AN: And here's CH5 of the Fate/Magnus Bellum. I hope you guys like it. Please read and review.
Chapter 5:
Battle Frenzy
The King of Knights...
Ever since she was little, she heard tales of the legendary King who ruled Britain from his palace in Camelot. People around her, both old and young, and even ally and enemy alike, revered and thought of him as the greatest King there could and ever will be.
So too did she. She also believed that King Arthur was the greatest there was, that no one could ever hope to match him. And because of that belief, she came to wish that she could become just like him.
After all, was it not natural for children to believe that their parents were the greatest people in the world? And to desire to become just like them once they were of age?
Her father was none other the legendary Knight King himself, something she took great pride in once she found out. Although despite this fact, he did not know of her existence, nor did her mother ever decide to reveal her to him in the first place.
"Hide your true self, never reveal it to anyone... not until the time is right."
Her mother told her those words for as long as she could remember. She thought to herself, why? Why would she bother hiding her true lineage?
For a time she thought about this herself, and came to the conclusion that it was because she was different compared to normal people.
Why was she different? Because unlike normal people who take at least twenty years to become full adults, she became one in less of a decade. Such abnormality could only be attributed to magic, and as such, she people would try to deny her existence because of it. While magic at the time was not uncommon, it was still something that caused people to be wary, which was especially the case for the lesser folk.
Because of this, she also felt ashamed of herself due to the circumstances of her birth and growth, and was envious of normal people as a result. She became an adult in a short time, never having a proper childhood like most children would.
And so she obeyed her mother, hiding her face behind a helmet, all the while training to become an ideal knight just like her father. Her mother told her that as the King's eldest child, she was destined to succeed him. With such knowledge given to her, she worked and trained even harder.
If she managed to prove herself and become one who would be able to stand among the Knights of the Round Table, then perhaps her father would acknowledge her despite her abnormal origins and upbringing. This was something she sincerely believed in...
This was her beginning...
*CLANG*
The sounds of metal clashing against one another echoed throughout the moonlit night as two Servants battled against one another throughout the streets of Trifas. And said two Servants were none other than Saber and Saber of Red.
*CLANG* *CLANG*
Sparks flew as sword met sword. Excalibur, in all of its glory, clashed against Clarent, the ceremonial blade Saber had used before but was stolen by Mordred for her own use. Despite the latter being a blade of lesser quality, it was able to stand its ground against the Sword of Promised Victory.
Seeing a chance, Saber then swung his sword in a downward diagonal strike.
*SLASH*
His opponent countered with an upward strike of her own, causing both blades too bounce off one another. This caused the male to flinch at the force of the blow and for the female warrior to smirk at she saw this.
"Hah...!"
She swung her sword horizontally, aiming to bisect her foe.
"Tch...!"
*THWACK*
Timing it just right, the young man crouched down to the ground before kicking the flat side of the blade upwards. Saber of Red widened her eyes at this in surprise, but quickly regained her focus as her father got up and swung his sword at her once more.
*SLASH*
Avoiding his strike, the blow was strong enough to leave a short mark on the ground with pure force. Seeing this, she couldn't help but smirk.
"Hah!"
Mordred stepped forward with an audible burst, quickly coming up in front of her father as she swung her sword down on him, the latter of which after seeing this countered with his own burst and locked blades with her.
"Excellent! Most excellent father!" She cried out with a smile on her face. "I see that siding with that woman hasn't dulled your skills at all!"
"Stop calling me father," Saber coolly replied. "Never have I been one to you..."
At those words, the female blonde's eyes narrowed rather dangerously as she glared at her father, the smirk on her face disappearing as it turned into a frown and she began gritting her teeth.
"Indeed... indeed you have not!" She roared.
Saber suddenly found himself being pushed back as Mordred forced her blade against him. This caused the Knight to release himself from their lock, sidestepping out her way, before taking action once more.
*CLANG* *CLANG* *CLANG*
Sparks flew once more as they exchanged blows with one another. Though it was obvious that the former was a far more skilled swordsman than his opponent, Mordred was able to keep up with him through the use of sheer strength and determination.
"Hah!"
*CLANG*
Swinging his blade hard, Excalibur bounced off Clarent with an audible echo and caused Mordred to flinch. Saber followed up with a second swing aimed directly for her sword arm. Anticipating this, Mordred dodged slightly to the left as the blade grazed her gauntlet.
"Tch...!" She stepped back.
"Not yet!"
"...!?"
Just when she thought she had time to gather her wits, Saber came charging forth with a burst and Excalibur raised above his head.
*SLASH*
He swung down, causing Mordred to once more dodge to the side. The White Knight followed up with a secondary swing which the Knight in Red countered. A third follow-up occurred as both locked blades once more.
'Saber...'
Overseeing both not too far away, Jeanne watched the duo as they fought with a sad look in her eyes. Even now, she couldn't believe the situation escalated as fast as it did.
Just after having confirmed her identity, Mordred quickly materialized her armor and sword before attacking. Saber himself did the same as her, summoning his own arsenal and quickly countering the former blonde's assault.
Seeing this, she tried to get both to stop what they were doing only to be silenced when Mordred demanded that she stay out of it. It also didn't help that Saber politely asked her to stay out of it, as it was something he had to deal with as himself rather as the Servant of Ruler.
From then on, both quickly moved about the city, and the rest is history as they say.
"Geez, talk about your messy family reunions..." The Master of Mordred muttered stood alongside her as they watched the two Saber-Class Servants duke it out. "I've never seen Saber like that even when Archer called her a little girl."
The young saint turned to look at him with a frown on her face.
"You do realize that everything that happens here is your responsibility correct?" She began. "As Saber of Red's Master, it's your responsibility to watch over and control your Servant."
"I know, I know," Kairi replied while sighing to himself. "But the problem is she wouldn't have listened to me until I agreed to let her fight her old man. I have to say though... I expected someone a little older looking. King Arthur looks more like her older brother than her father."
At this, Jeanne merely turned her attention back towards the two other blondes in response. Though she too agreed with Saber of Red, or rather, Mordred's Master in regards to the White Knight's rather youthful look. Because of said appearance, it was somewhat strange to refer to him and her as parent and child.
Perhaps it was due to the Grail summoning Saber in the form where he was in his prime? That was the most logical conclusion she could come to. Either way, it didn't really matter in the end thanks to the current situation.
