AN: Here's CH15! Please review :D
Update (5/9/2016): Thank you bakhri for noticing those mistakes of mine in CH11 and CH13! Seriously, that was a little embarrassing for me XD I just fixed them up now.
Manaka couldn't have been any happier than when she was right now.
Having defeated the other six masters and servants, she and Saber were now closer more than ever in helping the latter achieve his wish. Their opponents were really tough, but as expected of her beloved prince, he was able to pull through every tough situation that he was in.
However, there was a new problem that Manaka had come across.
In order for the Greater Grail to achieve its full potential, it needed the sacrifice of seven Heroic Spirits. Meaning that even if a single Servant had defeated the other six, they would be unable to attain the grail themselves since it their life would be needed as well.
Manaka couldn't bring herself to do that, not to her beloved prince. As such, she came up with an alternate solution.
Sacrificing humans to the grail would've been more than sufficient. Although when compared to the average Heroic Spirit, their value were significantly less and thus she would need to use a lot of human lives in order for them to serve as a sufficient replacement for Saber. Children in particular held more value as their existences were somewhat closer to the Akasha as younger beings.
As such, Manaka hypnotized a bunch and brought them with her towards the location of the grail, one of them being her own little sister Ayaka.
"Onee-chan...! Please... stop this...!" The girl cried out, tears streaming down her face.
"It's alright Ayaka, onee-chan loves you." Manaka comforted her sister before placing a finger upon her forehead. "But, I want you to do something for me alright~? If you do, you'll be my most favorite person after Saber~!"
"Onee-chan...!" Whatever the girl had to say, it disappeared as she suddenly lost consciousness and her body began moving on its own.
Manaka smiled at this, Ayaka was a good little sister to follow her big sister's orders. She soon joined the rest of the children, who lined up as they sacrificed themselves one by one to the grail.
Not that it really bothered her. After all, what was their worth compared to her beloved prince?
The thought of said person thanking her for everything she had done for him... her imagination began running wild as a blush grew on her face. With this, Saber would surely begin to return her affections for him, wouldn't he?
"What is this...!?"
Hearing her beloved prince's voice, an elated smile grew on the girl's face as she the white knight standing at the entrance to the cavern.
"Ah, Saber! Just wait alright~? I'll be with you in a minute."
As the girl's mind wandered, she felt something off...
"Eh...?"
It was a very strange sensation...
Just as she was praising the children for following her commands, something came and stabbed her in the back all the way through her chest...
Looking down on herself, she saw blood pouring from the wound, staining the very thing that connected her to her beloved prince. She couldn't even feel any pain coming from it as she was trying to comprehend the thing which was sticking out from it...
A holy sword of unrivaled magnificence...
It was none other than Excalibur, the Sword of Promised Victory, the very same sword that belonged to her beloved prince given to him by the Lady of the Lake after he had lost the Caliburn, the Sword in the Stone. Realizing this, she turned her head around and allowed her gaze to fall upon him.
"Sa...ber...?"
Her prince's eyes were unusually cold, gone were the warm and caring look they had whenever he would gaze upon her. His mouth curved into an angry frown, a far cry from the smiles he always had when speaking with her. Soon, her beloved prince began speaking.
"I too have committed a grave error. Both you and the grail... truly you both are twisted existences that need to be erased!"
Why would he say that? Saber promised to protect her didn't he? Didn't he know that hearing those words sounded really hurtful?
Manaka felt her body becoming weaker and weaker, blood beginning to pour itself from her wound and mouth as the pain suddenly began to flood her entire being.
She was dying... she was dying wasn't she?
Manaka didn't really understand... she didn't really understand it even after Saber had pulled back his sword and suddenly kicked her into a ravine where the grail was situated in. She didn't even it realize it until the act was done, for her mind was filled with fear of one thing...
That she was dying... it meant that she could no longer see Saber again? If so, then...
Manaka smiled one last time... at the sight of her beloved prince as her ability to see began to blur.
If she was dying... then at least she managed to see Saber one last time. It was an image that wouldn't leave her mind anytime soon...
...As soon as the girl thought that, darkness clouded her mind once she made impact
When Manaka came to, she found herself alone within a pool of black mud.
"I'm... alive...?"
Aside from feeling a little sore, she was okay for the most part.
"Ah! Saber...!"
Not bothering to even wonder how she was still alive, the young girl quickly made her way back up to where she last saw her beloved prince.
Once there, she saw that Saber was no where to be found, the children that she had been using to fuel the grail were now gone themselves, the cave itself having mostly collapsed around itself a large hole revealing the sky above, and the Greater Grail had disappeared too.
Looking down upon herself, she saw that her Command Spell was still on her. Using it, she realized that Saber had truly disappeared from the world.
"Saber..."
Manaka continually began to mutter his name over and over... her eyes completely devoid of life as she stared off blankly into space.
She had finally come so close in helping him grant his wish, so why did he have to disappear now? Was it fate's own twisted sense of humor at work?
...!
Suddenly feeling an incredible sensation come over her, Manaka held herself as she momentarily wriggled in pain. Realizing its source, she once again placed a hand over her Command Spell and soon enough the pain stopped. However, when it suddenly began to glow, the girl quickly realized what it was that caused her to feel such pain.
Placing both hands upon herself and closing her eyes, she searched deeper within.
Within the deepest reaches of her being, she found something quite unusual. Upon discovering what it was, the blonde began giggling to herself.
"Ehehehe~! I see, so that means I can still grant Saber's wish...!"
She was certain of that... that one day her beloved prince would return. And when he did, she would be waiting for him, ready to shower him with her affection.
"Saber, come back soon alright~?"
Chapter 15:
Sajyou Manaka
"It's been a long time... hasn't it Saber~?"
Still stunned by her appearance before him and the rest, Arthur couldn't find the words to speak as he laid his eyes upon his former Master once more. Much like sixty years ago, she continued to wear the light blue dress that she had always favored dressing up in, though this time she lacked the shoes and went barefoot.
