AN: And here comes CH12 Folks! Please read and review :D
Chapter 12:
The Banquet of Heroes
"Are you ready Saber?"
Within a large room that was void of anything except those who stood within it, Caster of Black poised her question to the tall swordsman who nodded in response. Other than herself and said person who stood in the middle, Darnic, Lancer of Black, Gordes, Celenike, and her young Master Roche were all in attendance for the event that was about to happen.
"Are you quite certain that performing the summoning for that creature here is a wise thing to do? Considering that we're underground..." Celenike voiced. Though the gray-haired woman had her share of risk and gambling with her life, what they were about to do would have been a rather dangerous task all things considered.
"Considering that the other option is to perform outside where our enemies could bare witness to it, I'm quite certain." The blue-haired man replied. He wasn't bothered by Celenike's concerns, mostly due to the fact that with three Servants here, he believed that they could stand against anything, even a dragon.
The moment Darnic had obtained the relic that would later summon Caster, he immediately began construction on an additional chamber for where they would house the beast if need arise. After hearing that she didn't actually know how to summon and control it, he had believed that it would have gone to waste. However, thanks to researching extensively through the past few months, Caster eventually learned how to do so. Yet she still lacked the ability to control the beast.
Darnic however was able to discover a method, learning how through old research notes from his ancestors and other data obtained throughout the years. Caster actually knew of the method, but little of it as it wasn't her field of expertise. That said, she was able to quickly grasp what was needed by studying the notes given to her by Darnic.
The first step to said option included summoning the creature and having Saber of Black face it himself. After all, what better opponent for a dragon other than a dragon-slayer? That left Lancer standing by acting as the former's backup if need arise.
"As much as I would like to have all our Servants here, I'll admit I am curious to see whether or not the legend lives up to his reputation." Lancer commented with a smirk. "Be sure to take this seriously Saber, otherwise you may end up looking like a fool in need of rescuing."
"Very well." Saber nodded. He wasn't insulted or agitated by Lancer's attempts at goading him, for he knew that the former was only merely saying that he should watch himself in his own way. Though rough, the Lord Impaler still showed a degree of care towards his comrades even if they were to end up fighting in the near future.
"Remember Saber, not only is your life on the line, but your pride and my own as well!" Gordes declared, standing with both hands behind his back. "Do not perform less than what your best can do, do you understand me?"
"Uncle, I think Lancer more or less already said that..." Roche stated while scratching his cheek. Really now, what was it with people and the their need to repeat statements which were just said? This is why he liked working with golems more, and to a lesser extent, homunculi. Though the latter could make snippy remarks due to their nature, they were for the most part quiet and obedient.
"That reminds me," Darnic began as he looked at Gordes. "Gordes, have you heard of anything from Fiore? That girl went into the city earlier to investigate something and has yet to send any word about her status."
"No, I haven't." The portly man replied. "However, I did walk past by Caules earlier who was looking for her."
"Oh? Did something happen?"
"Nothing of the sort as far as I know. Only that the boy is worried about his sister." Gordes stated. "I believe that he even took Berserker and Rider with him in order to search the city for her. You know how he can be."
"Hmph. If that weakling has time to worry over others, perhaps he should spend it trying to improve his skills as a magus." Celenike scoffed. She was also annoyed at the fact that Rider decided to tag along with her nephew as well. Really now, she was his Master! She would have to remind him of that later. For now, she decided to bare witness to what was about to occur.
"Perhaps." Darnic said in response to Celenike's statement. "However, his worry over Fiore serves to be useful in this situation. Knowing him, he'll strive to be by her side whenever he feels that she's in danger and try to help her in any way possible. Such is the power that sibling love has."
"Shall we begin Lord Darnic?" Caster suddenly asked, turning to the blue-haired man. "The preparations are now complete. All I await now is your command."
"Do it."
The Witch of Betrayal nodded in response, raising her arm up in front of her with her hand stretched out. Chanting the words needed, a large magic circle appeared right in front of Saber, who himself remained unfazed during the process as energy began to surge throughout the room.
Months of preparation had gone into this, now it was about to pay off. Thinking this, she walked over to the edge of the circle and summoned what appeared to be a golden cloth in her hand before throwing it onto ground. At that, the energy began to surge erratically even more.
"Now it begins..."
A bright light then enveloped the room and temporarily blinded those who stood within it. The only ones who weren't bothered by it were the Servants themselves.
Once the light died out, the Masters of Black slowly opened their eyes. While they did so, a large grin appeared on Lancer's face that was soon followed up by Darnic's own as they all saw what stood right before Saber of Black.
A dragon...
A serpentine like monstrosity with a long body, three tongues, and a crest on its forehead. Lacking legs, the only other appendages it had were the wings on its back. It was truly the Colchian Dragon of legend, such was the thought of those in the room the moment they laid their eyes upon it.
"Magnificent! Simply magnificent!"
The dragon payed no heed towards whatever Lancer had said. Instead, it was completely occupied with what was standing right in front of him.
It was curious as to why the creature in front of him wasn't terrified. Throughout its lifetime, most others who were the small creature's size would quickly run away after seeing it merely once. It supposed that such a thing was normal, that it was simply nature for the small to fear the big.
Apparently this was not the case right now. If a dragon could have pride, the Dragon of Colchis most certainly did. When it saw that Saber of Black wasn't afraid of it, he took that as an affront to its might. As such, it could not allow it to stand.
Roaring, it stretched out its wings and prepared to attack.
In response, Saber merely drew out his sword and readied himself. There was only one thing he had to say regarding the large beast that was right in front of him as it bare its fangs at him.
Fafnir was bigger...
The next morning...
"Wait, there's going to be an alliance between the two factions?"
Ayaka sat with her mouth agape, staring at both Jeanne as the former revealed the new piece of information given to her last night. Currently, the group was having breakfast with Arthur having been the one to cook their meals after insisting that he be allowed to do something other than just sit around. Ayaka had to admit that he wasn't half-bad. She didn't expect a heroic spirit of all things to be able to cook a meal like how a modern person would.
"Yes, it will take place tomorrow night at the Black Faction's castle." Jeanne replied, taking a bite out of her meal.
"I see." Ayaka muttered before something came to mind. "Wait, why are you telling me this?"
"Ah, that's because I want you and Lancer to accompany both me and Arthur there." The young saint stated in response. "With everything you've given me, I use it help enforce the idea of an alliance between the two factions against the man known as Shirou Kotomine. Considering your unique circumstances, having you explain it yourself adds more to our case."
"Uh... are you sure they'll even trust me?" The glasses-wearing blonde asked, shivering slightly in fear. "I heard that the leader of the Black Faction once fought against one of my relatives in the past. He may not like the idea of, you know..."
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of relative. He was wondering if it was Manaka whom she was referring to, or if it was one of the other Masters he had fought during together with her sixty years ago? Darnic Prestone was one of the few he remembered, and that was thanks to seeing him again after all these years.
"Do not worry, I will vouch for your presence there." The young saint reassured her fellow blonde with a smile.
"Well that's something I guess..." Ayaka sighed. She had a feeling that she would have to speak in front of a group of people later. Personally, she'd rather hide in a corner before she would do that. Though the girl had felt that she was a sociable enough person, she always found trouble speaking when faced with so many eyes baring down upon her.
"With that out of the way, I have something to ask you guys about."
With that, Lancer came upon the group with a cigarette in hand and smoke fumes coming out from his mouth.
"What is it Lancer?" Ayaka looked at her Servant with a curious gaze.
"Wait, if you're going to smoke, do it out on the balcony." Arthur reprimanded. Really now, what would Lancer do if he accidentally set off the sprinkler system within the room with that cigarette of his?
"Geez, lighten up a little would you? It's only a light smoke." The blue-haired spearsman replied in a somewhat sardonic tone. "Anyway, your identities. Mind telling us what they are?"
"Ah, Lancer!" Ayaka began, astounded that her Servant would even ask something like that so casually.
"I see that you don't beat around the bush, do you Hound of Chulainn?" Jeanne replied. She had been expecting this from Lancer. "Very well then, since we are in an alliance with one another, I suppose revealing our identities to you wouldn't pose too much of a problem. I suppose we can treat it as formally introducing ourselves to each other."
"I had a feeling you'd know my name already." Lancer smirked slightly as he sat down on a chair.
"Is that really okay though?"
"It's not like our names are something we're trying to hide." Arthur chuckled and smiled. "Considering my Master's status as the mediator of this Holy Grail War, her identity was bound to be discovered one way or another. Revealing it the two factions was a sign of trust on her part, that in knowing her identity, it showed that she will truly remain neutral as a mediator. Mine as well considering my role as her Servant."
Ayaka nodded in understanding, the young man's words making enough sense to her. She also wondered why a Servant could summon another Servant for herself, but she regaled it to the fact that since there were fourteen Servants, perhaps she needed an insurance to help her mediate the war. The only solution she could think of would be to summon another Servant herself.
"Now then, let's begin." The young saint began as she gestured to herself. "My name is Jeanne d'Arc. It's a pleasure to meet you Ayaka Tohsaka, let us work together for the sake of preserving tomorrow shall we?"
"E-Eh? Ah, right!" Ayaka smiled as she and Jeanne shook hands. The former was somewhat awestruck at the fact that she was meeting a real live saint. Considering that her family were actually Catholics, though not as faithful as some considering their profession as a family of magi, she supposed that this was one of the highest honors she could have from a religious point of view, especially since that person was Jeanne d'Arc herself.