She only prayed that the fight would end soon, otherwise she would have to force her hand to end things before they escalated even further.
'Still, for two people who are parent and child to be fighting like this... it just doesn't feel right.'
As someone who grew up under the care of a loving family, Jeanne was one who believed that family should always get along. Indeed, fights between family members would happen. That was something to be expected. But she got along quite well with her father and mother, and both were supportive of her when she chose to take up arms despite it being something that was out of the question for a farm girl like her.
Seeing the situation of both Saber, no, Arthur and Mordred she could not help but feel sorry for the two of them. Perhaps they could make up at one point? Such an idea felt distant though, especially with how strong the latter's rage was towards the former. She could feel it just from watching them fight each other.
"...!"
Jeanne quickly looked around her surroundings as she felt a familiar sensation come over her.
'Another one? Just where...?'
"Hmm... so Saber of Red is attacking Ruler's Servant is she?"
Inside a room and seated upon a chair drinking Japanese tea was Shirou Kotomine. Behind him was Assassin of Red, the latter's hands both laid upon the shoulders of her Master as she replied to his statement.
"Indeed, and according to what our observer have gathered thus far, she refers to him as her father of all things. And there also seems to be bad blood between the two of them as Saber of Red attacked him right after revealing herself."
"That does not come off as a surprise considering who both of them are after all." He replied as a smile came on to his face as he set the tea cup in his hands down on the table in front of him.
"The Knight of Treachery, Mordred. And the King of Knights, Arthur Pendragon." Shirou began, speaking aloud the identities of both Servants. "Such a twist of fate the Holy Grail has brought about. Perhaps King Arthur would be someone who is willing to hear us out on our little endeavor..."
"Oh? You plan on bringing him into the fold then?" Assassin asked with an amused smile. "You do realize that as a Knight, he wouldn't think about betraying the one he has sworn to protect. Especially for the Knight who was known as the King of Knights after all."
"True, but although he may be a Knight, he was also a King. A King whose kingdom fell to ruin at the end of his reign where many of his knights and subjects perished during the final battle." He replied. "If we can persuade him, perhaps he would care to join us. If my guess as to what his wish for the Grail would be is correct, then it would be to his benefit to do so."
"Perhaps you are correct." Assassin mused. "Though whether or not you are remains to be seen. It will be somewhat amusing to see how things unfold on the other hand. For now though, what shall we do next? Perhaps we can-"
"Ah, here you are Master!"
A British-accented voice spoke out as the door to the room opened. There stood a man wearing green 15th century clothing akin to what a nobleman would wear. He had short brown hair and eyes, a full beard on his face.
"Caster, is there something you need?" Shirou asked. The man in front of him was none other than Caster of Red.
Assassin's eyes narrowed in annoyance as he entered the room and Shirou had an amused smile on his face as he saw this. From the moment they met, Assassin had something of a dislike for Caster. His talks about how he and the others were nothing more than characters living out a story got on her nerves. Shirou himself didn't know if Caster was like this by nature or if he was intentionally just trying to mess with his colleagues through his words.
Because of that, he actually had to ask Caster to behave before Assassin, or anyone of their allies, decided to attack him. The man complied with this order, but still maintained himself as he always did, only now he was more subdued.
Answering Shirou's earlier question, Caster walked up and placed a thick book onto the table where he sat at.
"Is this..."
The title printed upon the book cover was "The Works of William Shakespeare".
"A collection of my works!" Caster declared with a smile. "You have told me before that you have yet to actually read any of my works no? Now you have the perfect opportunity to catch up on what you missed good sir."
The words he had spoken alone, and perhaps along with the fact that he had a book with him that his own name printed as part of its title, would tell any person as to who the Caster-Class Servant really was.
William Shakespeare, one of the most famous playwrights in history. He was particularly famous for the play known as Hamlet, which he wrote the script for.
However, there was one thing that was bothering Shirou at the moment. He knew for a fact that he didn't own the book Caster had placed in front of him. That could only mean one thing, and Assassin beat him to the punch as she spoke.
"You buffoon... Did you actually go into the city and buy a collection of your own works?"
"But of course! O Queen of Assyria, our Master lives in the modern world. Yet he revealed to me that he has yet to read any one of my works! I find that to be quite sad no?"
"No." Assassin replied, and Shirou firmly agreed. While he didn't actually mind Caster's eccentricities unlike Assassin did, he did admit it was tiring to bear witness to. There was only so much a person could take after all.
"Anyway Caster, did you need something?" The white-haired young man asked. "I take it you didn't just come here to have me read that book?"
"Ah yes, about that." Caster began, his tone becoming somewhat more formal. "I am afraid that there has been a slight problem that recently just occurred regarding our dear friend Berserker."
"A problem?" Shirou asked before he realized something. "Wait, which Berserker are you referring to?"
"Why none other than the Black Knight of course! It seems he had sensed what was happening between the King of Knights and his child. I believe he's already on his way towards the sight of the battle."
"What!?" Shirou stood up from his place.
"You fool..." Assassin began as she narrowed her eyes at the English Writer. "It's not that Berserker sensed the conflict between them, you leaked the information to him didn't you?"
"Ah, I made no such attempts." Caster declared. "I merely overheard you speaking about Saber of Red going into the city to find her father. Such a thought entertained me, so I began musing a ways on how to write such an event down on paper and into a story. Perhaps Berserker caught me in the act? Who could say~?"
"In other words, you did leak it." The young priest face-palmed, for there was no other way to emote the feeling he was having right now.
"Worry not Master, for I have asked Rider to keep an eye on our madman."
"Rider? Damn it all you mad writer, your actions may cost us both of them if Ruler and the Red Faction don't decide to put them down for good." Assassin reprimanded.
"No, the situation is still salvageable." Shirou suddenly spoke up. "Inform Rider to only interfere should it be necessary. Afterwards, he is to retreat alongside Berserker if the stakes become to high for either of them to handle."
"As you wish."
The battlefield for the two knights quickly shifted from the streets to an industrial section of the city. No civilians could be sensed by either, making both decide that where they were now was a perfect place to fight.
*SLASH*
"Guh...!"
Saber gritted his teeth as his opponent managed to slice his left arm, causing her to also smile in delight.
"What's the matter King Arthur? Am I proving to be too much of a challenge for you to handle?"