Looking closely at the young girl, he saw that the wound he had inflicted upon her all those years ago was still there, not having healed up since then.
"Ehehehe~! Keep staring like that and you'll make me blush you know~?"
Arthur merely narrowed his eyes in response, glaring at the girl as he tightened his grip on Excalibur.
"Why are you here Manaka?"
"Isn't it obvious? I came here to see you silly~!" She began walking over to the white knight. "Back then, you just left me without saying goodbye! Really now, is that how a man should treat a lady?"
"I see not a lady, but a child." Arthur replied somewhat deadpan, causing the girl to pout. He then took a step backwards once Manaka came close.
Seeing this, the blonde-haired girl tilted her head in confusion.
"What's the matter Saber~? Won't you even allow me to hug you~?" She asked, causing Jeanne to frown for reasons unknown even to the young saint.
"You didn't answer my question. Why are you here?"
This time, Arthur raised Excalibur and pointed it as the young girl's neck, causing the black giant that had appeared to suddenly begin roaring.
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!"
"Now, now, be calm Berserker~"
With but a few words, the black giant complied as he refocused his attention towards the others in the room, of whom relaxed when they saw the mad Servant go quiet.
Shirou couldn't help but sweat in fear. The last time had to deal with Berserker, it had nearly gotten him killed. As much confidence he had in his own abilities, the child of Zeus wasn't someone he was willing to go near as a Berserker-Class of all things.
There was also the matter of the girl known as Sajyou Manaka.
Much like the King of Knights, he too was shocked by the appearance of the girl before them. Back then, he was sure that he had seen Saber kill his own Master. Some time after that, he even went back to check. That said, he found nothing at the time and merely assumed that she was dead.
Now she had returned, and with Berserker under her total control. Sixty years ago, he had considered her to be the most dangerous Master out of the seven participants back then, most of whom were experienced magi one way or another.
While thinking this, he noticed Julian and Assassin ready to make a move against the girl. Quickly, Shirou motioned for both to stop as there was still the matter of Berserker to deal with. If they tried anything, the black giant would most definitely go on a rampage.
"Assassin! What's taking you so long? Get us out of here!" The young priest called out via telepathy.
"I'm trying, but there's something interfering with my magic." Semiramis replied. One could clearly tell from her tone she was speaking in she was actually distressed. "It looks as though someone had just erected a boundary field around you that prevents outside interference. Whoever did it, it must be someone of incredible magic prowess for it to even prevent me from bypassing it."
Shirou wondered if it was Manaka, but perhaps that was an overestimation of the girl's abilities. Then again, with her having Berserker under her command, there was a chance of that person having been under her control as well. If so, that would explain a few things. She must've set up the barrier so that she could talk without any interruptions.
The other question would be how the girl was able to survive all these years, as well as having control over a Servant herself, but that was something that could wait.
"Do what you can, but make it quick. If you were in this situation, you'd want to leave as fast as you could."
"Stay safe Master, I would feel quite troubled if something happened to you."
"Assassin is doing what she can. We must hold out for now." Shirou muttered to Julian, who nodded in response. If the worst came to pass, he could always use a Command Spell to summon Lancer, whom he was confident would be able to help them deal with the situation.
"Heh~ So this is the new Holy Grail?"
Before anyone in the room even noticed it, Manaka had moved and was now currently standing right in front of the Greater Grail, eyeing it with a childlike gaze.
"For something that's supposed to be a replica, it looks real different than what I thought it was going to be like."
Both Shirou and Julian nearly jumped when they heard the girl speaking behind them. Motioning for Julian to distance himself the grail, the latter did so while eyeing the girl carefully while wondering how she appeared like that.
Arthur was also completely taken back by it as well. One moment he had Manaka at the neck and within the blink of an eye she was standing in front of the grail. Just what in the world was going on?
"That person over there really was good to be able to make this." Manaka looked over her shoulder, eyeing the corpse that Berserker had thrown into the room. "It's too bad he's dead though. Maybe I had him killed too quickly?"
Something quickly came to Jeanne's mind. With Darnic dead, just where did that leave Lancer of Black...?
"Oh, you're wondering about Lancer aren't you?"
Now standing right in front the young saint, Manaka smiled at her as she made her statement to the older blonde, who in turn was taken off guard by her sudden appearance.
"You shouldn't bother about him, I had Berserker kill him too." She happily revealed with a smile much to the shock of those present. "That's what they get for arguing with an enemy right in front of them. Only real idiots would something like that... Ehehehe~!"
Using her abilities, Jeanne quickly tried to find Lancer of Black's presence. When she felt that she couldn't detect him at all, she realized that the girl known as Manaka was speaking the truth, that she and Berserker were indeed responsible for Darnic and Lancer of Black's death.
But perhaps, it was too be expected. From the moment the black giant had appeared, she was able to identify him as Heracles, one of the mightiest heroes of Ancient Greece. Even with all his bonuses as a Servant that was born in Romania, Heracles would've been exceptionally formidable anywhere in Europe.
However, the question that ran through her mind at the moment was just how was it that girl managed to gain command over such a person?
"Hmm... so you're the new Ruler."
"...!"
The young saint blinked in surprise when the girl suddenly appeared right before her.
As for Manaka herself, she looked over the person that currently served as her beloved prince's Master. She had seen her before, but now that she was standing right in front of her, she noted that Ruler was in fact a very beautiful person.
While she thought of this, Manaka suddenly began frowning at the older blonde as her eyes centered around a specific area of her body.
'This person... she really does have big breasts!'
While she would normally not be one to dwell on such thoughts, she couldn't help but feel inadequate when she allowed her gaze to fall upon the rather buxom Ruler. Manaka's growth had been stunted sixty years ago, and while she could perhaps use magecraft to help fix the problem, it wouldn't have been natural. And Saber himself probably wouldn't have even recognized her with a more adult body.