"And my name is Arthur Pendragon. As we are now allies, please count on me for aid in the future should you ever need it." Arthur stated afterwards as both the glasses-wearing blonde and Lancer looked at him.
"E-Eh!?" Saber was King Arthur!? Ayaka couldn't help but blink in surprise and shock that she was meeting one of the more famous mythological figures throughout the world. It was no wonder that she found that he had such a regal presence to him.
"I knew it." Lancer commented with a smirk on his face.
"Oh, so you already knew?"
"Had a feeling about who you were the moment Ruler mentioned your name last night." Lancer replied. "That, and that holy sword of yours is kinda famous don't you know? Hard to mistake it for something else."
"That it is..." The young man couldn't help but agree on Lancer's statement.
"Wait, what's with that reaction...?"
Off to the side, Jeanne couldn't help but pout in annoyance as she commented upon the differing reaction that Ayaka had in response to finding out her identity and her response to Arthur's. She suppose that it couldn't be helped considering her partner's identity. But still, she couldn't help but get annoyed.
'Ah, I shouldn't act like this.' She then scolded herself mentally. 'As a servant of the Lord, I shouldn't allow myself to fall to vanity.'
Jeanne then proceeded to finish her meal that morning, her thoughts drifting the eventual meeting that would take place tomorrow night between the two factions of Red and Black. Wondering to herself if that person would show up there.
'I doubt that man would decide to show his face now that we know about him. But, I suppose we should be ready for anything just in case.'
"Are you sure you're alright?"
Around the same time Jeanne and her group were having breakfast, Caules and Fiore were in the latter's room shortly after she woke up. The former stood watch over his older sister the entire night due to his worry for her after receiving an injury from the terminator wannabe she had fought.
"Really now Caules, you shouldn't worry so much about me." Fiore stated as she smiled at him. She felt that she was blessed to have such a caring younger brother. In most other magi families, siblings caring for each other would be a laughable idea to some.
"Sorry, I can't help it." Caules replied. "Seriously though, you really think working together with the Masters of Red is a good idea?"
"Yes." The female brunette said in response. "With our combined strength, I most certainly believe that we will be able to handle the situation of the rogue Servants and whoever is in charge of them."
"In charge of them?"
"Be honest Caules, you don't actually think that those rogue Servants aren't working for anybody?"
"Point taken." The young man said as he sat down a chair. "Still, I'm amazed that you managed to convince grandfather to agree to it."
"Well, it wasn't that hard..." Fiore grimaced.
Soon after returning home last night, she quickly found out that her grandfather had discovered what she had done. To say that he was somewhat livid would be understating it. Had it not been for the fact that Lancer approved of the idea, Fiore felt that she would have been punished by her grandfather for even thinking about working together with the Mage's Association.
A knock on the door quickly interrupted any thoughts she had left as the young brunette called out that it was open.
"Master, I brought both you and young master Caules breakfast."
Smiling as he did so, Chiron entered the room with a tray filled with food enough for two people. Looking at his right arm, Caules noticed that despite the wound having been already closed thanks to Fiore's magic, it wasn't fully healed yet. He could tell since there was a slight difference in how he moved left arm in comparison to his right. That may prove a problem in the future.
'Sure hope this alliance works out. Otherwise, I'm worried for sis and Archer.'
"So, how do you like your new name?"
Walking about the castle together with his homunculus friend now named Sieg, Astolfo poised the question that was on his mind since last night.
"It's alright I suppose." Sieg replied.
"Hey now, you should react with a little more oomph don't you know~?" The young paladin whined. It was somewhat troublesome talking with the homunculi thanks to the default emotionless states that all them seemed to share with one another. That said, as Caules had put it, they had enough sense of self to be, what he called, a "smartass".
The pink-haired paladin found the title to be appropriately given, though he didn't actually understand what the word meant though he felt he understood what it was supposed to mean.
"My apologies, I suppose that it's just the way I am." The former stated in response.
Honestly though, Sieg couldn't understand why Rider was always bothering him and the other homunculi with his endeavors throughout the castle. He couldn't understand why a Heroic Spirit would bother wasting his time with them. They, who were created to be nothing more than to be instruments and tools to be used by their creators. If he wanted companionship, he could easily go to his fellow Servants or the other Masters. He believed that they would provide better company to the pink-haired youth.
Speaking of which, Sieg couldn't tell whether or not the young paladin was male or female. To have such androgyny... If he were told that Rider was a homunculus, he would have believed it easily. That was the only one could explain his appearance.
"Ah, so here you were."
Turning around to look at the source of the voice, both saw Caster of Black approaching them.
"Oh, it's you Caster." Astolfo greeted before giving off a quizzical look towards the woman. "Say, have you ever considered pulling down your hood? That thing must get really uncomfortable since you always have it on~"
"Hehehe~" The Servant of Magic merely giggled at this as she smiled at the young paladin. "I assure you it's not, and I prefer it this way. I suppose that it helps remind of me who I was and what I desire from the Holy Grail."
"Uwah~! The way you said that just now sounded a little dark...!" Astolfo couldn't help bu feel a sinister aura come from his ally.
"Oh, do I scare you~?" She continued to giggle. He supposed that the feeling he got was due to her being a mage. Those who practiced magic were often grouped together evil and other such nonsense. Personally, he believed that Caster was a good person. Certainly, she may have made some mistakes in the past. But what was important was what she chose to do now rather than what she did before. And she's been quite helpful to their cause, and she was nice to talk to for the most part.
"So then, were you looking for us?" The young paladin asked.
"Indeed. I heard from one of the servant that a certain someone was with you."
"Oh! So you were looking for Sieg then!"
"Sieg?"
"It's his new name!" The pink-haired male stated as he laid an arm over said person's shoulders. "Don't you think it's nice? I've It's so much more easier giving them names than just calling them homunculus or something."
"I suppose so." Caster nodded. True, with so many of the homunculi looking alike, it was hard to tell who was who at some points and names would lessen that problem. Why Gordes decided to name only a few them was beyond her, but perhaps it was because he felt that the exceptional ones were the few who deserved to be named.
Still, she was amused by the fact that Rider had gone out of his way to try naming them himself. Such a friendly character he was.
"At any rate, I need him to accompany me for a task that I need fulfilled." Caster revealed.
"Really? What is it?"
"An experiment." The hooded-woman replied. "One that may prove useful to us in the coming days."
"It's nothing dangerous is it?" Astolfo inquired as he began frowning. "If it is, then I won't allow it!"
"If it was going to be dangerous, I wouldn't proceed with it." Caster calmly assured her ally. "You've grown quite fond of these homunculi haven't you?"
"Of course! It matters not how they were born, but the fact that they're living right here and now!" The young paladin stated in response. "On my good name as a Heroic Spirit, I won't allow anyone to harm them. They'll have to go through me first."
Caster blinked at this in surprise, taken aback by the serious look that Rider was giving her. This was the first time she had seen such a look on him.
"I assure you. Should the procedure show chances of failing, then I will stop it immediately." She lied. While Caster had become fond of the young paladin, she had been tasked with something that could help ensure their success in the future. As such, she couldn't allow anything to get in the way of that.
"If you wish, you may even come along and observe."
Crossing both arms, the pink-haired warrior began to think. A short moment later, he had his answer.
"Alright~! That sounds reasonable~!"
"Come along then." Caster motioned as the two followed.
Out on the balcony of the hotel suite where they stayed, Jeanne decided to admire the view for now while she had the chance.
"No matter how much time passes, some things really don't change do they?" She muttered to herself as she smiled.
Though the building she was standing on was much taller, it still reminded of her of the times when she stood atop a high point in an area and just decided to take in the view. Just like back then, the sky was beautiful to look at, the land almost stretching far out into the horizon.
Since the meeting wouldn't be held until tomorrow night, she had a day off today as she knew that with what was coming, she doubted that there would be any conflicts between the two factions. And the man known as Shirou Kotomine would most likely try to stay hidden now that she about him.
'That person... just what is he really after?' She thought. 'Is it truly to save the world? If so, how would he go about it?'
If she were to be honest with herself, Jeanne felt that perhaps her enemy wasn't someone who should be considered an enemy at all. If his goals were benevolent, then surely he was a good person at heart? She would need to confront him herself in order to get a clearer picture of things. Ayaka's information may have been useful, but it was better to hear everything from the source itself. There was a chance she had merely misinterpreted what she heard.
'Perhaps I can convince this person to stand down...?'
"Contemplating about what to do with our enemy?" A voice called out as Arthur appeared walking up to her.
"How did you know?" She asked as he leaned against the railing where she stood.
"I'm good at guessing I suppose." He replied with a smile. "So then, care to enlighten me to what your troubles are this time Master?"
"I'm just wondering about the future, about this man called Shirou Kotomine."
"Saving the world huh...?" Arthur looked up at the sky. "As naive as it sounds, I have to admit that it's a goal that even I might end up supporting so long as the means to do so are something I could tolerate."
"Do you think we could perhaps convince this person to stand down?" She asked. "In spite of everything, I believe that there could be a chance for him to surrender. I mean, his does have well intentions."
"Intentions we still don't know much about other than what Ayaka has told us." The young man replied. "Don't forget, he ordered Lancer to assassinate you. You, the mediator of this Holy Grail War. No matter his intentions, the fact that he would do such a thing should imply what he's like. As a knight sworn to protect you, it's not something I can forgive."