"Tch...! Don't be foolish!"
*SLASH*
Using quick footwork, Saber dodged another incoming swing while countering with his own strike, sparks flying as blade met blade. Anyone watching from a distance could easily mistake their blade work for small fireworks going off in the night.
"Hah!"
*CLANG*
Saber countered another strike from his foe, the latter kept attacking him to no end. Such ferocity, he wouldn't have been surprised if she had been summoned under the Berserker-Class. It fitted her battle style quite easily.
Mordred came up once more and tried stabbing him with a single thrust. Twisting his body, the blade merely grazed and bounced off his armor.
*SLASH*
"Gah!"
The female blonde jumped back as she received a cut on her right sleeve. Looking up, she saw her father with a calm expression on his face while at the same time directing Excalibur towards her. Her blood was dripping down slightly from its blade.
"Is this not enough for you, Mordred?" He asked, causing her to blink before a scowl appeared on her face.
"Not yet! I will not admit defeat due to a mere flesh wound!" She retorted as she glared at the King of Knights.
"Do you still wish to continue? Your enemies from the Black Faction are surely watching this fight themselves." Saber added. "You're giving them insight to your own abilities the more we continue this bout."
"Hmph! As if any of them could stand against me. I'll easily crush anyone who comes my way!" Saber merely shook his head at this, and it was at this point that she realized something.
She had just noticed it. Even now, he still had that same damned look in his eyes. The very same look that he had when she announced to him her true lineage... And it was the same damned look that he directed towards her when they fought during the Battle of Camlann.
Cold and distant... it was akin to a dismissive look. This is what she felt whenever he looked at her back then and even now. It angered her to no end, as it was a reminder of why she hated her father as much as she did.
She also realized something else because of that look... why didn't she notice it earlier!?
"Just why is it..."
Saber raised a brow as she spoke quietly with her eyes downcast, which returned to stern look as Mordred glared right back at him full force.
"Why is it that you continue to hold back on me!?" She demanded, her honest outrage could be heard from her voice. "That day, on that hill where you and I fought to the death... I could tell, you never really took me seriously!"
At that, Saber visibly widened his eyes somewhat before turning his head away from her. It was an act that only served to rile Mordred up even more.
"And even now you continue to hold back on me... Do you truly believe me to be nothing but a mistake not even worth your time!?"
When her father did not immediately reply to her, continuing to face the other way, she took that as a cue to what his answer was. Gritting her teeth and tightly gripping her sword, she charged forward.
*CLANG*
She brought down Clarent upon her father, the White Knight parrying the blow with Excalibur. Red sparks beginning to emanate from the former's blade as she glared directly at him while continuing to speak.
"Answer me, King Arthur!"
"Hmm... this is proving to be quite an amusing sight to behold."
Standing atop a building observing the battle was Archer of Red and the other members of the Red Faction. Beside him, stood his young Master Reines, the girl was currently preoccupied watching the battle closely, as it was the first fight she had come to witness as a participant of the Holy Grail War.
Waver and Rider were intently watching it, taking note of the abilities and skills of both Saber-Class Servants. Lancer was watching the battle with an amused smile similar to Archer's, while his Master observed the battle quietly as well. It can be noted that she was particularly focused upon the White Knight.
"Tell me Reines, who do you believe has a chance of winning this bout?" Archer asked.
"Call me Master." She began with a disapproving look towards him. "If I had to take a guess though, I would say that Ruler's Servant has a better chance of winning. I may not be an expert in swordsmanship, but I can at least tell who has better skills between him and Saber."
"Indeed, however, the other little girl is quite aggressive. She could perhaps turn the tide of this battle if she kept pressing on."
"Hmm? That's strange Archer, I thought you and Saber didn't get along?" Reines inquired. "Have you come to respect her all of a sudden?"
"Of course not. That little girl is still at a level far beneath my own." Archer replied. "However, I will admit that such ferociousness has its benefits, and she's making use of her own quite nicely against the King of Knights. She actually resembles a beast I had to slay once. That was something of a troublesome fight."
"That said Archer, have you noticed it?"
Hearing the King of Conquerors speak, the Golden Archer turned to face him.
"That depends on what you are referring to Rider. Perhaps you are speaking of the rat that has also been watching the battle?"
He looked to the distance, directly at one specific building that was not too far from where the battle between both Sabers were taking place. There, he saw a figure cloaked in black keeping to himself while observing the fight. Thanks to said cloak, Archer could not make out if the observer was a man or a woman, especially thanks to the mask that the figure also wore.
However, from one glance alone, it was obvious that the person in the distance was another Servant.
"That guy is getting a front row seat of seeing Saber's abilities. Perhaps we should do something about it don't you think?"
"Hmph. Do as you please. I have no intention of wasting my time on rats cowardly enough to hide in the shadows."
"But isn't that what we're doing too?" Lancer added.
"Fool, there's a difference." Archer replied in annoyance. "Unlike the rat, we're not actually trying to conceal our presence."
"Hahaha! I suppose you have a point there." The larger man laughed slightly in reply before noticing something. "Oh? What's this?"
It was also at that same moment that both Rider of Red and the Golden Archer saw a familiar figure approaching said cloaked rat, something was also later seen by the rest of the members of the Red Faction.
"Is that Ruler...? What's she doing there?" Waver thought aloud. However, he already had an idea of what it was.
And with that, there was only one thing to do.
"Rider."
"Hmm... so you came Ruler? Perhaps I should have decided to observe from a farther location from here."
Having left Saber of Red's Master behind in order to pursue the strange sensation she felt earlier, Jeanne came across a man wearing a black cloak and a strange mask on his face. He also spoke with the voice of someone that was a young adult.
"You are... of the Rider-Class aren't you?" She asked as she put up her guard. In spite of her abilities, she could not get a read of the identity of the Servant in front of her just like what happened with Sir Lancelot. There was something interfering with it, and most likely it was due to the mask. The main difference was that the interference was far stronger compared to the Black Knight's.
"Correct." The masked man replied.
"And considering the feeling I get from you, you are not a participant of this Holy Grail War either?"
"Once again, you are correct." Rider replied as he stood up and faced the young woman. Seeing this, Jeanne noted that Servant in front of her was quite tall, about around Saber's height to be precise or more.
Seeing her tense up somewhat, the cloaked man spoke once more.