With that said, she began wondering to herself what type of girl did Saber prefer. Did he like buxom women or petite girls?
Meanwhile Jeanne herself was ignorant of the thoughts that Manaka was having, merely staring at the girl awkwardly as she continued to stare at the young saint.
"Manaka!" Arthur called out once more, catching the girl's attention as she smiled at him.
"What is it Saber~?"
"I'll ask you again. Just why are you here?" He demanded.
"Like I said before," Manaka disappeared and quickly reappeared standing beside the grail. "I came here to see you. But I was curious to see for myself just what's going in this Holy Grail War. I've never seen one with so many people participating before. It's really interesting~!"
"So that means you've observing us up until now..." Arthur muttered before he realized something. "Now I see, you were behind what happened the other day."
"That's right~! I didn't know playing cat and mouse with you would be so much fun~!" She said, an elated smile on her face. "Speaking of which Saber..."
Manaka's mood suddenly shifted as happy smile turned into a cold one once she allowed her gaze to fall upon Mordred.
"That person over there... she's your child right?"
Mordred eyed the girl carefully. Whoever she was, there was something not right about her. Even someone like her could tell that much.
That said, her father knew this girl? Judging from the way they talked to each other, they knew each other well. If so, just who was she then?
"The legends say that King Arthur was killed by his own child." She stated as her smile suddenly began to widen itself. "And considering that she's a Heroic Spirit, I'm guessing that Saber of Red is Mordred. Then that means she's the one who killed you before... right?"
Realizing what she was planning to do, Arthur called out to the red knight.
"Mordred, move!"
"Wha-!?"
"LUMINOSITE ETERNELLE!"
Quickly leaping right in front of the Knight of Treachery, Jeanne activated her Noble Phantasm the moment she felt and saw a very powerful blast of energy heading straight for the latter, whom herself wouldn't have been able to react in time to the blast thanks to its suddenness.
...!
When compared to the flying fortresses' earlier attack, the power of the blast was weaker. Thanks to that, she was able to repel the blast as it curved to the side and blew up a section of the wall creating a large hole. The young saint wondered to herself if that was the full extent of what Manaka could do, or if it was just a taste.
"Thanks... I guess." The red knight muttered, still taken aback by what just happened. Jeanne merely smiled in response.
Normally she would have been annoyed by Ruler's interference, but from the moment Manaka saw Ruler activate her Noble Phantasm, she felt something off. There was a familiar sensation present when Ruler had utilized it to defend against her attack just now. Whatever it was, she intended to find out more.
At the moment however, she decided to let her and Saber of Red be for now. She had other priorities that needed dealing with first.
"Archer...!"
Fiore could only find herself calling out to her fallen Servant as his remains began to dissipate, the Command Spell on her arm disappearing as well, as tears began forming in the corners of her eyes as her mystic code briefly deactivated thanks to her grief, sending the girl to the ground.
Turning to look at the source of the voice, Perseus gazed solemnly at the young brunette.
"Are you angry? That I killed your Servant...?"
Hearing him speak out to her, Fiore glared at the Rogue Rider responsible for Archer's death.
Just now, right before he died, Archer had called him Perseus didn't he...?
"It'll be alright, you'll be joining teacher as well."
Saying that, Perseus made his way towards the brunette who quickly readied herself as her mystic code activated itself once more. Even if she couldn't win against a Servant, she would at least go down fighting. For Archer's sake, it was the least that she could do in honor of his memory.
"Screw that!"
Before she knew it, Lancer appeared swinging his red spear at Perseus who quickly leaped back a bit as the two Servants stared each other off. Taking a moment, the blue-haired spearsman looked back at her with a smirk on his face.
"How about next time you try waiting for us instead of going ahead?"
At that moment, the door to the roof opened and there stood Caules, Ayaka, Gray, and Reines.
"Sis!"
"Tch!"
Knowing that he was outmatched thanks to his broken arm, Perseus opted to retreat for now. He had done his fair share for his allies, the rest was up to them now.
With that, Perseus leaped off the roof.
"Hey! Get back here!"
Lancer called out as he ran towards the spot where the Rogue Rider had just jumped off. He stopped in his tracks when the cry of a horse echoed throughout the air, a ball of light rising up and speeding away from the castle as it flew into the night sky.
Clicking his tongue in distaste, the blue-haired spearsman sighed at the missed opportunity for a battle. Then again, having seen Rider's injured arm, it probably wouldn't have been much fun at all.
"Sis, are you okay? He didn't hurt you did he!?"
Caules quickly went over to older sister kneeling beside her.
"No, I'm fine. Don't worry about me Caules."
Fiore did her best to smile for her brother, trying to assure him but failed in doing so as it was clear to the young man that it was a fake smile. As such, he couldn't help but ask.
"What happened? Where's Archer...?"
When his sister turned her head away with tears in her eyes, the young man's eyes widened as he quickly figured out what that meant. His eyes were now filled with sorrow for the green-haired Archer. Although they were destined to fade away eventually, he came to like Archer, Rider, and Berserker.
Clenching his fist, he couldn't help but wonder that if that maybe if they gotten here sooner, then Archer would still be alive!
"So then... how are you holding up?"
"I'm fine. Really, I am. I just needed a moment is all."
Wiping away her tears, Fiore knew that this wasn't time for grief. Right now, they still had to defend the castle.
"Let's go find the others then." She stated, rising up through the use of her mystic code. "Lord El-Melloi II and Mr. Shishigou should be with Uncle Gordes and Aunt Celenike right now. We should go on support them in any way we can."
"Lead the way then little lady." Lancer smiled.
Looking towards the other person in the room that she recognized, Manaka smiled at Shirou as she began speaking to him.
"Hey there Ruler-kun, it's been a while hasn't it?" She waved at him. "You've been really busy these past few years haven't you?"
"I suppose I have. And what of you little lady? You're as youthful as the day you died."