"Ah, I suppose you're right." The young saint nodded in agreement, smiling at Arthur's protectiveness of her. "Since we have the time, I'd like to ask you something about the Holy Grail War you fought in."
"Eh? Saber-san fought in a grail war before?"
Looking back, both saw Ayaka standing at the entrance leading into the suite's living room. The girl had a surprised look on her face, which was to be expected considering what she had just heard.
"Ah..." Jeanne could only cover her mouth in response. Perhaps it would've been better for to have ask Arthur somewhere private? She looked at the young man who was smiling slightly, which she knew was directed at her blunder. At this, she pouted at him in response.
"Don't you say anything."
"Yes, yes." She heard him telepathically chuckled.
"Ah, I didn't mean to interrupt you two if you were discussing something important." Ayaka said, noticing the looks on both of their faces. "I'll leave you both to-"
"Wait," Arthur called out as the glasses-wearing blonde stopped in her tracks. "You can stay. Our discussion just now isn't really something of importance. Perhaps you would like to join us?"
"Is it really okay?" She saw him nod. At this, she went over to the duo and leaned on the railing opposite of Jeanne on the other side of Arthur. The young saint wondered what the young man was doing allowing Ayaka to join them in discussing the former's past. It just seemed so sudden.
"So... Saber-san fought in a grail war before?" Ayaka began. "But how can you remember it? I heard before that Servants shouldn't be able to remember anything at all from a past summoning."
"I will not bother you with all the details, just know that I'm someone with special circumstances." Arthur replied looking at the girl. "Also, the one I fought in was over sixty years ago in your time to be exact. I believe one of your ancestors participated in it as well."
"My ancestors?" She stated in wonder. "Ah, now that I remember it, Uncle did tell me once that his grandfather fought in it himself before. I think it was the same one where grandma's older sister fought too."
"Older Sister?" The young man quickly noted the term as the blonde haired teen blinked in surprise.
"Eh? Ah, yes. My grandmother told me stories about the Holy Grail War before, about how her older sister fought in it herself." Ayaka revealed. "She said that they were winning, but in the end, they ended up losing their lives."
"I see... I feel sorry for your grandmother's lost." Arthur said, and Jeanne noticed the somewhat perturbed look on her partner's face.
"Arthur, what's wrong...?" The young saint telepathically asked.
"It's nothing. I was just confirming something is all."
"Don't lie to me. You have that same look on you face whenever you feel troubled." Jeanne quickly retorted, giving an annoyed look towards the young man who noticed and flinched. "Be honest and just tell me what's going-"
Jeanne then paused briefly as her mind began putting together the things said between Arthur and Ayaka, along with the conversation she had with the former just last night. It quickly became clear to her just what exactly the young man was thinking about.
"Wait, don't tell me this has something to do with your former Master?"
"Of the sort. Manaka had a little sister who was also named Ayaka." Arthur revealed as Jeanne widened her eyes. "The Ayaka that's with us right now actually resembles both sisters rather greatly. It cannot be a coincidence that I ran into someone who looks so much like the two of them."
"Really? But what would that-"
"Wait a minute you two."
Ayaka's voice called out as the other two blondes looked at her and saw that she an annoyed look on her face. Her glasses were shining somewhat thanks to the light that reflected of them, giving the image a bespectacled terror about unleash her wrath upon them.
"Don't tell me you guys are communicating through telepathy?" Both flinched in response. "I knew it. That's a little rude when there's another person here you know..."
"Ahaha, my apologies." Arthur was the first to respond, both hands raised in an apologetic manner.
"Yes, that was quite rude of us." Jeanne bowed her head.
"Geez..." Ayaka muttered annoyed. The former was the one who invited her to join the two of them in the first place. And then they have a telepathic communication with each other? Well, at least both Saber and Ruler apologized for their unintentional rudeness. Unlike a certain other someone...
"Speaking of which, where's Lancer...?" The young saint asked.
"Ah, that idiot said he'd be down below in the bar." The girl replied. "Knowing him, he's probably drinking already. Geez, and it's still so early in the morning too."
"Achoo!"
Down below in the hotel bar, Lancer felt a sneeze coming on as he made sure to direct it away from anybody close to him. Such a thing caused those within the bar to look at him in wonder for a good few moments before returning to their own respective businesses.
"Damn, fumes must be getting to me or something."
He muttered that to himself as he continued to drink from the glass of wine in his hands. Since they had a free day today, the blue-haired spearsman decided to spend it lounging about at the bar. With something nice to drink and a good atmosphere, this was the perfect place for him to relax on his own.
"Missy! Another round please!"
"So then, have our Masters sent any word yet?"
Seated atop a stone pillar, Atalanta poised her question to the white-haired Servant who had been standing down below and leaning against said pillar with his both his arms crossed and eyes closed. Currently, the two were waiting for their next set of instructions at the ruins of an old building from the middle ages.
Normally preferring to be quiet due to his inability to learn tact as someone once told him long ago, Karna decided to answer anyway. Though he decided to tread lightly as to avoid irritating the golden-haired Archer above him with his words.
"None that I know of. Feeling bored are you?"
"Perhaps." The Chaste Huntress shrugged, staring blankly into the sky as she spoke.
Karna could understand Archer's feelings. He too was feeling the same as he was a warrior. As such, part of him desire to partake in a battle. Though unlike Archer, he was able to satisfy himself with the duel he had with his fellow Lancer Cu Chulainn. Said person was the first to truly injure him since his summoning. Even now, though the wound had closed itself he could still feel pain coming from it.
Gae Bolg was a cursed spear that would leave wounds that could not be healed, so perhaps it was to be expected. In order for it heal properly, the white-haired Servant believed that he would need to destroy the weapon itself. That said, he didn't allow the injury to affect him much.
"You should go hunting." He then suggested to his ally. "That was one of your habits in the past was it not? It's in your title after all."
"And what purpose would that serve? We are Servants after all. The thrill of the hunt disappears when you're far superior to your prey." She replied before her ears suddenly perked up like an animals. "Oh, it looks like someone's arriving."
Said person walked out slowly from the woods, wearing a black cloak and a strange white mask. Both Servants present immediately recognized him as Rider. Narrowing her eyes, Archer spoke as he walked closer towards them.
"It's only you? What do you want, child of Zeus?"
"Truly it seems that you have a desire of announcing my ancestry so casually everytime we speak, don't you Archer?" Rider chuckled slightly as he laid a hand on his mask and removed it, revealing a rather handsome young man with light green eyes bordering on yellow and dark-purple colored hair.
"You'll forgive me for thinking that you may perhaps be a philandering fool like your father Perseus." Atalanta replied, maintaining a distasteful look on her face. "Though considering your history, I suppose I shouldn't judge you as someone you're clearly not."
Perseus, the slayer of the monster known as Medusa. Considered to be one of the few heroes in Greek Mythology what many would consider a happy ending.
"I would appreciate that. The only woman for me would be Andromeda, and I intend to keep it that way." He smiled in response, before a glint of mischief appeared in his eyes as he looked up directly at Archer.
"Also, I can see up your skirt from down here."
Said statement resulted in an arrow narrowly missing Perseus' head as the Chaste Huntress then proceeded to land on the earth below. Quickly standing up right, she aimed her bow at him all the while glaring at the purple-haired Servant.
"Why you insolent little...!"
"That's enough Archer, he's only trying to get a reaction out of you." Karna stated, opening an eye and directing it towards Perseus. "So then, why did you come here?"
"Orders to return from Miss Angelica." The latter replied as the other two reacted in surprise. "She says that we are to strike at our enemies soon, and that we should begin preparations at the garden."
"Is that so?" The white-haired demigod stated, wondering to himself why their Master couldn't just tell them that himself through their telepathic link. He thought that it was perhaps due to him being busy. Considering what Rider had just stated, he believed it to be so.
"Why is it that our Master had to go through with all this sneaking about in the first place?" Atalanta couldn't help but voice out. "With our combined strength, surely we could've easily taken on any who stood in our way."
"Our Master prefers to win his battles without having fought in them." Karna replied as he began musing to himself. "Perhaps he desired to have the Red Faction and Black Faction whittle each other's strengths down first, which would then allow us to step in and claim victory over both. It would be the most logical conclusion I can come to."
"I see." The grass-haired archer nodded in response, agreeing with Lancer's statement.
"Alright then, shall we get going?"
With that, the three Servants quickly left the area.
Soon time quickly passed and the following day came.
Later that evening, Jeanne, Arthur, and Ayaka stood right in front of the Yggdmillennia castle gate.
Or what was left of it anyway. After the resulting clash between Mordred and Siegfried's respective Noble Phantasms, it was mostly rubble at this point. That said, repairs were already underway as seen with the appearance of several homunculi and golems. Though there were still signs of battle that littered the area where they stood.
Speaking of which, Lancer himself was in spirit mode for the time being at the request of Jeanne. She felt that it would be better for Lancer to remain unseen until the meeting itself. Though he had his reservations, the blue-haired spearsman agreed and went along with the young saint.
"Hauuh..."
"Nervous?" Jeanne asked, noticing the glasses-wearing blonde looking somewhat pale.
"Do you even need to ask me that?" Ayaka muttered in reply as the young saint merely smiled in response, understanding what the girl was going through.