"Relax yourself Ruler, I am but an observer tonight. Nothing more, nothing less. Pointless bloodshed isn't on my agenda."
"You'll have to forgive me if when I say that I somehow doubt your words. The last four Servants that were not of this Holy Grail War that I met attacked me you see." Jeanne replied, still not letting down her guard in spite of Rider's words.
"I have heard of it, but I am not them." The cloaked man responded to her words. "Whether or not you choose to believe is entirely up to you. Just know that if you should attack me, I will be returning the favor then."
Hearing him speak once more, Jeanne decided that perhaps there was some truth in Rider's words, that he did not wish for any sort of conflict at the moment. With that, she allowed herself to relax if only a little.
"Tell me then, just who are you?" She asked. "Or rather, are affiliated with the others from before?"
"Who is to say?" Dodging the question, he turned his attention back towards the bout. "Perhaps I am, perhaps I am not. I'm not obligated to answer any of your questions after all. The earlier ones from before was just my way of introducing myself."
The young saint frowned at his words while glaring at him slightly. If Rider continued to evade her questions just like how he did now, then it would eventually lead to nowhere. She needed more answers from him, but how?
"Then how about you answer to me then?"
With a loud cackling of lightning, a chariot pulled on the same roof as them carrying none other than Rider of Red and his Master. The Masked Rider turned his attention fully towards both of them.
"King of Conquerors..." He spoke.
"Hoh? So you already know who I am?" Rider of Red smiled. "If that's the case, perhaps you're willing to negotiate with me instead of Ruler?"
"My apologies, but my answer will not change even for a Heroic Spirit such as yourself." The larger man sighed at this as his Master spoke up himself.
"Then try answering this." Waver began as all looked at him. "Will you be hostile towards us in the near future? To the participants of this Holy Grail War and its mediators?"
"Yes." The Masked Rider replied once more after a moment of silence, causing Jeanne to raise her guard and Rider of Red to smirk in response.
"If that's the case, then I suppose we have to eliminate you here." The King of Conquerors said. "Since you're not willing to negotiate, and I doubt you'd want to join my army, I suppose we have no choice then."
Rider of Red then turned to face Ruler.
"Hey Ruler! Mind if I take this guy myself, or should you and I team up? Either way, both works for me."
Contemplating his words, Jeanne began to think. The Masked Rider was too much of a mystery right now. Given that he had said that he would be hostile towards them in then near future, it would make sense to deal with him tonight. Had her Command Spells held a connection towards him, she would have forced him to answer.
Before she could even speak her mind, the Masked Rider spoke up once more.
"If you want to make a choice Ruler, I suggest you take into consideration everything that's happening around you at the moment before you do. Otherwise, you may end up regretting it in the end." He advised.
Blinking at his words, Jeanne was quickly reminded of the other ongoing situation in the streets below. She turned her attention towards the fight, and she widened her eyes as she saw another person standing where both Saber and Mordred were having their duel.
Quickly, the young saint made her move as she headed for the sight of the battle.
"Now then, I suppose that just leaves both you and me, King of Conquerors."
Seeing as they wouldn't allow him to leave without a few answers, the Masked Servant decided that it perhaps it was time for a showdown.
The echo of lightning roared throughout the night sky.
"...!?"
Before both father and daughter even knew it, something appeared overhead as they locked blades with one another.
"RAGH!"
*SMASH*
Concrete was smashed as both quickly leaped back from their respective positions. Both stood to see a tall figure wrapped in a black aura that covered his entire being. Despite this, both could barely see the silhouette of the person before them and could guess he was wearing Knight Armor. In his hands was a metal pole that looked very much like a street lamp.
"Berserker...!?" Saber cried out in surprise at seeing his opponent from England. What was he doing here, and now of all times!?
"You bastard...! How dare you interfere in this duel of ours!" Mordred angrily declared as she pointed Clarent towards the Black Knight. What right did he have to intervene during her bout with father? Even if he was a madman, that was no excuse!
At her words, Berserker turned his attention away from Saber and focused it upon Mordred the moment he saw her face. Despite her usual bravado, even she had to admit there was something eerie with the way he was staring at her.
The Black Knight then began to shake rather violently... like seeing Mordred set something off in him, something that Saber took note off just like what happened he had met him back in that rundown church.
"RAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
Letting out a roar, Berserker suddenly charged at the Knight of Treachery.
Coming to a stop right in front of her, the Black Knight swung down the metal pole in his arms aimed directly at the blonde's head.
*SLASH* *SLASH* *CLANG*
Several blows were exchanged between the two of them, the former's attacks having enough weight behind them to actually stagger Mordred much to her own surprise. Quickly picking herself up, she stepped back to keep some distance between her and Berserker.
*CLANG* *CLANG*
It was a futile attempt. The Black Knight quickly caught up with her and raised his weapon once more.
"Tch, I will not be trifled with!"
Pouring energy into her limbs, Mordred stepped forward with an audible burst.
Not letting up, she began countering each of Berserker's attacks.
*SLASH*
Sidestepping, she saw an opening. Clarent grazed her opponent's armor, but the attack itself did little to actually damage it. Gritting her teeth in anger, she laid out another assault, her sword directed at the Black Knight's neck.
It was of limited success however as every time she made a move, the Black Knight would easily find a way to outmaneuver her. Just what in the world was he!?
"RAAAAGH!"
"Huh...!?"
Before she knew it, one of her attacks missed as Berserker sidestepped with his weapon raised.
*CLANG*
"...!?"
She widened her eyes in shock when she saw her father suddenly coming in to block the strike and push Berserker back with a powerful swing from Excalibur.
"You..."
Turning back, Saber looked at Mordred with an unreadable expression on his face. After this, he returned his gaze back towards Berserker who was silently returning the favor with his own.
"Berserker... just what are you planning?" He asked. "Are you aiding me or are you just trying to eliminate her? Either way, as a Knight who accepted a one-on-one duel against her, I will not allow you to interfere anymore than what you have already done."
There was also something about the Black Knight that seemed quite odd to Saber. There was the way he reacted to both him and Mordred, not too mention that despite having only fought him once, seeing him fight against Mordred caused something to stir within the back of his mind.
There was something familiar about Berserker, but he could not pinpoint why.
"RAAAGH!" Berserker suddenly charged at Saber as the Knight readied himself. Seeing a chance, the other Knight made her move.