"Ehehehe~! Don't be silly, people only die when they're killed~!" Manaka giggled. "Tell me something, are still trying to grant that silly wish of yours?"
"I wouldn't call it silly, considering that what I aim for is the salvation of the world." Shirou replied, narrowing his eyes at the girl. "Why do you ask? Do you wish to join me? I'm afraid I have no intention of teaming up with a witch such as yourself."
"Eh!? How cruel~!"
"You're one to talk." Arthur stated as the former looked at him. While he had no intention of defending his former Master, he couldn't stay quiet either. "Considering that you were planning on utilizing that abomination yourself-"
"I would've been able to purify it." The young priest replied firmly before gesturing to himself. "Just where do you think this body of mine came from? Most certainly it wasn't the result of my own determination bringing forth a miracle."
Arthur widened his eyes in realization, finally figuring out just how in the world Shirou had managed to survive all these years.
"I see... so that means-"
"Not what you're thinking." The young man quickly replied. "Like I said, I was able to purify the corruption that stained my new body. Being a man of god has its benefits."
"Hmm~! So the grail gave you a new life too huh?" Manaka clapped her hands smiling. "I suppose that makes us allies then right~?"
"No." Shirou deadpanned.
Jeanne really didn't like the idea of being in the dark any longer, not with the talk taking place between Arthur, Shirou, and Manaka. She was the mediator of the Holy Grail War, summoned by none other than the grail itself. As such, she had a right to know as well, even if it was only a little.
"Arthur, just what happened before? Just what are you all talking about?"
"That's..."
Arthur began but didn't know where to start, his Master's stare only serving to further enforce his inability to do so. He really should have just told her everything last time.
"Now, now, Ruler-chan, you have to be patient before you can start to understand everything." The young girl stated before she paused for a moment. "Now that I think about it, there are two Rulers... I'll guess I'll just refer to you both as Shirou-kun and Jeanne-chan then."
Both said people raised a brow at this, wondering if the girl was trying to mess with them by referring to both with rather friendly Japanese suffixes. The smile on the young blonde's face didn't exactly help their understanding of her either.
Mordred herself was curious to know more about the girl. Having been attacked by her earlier, she would've gladly returned the favor if not for the fact that there were other enemies present, most especially that black giant known as Berserker. Whoever he was, one look at him was enough to tell her that he was quite powerful.
Manaka quickly walked up the grail once more, standing right in front of it as the others eyed her carefully.
"Back on topic, you said you wanted to grant that silly wish of yours right?" Manaka asked as she allowed her gaze to fall upon the white-haired priest. "That wish really does sound like a childish fairy tale you know... but I suppose that's what makes it desirable. People just can't help but strive in trying to do the impossible."
"What would be your point?" Shirou demanded, crossing his arms.
"Tell me something, just what do you think the grail is in the first place?" The girl replied, and that was enough to catch Shirou's attention.
"And what do you mean by that?"
"People say that it's something that can provide happiness to whoever wields it, bringing eternal joy to them." Manaka began, gazing at the Greater Grail. "But that's all rubbish don't you think? Taking a look at the history of the grail, it's been wrought with blood all the way by people trying to find it."
"That's..."
Indeed, there was truth in the girl's words, something Jeanne couldn't help but agree with herself. Just how many lives were lost in the past trying to acquire it?
"So then, for people to call it a wish granting device that can create miracles... that's a bit mistaken don't you think?"
"Sometimes sacrifices are needed to bring forth a miracle." Julian suddenly spoke up. "Just what are you getting at little girl?"
"Ah, but that's mistaken as well." Manaka stated. "It's called a miracle for a reason. If it needs something like a sacrifice in order for it to perform it, then how can that ever be called a miracle? That simply defeats the purpose of what a miracle is supposed to be."
"We're not here to debate this matter." Shirou firmly stated. "Just tell us what you desire and be done with it."
"Geez, you people have no patience at all~" The young blonde pouted cutely. "Alright then, I'll tell you..."
A smile grew on the young blonde's face.
"What I want, is to use the grail for what it was made for."
For some reason, Jeanne felt a sense of foreboding. The young saint instinctively knew that whatever came out of Manaka's mouth next, it wasn't something she was going to like hearing about.
"In the first place, the grails being used in Holy Grail Wars are nothing more than cheap imitations of the original. And the original itself was based on the blueprints taken from a cardinal who copied it from the original framework that was being kept by the Church in the early nineteenth century. He sold it to the Einzbern, peddling it as something that was able to help them retrieve their lost magic Heaven's Feel. But in reality, it's not..."
Taking another moment to gaze at the grail behind her, Manaka continued.
"Originally, the Holy Grail War's purpose is to summon forth the Beast of Revelation."
At that, the young saint's eyes widened in shock as did Mordred's. The Holy Grail War was originally designed for what...!?
Looking towards her friend, Jeanne saw Arthur narrow his eyes at his former Master. It was enough to tell her that he knew about it as well, and it looks as though that Shirou and his ally Julian had known too.
"You're lying!" Mordred called out, unable to believe it. "That's ridiculous...! That's the Holy Grail War's true purpose!?"
"But it's not a lie." Manaka replied, smiling at the red knight. "Over two hundred years ago, the foundation for what became the holy grail originally started out as a ritual to summon the beast, designed by the cardinal who copied and modified it from the original framework. His plans fell short when the Einzbern discovered what he did, and after killing him, they redesigned the ritual altogether with the Tohsaka and the Makiri to suit their needs."
"Then you're wrong." Jeanne stated in response. "Even if that was the case, the fact is that the Holy Grail was redesigned. As such, the grail war's purpose is still to grant wishes to those who prove themselves worthy of it."
"But I'm not wrong." The girl's smile grew wide as she gazed at the older blonde. "The thing is, despite being redesigned, it's still possible for the grail to summon the beast. All it would need is for someone to restore it to its original setting is all."
"But that's just...!" The young saint couldn't believe what she was hearing, Mordred most especially.