After their talk out on the balcony, Arthur decided to drop the topic about the possibility of Ayaka being related to his former Master for now as they bigger concerns such as the upcoming alliance meeting.
Jeanne agreed with his decision, but the young saint couldn't help sigh at the idea of being suspicious of their new found ally. Though logical to assume, she found it to be unhealthy to be always be suspicious of those around you.
"I see you that you've arrived, Ruler."
Looking ahead, the blonde saw a young man with black hair wearing what appeared to be a Japanese school uniform? She was slightly perturbed by the cold look he gave off, but quickly shrugged it off as she spoke.
"You're the Master of Assassin, aren't you?"
"Indeed I am." He replied, bowing slightly in respect. "Julian Ainsworth, at your service. I've been tasked by Lord Darnic in leading you to the location where the meeting is to take place tonight."
"I see then." Jeanne nodded in response. "Please lead the way."
"I shall. But first," Julian began as he gazed at Ayaka. "That girl. Who is she? I was expecting only for you and your Servant to arrive here tonight."
Said glasses-wearing blonde froze up when she saw the cold gaze the teen directed at her. Something about him just didn't sit well with her.
"Please don't mind her. She's part of my entourage." Jeanne replied. "I trust that her presence will not prove to be troublesome?"
The blonde felt the young man's gaze grow intense for a good few moments before he decided to relent, turning around as he spoke.
"Alright then, my task for tonight is to merely guide you to the meeting point. Who you bring along doesn't really concern me I suppose." He stated as he began walking with the trio soon following after him.
'So that girl is going to be attending as well? It looks like Kotomine's instincts were right.'
Nearing the location of the meeting, Julian soon left once he was sure that the group knew where they would be going, saying that he had important business to take care of.
"Oh? It's about time you arrived Ruler!"
Entering the same room where she first met Lancer of Black and his Master, Jeanne and the other came across the sight of the members of both Red Faction and Black Faction seated apart from each other across a large table, with Rider of Red greeting the young saint with enthusiasm in his voice.
Said person happen to wearing a simple blue pants and a white t-shirt that had what appeared to be a world map imprinted on it along with words Admirable Tactics III. Such an appearance could cause slight bewilderment in those who weren't in the Red Faction. Was Rider seriously going to attend the meeting dressed like that? Every other Servant in the room wore their usual regalia in battle.
"Greetings to everyone." Jeanne began, shaking her head as she remembered her current situation. "I apologize if we kept everyone waiting."
"Not at all, we only just assembled a short while ago." The King of Conquerors replied.
"Hmph..."
Mordred immediately began to glare when saw her father enter the room. Arthur saw this and merely shook his head, having expected the reaction. Beside her, sat her Master Kairi Shishigou. Who for some reason had a look of distaste that was directed at the members of the Black Faction. Not that it was any surprising itself considering that up until this point, both factions were enemies.
The others who were in the room included Archer of Red and his Master who was a blonde haired little girl. The former was smirking as he saw their group enter. Arthur couldn't help but frown at him as result. After those two were Lancer of Red and his Master, the girl who bore a striking resemblance to Mordred. Arthur wondered why that was, but decided it was a topic for another time.
On the side of the Black Faction was Darnic and Lancer of Black. A young brunette girl sat beside Archer of Black, with Jeanne quickly identifying her as Fiore Forvedge, the same person who had set up the meeting in the first place. Continuing where she left off, the others left were Saber of Black and his Master, Berserker of Black and her Master, and a woman with a rather sharp look to her who looked rather annoyed for some reason.
"Uwah... so many people." Ayaka muttered. Someone just shoot her now!
"I see, so that's the girl whom Archer was talking about." Waver spoke out as everyone looked at him.
"El-Melloi, you know her or something?" Kairi asked.
"Of the sort. After all, I'm sponsoring one of her cousins."
"Eh? Sponsoring? Wait, you don't mean Rin do you mister...?" The glasses-wearing blonde asked in surprise.
"Call me Lord El-Melloi II. Tohsaka Ayaka, your cousin is going to be one of my future students." Waver replied.
At this, Ayaka quickly realized that the long-haired man was the same person Rin had talked to her about whenever she would talk about the Clock Tower. With someone with his status sponsoring her, Rin believed that her future was already partially going to be a successful one once she graduated high-school. A fact that she would like to repeat more than once.
"U-Uh...! It's a pleasure to meet you Lord El-Melloi!"
"It's El-Melloi II." Waver muttered in annoyance. It was incredibly grating to hear the name spoken without II being included in it. It made him feel like his old professor was still around and haunting him as a result. He didn't need that hanging over his head, not with all the work he's done in the past few years.
"Did you say Tohsaka?" Darnic stated in a subdued tone. He hadn't expected a member of that family to appear here out of all places. Last he heard they had given up on the Holy Grail themselves and began seeking other ways in reaching the Root.
"Yes, she's indeed a Tohsaka." Waver stated in response to hearing Darnic's words before turning his gaze back towards the young teen.
"Perhaps he and I share the same question. Why is a member of the Tohsaka here? With a Holy Grail War going on, it cannot be a coincidence."
"Uh... I suppose you could say that."
"In the first place, perhaps you should have that Servant behind your materialize first. You cannot fool me young lady." Vlad revealed, causing the others to quickly react in alert as they stared at the young teen all at once. Who herself flinched at the sudden attention being directed at her.
"Please calm down, this girl is our ally." Jeanne reassured, looking at Ayaka. "Have Lancer materialize."
Nodding at this, the glasses-wearing blonde telepathically called out to Lancer.
Soon, the blue-haired spearsman appeared leaning against the wall. Arms crossed with a smirk on his face, he raised on arm and waved.
"Yo! Quite a gathering you people have here." He greeted.
"A Lancer-Class Servant?" Gordes muttered in bewilderment. "Just how on earth do you have control over a Servant girl?"
"That's what were about to discuss." Jeanne replied before noticing something off. "Wait, are some of your members not going to attend this meeting?"
"Julian, Rider, and Caster are working as our security force for now. They'll be the ones to keep an eye out for any potential threats or strange events occurring." Darnic replied. Obviously though, he was lying. Only Julian was working as their security force together with the Assassins.
Currently, Caster was working on the pet project they began the other day with Roche working alongside her. Rider decided to watch over both of them in case of something happening during the process. That, and there was the fact that the young paladin was rather attached to the homunculus he had named Sieg.
"I see. And what of the other Red Masters and Servants?"
"The Masters of both Caster and Berserker already withdrew some time ago." Waver revealed, surprising the members of the Black Faction and Jeanne's group. "They transferred their command spells to the Master of Assassin long before we even knew of about it."
"Assassin' of Red's Master... it's the man known as Shirou Kotomine isn't it?" Jeanne asked.
The former nodded at this. "Indeed, Archer has already told us everything about what you told him. Though it wasn't easy getting out of him that is."
Jeanne looked at the Golden King who merely smirked at her after noticing her gaze.
"Kotomine? I remember that name being associated with the former mediator of the Grail War sixty years ago back in Japan." Darnic stated with a curious look. "Is it a child of his or a relative that participates this time?"
"From what I know, he was adopted." Waver replied. "At any rate, he's also going to be part of the reason why I believe this alliance is going to be a necessary one."
"And why is that?" Fiore asked. She was honestly curious to hear more on why Lord El-Melloi II had agreed to her request other than the fact that he also believed the rogue Servants to be a threat to the Holy Grail War.
"I believe Ruler will be able to fill you in on everything." The long-haired man stated as he gestured to the young saint.
With that, all eyes returned their gazes to Jeanne. The blonde took a moment to breath before speaking
"As you all no doubt have suspected yourselves by this point, the rogue Servants have someone leading them behind the shadows. That person is none other than Shirou Kotomine." She revealed, the Black Faction members widening their eyes somewhat in shock at this piece of news.
"Hmph, so a member of the Red Faction is in control of the rogue Servants?" Celenike spoke with a sneer on her face.
"And what are you implying?" Reines spoke up, narrowing her eyes at the older woman.
"What do you think?"
"What I think is that you are a vain old woman considering your appearance and one who poses rather ridiculous statements. Does that satisfy your question?" Reines asked with smile, the gray-haired woman glaring viciously at the young blonde. Archer gave off an entertained smirked at his young Master's successful goading of the latter.
"Enough!" Vlad stated, demanded to be precise, as both quickly froze up. "We are here to have talks, not to trade barbs at one another. Ruler, please continue."
Nodding at this, Jeanne continued to speak.
"Now, to help further our understanding of this person, I have brought someone along with me who can help us with just that."
"The Tohsaka girl?" Darnic asked, gazing at the glasses-wearing blonde. "Well then child, speak to us what you know."
"U-Uh right!" Ayaka stuttered as she stepped forward.
Taking a deep breath to herself, she only had one thought going through her mind just before she spoke.
'Well, here goes nothing...!'
Much like how she did so with Jeanne, Ayaka began to explain everything she knew about their enemies. To say that the other Masters were shock would be an understatement. Cards that could summon Servants and help sustain them on their own without the aid of a grail? Such things would have been preposterous for them to consider had it not been for the fact that they had no other information to go on.
Darnic could only narrow his eyes though. Not at the Tohsaka girl, but at what she said about the items she called Class-Cards. It reminded him of something from long ago, but he could not remember where.
"Now that we've covered that topic, I believe that it's time to move on to our main topic for tonight." Jeanne spoke up as all looked towards her.
