem much more powerful than before! Even with my mad enhancement, you seem to be nearly matching me in strength!"

She countered back with her own low kick, and spinning forward, delivered an axe kick at Martha.

"Hmph, All of us at chaldea were summoned with a unique saint graph, so I can get stronger!"

She dodged and grabbed the leg. Gripping it tightly, she attempted to slam the other Martha into the ground. In response, she twisted in midair, freeing her from Martha's grip. Landing, she stamped her foot forward. She summoned her cross, and clasped her hand in prayer. The other Martha sidestepped, dodging an explosion of light that appeared. She summoned her own cross and whirling it, brought it down on the opposing Martha's head. The two staffs clashed, an explosion of light emitting from where the staffs touched and the two shouted.

""Tarasque!""

The two turtle dragons clashed in a blaze of fire. Bursting through the flames, the Marthas both ground their fists into the other's face.

""HAAAAAAAAH!""

"...I uh…"

"Confused right?" said Mozart with a chuckle. "I have no idea who is who already. They're practically the same in both manner and strength!"

"I really can't tell which one is ours at this point…" He readied his bow and pointed it at Atalante, who did the same.

"So…can you talk?" said Emiya. "...Nah, your mind's too clouded."

Both began to rapidly fire arrows. Flashes of light from the arrows colliding generated a sort of wall in between them. However, two arrows managed to slip past the barrage.

Grunting, Emiya untraced his bow and summoned a shield.

(As expected of the legendary hunter, I was completely outmatched in terms of skill with a bow.)

The arrows relentlessly assaulted him. At the corner of his eye, he saw two arrows collide, allowing one of them to ricochet to his back.

Ducking, he dodged the arrow and sent his shield forward at Atalante, forcing her to move out of the way.

He rushed forward, twin blades in hand. Atalante brought up her bow, stopping the blades.

*Clang*

Neither of them budged an inch.

"Seriously, what the hell did they do to you..."

Mana coursed through his muscles, and he forced the archer back.

"I have just one question."

The blades disappeared. A surge of mana suddenly burned the air.

"All the stories I was told by Medea stated that you loved children. But…my daughter was almost killed by you."

A massive stone blade appeared in his hand. It's length exceeded his height, and it's jagged edge gave off a savage sort of air. He raised it above his head and allowed it rest behind him. He grit his teeth, rage flashing in his eyes.

"I have to wonder, what did you feel back then?"

A roar of rage escaped Atalantes mouth

Agrius…Metamorphosis!

Violet flames wreathed her as she took on her new form. However…

*Drip*

Tears were pouring from her eyes.

"Please-"

Please stop me from committing more sins.

Emiya closed his eyes and sighed.

"Thought so. To force you to betray your ideals, I pity you. I know that feeling. And…

"I will grant your request, and get revenge for you. So please."

Rest.

Nine Lives…

Blade works.

It was over in an instant. No matter how many arrows, no matter how strong or fast she was, no matter what she did.

The ultimate martial art created by the legendary Greek hero Heracles could not be defeated.

And with 9 slashes reaching godspeed.

She was laid to rest.

*Splurt*

But even as a servant, this technique had taken its toll. Emiya layed on the floor, blood sputtering from every muscle on his body. It wasn't fatal but damn was it painful.

(Ah shit. I messed up my reinforcement. Even after a century I couldn't nail it…but, at least I didn't snap myself in half from the strain this time.)

*Twang*

A sound wave sliced the surroundings.

The swordsman ducked, and swung his blade at Mozart.

Gritting his teeth he waved his baton, causing several stringed instruments to instantly appear and strum a tune. The Swordsman suddenly froze, his strength suddenly leaving him for a second.

Jumping back to gain distance Mozart scoffed. "To think you would appear…Sanson."

The white haired swordsman lowered his blade. "Get out of my way Amadeus."

"I'm afraid I can't do that, and you know why."

He stepped back and waved his baton. Sanson leaped up before a soundwave tore up the area the swordsman stood.

Landing, he spat at the ground and looked at his sword. "...I executed her once. I will execute her again. Marie Antionette, she was innocent, beautiful, but alas, for the people she had to die."

He pointed it at the musician. " And now she must die for my master. My executioner's blade discriminates against none, and you are no exception."

Sighing, Mozart waved his baton and glared at him. "Well, I do suppose that avoiding a challenge is impossible. "

Sanson scowled. "I always hated how you turned everything into music. Even death could not escape your eyes."

A beam of azure light scattered the cloud of Wyverns.

"That's-!" shouted Jeanne.

"You recognize it?!" Ritsuka shouted back.

"Yes, I think I have an idea who our Dragon slayer is."

"Lemme guess, Saint Georgius?"

"What?! No! He doesn't shoot beams! The dragon slayer I'm referring to is one of the most famous: Siegfried."

