Chapter 8: Converging Branches
Authors' notes: Hello to everyone following this story. If you have read the introduction of the last chapter, you might remember I said I would update this story more regularly and not in six bloody months… long story short, life finds a way to make you regret your announcements. I got Covid (thank gods not for long and with no lasting effects), work happened, and right when I was near completion my USB containing the previous version of this chapter broke… This killed a lot of my motivation for a while. Anyway, here is the chapter, finally rewritten. I'm sorry it took so long, and hope everyone will enjoy it.
Tokiomi, despite looking as impeccably calm as always, was getting increasingly anxious by the sky getting darker and darker, the sun setting slowly but surely over the demon infested city of Tokyo. Him and Saber were almost in Shinjuku, in the place where allegedly a demon was giving hospitality to any who came with the money to pay him, no matter the nature or the alignment of the guest. That last part was one of the new pieces of information the ghost cast in circuit in Saber's Gauntlet has given him, how important it was not only for what it revealed for the nature of a demon, but also its place in the grand conflict that played out between those creatures. As the darkness encroached upon the streets, he also noticed how the demons in the street were... different than those before. Movements on the edge of his vision caught in the angle of inhabited buildings, hostile eyes around the corners of streets, bestial forms scurrying vaguely seen beyond windows and ruins. Without his Heroic Spirit, Tokimi was certain he would have not lasted until nightfall.
"We are close, Master. Stay on your guard."
The magus nodded as they approached what seemed to be a building in a much better state of conservation than anything else around, what seemed to have been a large shopping mall in better times. A shiver went through his back as he passed what he identified as a Bounded Field of some sort, something he could not pinpoint yet the function, but he was certain was binding in a way or another, right before Saber pushed open the transparent plastic doors of the mall. A vertigo overpowered him, and when his vision came back… he was welcomed by a sight that was not what he had seen the mall contained from the outside: walls made of wood, floor covered with furs, a large hearth with a burning fire inside.
"This is a Domain, Master Tohsaka. An area separated from normal space-time made by a powerful demon. It serves primarily as a hunting ground." Biped Burrough.
A particularly powerful Bounded Field that any strong demon could make? The magus was worried by this new information, especially as the mention of it being a "hunting ground", implying it was primarily a trap which you could not escape by normal means. A clinking of metal, and side by side from a doorcase on the right appeared two armored blonde women, their eyes covered by a mask extending into small wings in the sides of their head.
"Valkyries" quietly said Saber, as another figure walked toward them. This one was a colossus, much taller than the Valkyries, wearing only a cape and a loincloth outlining his overly muscled body. Its skin was a strong shade of blue and green, its hairs a dark red surrounding a frowning face. Yet its most noticeable peculiarity was its right hand: no flesh, but a metallic replacement crafted with obvious mastery, as flexible as a real member.
"I am Tyr, of the Kishin Race. Why have you come into my Domain, demon summoner?"
The demon's voice was deep and gritting, but unlike that of the Berserker demon they fought, it was also imbued with majesty, a power Tokiomi could feel was in the same league as Maya. And it was no surprise, for the one in front of them announced himself to be the Norse god of justice, law and war. Though of lesser renown than Thor and Odin, he could not be denied either strength or status.
"Greeting, honored god of justice. I am Tohsaka Tokiomi, sixth head of the Tohsaka family and the Master of Saber. We have come to your Domain seeking refuge from the darkness of the night, and the demons haunting it."
The gaze of the god bore through Tokiomi, switching to the Heroic Spirit briefly before returning to the magus.
"I recognize you Savior of Tokyo; your deeds and nature are known to me. Both you and your Master are welcome into my Domain. Come to my table, where food and warmth will fill your spirit after your travel."
At the word of their god the two Valkyies disappeared in another room while Tokiomi and Flynn followed their host to the table. Taking place on a bench in front of their host, they were soon welcomed by a feast of mead and meat brought by the warrior maidens. The magus wisely decided to not question from where they were coming from, reasoning a god would have little trouble in such a matter, and politely but gladly started to fill his empty stomach.