"Through his Servants, he has twice attempted to assassinate me. That alone should prove more than enough reason to for me to consider him an enemy to both myself and to the order of the Holy Grail War. What Miss Tohsaka has revealed about him helps to support my views. As such, I can no longer remain on the side as he continues his machinations in the shadows. He and his group will prove to be dangerous adversaries if taken lightly."
"So I declare this. Both Red and Black, your Factions are too cease hostilities with each other at this moment in order to deal with a bigger threat. I ask, will you all decide to stand together? Or will you refuse?"
No one immediately answered her question, the Masters and Servants of each group silently contemplating the young saint's words and everything that had been revealed to them so far.
"Very well then, you have my support Ruler." The first to speak up was none other than Vlad himself. "As you said, they are a foe that cannot be treated lightly. With our combined might however, we can surely crush them where they stand."
"And you can count on my support as well!" Rider of Red declared with a smile. "Teaming up with so many people like this is quite a rare opportunity!"
Soon after their respective Servants voiced their stance on the matter, Waver and Darnic added their piece as well.
"Considering that Kotomine was one of ours, I feel responsible for him. From this moment on, myself and the others are your temporary allies Darnic Prestone." The former stated as the latter smiled.
"Hmph, very well then. Considering that Lancer has accepted, I suppose there can be no harm in a temporary team up such as this."
Such words coming from her grandfather caused a smile of relief to form Fiore's face. She was half-expecting him to refuse, but thankfully he saw enough reason thanks to both Ruler and the Tohsaka girl.
Seeing the events unfold, Gilgamesh had no nothing to say at the moment. After all, he already made it clear to Reines and the others the other day that he would not interfere with whatever Assassin and her Master had in store due to wishing to observe it for now.
That said, he only declared non-interference towards Assassin and her Master, not their allies. Considering what he had heard about them just now, he was truly interested in seeing how well they would fare against him or the other Servants in the room.
"Well... this is going to be a thing."
Those were the only words Kairi had to offer. He was still against the idea of working together with the Black Faction, but saw that it was a pragmatic choice in order to deal with the outsiders who were interfering with the Holy Grail War.
Looking beside him, he saw Mordred glaring continuously at her father. He sighed at this, she really hated her old man didn't she? Considering her temper, he found it a miracle that she hadn't attacked him throughout the discussion. Now they were all going to work together with Ruler and her group to take down Kotomine. He was wondering to himself what her thoughts on the matter were, but he was too much of a chicken to ask given the look on her face.
"Alright then, now with that out of the way, I suppose it's time for us Heroic Spirits to have a talk among ourselves. And the perfect way to do that is through wine!"
Like a stage magician performing a trick, Rider pulled out a large barrel from out of nowhere.
"Wait, where the hell did you get that?!"
"Hmm? From the wine cellar below." The King of Conquerors casually revealed as everyone stared at him in bewilderment, most especially the members of the Black Faction who were all wondering just how in the world did he do that without any of them noticing?
"Hah! I like this guy already." Lancer said, the blue-haired spearsman smirking at the King of Conquerors.
"Now then, I saw a pretty garden last time we were here. That would be a most appropriate spot for us to drink no?"
"Oh~! What's this about drinking~!?"
Astolfo appeared at the last moment, a smile on his face that was filled with wonder.
"What the? Rider? I thought you were busy with something else?" Caules wondered aloud.
"I'm already finished with that." The young paladin replied. "What's this I hear about drinking~?"
Smashing the barrel open with his fist, Iskander poured some wine into a cup provided for him by one of the many homunculi Servants. Taking a sip, he sighed in delight as he faced his fellow Servants who were all seated in a circle together as he began passing a drinks to all who were present.
The first of which being Arthur himself. Taking it with a smile, he drank.
"This is kinda surreal, isn't it?" Caules couldn't help but mutter. Seeing the sight of Heroic Spirits from different time periods seated together sharing drinks... he could find that there were no other words that could help describe it.
Speaking of which, he and the other Masters stood on the side watching the events unfold. He saw that almost everyone had a similar look to his own. That is, everyone except Lord El-Melloi II. He had the look of exasperation instead, like he was expecting something like this to happen.
"What? You expect us to drink this?"
Gilgamesh spoke up after having sampled the wine himself, a frown growing on his face.
"What, you don't like it?" Iskander asked.
"Fool, heroes such as ourselves can only drink the finest that there is. As such..."
Stretching out his hand, a golden light appeared beneath it as a golden container appeared beneath it and neatly landed itself onto the floor below.
"Allow me to rectify your mistake."
"Wait, that isn't the same stuff you took out the other day is it? I can still feel the headache from back then." Achilles questioned. As open as he was for a drink like any other man, there was somethings that even he wouldn't take again.
"Hah! I merely brought that out to see how long you would all last with but a taste." Archer smirked in response as he passed on several goblets to the others. "Clearly you lot were unprepared for a divine drink of that level. Thus, I believe something else should suffice."
"So you were messing with us? Ass..." The green-haired warrior muttered in annoyance.
"Maybe you idiots shouldn't have accepted it in the first place?" Mordred offhandedly commented with a smirk of her own.
Simultaneously, the group of Servants looked at one another and nodded, which at that point they each took a sip of their of wine provided by the Golden King. Just as quickly as they did however, they all widened their eyes in shock.
"Oh~! This is so good~!" Breaking the silence, Astolfo cried out in delight. In his lifetime of adventuring, this was the first time he had tasted something so delightful!
"Why didn't something like this exist when I was alive? So unfair~" Elizabeth sighed.
"Hahaha! That's it, praise the King for his kindness! You have all received a once in a lifetime opportunity to sample of one of his treasures." Gilgamesh declared with a haughty smile after seeing the groups various reactions.
Even Vlad had to admit that Archer had one fine delicacy with him, but together with both Siegfried and Chiron, they kept it to themselves. Iskander, Achilles, and Cu Chulainn on the other hand continued to drink up, savoring the taste.
Mordred herself didn't know how to react. Just how in the world did something like even exist in the first place? And just how in the world did Archer get his hands on it? The same question ran through Arthur's mind, but his was forgotten when he noticed that Jeanne had yet to drink from hers.
"Is something the matter?"
"Eh? Ah, no. There's nothing wrong. It's just..."
Since she was possessing Laeticia, Jeanne didn't know whether or not she should accept as the former was still underage. In her time, drinking such delicacies was common. But in modern times, there was now a limit to when a person can do so depending on the location.
"What's the matter? Is it because you have yet to taste delicacy's such as wine?" Gilgamesh smirked and then laughed in amusement. "Perhaps I should be calling you a little girl instead of Saber. She at least has enough steel within her to sample my treasure."
"Reference me like that again and I'll hit you." Mordred stated with a glare, one that the former ignored.
"Well then Ruler, will you drink? Or will you sit there and gawk like a fool while the rest of your fellows have done so themselves?"
Unamused by the Golden King's words, Jeanne's eyes narrowed and decided that she would to prove him wrong. She then put the goblet to her mouth and drank, an delightful sensation quickly overwhelming her mind.
"Oh my, this is...!" She blinked. That was the only thing she could do as she was speechless at how good it tasted.
"Wise choice. Had you refused, I might have been insulted." Gilgamesh declared before giving off a knowing smirk. "Whether or not you have special circumstances, I expect you to accept the kindness that the King gives you."
Jeanne's eyes widened in shock. Special circumstances? Did that mean that he knew about her and Laeticia? But how?
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Arthur calling out to Rider of Red.
"Now then Rider, I suspect that the reason you brought us all out here isn't just because you wanted a drink." He stated, to which the Servants directed curious looks at the King of Conquerors, who himself began smirking as he saw their gazes laid upon him.
"Indeed it isn't King of Knights." Rider began, making sure to gather everyone's attention, their Masters included. "As you all know, the Holy Grail is fated to end up in the hands of the one most worthy of it. Our conflict in Trifas to determine who that person will be."
Everyone nodded at this, though both Jeanne and Arthur didn't really know where he was going with this since they weren't fighting for the Holy Grail themselves.
"However, if it's only about deciding which of us is more worthy, then bloodshed isn't the only means that we can do it through now is it?" The red-haired man stated as he began smiling. "If we the Heroic Spirits are able to acknowledge the others' ranks then the matter should settle itself."
"In other words, you wish to hear why we desire the grail for each of ourselves, and then compare each with one another to decide who is most worthy of all." Vlad spoke up with his arms crossed. "Foolishness. Our wishes can never be greater nor smaller compared to one another. To each of us, it holds great value, enough so that we pit ourselves against each other in a battle to the death."
"I agree with Lancer." Gilgamesh added, playing with his goblet. "What are you playing at Rider?"
"Nothing at all." The large man replied. "Considering that we are all Heroic Spirits, with four of us having been sovereign rulers in the past, it was only inevitable that we have this talk among ourselves. And how much we value our wishes would matter little if the other's own wish has is greater in scope. There's also a chance that one of us would be able to grant the wishes of the others through granting our own."
"Then does that include us?" Arthur asked, gesturing to himself and Jeanne. "You should know that we're not actually fighting for the Grail ourselves."
"Of course I do. However, that doesn't mean you both would lack wishes does it? Even if you two cannot attain anything, I merely wish to hear what you either of you would want if you had the chance to obtain the grail for yourselves." Rider retorted with a knowing smile. "That, and I believed that it would be rude to not invite the two of you as well. So then, care to enlighten us as to what your wishes would be? How about you Ruler? If you had a wish you want granted, what would it be?"