If so, then her wish... everyone's wishes...! They wouldn't come true then!?
"That would explain what happened sixty years ago..." Shirou muttered to himself. He always wondered just how in the world Manaka managed to corrupt the grail to such a degree back then. If she knew about the grail war's original purpose, then that explained it.
But, the question right now is why...?
"Manaka, just why do you wish to summon the Beast?"
Stepping forward, Arthur asked the question that was on everyone's minds. Back then, he didn't really bother to waste time asking his former Master why she desired to summon it. He just decided then and there that he wouldn't allow her to sacrifice anymore of the children that day.
Now though, he had the opportunity to ask.
"Why? Well because I'm tired of hearing stories about the grail granting wishes of course. None of it is true anyway, you think so too don't you Saber~?"
Indeed, Arthur had to admit he didn't really believe in the idea of the Holy Grail in the first place. That there could be such a holy artifact in spite of the fact that searching for it has led to the deaths of those would seek after it. But, if it was as powerful as it was said to be, he ended up desiring it nonetheless.
"Besides, the Beast can help you with your wish too Saber~! I just know it can~!"
"How does summoning an abomination such as the Beast help me with my wish!?"
The young man demanded from Manaka, for he was actually curious to hear the logic behind her insane words.
"Before creation must come destruction, isn't that the law that this world of ours lives by?" She asked, tilting her head cutely. "You want to create a world where your kingdom never fell didn't it? If so, you must destroy the current world first before you can do that."
"What I want is for the salvation of those I failed." Arthur retorted. "Not once have I ever wished to sacrifice the living world for it!"
"Aah~ But that's not possible..." Manaka shook her head. "Doing it like that, there's no guarantee of it being granted."
Really now, why did Saber have to be so stubborn?
"Tell me something Sajyou Manaka." Shirou suddenly called out to the young girl. "Do you intend to use this grail to summon the beast?"
"Why would I do that? I already have one that can do it."
"...!"
Both Arthur and Shirou widened their eyes at this. She couldn't possibly be talking about the original? Both were sure that the former had destroyed it!
"But, seeing as how you want to use the grail, I have no problem letting you take this one." Manaka continued as she decided to lay a hand upon the floating construct. "Even if you did use it, your wish is something that's-"
...!
Her eyes quickly widened up in surprise the moment her hand came into contact with the greater grail.
"This is...!"
This was certainly new. Though it functioned like the original, there was something about it that made the greater grail far different compared to its predecessor. Using her abilities, she tried accessing it further. But...
'I can't get through...?'
Now this was something of interest to the young blonde. This was the first time she had ever encountered something that even she couldn't bypass. As such, she couldn't help become curious about what made the greater grail different compared to the original.
With that...
"I changed my mind, I'm going to take this with me~" Manaka stuck her tongue out in an apologetic manner.
"I don't think so... Lancer, come!"
Glowing bright red, a Command Spell disappeared off Shirou's arm as the white-haired demigod appeared within a flash of energy. Even with the barrier that was set up, a Command Spell had the ability to temporarily bypass the laws of space-time if it needed to. As such, the Invincible Hero managed to appear at his Master's call.
"Yes? My battle with Lancer of Red is not done yet." Karna asked.
"We have more pressing issues." Shirou replied.
Once the young girl laid her eyes upon the newcomer, she smiled. She had watched from the distance his earlier battle with Lancer of Red, and one thing was for sure, Karna was indeed a powerful warrior despite holding back a great deal.
"Eliminate her!"
"Alright then."
With no second thoughts, the white-haired demigod charged with his spear at the ready. Despite the danger, Manaka didn't move and merely smiled in response.
...!
"Ah, it's about time you lot got here."
Once the group turned a corner within the castle, they came across the duo of Waver and Kairi standing together with the duo of Saber of Black and Rider of Black.
"Wait, what happened here...!?"
On the floor next to them, Gordes and Celenike could be found lying in a pool of blood. And that was a tell-tale sign that both were now dead.
"They surrounded us... even though both me and Saber are strong, there were just too many of them and they got past us." Astolfo muttered, disappointed in himself at being unable to protect his Master. Despite their rocky relationship, Celenike was still someone he swore to protect as a Servant, and he couldn't even do that.
Siegfried felt the same, taking a blanket given to him by one of the homunculi servants and placed it over the remains his Master, prompting the young paladin to do the same for his own Master.
"Master!"
Caules flinched when he heard Berserker's familiar voice and soon found himself being tackled from behind. Luckily enough, he was able to stand his ground.
"Ahaha~! I knew you were still alive. As expected of my pig!"
"Who are you calling a pig!? And get off me!" The young man demanded in annoyance.
"Hahaha! Oh let her be boy, she's just happy to see you!"
From down the hallway where Elizabeth came from, Rider of Red appeared while walking towards the group with a large grin on his face.
"I was wondering when you'd come back. What happened up there?" Waver asked.
"Aside from cleaning out those flying skeletons of theirs, we couldn't do much against that flying fortress, not with just the two of us that is." Rider explained. "Not long after that, their attacks suddenly stopped. We waited it out a little while but nothing happened. It was as though something happened down here, so we decided to check."
"Is that okay? I mean, what if they attacked now?"
"If they did, they already would've done it. Something must be happening where the grail is at. Ruler and the King of Knights are there correct?"
"Indeed, they are still there."
Turning to look at the source of the voice, the group saw a hooded woman walking towards them with a ginger-haired boy right beside her.
"Roche, you're alright...!" Fiore smiled in relief.
"You have to thank teacher for that. Without her, I would've been killed by Assassin." The boy said, directing a smile towards the Servant of Magic.
"Hoho~? So you're Caster of Black then? It's an honor to finally meet you." Rider greeted.
"And the same goes for me King of Conquerors." Medea bowed courteously. "While exchanging pleasantries would be nice, there's still the matter of dealing with the newcomer that has taken hold of the grail."