"It has been a long time since a representant of humanity came to this city. I do not think you have come from an eventual surviving population, nor your presence irrelevant to the recent surge in activity that has shaken Tokyo. Though my sight not equal that of the All-Father or the valiant holder of Gjallahorn, I am not ignorant of the world's matters. Would you grace me with the means and goals of your travel, magus?"
Tokiomi set aside his fork thoughtfully, choosing his words carefully. While not as well-known as the Greek's, the Norse's customs regarding hospitality were considered sacred, with the god before him being one of its guarantors. To hide and deflect would reflect poorly and perhaps breach their status as guest, something they could not afford.
"Of course, honored host. I am a participant in the ritual of the Holy Grail War, within which I am competing with six others and their Servants to obtain the right to wish upon the sacred cup."
"And Tokyo is the battlefield chosen for this war." Said Tyr, his flesh fingers intertwining with his metallic ones. "While I am unfamiliar with the power your Grail can offer, I recognize it as the likeness of Dagda's Cauldron. Though as enticing of a prize it is to go after, beware of the angels. There is little doubt they will take exception to a mortal claiming property of an artifact supposedly imbued with their God's power."
"Thank you for your concern, o Tyr, but it is not warranted. The angels are the ones sponsoring this ritual, with the Church acting as neutral ground where no conflict can occur." Explained Tokiomi, catching Saber rising and leaving the table without a word, an action that seemed overlooked by the Norse god.
"In that case I rest assured, magus. With such an esteemed contract as Flynn, I need not to question you for the wish you seek. As long as you do not bring conflict to my home, know that you will find it open should you need sanctuary."
Tokiomi bowed respectfully, satisfied with the unexpected boon. Finishing to eat his plate and drinking the offered mead, he found himself curious about the absence of his Servant. Was he standing guard outside? The precaution would be commendable, but it could appear as a slight against their host and being untrusting of his protection. A shift in space rippled, making his hair stand and in an instant Saber appeared in the hall. But not alone: held in his hand was a demon with the appearance of the young woman with long pink hairs circled by a golden ring, wearing brightly colored clothes adorned with orbs. And for all intent and purpose, it seemed to be… pouting?
"She was trying and failing to enter, Master." Helpfully said Saber, which seemed to only make the demon pout even harder.
"It's not my fault! Those doors are sooooo heavy!" whined the creature with a childish voice before her eyes fell on the god sitting at the table.
"Nymph." Tyr said, his voice filling the room and making the demon shrivel. "For what purpose do you come to my home uninvited?"
"Please don't kill me, great god! I was just following Flynn!"
"At whom orders? The Fairy Queen? The Devil's Auction?"
"No, noooooo! Nozomi doesn't know! I just wanted to speak! Pinky promise!" Panicked the small demon.
"Did you say Nozomi?" Suddenly asked Saber.
"Yes! Yes! She is here, I want to help! You can help! I saw you beat that big dummy; I know you can! Please!"
Saber opened his hand, letting the demon fly in front of him with a pleading pose, hand joined in prayer, before turning toward Tyr and bowing so deep she almost did a flip.
"I'm sorry, great god! Please forgive me! I just wanted to talk to Flynn! I'm leaving right after, I'm not bothering! Please!"
"Master, I believe it would be best to hear Napaea." Said the Heroic Spirit, looking at his Master. "We might be able to gain a precious ally."
Tokiomi frowned, looking at the small creature that was still floating in a sorry position. It seemed their host was waiting for him to take the decision. Weighting the pros and cons, the magus found himself inclined to listen to the advice of his Servant. Saber had never been anything but correct in his decisions thus far.
"Very well. Let us hear what this demon has to say." He said, nodding toward Tyr. The god did not relax, but his gaze seemed a bit less severe at it stared down the little demon.