Artoria shivered.

Seeing that, Jeanne tilted her head and gasped.

"Oh! I completely forgot you two were both related to dragons! I mean, I should have guessed that, given that I have met your nephew but…"

Artoria shook her head. "Putting aside the fact that you have met Mordred, it's less my fear of a dragon slayer and more I just felt a chill down my spine. I have a bad feeling, and my instincts are rarely wrong."

She glanced at Patchouli, who shook her head.

"No magical anomalies. If there are, they must either be a mage more skilled than I am or wield magecraft that originates from outside of this world."

Nodding, Artoria grabbed her counterpart and jumped onto her horse.

"We'll scout ahead. Thankfully those three managed to drag everyone away from the city." she said.

"It would be great if you did not grab me like a sack of potatoes. If we were not allies, I would have killed you on the spot for such a transgression." growled Salter.

Dr. Roman's face popped up. "Ah right, before you go, there are several saint graphs that have been closing in on the city. Be careful, I feel like they may be trying to get rid of us once and for all.

"Mm, I'll keep that in mind." she replied, not keeping it in mind.

"Wait, am I supposed to just wait here?" Ritsuka asked.

Artoria stared at her and sighed. A gentle look passed by her face.

"Ritsuka. You've…inherited much of your father's values and your mother's personality. I can understand how you feel right now, wanting to help those who need help, as well as not pass up on a chance to grab some gems or any useful items along the way-" she said.

Ritsuka flinched at the statement. What she said was absolutely true.

"-But what you have to realize is that if you die, Humanity is doomed. Even if you have no choice but to bite your lips and force yourself to stay still as people die in front of you, you must prioritize your safety. For your sake, as well as all of ours. Not to mention, we won't die that easily."

And upon finishing those words, she jumped over the walls.

"Right, uh…crap…well then." muttered Ritsuka and scratched her head. She tapped on her bracelet.

"Hey uh, is Da Vinci there?"

Romani appeared on the screen and shook his head. "No, she's uh… busy. Anything I can do for you instead?"

"Can you ask her to make some sort of surveillance drone in the future? That would be really useful."

"Hmmm…I'll hand her a note. In any case, I don't think you should relax. We haven't detected Fafnir's magical signature in the surrounding kilometer, but I'm almost certain that it should be headed over here, given the amount of wyverns."

"Mm, it certainly is." muttered Patchouli, looking past the city. She glanced at everyone else.

"I do not think I need to tell the Chaldeans and Alice, but Marisa, please be wary of the dragon. If I remember correctly, Fafnir is a special case of a dragon. All the dragons that appeared after the age of the gods are not true dragons, but are rather remnants of dragons called 'factors', and are also not limited to dragons. Our resident master's aunt and her mirror image can be classified as a dragon factor. Fafnir as well, but this one is strange in the way that not only are there multiple Fafnirs, they specialize in absorbing mana, allowing their power to match true dragons."

Marisa tilted her head in confusion. "So…basically we gotta just blast it with more firepower."

Groaning, Patchouli resisted the urge to punch the mage in the face, mostly because it would hurt herself more than the idiot.

"If you hadn't noticed, it did not actually use this ability when fighting with us, yet from what I could gather, its breath matched the strength of your master spark. If it decided to use its ability, it would not only overpower us, but also eliminate the one thing that allowed us mages to fight back: Mana. In layman's terms, if the dragon decides to go all out, we effectively lose any means of resupplying firepower for that fight."

"Ohhhhh. That sounds bad. So basically, we gotta blast it with more fire power before it can use it's ability."

"No you godforsaken imbecile! I'm telling you to not make things flashy or wasteful because this isn't a Danmaku battle!"

"Haha, don't worry."

"Ho-"

"Now now Patchouli." said Alice. "Honestly I'd be glad if the idiot just went off and died, but she's almost impossible to kill. Not to mention…"

She gazed at Marisa with a mysterious smile. "Well anyways-"

(Ritsuka! The city has been breached but only just barely. One of the servants got in. Fortunately, the majority of the city was evacuated. The only problem now is that I don't think our dragonslayer can hold on much longer, and I feel that he may be overwhelmed at this rate!) shouted Artoria to Ritsuka.

"Alright guys, it's go time." said Ritsuka.

"Hm, telepathic communication between servant and master. Is one channel for each servant or all servants connected to the same line?" asked Patchouli.

"Uh…i…actually don't know…"

"Alright, here's a warning before you go. The cloud of wyverns seems to be starting to wrap around toward our area, meaning they're aware of presence to a certain extent. Be careful and make sure not to make any flashy attacks." said Dr. Roman. "Yes, I'm talking about you, Miss Kirasame. As much as I want to see you fire another laser, try not to alert the world to our position."

"Guh! I'll…try ta do that ze."

Number 2