'Now...!'
*CLANG*
Timing it right, Mordred appeared from behind the Black Knight and swung her sword, sending him flying into a wall with an audible crash. Seeing as they had a short moment, she couldn't help but speak her mind.
"Are you an idiot? Trying to talk to a madman like that..."
"Indeed, but it's not like you did any different when you called him out now is it?" Saber pointed out, causing Mordred to fault slightly in annoyance. It was then she was reminded of what she actually wanted to ask.
"Why did-" She began but was cutoff as both quickly raised their guards once more as Berserker came out from the hole in the wall looking no worse for wear. The Black Knight stood in place for a moment as he began stretching his upper body and neck somewhat.
"Saber!"
Jeanne appeared and landed right beside the duo, calling out in concern towards the White Knight. Seeing her, he gave her a silent nod signalling that he was alright much to her relief. He then refocused his attention towards Berserker.
"We'll continue this later. For now, we deal with him." Her father suddenly began, and causing Mordred to frown slightly as she noticed that he wasn't even looking at her as he spoke. "After all, I'm afraid we'll never be able to get anywhere if a madman such as him around."
"Hmph, it's not like I need your aid to deal with him." She stated as she stepped forward in front of her father.
"Wait, would it not be better for the three of us to work together!?" Jeanne spoke out.
"Quiet! I don't need anyone's aid!" Mordred exclaimed in response as she looked at the blonde-haired saint before turning her attention back towards Berserker with a visible smirk on her face. "Now come Berserker! Show me your skills!"
Taking a step forward of his own, the Black Knight was about to resume his attack once more...
*CLANG*
Suddenly, the weapon in Berserker's hands was quickly sent flying as something collided with it. When all looked to see where that something landed, they saw that it was none other than a sword that caused the Black Knight to release his grasp on his weapon.
"Hmph. A rabid dog trying to spoil a duel between two knights? Such insolence needs to be punished."
Out of nowhere, Archer of Red appeared in front of all three Knights, standing between them and the Servant of Madness.
"Archer!? Who asked for your aid you little-!" Mordred began, quite annoyed at having another person interrupt her for the second time that night.
"Fool, I am not doing this for your own sake." The Golden Archer replied without facing her. "It just so happens that I found your duel to be quite the entertaining spectacle. But this rabid dog had intervened and thus ruining it, and that is something I, as the King, will not tolerate."
He glanced at the rooftop where his Master was safely guarded by the Lancer and his Master.
"Also, the little girl had asked to see my abilities for some time now." He said as he drew both blades on his back. "And seeing as how my entertainment for the night has been ruined as I stated earlier, I suppose being rid of the fool who ruined it in the first place would make for an adequate substitute and allow for me to reveal my grandeur at the same time."
Ten portals of light appeared behind him in a circular pattern. Slowly, ten weapons appeared from them much to Saber and Mordred's surprise. They quickly recognized that each of those weapons weren't ordinary weapons at all.
Each of them were Noble Phantasms. They could easily tell, for there would be no other way to describe the weapons of such high quality and craftsmanship that came out of the portals of light. Given who he was, Jeanne couldn't help but note that such a thing was expected.
Facing Berserker, Archer spoke once more.
"Now then, here I come Berserker. I hope you'll at least provide me with an entertaining show, for now it's time for the King to make his debut!" The Golden King declared as he charged with a wicked smile on his face.
*BOOM*
Several explosions rang out as the ten weapons that floated around Archer darted out of the portals of light like lightning. A cloud of smoke formed from said explosions, causing visibility of the center to lower itself.
"Hahaha! This is one heck of a show we've got for the night ain't it Master?" Lancer commented as he watched the fight together with his Master and the girl known as Reines. The blonde girl being quite interested in seeing her Servant fight paid no attention to her companions as they spoke to one another.
"Indeed." Gray replied. She had only expected to see a fight between Mordred and King Arthur, so didn't think that a third party would drop in so suddenly in the middle of it.
The green-haired spearsman nodded at this. He himself was quite amused by these turn of events. And even though he too wanted to partake in the action, Archer had beaten him in a fair game of rock-paper-scissors, as his Master called it, said game being the one they used to decide who would aid Saber of Red in facing the newest introduction for the night.
Thus, by his honor as a Heroic Spirit, he would let the Golden King have his fun, and he was interested in seeing if his abilities could actually back up his boasts up until now. And judging from he had seen so far, Archer was living up to it.
He began wondering to himself if Archer could entertain him as well... if one of his so called treasures would be able to reach him.
*CLANG* *CLANG* *CLANG*
The sounds of metal clashing against metal echoed loudly around them, and quickly the spectators looked to see Archer skidding across the ground as though he was pushed back suddenly.
"Hmm... I see." He spoke.
The smoke cloud began to disperse, and there stood Berserker looking unharmed from the Golden King's assault. What was most interesting to note at the moment was that the metal pole he had been using was now gone. In its place, a sword and polearm were now in his hands.
Said sword and polearm were also two of the Noble Phantasms they saw coming out of the portals of light that Archer produced.
"It seems you have the ability to make use of anything you deem fit to be a weapon... an impressive ability to have Black Knight." He added, but the tone of his voice suddenly becoming colder as he continued speaking.
Ten new weapons appeared once more around Archer, the golden-clad man raising his head as he did so. He was smirking at Berserker while at the same time directing a very angry glare towards him, his tone of voice dropping somewhat as he spoke.
"But do remember this you mongrel. Those treasures that you wield are mine alone. A mad dog such as yourself has no right to wield, or even touch nor lay eyes upon it." He said as he took a stance, readying himself. "And as such, I SHALL BE TAKING THEM BACK!"
*CLANG* *CLANG* *SLASH*
Darting forward, Archer appeared right in front of Berserker and began exchanging blows with him. Everyone who was witnessing this event had one thing in mind.
Whoever the golden-clad Servant was, he was good. For someone of the Archer-Class to be able to keep up with a class well known for being complete powerhouses in close combat, it only meant that the Hero who was summoned was someone of great skill.
Berserker himself was no slouch. As Archer traded blows with him, he also fired off numerous weaponry directed at the Servant of Madness.
The Black Knight was able to evade most with precise movements, adjusted his body position so that the barrage would only graze him, or at any point, he even began striking down said weapons with the ones in his hands.