"Thank you thank you, thank you!" Said Napaea, twirling in the air with relief. "So hi, mister summoner! I'm Napaea, of the Fairy Race! Just yesterday Nozomi appeared in the forest with a human girl, and she told us someone would surely come to attack us and she said to prepare and her majesties Titania and Oberon and everyone is helping but she said I'm too weak and then when I was at the outskirts I saw you blast that big dummy and I thought I could help by making you bring Flynn so he could help and protect the little lady!"
"Calm down, Napaea." Said Flynn, making the little fairy stop and speak a bit slower, his charisma clearly at work.
"Sorry… so, Nozomi needs help. Her human master is just a little girl, and she is so sad, and I don't know what to do… she said she would need at least a day or two to prepare her royal illusion, or something, so I thought you could help for that time..."
"Her Noble Phantasm?" Asked Flynn, making the little demon nod with her whole body by flying up and down in the air.
"Yes, Noble Phantasm!"
"I see." Said Tokiomi, stroking his goatee in desperate need for grooming. "O Tyr, may we please discuss this matter in private?"
The Norse god nodded gravely and stood up, leaving the room.
"You too, Napaea. We will tell you right after."
"Ok!"
The fairy nodded at Saber's demand and moved on the other room as well, leaving only them both.
"So, I am guessing this Nozomi is one of the Servants that has been summoned, one that has a strong connection with the fairies. Do you believe an alliance is possible?"
"You are correct, Master. She was an ally during our life. I believe this alliance would be desirable."
"How so? And what is your exact connection with this individual?"
A bip signaled the awakening of the circuit ghost, the screen glowing bright as Saber raised his left hand at their height. Once again, the Heroic Spirit seemed to prefer leaving long winded explanation to the artificial being.
"Allow me to explain, Master Tohsaka. Nozomi was a demon hunter Master Flynn helped during a quest for the fairies. After that, Nozomi inherited the mantle of Fairy Queen and became their leader, helping Master Flynn in return during a conflict with a polytheistic alliance known as the Divine Powers. My last records indicate she left her humanity behind and ascended as true Fairy Queen, but this Tokyo is not the one we knew. Meaning, the Nozomi summoned here must have been summoned as a Famed from before her ascension. Given her preference for medium to long ranged weaponry and the knowledge we have of the Classes, there is a strong possibility she has been summoned as the Archer of the Holy Grail War.
"I see. Do you have more information about her abilities?"
"While I do not have precise information about her abilities as Servant, I can give you what I know pertaining to what she did as a human. Nozomi wields a dual barrel shotgun and a side pistol, both with a wide range of special ammunitions. Those can cause sleep, dizziness, paralysis and temporary mental control, as well as decreasing her target's parameters. She did not use her Fairy Queen power to cast spell but instead to strengthen her physical abilities, though by choice or lack of capability is unknown. The probability is high that as a Servant, being in the Fairy Forest will increases her parameters, while possibly allowing her to use a form of Authority, possibly that of the Celtic Mother Goddess Danu, which served as her mentor. I would recommend an alliance as well, Master Tohsaka. Her power and the support of the fairies would help immensely."
This was a lot more information than Tokimi had been expecting. However, none of them painted a pretty picture in his eyes. Archers were typically scouts and skirmishers with lesser abilities to defend themselves in a frontal assault, and in other circumstance he would have envisioned an easy victory, with both familiarity and power on the side of his Saber. However, the fact that this Archer was already at the place in which her power was at its highest was troubling, if the little fairy was to be believed. From another point of view, it was probably closer to fighting a Caster with an already established workshop and an army ready to fight at its side, some of those potentially as strong as a Heroic Spirit in their own right. To meet them in that place would be too dangerous, even in the case of a friendly link between his Servant and this one. Should the Master of Archer be ruthless enough, he could break the truce and order Archer to fight with a Command Spell, catching them into a death trap. But a meeting at the forest outskirts far enough for his Servant to not lose the advantage could be conducted safely, as Saber proved capable enough to defend them both…
"There is merit to your proposal. Very well, I will accept the proposition of this Napaea."