"None at all." Jeanne replied without missing a beat. "If there's anything I would desire as a person, it would be that the Holy Grail War be conducted properly and without civilian casualties."
"As expected of a pure and honest saint, perhaps I shouldn't have bothered asking." Iskander chuckled briefly as he saw the resolute gaze the blonde had in her eyes. That meant that she was completely serious about what she had just said.
"Now then, who's going to go next?" He began before remembering the blonde-haired archer next to him. "Oh, what about you Archer? What's your wish? Why do you fight for the grail?"
"Fool, as if I would fight for something that's already mine to begin with." He stated as he took a sip from his goblet. Noticing the confused looks on everyone's faces, he decided to clarify. "In the first place, the origins of every single treasure of this world can be traced back to my treasury."
"So what? Are you saying you once had the Grail yourself?" Iskander asked with a smile. "Then that means you'd know exactly what it is?"
"No." The Golden King stated much to their surprise. "Do you think I would remember every single artifact that's been stored within my treasury? Don't be so foolish. The important fact is that it's a priceless treasure, so obviously it must've been one of mine. As such, those who would try to take it without my permission shall be severely punished. Such is the law of the King."
"Hah, it looks like Berserkers aren't the only ones who have gone mad in life."
Mordred scoffed, causing Gilgamesh to glare at his fellow Red Servant. Obviously, the comment was payback for earlier.
"Hey! I resent that!"
Elizabeth exclaimed in annoyance, pointing a finger at the former. Vlad laid a hand on his allies shoulder in order to calm her down. The former did so, but not before giving Mordred the stink eye which the red knight simply ignored while smirking.
"Well technically speaking, you were kinda not all there when you were alive..."
Caules muttered quietly to himself lest Berserker hear him. Considering her history, he wasn't surprised that Elizabeth Bathory qualified for the Berserker-Class in the first place. Bathing in the blood of others wasn't exactly a sane thing to do...
"Hahaha! Let's all try to get along." Iskander began as he took another sip from his goblet. "Besides, I think I have an idea of who Goldie here is. So his words may have a ring of truth to them. So then Archer, all we have to do is ask for your permission in order to obtain the grail then?"
"Obviously." The Golden King replied as he gazed upon the others with a smirk on his face. "Should you any of you impress me with your prowess in battle and as individuals, I may consider bestowing the grail as gift to one of you. And should any of you submit yourselves to me, then the higher your chances are going to be."
"Hahaha! That would be impossible!" The red-haired Servant laughed. "As the King of Conquerors, I was planning on taking grail whether or not you approved. I really want it for myself you see. And that treasury of yours too since it's filled with wonders such as this wine we're drinking!"
"Hah, you may very well try Rider." Gilgamesh smirked. "I do not mind lending you the grail itself. However, taking my other treasures however shall result in you receiving judgement at my hands. You have been warned."
"Such carefree individuals..."
Arthur commented at the sight of the two Kings. Though he supposed he wasn't one to judge them.
Taking a sip from his goblet, Vlad decided to voice his thoughts. "A strange man you are, Archer. To allow a treasure such as the grail to fall onto anyone's hands because you believe that they may perhaps be worthy of it."
"Pray tell what's your wish Lancer? Is it something that's worthy of the grail?" The former asked, turning his attention from the King of Conquerors to the Lord Impaler.
"To erase the stain on my reputation. Nothing more, nothing less." Vlad replied.
"What? That's it?" The King of Conquerors asked.
"Its importance to me is of the highest order, and in doing so, I shall prevent that horrid piece of literature that has somehow become synonymous with my name from ever being created!"
With every word spoken, Vlad continuously tightened his grip on the goblet in his hand. It even began to dent due to the sheer strength the former had. The two Kings wondered to themselves just what in the world he was referring to that could cause such a reaction in the former.
"Oh, he must be talking about Drac-" Fiore began.
"Shh! He might hear you!" Caules quickly cut his sister off. Mentioning Dracula whenever Lancer was around had already been considered taboo by the others in the Black Faction. Apparently his sister didn't get the memo.
"Other than that Lancer, don't you have anything else you desire?" Arthur asked.
"None, I've lived a full life. Though I have made many mistakes in the past, I will not use the grail for something so childish as to erase them." He replied, his voice filled with resolution. "I will carry those mistakes with me, through both life and death, and onto the next life that God shall assign me to. Before that, I merely wish to restore my reputation to its proper name."
"I see..."
The white knight nodded slowly at this. That was quite different from him.
"Hehe, spoken like a true man." Cu Chulainn commented. "Staying true to your beliefs and principles is the only way to live."
"Live like a hero and die like a hero right?" Achilles added with a smirk, glancing at the blue-haired spearsman. "You remind me a little of myself. We should spar some time."
"Oh! Now that sounds like a real way to pass the time!" With that, both clanked their goblets together and continued to drink. Chiron smiled at this, amused by how his former student was getting along with someone with similar interests to his own.
"Hmph, your words would normally earn a bit of my respect, but your faith in your so called god prevents it so." Gilgamesh remarked with a snide look on his face. "Only fools without the ability to live on their own would put their trust in something so ridiculous."
"Do you wish to challenge me Archer?!" Vlad demanded as he pulled out his spear, indignation at the direct insult to his Lord.
"W-Wait!" Jeanne quickly interrupted. "Please do not fight here! Otherwise, our meeting earlier would have been for nothing!"
Seeing that the young saint had a point, Vlad relented and sat back down, settling for glaring at the Golden King who looked rather amused by his reaction. Elizabeth then offered the former another goblet, to which he took it and continued to drink.
"Come on Goldie, try to be nice at least." Iskander chided his fellow Red Servant. "So then, does anybody else want to share their thoughts?"
"I do."
Turning to the source of the voice, all looked to see Mordred with an unusually calm look on her face. Arthur wondered what she was going to say. Due to their history together, he had an idea of what it was.
How wrong he was.
"My wish for the grail is..." She paused for a moment, looking towards her father before continuing. "My goal is to challenge the Sword in the Stone!"
That statement alone was enough for the white knight to widen his eyes in disbelief.
'Even now, after all this time, she still wants to become a King...?'
"Sword in the Stone? Hey King of Knights, isn't that the same one that got you started on your own path towards becoming a King?" The red-haired Servant asked.
"Yes it was."
"Hmm, interesting." The former stated with a hand under his chin. "So in other words Saber, you want to succeed your father?"
"Not just succeed!" The Knight of Treachery exclaimed. "I will surpass my father as King! Anything he could do, I can do just as well and even better! Pulling out the Sword in the Stone would be nothing more than a triviality for me!
Following her words was a moment of silence. Of which quickly went by as laughter erupted from the Golden King.
"Such confidence is amusing to see." Gilgamesh suddenly stated, smiling at Mordred. "However, you forget something Saber. The child could never surpass the parent, they merely carry on their legacy. Something that you failed to do apparently considering that you ended up getting yourself killed by the King of Knights."
"What was that?!" Mordred quickly stood up, enraged by what the red-eyed blonde was saying.
"Hey now, no need to act so violently." The King of Conquerors quickly cut in. "Besides, we have someone that could say otherwise don't you think? Who better to judge the offspring than the parent?"
With that, Iskander turned his gaze back towards Arthur.
"What say you King of Knights?" He asked, smirking. "Do you believe that your child has the ability to surpass you?"
When Mordred saw that her father hadn't immediately replied, she took his silence as his answer. At this, she began grind her teeth as her hands curled into fists. One question ran through her mind as the silence continued.
'Why won't you say something...?!'
On the other hand, Arthur himself didn't really know how to respond. With Mordred's presence, he couldn't help but just remain silent. His mind kept warping back towards that single moment, on that burning hill where the two of them had fought each other to death.
Honestly, what should he say? Mordred had turned her blade against him, betraying the oath she had sworn as one of the Knights of the Round Table. At the same time he couldn't blame her for her decision. It was his fault for allowing the hatred in her to fester. Perhaps he could have done something...
He quickly snapped out of it when felt a hand being laid upon his shoulder. The young man saw that it was Jeanne, who then communicated with him telepathically.
"Just be honest. Say what you want say and everything will be alright, I'll be here to stand by your side."
Arthur briefly chuckled at this. Really now, he was being comforted and being given advice on what to do by a girl six years his junior. The white knight felt rather pathetic at that moment. But at the same time, he was grateful for her intervention as he began to speak.
"Well, if you're asking for my honest opinion... then, I would say yes."
"Eh?" Mordred mouthed, her mind going blank as she heard her father reveal his answer to the rest.
"Hoh? Care to enlighten us more about your reasoning for that?" The King of Conquerors stated while smiling.
"Her faults aside, Mordred had the heart and skill it would take for me to choose her as a proper successor. Something I still believe she has." Arthur replied once more, gazing at the red knight momentarily before continuing. "I believe that it would merely be a matter of properly preparing her for the role."
A crooked smile then formed on Arthur's face.
"Unfortunately, it never came to pass. I believe that some of you would know why that is." He said, and those who knew enough of the young man's legend had an idea of what he was referring to. "Perhaps had I reacted differently... it would have never led to that. But I suppose there's no point on dwelling on it now."
Mordred was speechless. Nothing came to her mind as her father revealed his thoughts about her. She couldn't find the ability to speak out.