"So Kotomine did get it...!"
"No, he didn't." Medea replied surprising the others. "Someone else has taken it, and currently she's still speaking with both Ruler and Saber. Whoever she is, she's not of ordinary blood. She has so far shown command over a Berserker-Class Servant, whose identity happens to be Heracles."
"Wait, you mean that Heracles...?!" Caules exclaimed in shock. One of the greatest Greek heroes to ever live, and he was summoned as a Berserker?! Whose bright idea was it to summon him as that of all things?!
"Indeed, the one and only." Medea nodded, frowning somewhat at the prospect of facing someone such as the son of Zeus. "Not only that, there's another piece of news you people should know. Lord Darnic and Lancer have both perished in battle."
That information was enough to silence everyone, most especially Fiore, Caules, and Roche.
"Uncle is... dead?"
Elizabeth muttered, unable to believe that someone as strong as Lancer was had been killed. Narrowing her eyes and gritting her teeth, she grabbed Medea by the collar.
"Who was it...!? Just who killed him!? I'll rip out their intestines and make a sweater out of it!"
"H-Hey Berserker calm down!" Caules quickly stated. "Getting angry at Caster won't help at all!"
Hearing logic in her Master's words, the Servant of Madness released her hold on her ally, clenching her hands into fists.
This was the first time Caules had seen Berserker so angry. If he had to say something, then perhaps it would've been normal considering that she was a Berserker-Class Servant. It obviously wasn't however, as he knew that the Servant of Madness was taking the death of Lancer hard. Did she really come to like him that much? Given that Berserker called him uncle for some reason, then perhaps she really did.
"I'll tell you later who it was. Now then, according to Lord Darnic's will." Medea began, catching the attention of everyone. "Lady Fiore, according to your grandfather's will, you are to become the next head of the Yggdmillennia family should anything happen to him."
Fiore expected as much, as did Caules and Roche. The young brunette had always been their grandfather's favorite heir among their entire clan. Together with Fiore's own natural talent as a magus, it would've been a greater shock if she didn't become the next head.
While she still believed she needed more time to prepare, Fiore knew that time had already run its course. Right now, it was her duty as her grandfather's chosen successor to lead their family. And with that said...
"Very well, I shall accept this role."
She stated, her eyes filled with resolution. Seeing this, Waver couldn't help but smile somewhat. During her time studying at the Clock Tower, he had remembered Fiore as being rather meek for a magus. But from the way her eyes looked, he could see determination in them. Though not immediately obvious, it was something all magi shared in their pursuit of the Root. And the ability to see things through to the end in itself was a virtue. It reminded him a certain someone he knew...
"Hahaha! Well said girl, that's the spirit!" Iskandar stated with a smile.
And said person was praising Fiore with a huge grin on his face.
"In that case, onto the second order of business." The Servant of Magic stated as she turned her gaze towards Siegfried and Astolfo. "With the deaths of Lord Gordes and Lady Celenike, both Saber and Rider are without Masters. We have to rectify that soon, even with them having mana supplied to them by the homunculi."
Well that sounded familiar to Waver, remembering that his former teacher Kayneth had used a similar method with his then fiance Sola-Ui. She provided the mana and he acted as the commander. Too bad for both it didn't really help them in the long run.
"I shall take command of Saber. Is that alright with you?" Fiore asked the dragon slayer who remained silent. But soon enough, the Siegfried smiled and nodded at the brunette's request.
"I see, thank you Saber." Fiore smiled in return. "That just leaves Rider... but I don't know who should take him. Caules has Berserker and Roche has Caster.""
"Excuse me."
Once again hearing another voice call out, the group looked to see a male homunculus standing down the hallway. It was someone that Rider was well acquainted with.
"Sieg!"
The young paladin quickly ran over to his friend, the white-haired homunculus smiling somewhat at the exuberant joy that pink-haired warrior exhibited.
"Thank goodness you're alright! Assassin didn't try anything on you?"
"One of them did, but I managed to drive him off with this..."
With that said, Sieg raised his right arm and soon enough it transformed into a strange looking claw like appendage. In fact, it looked to be draconic in nature.
"Oh my, it seems the procedure we did was quite successful." Medea commented, honestly surprised by the results.
"So cool! What else can you do~?"
At that, wings sprouted upon Sieg's upper back, followed up by him suddenly breathing fire causing those who present to look in awe.
All except Elizabeth herself who crossed her arms and began pouting.
"What's the big deal? I can do that too. Except maybe for the fire breathing part that is..." She muttered while sulking somewhat in annoyance.
"So then, why did you come here Sieg?"
"I overheard you all talking about Rider lacking a Master, and I was hoping that you all might explain this..."
Rolling up the left sleeve of his shirt, Sieg revealed a rather surprising mark on his forearm...
"Wait, that's...!"
Said mark was none other than a Command Spell.
The sound of metal clashing against metal echoed throughout the room.
"Hehe~!"
"That's...!"
From the moment Arthur had seen Berserker land right in front of them and Manaka's appearance, he had suspected that the same could be said about his fellow Servants from sixty years ago, the person that was parrying Karna's attack confirmed it.
...And she was someone he had personally slain back then.
"Aah~ How wonderful. You remind me a little of that person~"
There stood an woman incredible of such beauty that her looks could've only belonged to that of a goddess. Wearing a short black dress covered in rather exotic looking armor, her long white and teal hair flowed freely behind her. The woman smiled at her foe, a light blush on her face.
"Brynhild...!"
Jeanne muttered aloud the identity of the newest Servant to enter the fray. A woman having become famous for her tragic love story with the hero known as Sigurd, she was a formerly a divine spirit up until she was cast away by her father Odin after having defeated a champion he had blessed.
"Hehe~!"
"...!"
Karna suddenly found himself being pushed back a great distance by the Valkyrie. He was completely taken aback by how easily his foe was able to perform such a feat.
"I should've known...!"