Saber nodded, and soon enough came back with the small fairy, who looked at him expectantly with her wide green eyes.
"Tell your master we will meet her tomorrow at the forest's edge, where we defeated the Berserker. I am sure we will be able to work an arrangement."
"Yeepee! Thank you mister magus! Thank you Flynn! I'll inform Nozomi right away! She'll be so proud! See ya tomorrow!"
Napaea twirled happily in the air a few time before vanishing, leaving the Domain without a trace except the echo of her childish voice. Tokiomi massaged his temples, the prospect of a real bed and comfortable sleep seeming more and more enticing, but he still had more to do before that.
"Let us thank our host, Saber. Then, we will talk strategy…"
Morning light came in like a dream, a hazy thing which unlike dreams only became stronger and stronger, climbing up the luxurious bed until it slowly reached the eyes of the sleeping girl. Though covered in part by her violet hair, her eyelids opened and closed under the sun renewed assault in quick succession before she turned on the side, using her pillow as shield. Yet even this and the gentle contact of a hand through her hairs could not dispel her own awakening, and slowly but surely the young girl opened her eyes, welcomed by the sight of her luxurious bedchamber, and a young man with blue hair and eyes sitting on the bed side…
"Caster?" Mumbled Sakura, confused.
"Good morning, Sakura." Said Caster, a knowing smile on his lips. "Breakfast is ready."
"Oh. Thank you, Caster." Muttered the girl.
The young man smiled wider and left the room, leaving her privacy to dress. She took the white top and deep blue colored skirt, then slipped on the white sandals near the bed. Sakura's fingers froze at the contact of the small thing she had left on the chest of drawers near, what was left of a pink ribbon. Torn and stained with droplets of blood, a somber tint, a dark reminder of how she was spoiled, tainted, a monster who almost… the repressed memories coming back and haunting her like a flock of ravenous crows, cawing and croaking of her horrid deeds, of the shadow in the night, popping people like balloons, eating flesh like candies… she numbingly felt a pair of strong and gentle hands catching her, sitting her back on the bed before she lost her balance, and Sakura's gaze rose to the concerned figure of the young man holding her, a brief memory of another, red-headed boy briefly superposing with it.
"Don't worry, Sem-, Caster. I'm fine." Said Sakura meekly.
"You don't have to pretend."
He said it so gently and yet it shook her like a slap, his eyes piercing through the false smile she was trying to placate on her face. She tried to avoid his compassionate eyes, to get away from his caring touch. But her Servant didn't stop holding her. A soft warmth spread from his hands, a sweet feeling pouring over her skin, a refreshing tide upon her burning flesh. Slowly, the visions faded away, the loathing recessed into the depth of her mind, and the loud beating of Sakura's heart calmed down. The blue-haired boy observed her carefully before stopping his healing spell and leaving the room, quickly coming back with a large plate of food with fish, rice, seaweed and miso soup. They ate on the bed silently, finishing with Sakura thanking Caster for the food.
"Kikimora helped me cook it." Explained Caster, pointing at the floating demon wearing a red hood and green dress that appeared at the door. Her face, hands and feet were akin to that of a bird, she came in quickly and took the plate away while bowing to the boy. "Do you feel better, now?"
"I… I really feel better now, Caster. I promise…" Assured Sakura, before trailing as the Servant offered her the ribbon. She hovered above the small patch of tissue before catching it and attaching it to her hairs, its weight between her fingers feeling so much more than what it was physically.
"I will leave the Club today to investigate the city."