Was it all true? Was it really all true? Did he really mean all that? She couldn't tell, her mind still trying to comprehend and wrap itself around everything that was said.
"Well I suppose I can understand that, it's only natural you'd feel that way." Iskander stated with a thoughtful look, looking back and forth between parent and child and studying their expressions. He noted to himself that it was good for his fellow Red Servant to hear what the King of Knights had to say.
Speaking of which, his fellow Rider-Class also smiled as he too noticed something off from the red knight. As such, being the person that the young paladin was, he spoke.
"Oh~? Saber, you're pretty happy right now aren't you~?"
Astolfo's question quickly snapped the Knight of Treachery out from her daze as face began to go red and her jaw dropping as she gazed at the pink-haired warrior with an incredulous look on her face.
"W-What...?! H-H-How did you come to that conclusion?!"
"Well you are blushing after all~"
"...!"
Half-tempted to swing away at Rider with Clarent, the Mordred opted to merely sit down. Continuing to drink from her goblet. The way she was sitting right now made her look like how a girl her age would look when presented with something that embarrassed them. Kairi could only smirk at her reaction, for it was the first time he had seen her in such a state. It was refreshing to say the least when compared to her usual bravado and temperament.
Arthur himself was just as surprised as well. He expected her say something such as not believing his words or trying to insult him. Did his words really hit a nerve for her to react like that?
Jeanne merely smiled at this, noting that Mordred really was delighted by what she just heard but could not admit to it or perhaps did not realize it herself. She could tell at least that much in regards to the Knight of Treachery. Perhaps there really was a chance of reconciliation between her and Arthur after all.
"Now then, I'd like to hear what you would desire from the grail King of Conquerors" Astolfo suddenly inquired. "I mean, don't you think it would be fair for everyone to hear what you wish from the grail considering that you started this conversation in the first place?"
"He does have a point." Elizabeth added.
"Alright then, before I do that, does anyone else want to share theirs first?" The red-haired Servant asked.
Astolfo quickly voiced out that he desired nothing from the Grail as he was completely satisfied with his life, as did Achilles, Cu Chulainn, and Siegfried, the latter of which revealed that his wish was merely to live without regrets this time around. As such, the former two quickly warmed up to him since his desires were rather basic in nature like theirs as they gave a toast to themselves.
Elizabeth revealed her desire to be an idol, at which Gilgamesh laughed at her for and called her a dreaming little girl. Strangely though, it wasn't out of spite, but mere amusement. Chiron revealed his desire to simply have the gods return the immortality granted to him, for it was something that connected him to his parents. Both the former and the young paladin believed this to be sweet.
Soon it came back to the King of Conquerors himself. Taking another sip from his goblet, an embarrassed look appeared on his face as spoke.
"True Incarnation."
"What?"
Such was the reaction of almost every single person who were in attendance, all except Waver that is. The long-haired man had shook his head as a smile grew on his face. He couldn't blame them, he reacted virtually the same way when Rider revealed it to him all those years ago.
"Rider, surely you jest with such a statement." Gilgamesh began, truly baffled by his ally's wish.
"Indeed, I simply can't believe you of all people would fight for something so small."
Vlad replied, crossing his arms as he looked at the King of Conquerors in doubt. Even Elizabeth's wish had a grand scale to it, as silly as it sounded to him that is.
"Remember who I am." The larger man declared. "I am the King of Conquerors. As the title implies, my ultimate ambition is conquest itself. And the ultimate target? Well that would be this entire world wouldn't it?"
He then gazed at one of his open hands.
"However, if I used the grail to conquer the world for me, there would be no meaning to it. Conquest is something I'll leave to myself. And though this body is indeed powerful, Servants are far more limited in the time they can spend in this world. Thus, the first step would be to become fully human once more. And in doing so, I shall conquer both life and death itself!"
Pouring himself another goblet, he took long sip before continuing.
"Continue on from there, I shall move onto the grand stage that is our world. Defying the odds and pushing through anything, that's what conquest is all about. Such is the path that I've chosen as a king."
Iskandar finished, grinning as he took in the gazes of the others.
However, among them only the reaction of a certain golden clad Servant had truly caught his attention.
"Hehehe...!"
Hearing the Golden King chuckling to himself, everyone turned to him.
"I've misjudged you Rider. Perhaps you are worthy of bearing the title of King." Gilgamesh stated with a smirk. "Few men have such dedication to their dreams and beliefs. As such, you'll be my first target after we've dealt with the lesser foes."
"Haha! Pointing that out would be redundant by now don't you think?" Iskander laughed at the notion. "We maybe allies now, but we're all destined to fight each other since none of us wish to submit to the other. Such a sad thing considering how all of you are glorious stars on the battlefield in each of your own way."
"You say that as though you already know that you'll win Rider." Vlad commented.
"Do I? Hahaha! It's probably the drink that's getting to me at this point." The large man pointed out. "Seriously Goldie, where did you get this stuff?"
"Who knows? Last I remember is that it was a gift from one of my subjects." The Golden King shrugged before turning his attention to the White Knight. "Now then, onto what I suppose shall be our last topic for tonight."
"That's right! I nearly forgot about that." Iskander began as he looked towards the King of Knights. "Saber, you have yet to say anything in regards to what your wish would be for the grail."
"I have no desire for the grail." Arthur replied.
"Such a quick response, and an obvious lie to boot." The former stated with a smirk. "You can't fool me King of Knights. Despite your oath of neutrality with Ruler, our talk from earlier tells me that you do have something that you wish from the grail. Be honest and tell us what it is, for a true King wouldn't be ashamed to reveal it."
Arthur couldn't deny that. Seeing that there was no point in trying to avoid the subject, he spoke.
"Very well then, I suppose there's no harm in saying my piece."
Jeanne was worried. She had an idea of what her partner was going to say, but kept it to herself for now. Mordred waited with baited breath to hear what he father's wish was, trying to get close as she could without him noticing the act.
Gray as well watched the white knight with keen eyes, giving away that she too was interested in what he had to say.
"What I wish for... is to bring salvation to my people. To create a utopia for all of them..."
"Such a rare event this is."
Within a room, two individuals observed the banquet with keen interest. Said two were none other than Shirou Kotomine and Assassin of Red.
"Indeed. There has never been a gathering like this in any of the past grail wars before." The former stated. "All of them have such unique wishes that they desire for themselves. Perhaps I was wrong about being able to recruit some of them to our cause."
"Well, there's still the King of Knights." Assassin suggested.
"Yes but I believe he'll also turn me down." Shirou smiled. "He's already done so once before after all."
"Hmm..." The Assyrian Queen mumbled in amusement. "Well then, shall we prepare our forces? With most of them gathered there, we can strike and take them out within a single attack if we're lucky."
"Do it."
With the revelation of Arthur desired from the grail, the Servants that were gathered found themselves in a silence. After all, the former's statement implied a rather great significant change to the world thanks to his wish.
"I thought so."
Such were the words of Iskander, the first to break said silence as he laid his goblet onto the ground.
"Say King of Knights," He began slowly, an unreadable expression on his face. "Saying you wish is like that, to give your people salvation... surely you don't mean to tell me that you wish to change the past now does it?"
"Perhaps I am." Arthur mused as he picked up his goblet and observed his reflection on it. "There are just somethings that I wish could've gone differently. It's like a curse that's constantly haunting me, one that I cannot erase."
Mordred flinched at this, wondering whether or not her father was referring to her. His words from earlier, and his words just now, were in conflict with each other, and now she didn't know what to feel. Damn it all, why did it have to be so confusing?!
"Is that so?" The red-haired Servant began. "Saber. Just to be clear, I like to ask you about something before we continue any further."
"And what would that be?"
"Do you regret ever becoming a King?"
Honestly taken back by the question, Arthur took a few moments to himself to think before coming to a conclusion. Taking into consideration everything he had experienced, the people he had met such as Merlin, the Knights who had sworn their allegiance to him, Guinevere...
If he had not chosen to take the throne, would he had met any of them? If so, what kind of lives would they have lived if that were the case?
Shaking his head, he smiled somewhat as he revealed his answer.
"No, I don't. When I think about it, I do not regret it." Arthur replied. "If I was given a chance to rise to the throne again, to be King Arthur again, then I would take it."
"Good, good!" The King of Conquerors smiled. "Otherwise, I may have scolded you for it, hahaha! But I'm now curious, why do you wish to change the past if that's the case?"
The white knight chuckled briefly at the large man before sighing. "I suppose I just can't help but desire it. There were those that I failed immensely, and while I know I did what I could, I couldn't bring myself to ignore their cries. I only wish to do right by them. With the Holy Grail, perhaps I could do just that. Surely there's a chance of giving those people the salvation they deserved, to create a world where they can live without worry, if only to grant them a sense of peace."
"I see..." Iskander nodded, a hand under his chin as he stared at his fellow king.
"Only a fool would desire salvation for others." Gilgamesh muttered, a distasteful frown on his face as he laid his eyes upon his fellow King. "King of Knights, you would dare to waste the power of the grail on something so feeble?"
"What you value most are your treasures Archer." The White Knight quickly, yet subtly, glared in response. "What I value most would be my people and those who stood by my side in upholding order and protecting my homeland. There can be no comparison between the two."
"Mongrel, do not presume to know me so to make such an accusation." The Golden King gave off an uncharacteristic growl. Normally, it wouldn't have come off a surprise, but the tone of voice and angered visage on Gilgamesh's face had been different compared to his usual ones.