Shirou muttered as he readied both his katanas. The white-haired priest could only wonder to himself just when Manaka had summoned the former goddess into the room when he didn't even sense anything nor did she even use a Command Spell as far as he knew.
Looking at Shirou, Brynhild smiled as she recognized him. Once she laid her eyes upon Arthur however, her smile widened even more.
"It's been a while, hasn't it Saber~? The last I remember, you drove your blade so very deep into me~"
"I did, and I see that you're looking no worse for wear." The white knight casually replied, readying himself in case the teal-haired Valkyrie decided to attack. "I suspect that you wish to continue where we left of then? Not that I mind I suppose."
"Unfortunately, we can't do that right now. Perhaps one day~"
For some reason, Jeanne couldn't help but feel herself shake in annoyance at the way their talk with one another other played out. She knew well enough that what they were talking about, but the way they said it was just...
'Wait, why am I even reacting like this...?'
While the young saint pondered said thought, Manaka too felt the same. She would need to have a word with Lancer later. She then gazed at her beloved prince, speaking.
"Saber, you won't be coming with me will you?"
"No, never again." Arthur replied resolutely.
"It's because Jeanne-chan's your Master now isn't it?" She said, frowning darkly at the other blonde for a moment, to the point that Jeanne expected her to attack again.
To her surprise, she didn't. Instead, the girl smiled brightly again as she continued speaking.
"Oh well, I suppose that can't be helped. It's not like it matters anyway, I know that you'll eventually come around."
Placing a hand back onto the greater grail, the floating construct emitted a single pulse for a moment before it suddenly began shrinking, to the point that it was about the size of the young girl's hand. Fitting perfectly in the blonde's palm.
Those who saw this couldn't but be astounded by how casually she had just performed the act. It was something that would've taken several highly skilled magi to perform, otherwise doing such things could've resulted in accidents.
"For now, I'll be taking this." Manaka spoke once more as the greater grail disappeared from her hand. "Saber, your enemies with Shirou-kun right now right? Then once you beat him, you can come find me and we can be together again just like before!"
At that, she then turned to face Shirou.
"As for you Shirou-kun. If you can actually defeat Saber, then I'll give you back the greater grail as a reward." She stated much to the white-haired priest's surprise. "In fact, I think I'll give to anyone who wins this war."
"You expect me to believe such nonsense?"
"It's up to you whether or not you'll believe me." Manaka shrugged. "It's not like I expect you to win anyway since you can't Saber~!"
Shirou narrowed his eyes at the young blonde as did Arthur. It was obvious that she was goading for them and their groups to fight against each other. Truth be told, they already were. But now, things were different.
At least... that was what Arthur had believed.
"Very well then, I'll take you up on that offer."
"You can't be serious!" Arthur demanded as he pointed Excalibur at Shirou. "You should know what she's trying to do, yet you choose to continue fighting against us?!"
"Of course. After all, we are still enemies." The young man stated in reply. "Even if we were to temporarily ally ourselves with one another, it would never work out."
"You don't know that unless we try!" Jeanne added.
"And then what? What shall we do afterwards?" The white-haired priest asked. "In the end, I am an outsider whose actions have clearly broken the rules of the grail war, as are most of my associates. As a mediator, your duty is to punish those would break the rules. Whether or not I work with you shall not change that. As such, I find no benefit in aiding any of you when eventually we would go back to being enemies."
The young saint couldn't believe it. Was he really someone who would jeopardize everything just so he could attain his wish? Didn't he wish to bring salvation to the world?
"Sajyou Manaka, be prepared. For one day, I'll take the grail back from you!"
"Ehehehe~! Sure, I'm looking forward to it if you can even make it that far." Manaka giggled. "Oh, if you want to leave, you can go right ahead. I've already told Caster to take down the barrier now."
Arthur's eyes widened once more. Manaka had control of Caster as well?
"Is that so? Come Julian." Shirou stated as he called out to Assassin at the same time.
"You bastard, are you sure about this?" The young man demanded. "If we take care of that girl now, then the grail is well within reach!"
"I know that, but we cannot afford to win as we are now." Shirou replied, gazing at Manaka. "Having seen both Berserker and Lancer, and her saying that she has Caster on her side, I can safely assume that the other four Servants that fought in the grail war sixty years ago are under her command as well. One of them in particular is quite strong, and we would need to gather all the resources we can in order to take him down."
Seeing the troubled look on his face, Julian felt rather incredulous at this. Despite having summoned Karna, he wondered what kind of Heroic Spirit could cause such a reaction in his ally, who was normally calm a figure if somewhat emotional at times.
"Tch! Fine, have it your way." He replied in distaste. "Assassin, we're done here."
With that, the two boys quickly disappeared in a flash of light together with Karna and the Assassins.
Not long after that, the flying fortress that was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon quickly began flying away from the castle, its form fading away into the night sky as observed by those left in the chamber.
Turning her head, Manaka laid her eyes upon Arthur once more.
"You're really not coming with me Saber...?" She couldn't help but ask again. Although he already gave his answer, she found that there was no harm in trying again.
"No matter how many times you ask, my answer will stay the same." Arthur replied, somewhat taken aback by the girl's honestly disappointed reaction.
"It's because you're loyal to your new Master." The young blonde stated before smiling. "It's one of your virtues I suppose, it's one reason why I love you so much~!"
Arthur frowned at this, unamused by the girl's words as he shook his head.
"Oh well, I guess I really will leave you for now." She stated as Heracles appeared right next to Manaka and Brynhild. "I'm looking forward to seeing how you'll eventually defeat Shirou-kun and his friends. Don't disappoint me now~!"
A portal appeared behind the trio, one that was filled with darkness. Heracles went in first, followed by Brynhild who waved Arthur goodbye. Soon, it was Manaka's turn to enter the void. Before doing so, she turned back to gaze one last time at her beloved prince.
"I'll be looking forward to the day we can be together again, Saber~"
With that, Manaka entered the void and it closed, leaving the trio to themselves.