The violet-haired girl nodded, understanding that he would be going alone. Caster didn't need her to be close to be supplied with mana, and she would only end up a burden for him, an easy target for demons and other Masters or Servants…
"In the meantime, I have found someone to take care of you." Continued Caster, and she raised her head with surprise. "She will accelerate your recovery better than I can currently and train you to use your magic. Don't worry, Sakura. She will not let any harm come to you." He added at her instinctual recoil at the word 'training',
"If you say so, Caster." Weakly approved Sakura, rising from the bed.
The blue-haired boy offered her a comforting smile before standing as well, taking out a strange looking phone from his pocket and tapping on the screen. For such a brief instant that Sakura would have missed if not for her attention being directed at him, his eyes flashed red. A bright pentacle appeared at the center of the room, its light intensifying before a form emerged from the ground, quickly growing taller than both Sakura and Caster. With a final flash, the pentacle disappeared, leaving only the summoned demon in full view: what could have passed for an incredibly tall woman wearing black leather shorts, boots and gloves, with asymmetric belts on her right arm and left legs, and a top with such a large cleavage it barely covered her chest. Metal spikes adorned her shoulder pads and knees, as well as a metal collar linked to her back by a chain, and a star-shaped talisman was hanging from the left side of her top. In her hands was a leather whip with a metallic, spiky handle. But what shattered the illusion of humanity were the three heads of the demon: a lion's head with red eyes at the center, a dog's head with blue eyes on the right and a horse's head with yellow eyes on the left.
"Hm…? You're looking for me, Tyrant Hecate? Hmhmhm… Not a bad idea on your part, Overlord." Said the demon in a distinctively feminine voice emerging from the lion's head, while the dog's head turned toward Sakura. "Have you brought me an offering? How delicious looking she is…"
"She will be your apprentice for the days to come." Said Caster with an authority and gravity she had not heard of him before. "You will also cure her damaged body and spirit."
"An apprentice? Is that so?" Asked the demon through her dog's head directed at Sakura, stroking her whip. "She seems quite healthy from afar."
"About two-third of her nervous system is seriously damaged, as well as most of her internal organs. Her soul has also been corroded by curses to a large extent, hampering her ability to use magic. Hariti stabilized her but cannot do more, nor can I until a few more days."
Sakura shamefully looked away at the clinical enunciation of the state she was in. It was her fault. All of it was her fault. Caster barely managed to keep her alive the first night. He had exhausted almost all his mana on the road to the Club to sustain her, leaving them so vulnerable it was pure luck they avoided demonic attention. If they had not found the place when they did, her weakness would have killed Caster…
"Very well, Overlord. I will nurture this little one as I have done for her predecessors." Said the demon with its leonine head before addressing Sakura with her canine one. "I will obey my Overlord. Show respect and obedience, and I will make you a witch worthy of standing alongside Circe and Medea."
"Y-yes! Thank you for having me!" Replied Sakura quickly, clenching her hands together and bowing deeply. "Thank you too, Caster."
The boy simply waved at her with a last smile before leaving the room. A sharp crack on the ground instantly brought Sakura's attention back to the demon having just used her whip to bring attention back.
"Your lessons start now." Declared the three-headed demon with all its heads at once.
At the entrance of the club, Kazuya savored the feeling of fresh outside hair, adjusting his hood and mantle so that he wouldn't be too easily recognized. The third day, already. Though technically he had been summoned at the edge of the night of the first day, his Noble Phantasm apparently took it into account as a full day, making yesterday the second day and today the third, or rather first he would be able to act without worry. He was aware he was not entirely invincible, but Caster had to take risks. Buying Hecate's expensive services cost him the near entirety of the resources he had obtained from Lilith through the Devil's Auction, with the confirmation that five out of the other six Servants have been sighted. He didn't have the funds to buy for their identities or location, but such things would be available in due time. Fortunately, his Master was safe. Hecate might be cruel and harsh on discipline, but she would never harm or torment her pupil. As of now, his utmost priority was to gather allies. Strolling along the street while taking special attention to the many demons walking them, Kazuya took the path leading to what was according to Lilith the Fairy Forest. The fair folk was just as likely to welcome him or to throw him out, but they were a good starting point. The Shinto gods would not welcome him in his state, and if his suspicions regarding the identity of Saber were correct, working out an alliance with them would be difficult. If both his visit to the Fairies and his demands to the Shinto gods were to be unsuccessful, he would have to seek out and find out the powerful demons acting outside the main factions…
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah, our kin! Our Lord has sent us His blessing! Hallelujah!"