*BOOM*
Doing such actions caused another slew of explosions as the Noble Phantasms collided with one another. The corruption caused by the Black Knight created a strange reaction within the weapons he wielded much like the makeshift weapons he had been using up until this point.
*CLANG* *SLASH* *CLANG*
Parrying both of Berserker's strikes with his own, the two were now caught in a deadlock with neither budging.
That, of course, only lasted for a short moment as a wild grin appeared on Archer's face.
*BAM*
Throwing his head back, he jumped slightly to reach the Black Knight's height and slammed his forehead into his opponent's helmeted self. Apparently the blow itself was so strong that it actually caused the Black Knight to stagger somewhat. Archer on the other hand merely cricked his head after performing the deed, not at all bothered at having hit steel head on.
*CLANG* *CLANG*
With that, he struck both weapons out of Berserker's hands, sheathing his own as he grabbed both and jumped back. In doing so, the smirk on his face soured.
"You mongrel...! Look at what you've done to my treasures!" He spoke as glared at the Black Knight. "It will take some time to remove the stain you have imprinted upon them with your hands!"
The two weapons he wielded disappeared into golden mist as he once more grabbed the two swords on his back, a look of indignation on Archer's face.
"I shall take your head as compensation for this insult Black Knight. Be ready for it."
"RAAAAGH!"
Berserker quickly grabbed another pair of Archer's weapons which were embedded and scattered around their battlefield thanks to their fighting, the Black Knight not caring to listen to anymore drivel coming from the Golden King.
*SLASH* *SLASH* *CLANG*
"Bastard! Continue to use my own treasures against me will you...!?"
Just as he was about to unleash more of his wrath upon the Black Knight, the Golden King's senses quickly went on alert as he felt a strong concentration of mana being gathered.
"Get out of the way unless you wish to die Archer!"
"...!?"
Turning his head, the red-eyed blonde saw Mordred now standing a good distance from the two with her sword at the ready and glowing brightly. A wild smirk was on her face as she yelled out.
"CLARENT BLOOD ARTHUR!"
A burst of red lightning unleashed itself from the blade and blasted a path directly towards the duo. Seeing this, both dodged the incoming attack as it destroyed everything in it's path for a good distance before dissipating.
However, Berserker wasn't as lucky as he was partially engulfed by the blast for a short moment before he got out of its path. Though not completely visible thanks to the black mist that surrounded him, the attack left numerous scratches and dents on his armor, with Berserker visibly struggling to get up. Being blasted at such a close range, even he wouldn't be able to come out completely unscathed.
"You bitch...!"
Turning his attention towards the blonde-haired knight in red, Archer called out to her in pure outrage.
"Well what do you know, you're still alive." She halfheartedly replied, and in a tone of mockery as well. "Perhaps I shouldn't warned you after all."
"What's the meaning of this!? Interfering with me is tantamount to-"
"Shut up! I was fighting him first, you're the one who's interfering you fool!" Mordred retorted angrily. "In any event, I was given permission by my Master to use my sword as I see fit, and I have chosen to use that privilege just now. Whether or not you get caught up in it is none of my concern."
Saying the last bit with a smirk on her face, the Golden King could only scowl as he replied.
"Hoh? Perhaps the little girl needs to be taught a lesson then...!"
"Who are you calling a little girl!?"
Both got in each other's face as they began glaring with one another.
"Please just stop it! You're both allies are you not!?" Jeanne suddenly stepped into the fray much to Saber's amazement.
"You stay out of this!" Both declared as the young saint shrunk back somewhat at the sound of their voices. Two power houses such as themselves, it would take another such person to break them up.
And said person was already about to do so...
*SLASH*
The sensation of pure force cutting a path between Archer and Mordred caused both to gaze at the source. Said source being none other the White Knight, Excalibur in hand as he looked at both with a calm expression his face.
"Enough with your bickering." He casually stated, as if he was a parent dealing with a pair children. He then gestured to the third party. "Our guest is still here."
Saber also noted that despite his weakened state, Berserker still seemed like he was willing to fight the moment he laid his eyes upon him.
"Fine then, I'll finish him off first then I'll deal with the both of you." Mordred declared as she raised her sword, red lightning beginning to crackle once more.
Suddenly, the group felt the presence of another Servant headed towards them, the cry of a horse echoing throughout their surroundings.
"...!?"
All looked to see a large ball of light charging right at them, causing the group sans Berserker, who was still reeling from the effect of Mordred's attack, to scatter.
The Black Knight was engulfed by the light, disappearing as it zoomed past their location. However, they knew he was not being attacked, rather, he was being aided by the light. And Jeanne knew who it was that had just saved him.
Though not completely visible thanks to the amount of light being emitted, the Masked Servant could be seen atop the light riding it as if it was some sort of steed. Behind him laid the Black Knight who, after looking at his rescuer briefly, dissipated into his spirit form. Soon enough, Rider quickly made his own exit as he flew off into the night sky at a faster pace.
"Cowards, fleeing when they were the ones who started the fight!" Mordred declared in an angered tone. She didn't know who the other one was, but it was obvious that he was on Berserker's side given his aid to the Black Knight.
"Heh, them folks sure like to run away a lot!"
Hearing a familiar voice which also accompanied by the sound of lightning crackling, they all looked to see Rider of Red and his Master arriving via his chariot. With them was also Saber of Red's Master, Kairi Shishigou. Jeanne quickly deduced that they decided to pick him up sometime after she had left him and when Rider was battling against the Masked Servant.
Speaking of which, Rider's chariot was also somewhat scratched up. But not enough that it looked like Rider had been caught in a battle that was heavily against his favor.
"You're not going to after them?" The young saint asked. From what she had seen of him, she didn't think that he would be the type to give up so easily.
"What would be the point of that? At this rate, I won't be able to catch up." The man replied. "Besides, guys like him tend to come back for more. We'll probably settle this in the future."
"Hmm? What's the matter Rider?" Archer suddenly began smirking. "Found yourself an opponent that you cannot defeat in battle?"
"Well we more or less played cat and mouse, so I really wouldn't call it a battle." The larger man declared, rubbing the back of his head. "Whoever he is, that steed of his is something to behold. It's something that can actually outpace my own chariot."
"Yet in spite of that he did not choose to. He was playing around with us." Waver added. "Whatever it was, as a member of the Rider-Class it's probably his main Noble Phantasm. But it may be too early to make assumptions."