"Hey now, be nice you two. Besides, I have another question." Iskander interrupted, before the argument between the two could go on any further. "This goes for you too Lancer since you were a ruler as well."
Listening closely, the two other rulers looked at the King of Conquerors curiously as he spoke.
"What are your paths of kingship?" He asked. "Mine is that of conquest, Archer's is following through with the law he sets down. What about you two? I'm curious to hear what either of you have to say."
"Prosperity and defense." Vlad quickly replied. "No matter what, a king must ensure that their country is able to live well and without the threat of invasion from other countries. As such, I allowed myself to become a symbol of fear. Though I regret what eventually became of my reputation..."
While saying that, the goblet in Vlad's hand had been completely crushed, the Golden King voicing out his discontent at the action since it belonged to him.
"...my efforts were able to bring about peace to my homeland for a time." He finished, a smile on his face. Oblivious to the fact that Gilgamesh was glaring at him annoyed.
"My answer would be similar to Lancer's own." Arthur began. "Individuals such as ourselves can only last for so long in this world. Thus, I believe in guiding a country to a future in which it can prosper without the king's presence is most important."
"Indeed."
Vlad nodded in approval. Though he knew that their methods and views differed, he and Saber shared similar sentiments when it came to protecting their country. That much, the Lord Impaler could respect him for.
"Ridiculous..."
The Golden King muttered as he took a sip from his goblet. Normally, he would have said something in response to Saber's statement. But he found it to be too troublesome by this point in trying to say anything.
"Unfortunately, I was unable to do that." The former grew a crooked smile on his face. "Shows what I know, does it not?"
"..."
Mordred fidgeted slightly at that, her father's words hitting rather close to home, unable to find it within herself to say anything. Kairi actually began to worry. Seeing the red knight who was normally loud being so quiet only served to unnerve him more the longer the banquet was being held.
"Hahaha! It's alright Saber, no need to be such a gloom!" Iskander stated, noticing the awkward atmosphere between parent and child and decided to interfere. "Even my own empire dissolved after my death, so you and I are in a similar position when you think about it. And I finally understand what your problem is..."
"My problem?"
"You're simply too tied down by your past." The King of Conquerors declared. "I can clearly see that you're a man of honor and righteousness, two virtues of which that I can easily respect you for as a man and king. Knowing that, I can understand your desire in wanting to grant salvation to the people you think you failed."
He then paused to take a sip from his cup before continuing.
"But, you did the best you could didn't you? And that you do not regret becoming King? If so, then you should take pride in yourself for what you have accomplished and be able to move on. While it maybe hard, nothing ever is in this world. As a man and fellow king, I say this to you. Learn to let go of your wish, and trust me when I say that you'll find life to be much more enjoyable afterwards King of Knights."
Arthur simply blinked at this in surprise, taking a moment to contemplate Iskandar's words.
"He's right Arthur."
Jeanne quickly added herself as the young man looked at her.
"What matters is that you did what you could, isn't that enough?" She asked. "To desire from the grail the salvation of others is most noble in itself. But I believe that Rider has a point in saying that you should try to move on from it. I may not be able to understand what you went through, but I believe that allowing yourself to be burdened by your past is something I cannot allow as your friend."
Slightly taken aback from this, the young man silently began to contemplate the words of his Master and the King of Conquerors.
'Just learning to move on...?'
Arthur had heard such words said to him many times in his life, with the main speakers being Merlin and Kay. Those two were always advising the young man on many things, one of which was learning when to let go of the past in order to move on with the present. Something that, according to both, he never learned.
If he had to say something, then that was actually wrong. Arthur knew well enough that he did the best he could. That was all anyone could really do in life. Living life the best way the could, and making sure that their legacy would carry on into the future.
However, whenever it came down to contemplating about his wish and letting things be, he didn't really know what to do. Part of him felt the need to right by those he had failed, but another part knew it was no longer his problem.
The knight that desired to fulfill his duty in order to save his people, and the man who desired to move on... Two forces within him clashing against one another, both of equal value to Arthur. The young man didn't know which side to choose.
His thoughts were interrupted when an overwhelming sensation came over him and the rest of the other Servants in the garden.
"This feeling is...!?"
"There's something above us...!"
Looking up, they that there was nothing but clear night sky above them. However, that soon changed when slowly, a gigantic fortress of earth and steel appeared out of nowhere from the darkness floating not too far from the castle itself.
"What the hell is that thing...!?" Kairi exclaimed. Just how the hell did they miss something that big?!
"The Hanging Gardens of Babylon..." The Golden King muttered as he stepped forward, a smile on his face as he continued. "Hahaha! Magnificent, I never thought to see a completed version of the gardens here out of all places. So that wench and her Master have finally decided to make their move."
"Babylon...?" The King of Conquerors muttered, then that means that the fortress above was the Assyrian Queen's Noble Phantasm wasn't it? Had it been under normal circumstances, he would have admired it for what it was.
While the others were shocked at the sudden presence of the floating fortress, Jeanne herself was distracted by something else.
'Wait, what is this sensation...? I haven't felt anything like this before...!'
"Now then... we finally begin."
Viewing their opponents together at the edge of fortresses' platforms were the rogue Servants and Shirou Kotomine. The latter had a smile on his face as he observed the Red and Black Faction members together with Ruler and her group below.
"Our mission is to keep them busy, correct?"
Karna, the Child of the Sun God Surya.
"That seems simple enough."
Atalanta, the Chaste Huntress.
"Such numbers we face... A daunting task has presented itself before us."
Perseus, Slayer of the Gorgon.
"AAAAAARRRTTTTTHUUURR!"
Lancelot du Lac, Knight of the Lake.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
Lu Bu, the Flying General.
"Ugh... why do we have two Berserkers on the team? And remind me, who are we fighting again?"
Robin Hood, Vigilante Hero of Old.
"Look below if you wish to see. Though perhaps you are too afraid of doing so?"
Semiramis, the Assyrian Queen.
"Hoho~! This appears to be a most extravagant event~! I must write this down!"
William Shakespeare, Writing Extraordinaire.
Having decided that there was no longer any point in hiding themselves anymore, the white-haired priest felt that it was courtesy to introduce themselves to their foes. As such, he looked towards Assassin, whom smiled as she saw her Master's gaze fall upon her.
"Now then... Assassin, if you would." Shirou began.
"Hehe~" The raven-haired beauty giggled as she waved her hand. What she was about to do should quickly explain their motivations to their enemies.
Soon the several large beams of light converged at a singular point in the sky. Realizing what what about to happen, Jeanne called out to everyone.
"Everyone please get behind me!" She exclaimed before turning to Achilles. "Lancer! Please bring out your shield!"
"Will do!"
With that, the green-haired warrior's shield, Akhilleus Kosmos, appeared in his free hand as he quickly stood beside the young saint who pulled out her banner. Closing her eyes, she held it close to her breast.
The banner had become a symbol to her. It represented her will and desire to fight, as well as her desire to serve God and ease his pain. Those feelings she had eventually became a form of defense in itself, allowing her to stand up to whoever would stand in her way.
Quickly, she opened her eyes once more and raised the banner as high as she could, the white cloth flowing in the wind as the beam of light in the sky fired off a powerful blast aimed directly at the group.
"LUMINOSITE ETERNELLE!"
"Aah, I can't wait anymore~!"
Watching the ongoing events with a keen interest, Sajyou Manaka began to giggle to herself as she held onto the crystal ball in her hands more tightly. Behind her were six individuals, all of whom observed the girl as she began speaking.
"Ehehehe~! Just wait for me Saber, we'll be meeting each other again soon~!"
FATE/MAGNUS BELLUM
ACT I:
THE ALLIANCE
END
Author's Note:
Wow! This is the single longest thing I've ever written on this site at this moment in time. Consider this a special chapter since it's goes well beyond my now standard 10-12K limit for a chapter.
Anyway, onto the chapter itself. Remember what I said about making Arthur different from Altria? Well I meant it, and hoped that it showed here. The main difference I wanted to convey was that Arthur didn't regret being King (Based on F/P material and the prequel novels) but still regretted a few stuff in order to coincide with the fact that his life basically turned to shit the last few years of his life XP I mean seriously, who doesn't come out of that without a few regrets?
Also, I wanted to show that Arthur isn't as naive as his counterpart (Again, something I based off from the prequel novels and side material regarding F/P) Which is a reason why he doesn't really speak out against either of his fellow Kings as much. Though he trades a few barbs with Gilgamesh because, let's face it, he's Gilgamesh XP Anyway, I have a love/hate thing going on with the Banquet of Heroes itself. Some say its okay, so I don't dwell on it as much as I did when I first finished it. That said, given that I'm something of a perfectionist, I'm going to be reworking said scene every now and again to make sure it's as good as possible.
I made Iskander more understanding of Arthur here because I noticed that what ticked him off most with Altria was the fact that she regretted her rule, wanting to redo it from start to finish, along with her idealistic view on Kingship. Still, if Iskander does come off as OoC, along with several other characters, then I apologize for that. Either way, I'm not really done with this Iskander/Arthur talks. There's going to be a few more.
Anyway, Act I has finally ended. Act II is where the real shit-storm begins and where PEOPLE WILL BEGIN TO DIE WHEN THEY'RE KILLED. XD
That's it for now. Again, please read and review :D