The proclamations of the angels resonating thorough the church did not bother Darnic. At least at first. However, with what had been now hours upon hours of the same litany for an entire night and morning, even a magus of his caliber and patience could become bothered. While he had been assured by Rider that it would eventually cease, the resulting headache slowly creeping into the back of his head was not improving his fool mood. The humiliating process that has ended his life during the Great Grail War of Romania having happened in a church very much like this one, one would not fault him for not appreciating the atmosphere. The absence of the Supervisor was simply rotten cherry on top of the proverbial cake: the angels have assured him such absence was temporary and that he would soon meet the man, but so far, he had not seen a single trace that a human had been living here, aside the meager meal Rider had prepared him with a few old cans that definitively souring the rest of his goodwill. While the welcome his Servant had received all but guaranteed those creatures were going to subordinate themselves to his cause, their obvious disdain toward his person irritated him more than he would like to admit.
"Calm down. Think back on your defeat. Had you not listened to your emotions and charged prematurely and had you not used yourself for a fusion with Lancer, that false Ruler would not have defeated you so easily." He chided himself.
That vision was burning in him. The false Ruler of the Einzbern skewering his Servant Fionn Mac Cumhaill while being pierced in return had been the climax the third Grail War. And yet, that cheating in the system, greater than what even he did, survived and returned to slay the Nameless Vampire. Even what Darnic had learned about the current state of the world did not deter his immense resentment toward the end he suffered. If the angels and Rider were truthful about the end of humanity, then the Graal was likely now a tool pushed by the Counter Force to save what was left of the human race. That the ritual seemed to be conducted autonomously was a strong indication of that theory being true, however, the number of Phantasmal Beings around brought a sense of caution into Darnic. Some of them could very well be behind the act, searching to obtain the power for themselves. As of now, the magus had chosen to keep all manner of suspicion for himself. Rider was earnest, perhaps too much so, and his link to the angels made him in a way less trustworthy. The servant in question was with two angels of higher rank in the heart of the Church, while he waited in the priest's quarters. He desired no more interaction with the angels than they with him.
"Ah, I fear I prayed for longer than I intended. Welcome to my humble abode, lost lamb."
Darnic immediately focused on the individual that passed the door, his voice in appearance warm yet filled with condescendence, a subtle mockery he would have likely missed if not for his very long life and experience in the politic of the Clock tower.
"Father Mansemat. I had expected you much sooner." Declared the magus, examining the supposed priest with a critical eye. While the habit was clearly that of a priest, the unkept hairs and blue lipstick stuck like sore thumbs, as if hiding in plain sight the abnormality of the man. That is, if he was human at all.
"My apology, Master of Rider. It is a sad thing for me to see the sanctity of this church, the inviolability of the neutrality of this place by the rules of the Holy Grail, being left aside. I needed to ask guidance from the Lord, to feel His intent for this sacred ritual… I have received no answer yet, but certainty He works in mysterious ways."
"Then I suppose you will still uphold them personally while those angels act as they please." Freeing himself of any responsibilities in the process, of course. "If it is the words of your Lord you seek, why not ask from the one hosting the Chariot? Rider will no doubt grant you the revelation you seek."
"It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Quoted Mansemat. "I am but a humble servant unworthy of standing near those closest to the Lord."
Darnic was seeing clearly through the ploy of the priest, whose words were without a doubt carefully chosen to not outright lie yet withheld the truth nonetheless. There was something in his eyes, not simply the contempt shown in his words, but a detachment, a distance from what it meant to be human that he himself, who devoured the soul of children to preserve his own being, could barely recognize. That impression disappeared as soon as he seemed to grasp it when with an amiable gesture, Mansemat moved toward the door of the Church's crypt.