Rider nodded at his Master's words, he too came to the same conclusion. He then turned his attention back towards Archer.
"What about you Golden King?" He began. "Will you not give chase?"
"Hmph. As you said, what would be the point?" The blond replied as he crossed his arms. "And as much as Berserker has insulted me greatly tonight, I am not so pathetic that I would go after him in his weakened state, even if he is a mongrel."
He gazed slightly at the Knight of Treachery who was responsible for what had happened with Berserker, glaring at her slightly. The other blonde saw this and returned his look full force as well.
"Heed me well little girl, I shall not tolerate anymore grievances towards myself."
"Hah! As if I would listen to the words of a fool!"
"What was that...!?"
"Alright that's enough." Kairi stepped between the two as they looked like they were about to get into another argument. "Hey kid! Mind asking the big guy over here to just cool it? It's been a long night!"
"I suppose you do have a point Mr. Shishigou."
Reines appeared from the corner of the street accompanied by none other than Gray. And upon seeing the grey-haired girl, Saber was momentarily taken aback as he noticed that she possessed an uncanny resemblance to Mordred. Not only that...
'That girl... there's something about her.' Just seeing her, Saber felt strange sensation come over him, but he didn't know what it was that he felt.
"Archer, please remain calm." Reines asked as she walked up to Archer of Red.
"And what will you compensate me with for my obedience little girl?" He began as he looked at his Master.
"I'll get you that thing you asked of me the other day." The blonde replied, a sly smile on her face. "You know the one."
For a few moments, Archer remained silent. A contemplative look on his face, before it suddenly broke into a smirk.
"Haha! Fine then, I'll do as you say for now. Be sure to live up to your word less I punish you Reines."
With that, Archer dissipated into golden mist as he entered spirit form.
"What was that about?" Kairi asked, honestly curious as were the others.
"Oh nothing. Archer is just someone who is rather easy to please at times." The young girl replied with a smile. She was honestly surprised by it. Though Archer held a dislike for the modern world, there were things that he actually approved of, one of which being "the thing" she had mentioned just now.
In the distance, a figure watching the battle disappeared into mist as they jumped into the night sky.
Sighing to herself, Jeanne was relieved that it was all over. Though both Rider and Berserker had gotten away, everything had ended well enough.
"Now then..."
It was then that she was reminded of the one person who more or less started everything that night. Her business had yet to have been resolved due to the interference of the Black Knight.
Drawing her sword against her father, Mordred stood ready for combat.
"Oi, don't you think it's been a long enough night?" Kairi questioned. Even despite her desires, after everything that had happened he was somewhat convinced that she would at least call it a night and perhaps have a rematch with her old man sometime later instead.
She didn't say anything in response to her Master's words, continuing to point her blade against her current target. Her eyes once more filled with animosity, something that Saber noticed as he looked into them.
Seeing her like this, he broke into a smile...
"I see, so you truly hate me that much. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised." He chuckled briefly to himself much to the confusion of those present. What was he laughing about? Did he honestly find the current situation to be funny?
It was at this that Jeanne decided that enough was enough, she won't allow anymore nonsense tonight!
Wordlessly, she stepped in between the two much to the surprise and anger of Mordred.
"What do you think you're doing Ruler? Do you want to die by my hand!?"
"I could ask you the same, Mordred." She replied, unfazed by the other blonde's threat and calling out her true name. "As Ruler, I will no longer allow any more conflicts between you and Saber-No, Arthur."
Referring to her Servant by his first name and glancing at him for a moment, she continued speaking.
"Should you continue your assault, I'm afraid I shall be using a Command Spell on you in order to get you to behave." The young saint declared. "At worst, I shall disqualify both you and your Master from the Grail War."
At that, Kairi visibly looked troubled. He had expected such a thing from the moment he had agreed to allow Saber to fight with her father, but now it was being brought up right in front of him and could actually happen depending on Saber's actions.
"Looks like you guys are in trouble." Lancer quipped, materializing for a brief second with a smirk on his face.
"Shut it!" Kairi retorted as the green-haired spearsman faded back into spirit form with a brief laugh.
"You bitch...!" Mordred growled. "What right do you have to interfere with us!?"
"I am Ruler. I serve as the Mediator for the Holy Grail War. Whatever conflict happens between your group and the Black Faction is something I will not interfere in. My role is to ensure that your conflict doesn't escalate too much that it will involve innocents and the world itself."
She paused for a moment, looking at the White Knight.
"Arthur is my partner in this endeavor. As such, any attack on him is an attack on me." She added. "I allowed you the two of you to fight each other earlier because of his request, but now I will no longer tolerate any of it. Should you continue your assault, there will be consequences."
With that, she finished her declaration. Mordred gave Jeanne a rather vicious glare as a result, gritting her teeth as she did so. From the looks of things, she would most likely attack her instead with the way she was looking at the young saint.
Said theory was proven true the moment the Knight of Treachery made a quick dash towards her.
"Hah!"
*CLANG*
"...!?"
She widened her eyes when she saw Clarent flying from her grasp as her father swung his sword and deflected her blow. Glaring at him, she clenched her fists and decided to go into hand-to-hand combat.
*BAM* *BAM*
"Gah!"
It was pointless. Although she had strength, she didn't have the skill necessary to actually make good use of it. Her father grabbed her arm as it missed him, elbowing her in the gut with a rather powerful blow that it bypassed her armor's defenses and caused her to flinch, and following up with a backhand to her face. He then quickly threw her down to the ground and placing her in a hold with her arm stretched out and her neck being dangerously close to Excalibur's blade.
"Damn you...!"
"Attacking a person while blinded by rage..." Arthur sighed to himself. "I told you before that such a tactic often leads one's own fall, didn't I? It's the same reason you lost to Gawain that one-"
"Shut up! As if your words mean anything to me!" She retorted, her voice filled with anger and hate. "You had rejected my existence... Why the hell should I even listen to anything you have to say to me anymore!?"
Such a statement only caused Arthur to pause briefly, a bitter smile on his face as he looked down on his own flesh and blood.
"Indeed, I have no say on how you choose to live your life and fight through your battles." The white knight began. "However, I am not giving you advice as your father. I was giving you advice as fellow warrior, as I have always respected you as such."