"I feel my presence is unwelcomed. I will not put your patience to the test any longer, Master of Rider. Please enjoy the meager comfort this humble church will provide you. And remember, Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia, that while the Lord works in mysterious ways he does not tolerate arrogance."
The door closed on this ominous statement, with the cold of the unsaid preventing the magus from making a faux pas. He had never given anyone his middle name to anyone in that place, not even Rider. And that individual deliberately used it. A warning and a threat. If he chose to follow Mansemat behind that door, the chances were great he would suffer consequences he was not yet prepared to accept. No, he did not survive for so long at such a high position in the Clock Tower by being a fool. Rider was the key of changing the balance of power between them, but he would need to be subtle. Something was amiss that he had to discover and understand.
"Master, it is time. Kazfiel and Aniel are waiting for you."
The telepathic message from Rider came just at the right time… or perhaps, Mansemat sensed the right time to flee as Darnic's Servant was about to contact him. The song of the angels had ceased, and in an almost complete silence the magus reached the choir, where Rider was waiting with a genuinely respectful attitude. Floating above the ground were the two heralds Aniel and Kzafiel, rigid as statues or perhaps machines, their attention solely focused on Rider and ignoring him entirely until he reached a certain distance from his Servant.
"Son of man. Thou receiving the Lord's Chariot means He has blessed thy wish." Stated Aniel, his six red wings barely moving with his voice. "Our forces will support thy efforts and open the path to those bearing marks of obedience."
"Thou shall prevail against them by the blessing of Our Lord. None shall prevent the return of the Lord's flock, all according to His will." Continued Kazfiel, his sword catching the morning sun's shine.
A new satisfaction took place and chased away the accumulated annoyance he had suffered all this time, not forgotten, especially that plotting snake of a priest, but appeased for now. Rider had succeeded, and now they possessed not only the supposedly neutral ground of the Church as base of operation, but the loyalty of an army of fanatic. And as his experience with the Nazis proved, fanatics were quite easy to manipulate.
"Fear not, Master. Even without their direct assistance against the other Servants, I have no doubt we will succeed. No demons shall interfere, and should our enemies collude with them they will become subject to the angels' rightful fury." Reassured Rider, a hand upon his heart.
"I have no doubt we will succeed, Rider. You have done remarkably well."
And Darnic was sincere in his words, as his hand clenched his staff in anticipation. Before, his wish had been to reach the Root and the continuation of his clan, an ultimate mockery for those at the Clock Tower that had decided his work would amount to nothing and disappear in obscurity. But now, with nothing left of the world of man but himself once the war would be over, he would obtain much more than that. With the Grail in his hand, he would wish for something none of those fools could have imagined. He would both reach the Root, and become the father of a new humanity. The world would belong to the Yggdmillennia alone, for eternity.
A terrible cry of pain born from an inhuman throat filled the Domain, the separate space-time shaking with the agony of its genitor. The coral covered walls were covered in rancid acids, smoldering in some part and frozen in other while the ground was barely more than fractured rubble. With a barrel roll the massive sea monster looking like a ray manta with a crown and a near human face avoided the torrent of fire sent its way only to be caught by a closed fist on his tail. Once, twice the demon was flung on the walls, its dispersing essence taking the form of blood and torn apart flesh as he was finally thrown on the ground, scraping the uneven surface with a shredding sound.
"… H-hey! Just give up already!" Whined the creature as it tried to fly from the ground.
Its opponent didn't answer and rushed it with terrifying speed. Panicking and agonizing the ray manta opened its maw and exhaled a white fog covering everything it touched in ice. The opponent barely seemed to notice the attack and evaded it by an inch. Its fist buried itself in the gray flesh right under the throat of the demon. Immediately after a bluish blade of energy sprung to life from the closed fist and was violently rammed down, gutting the entire demon in a single slash. The spring of gore and blood dissipated slowly in a stream of flowing red energy, just as the entire structure around seemed to vibrate, then collapsed. Soon there was nothing around the victor but a dirty, ruined alleyway, as well as the swirling demonic energy left from the vanquished demon. With a dissatisfied "tch", he walked toward the entrance of the alley where the sound of coughs could be heard before standing in front of the sickly man in front of him.
"Don't you die on me." Threatened the Demi-Fiend before grabbing his barely conscious Master and unceremoniously shoving the magatsuhi inside his body.
The human choked, almost letting out a scream before the tattooed Servant covered his mouth violently with his hand, bruising his cheeks.
"Shut up. You'll attract attention." Scornfully said the Servant, uncaring that the human was not in a state to understand.
The spams lasted for a few minutes, arms and legs trashing out without effect against the impervious body of the Demi-Fiend as the foreign energy and the body fought against each other, veins popping up left and right, blood coming out of the wide-open eyes, nose and ears. Finally, the struggling ceased, the body went limp and unceremoniously dropped. A cough, more violent than before, and the Master opened his eyes. Breathing in and out, chopped by more cough, but he managed to get on his knees, then stand up miserably with the help of the dilapidated wall nearby.
"Finally awake?"
"Berserker…" Another cough almost dropped him on his knees, but he grits his teeth and stays up. "What did you d-"
"Saved your life. I'm not going to lose because you can't even be a working battery." Retorted Demi-Fiend. "Had to chase preys all around the place to give you magatsuhi."
The white-haired man shivered in his hoodie, feeling some strength coming back to him, the cough lessening. His memories were a blur, his brain barely coming up with a coherent thought. He had been… In a fight. Someone… Tokiomi! Or… was it?... At the time, he thought… But now, how to be sure…
"That man… Was he… Tokiomi?"
"Don't know. Don't care. I could have killed him and his Rider if you didn't collapse." Growled Berserker.
Kariya Matou breathed long and hard, ignoring the pain plowing through every single movement of his throat and limbs. Sakura. The vision of the little girl in the pit worm reignited a fire. Save her. He had to win for her. Familiars… the worms. He didn't feel them. Inside or outside. It felt… wrong. Or right? A trap of Zouken? Or not?... a flash of pain, but he gritted his teeth through, his left eyes barely seeing anything. The church. Something at the Church… it stirred his mind.
"How far are we… the Church. Take me there."
"Forget it. Angels are crawling all over the place." Scoffed Berserker. "You can't even give me enough mana for my Noble Phantasm. They'll kill you easily."
Kariya winced, feeling faintly the few reserves he had now were only due to his Servant having helped him in some way. Was it the same day…? Or another? He wasn't hungry. Nor thirsty. He wasn't sure what was happening. But it didn't matter. Looking at Berserker's stats, it was clear he was the weak link preventing their victory. They needed power. More power. He said something about… Preys. Not humans, they weren't apparently any…
"You can eat them… right? Let's find some. More. You'll have mana. And we'll win." Articulated the Master, pushing on his legs despite the terrible pain and exhaustion. "Let's… go. Now."
"You think you can move?" Challenged the Servant harshly, but the decolored man simply grunted and stood up, making one step after another.
"I am. I'll do. I will win… Tokiomi… Just wait…"
Seeing the human mutter and push on despite his frankly terrible state, the Demi-Fiend grabbed him by the shoulder, his demonic strength easily holding the man. A brief green and blue light shone, and when he released his grip the man's breathing was less hissing, his posture more stable.
"That should do it for now. Don't slow me down." Threatened the Demi-Fiend.
However, this time, his voice held something else than contempt. A hint of respect, toward a man who proved he would not simply let himself be lugged around. The mismatched pair walked toward Chiyoda, unaware and uncaring respectively of the many eyes following them in the shadows…