Hearing him speak, Mordred widened her eyes in surprise as she was taken aback by his words. Seeing as how she had calmed down somewhat, Arthur decided to release her from his hold. Going over to Clarent, he picked it up as she stood and continued speaking.
"If you wish to continue our duel, then I'll be more than happy to oblige so long as my Master allows it herself." He began as he held out Clarent towards her. "For now, take a moment for yourself to relax. Hone your skills through your battles with the other Servants. Otherwise, you will never beat me if you continue to act as you are."
Dropping the blade in her hands, Mordred gazed at him with an uncertain look in her eyes. All her anger had suddenly disappeared, now it was mostly filled with confusion once more, the same confusion that she had when her father had defended her earlier against Berserker.
Even now, she couldn't comprehend that. Even if he was a Knight, he had still defended the one who ended his rule, her rebellion leaving the country in chaos, and mortally wounded him in single combat during the Battle of Camlann.
And now her father was giving her advice in spite of everything that happened in their past? She couldn't properly explain it, but the situation proved to be quite strange for to even understand anything.
Walking past her, Arthur briefly laid a hand on Mordred's shoulder as he walked over towards his Master. The action proved yet another surprise for the Knight of Treachery as she didn't expect it.
The young man also directed a look towards Rider, something the larger man noticed and grinned at. It was a look of acknowledgement. Afterwards, Arthur came to a stop in front of his Master.
"Shall we get going?"
Nodding at his words, both left the area. Leaving only the Masters of Red and their Servants with them.
"Well then, that went well I suppose." Rider of Red commented. "Perhaps we should get going ourselves."
"Agreed." Reines nodded at the large man's words. "It's getting late, and I have yet to have taken a bath."
Walking over towards Rider's chariot, she quickly got on as suddenly Lancer of Red appeared in Servant form.
"Hey Rider! Wanna have a little race to see who can reach the villa first?" He smirked.
"Hahaha! Your challenge is accepted Lancer!" Rider laughed, excited at the idea of racing against the green-haired hero. "Be warned that I won't be going easy on you just because you lack a steed of your own!"
"Hah! I can easily make do even without one!"
"Hey! Don't forget we're on this thing too-!?"
Picking up his Master in his arms, Lancer quickly began sprinting as Rider's chariot took to the skies much Waver's chagrin. Reines on the other hand looked somewhat entertained by what was happening. This left only Kairi and Mordred by themselves.
"Come on Saber, let's hit the sack."
"Right, as you wish Master." She said in response, her voice was unnaturally reserved for some reason.
With that, she began following him out of the industrial complex. She noted that it had been a long night...
"Hmm... such an interesting night this has proven to be."
Sitting inside an office, Darnic and Lancer of Black were having a discussion with one another while drinking tea.
"The Saber-Class Servant of the Red Faction is the Knight of Treachery? Fate must have a twisted sense of humor to allow that person and the King of Knights to reunite once more." The latter laughed slightly.
"Yes, Julian confirmed it for us after having one his Assassin's observe the battle from a safe distance." Darnic replied. "Though I was honestly more surprised by the appearance of yet two more stray Servants along with Archer of Red's abilities. He will prove a most troublesome foe."
"He does indeed pose a threat, best to keep an eye on him and gather more information for the time being if possible." Lancer said as he took a sip before continuing. "The Berserker that appeared... it's the same one that attacked Ruler from before didn't it? The one she mentioned that appeared in England?"
"Yes, that does appear to be the case. Ruler's Servant called out to him, like he knew Berserker from before." The blue-haired man said.
"I see. Then the other one?"
"He's the fifth one to appear. Whoever he is, he is of the Rider-Class and is quite powerful. He is not to be underestimated."
Lancer nodded at this, satisfied with the information that had been gathered for the night. He looked outside the window, gazing at the moonlit sky.
In accordance to Ruler's decree, the Holy Grail War would resume once more the day after tomorrow. He smirked to himself as he thought about it.
A lot of things were going to happen soon... and he will make sure that the Black Faction would come out on top!
"Is something the matter?"
After arriving at the church, Arthur turned to face Jeanne as he had noticed that she had been staring at him for quite some time since they left the Masters of Red.
"It's nothing, it's just that... are you alright?" She asked.
What had happened earlier... she could tell that he was affected by what had occurred. Arthur's eyes which held a certain warmth in them now looked distant and troubled.
"If this is about what happened with Mordred, then I would be lying if I said I was." He smiled somewhat bitterly. "That child... is just one of the many people I've failed during my life. I understand why she acts as she does towards me, and I do not blame her for it."
Hearing him speak in a dejected tone, Jeanne couldn't help but feel saddened by it. This was the first time she had seen Arthur like this since his summoning, but she couldn't blame him for it either, not with what had happened.
"Do you think it's possible... for the two of you to ever reconcile?"
She asked, and at those words Arthur looked at her in surprise before another bitter smile appeared on his face.
"I am not that optimistic. With everything that has occurred between us, I doubt it would ever happen." He replied before suddenly looking directly at Jeanne. "You said before that you don't regret anything from your life?"
She nodded at his question, causing the young man to sigh to himself as smiled briefly at her.
"I admire you for that, Master. Perhaps you are more mature than I."
With that, the White Knight walked into the church, leaving the young saint by herself. She contemplated his words and found herself shaking her head in response as she soon followed him into the old building.
Soon inside her own room, she laid herself down on her bed. Her mind was still clouded with thoughts thanks to Arthur's words.
'Is that really the case though...?'
She shook her head once more before quickly falling asleep. It really had been a long night indeed...
END
Author's Note:
And so ends chapter 5 of the story. If you guys like it, please review. If there's any mistakes in this chapter, I'll be finding and correcting them myself, but feel free to point out such things yourselves.
Basically took the Proto-Gilgamesh vs Berserker fight from Fate/Zero, the main difference being that Proto-Gilgamesh got in close and personal. I stated before that I'm not good with long fights, so yeah XP. Don't expect much from me in that aspect. I like to write things short and straight to the point in cases like that, and I also leave the fights to your imaginations as well.
Generally speaking, I feel like this chapter is somewhat lacking. But that feeling is probably because I finished this chapter while half-asleep. And does it seem like I've been focusing too much on the Red Faction? I feel like I have. If that's really the case (Too lazy to look back at the moment) I'll be fixing that in the future once things in the Holy Grail War start to really get going.