"Father..."
Mordred muttered quietly to herself, gazing at the back of her father. After everything that happened, she didn't know how to react. Knowing that the grail wouldn't have been able to grant her wish, nor anyone's for that matter... what did it left them with?
She searched for an answer in the only person she believe could have them.
Mordred had a number of questions to ask him, such as if it was true if the girl known as Manaka really was his former Master. And if so, what happened between the two of them in the past? Had he known about the secret behind the grail? And...
"Mordred, move!"
Curling her hands into fists, she knew that as much as she wanted to ask these questions, seeing her father's back was enough to tell her that he wasn't going to be answering any of them anytime soon. With everything that's happened, it wasn't-
...!
At this, she blinked in surprise. Just when did it happen?
Mordred would be the first person to admit that she was a rather violent muscle-brained idiot, something that she would admit only to herself that is. As such, she couldn't help but wonder to herself...
Just when did she become considerate of her father...?
"Mordred..."
She froze up slightly in surprise when she heard her father calling out to her.
"I know that you have your questions, and I'll answer any you want answered..." He began, turning to look at his offspring. " But right now, I want you to check on the others first. Go make sure that your Master is alright. I need to have a word with my own Master first in private."
"R-Right." The red knight obeyed, a rather uncharacteristic thing for her to do all things considered. She then quickly turned around, ready to leave.
"And Mordred," Arthur called out one last time, smiling. "You fought well today."
The red knight was glad that her back was to her father, otherwise, she probably would've died of embarrassment if he had seen the expression on her face right now. Saying nothing in response, she quickly ran in order to find her Master.
Jeanne couldn't help but smile as she saw this. Though a slow process, parent and child were mending the broken bond between the two of them, even if it they didn't seem to realize it themselves. It seemed reconciliation was something that was possible after all.
"I'm sure you have many questions as well." Arthur smiled crookedly at the young saint.
"Only one right now." Jeanne replied. "Did you know about the grail?"
Knowing that this was coming, Arthur sighed to himself as he replied.
"Yes I did, and I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Because I committed a grave error, one that I'm quite ashamed of now." The white knight clenched his hands into fists, staring at the ground in the process. "Back when you first summoned me, I had every intention of betraying you if the grail here in Trifas was as corrupt as the one I had seen sixty years ago."
Jeanne's eyes widened slightly in surprise at this, unable to speak as her companion continued.
"I couldn't allow what nearly happened back then to repeat itself. Anyone who would chose to get in my way, I would have struck them down, even my own Master. Those were my thoughts when I decided to accept your summons, a Servant who was summoned by the grail itself."
Raising his head, he smiled somewhat at the girl.
"However, I know now that I was mistaken. It's clear to me that you are not one to ever support something like the Beast. But I would understand if you chose to be angry with me for believing as such, and so-"
"Hehe, why would I be angry with you?"
Smiling sweetly at Arthur, who looked mildly surprised by her words, Jeanne continued.
"Arthur, you don't have to apologize to me about that." She began. "You merely believed that you were doing the right thing, I cannot fault you for thinking that, not when you did it with the best intentions. In fact, had I been in your position, I may have done the same thing as well."
"But still-"
He felt two fingers prod themselves upon his forehead. No sooner than that, Jeanne flicked her friend while giggling to herself.
"There's your punishment. Normally, I'd poke your eyes out. So be grateful okay~?"
Taken aback by her action, Arthur couldn't help it as he started laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"It's nothing." The blonde male replied, calming himself down. "I really should've expected by now that you wouldn't get mad at me. You're just that type of person."
"What kind of person?"
"Straightforward and kind, a charming girl." Arthur stated, causing the young saint to blush slightly.
"Really now, do you have to say it like that?"
"I'm telling the truth." The white-knight replied, unaware of that such words come of as flirting to some, something that the young saint thought.
Jeanne sighed at this, having gotten used to her friend's tendencies by now much like he had gotten used to her.
"Listen Arthur, I-"
Before she knew it, the young saint collapsed to the ground. Before she passed out, Jeanne could hear Arthur's worried cries for her.
Unknown to the duo, from atop the edge of the hole leading into the chamber, a small creature with white fur had observed them both with interest.
"Are you sure it's wise to have Saber roam free from us?"
Back within there cave dwelling, Brynhild stated her question the young girl that now served as her Master.
"Are you doubting me Lancer?"
The young blonde asked as she sat down upon her throne of skulls. She should really get something else to replace it with. Skulls did not make for comfortable seats!
"It's not that, but I am worried that with him roaming free, he would eventually turn his blade against us." The teal-haired Valkyrie stated. "Wouldn't have it been simpler to just take him by force? Is that not what you desired?"
"I want Saber on my side, but wouldn't it be best if he came along willingly?" Manaka retorted. "Besides, Saber will join us eventually. He's my prince after all~!"
"Hah! A delusional little girl you are. Knowing the King of Knights, he would never join our group."
"Is there something you wish to say Rider?"
Materializing from spirit form, a black-haired male with tan skin appeared in front of Manaka. Together a white flowing cape, the newcomer wore golden jewelry and armor over his arms, legs, and neck. For his bottoms, he wore black pants and sandals. His clothes were all Egyptian in theme, which made sense considering who he was.
Ramesses II... who was otherwise known by name of Ozymandias, the King of Kings.
"Nothing at all. I'm merely looking forward to day that he and I can meet again." Ramesses replied with a smirk. "It would be quite an interesting event if I were to do battle with him again, this time with his new allies."
"Well wait a little longer okay~? I can't have any of you going wild just yet."
Manaka sighed. Saber really was the best Servant. Before thinking about their enemies, he would always think about things such as her safety before he would do any battle. Not to mention that he was always a complete gentlemen. Rider had this condescending attitude to him, one that she couldn't really stand.
'Saber... if only you were here~'
With that, the young blonde began to daydream about her beloved prince... wondering about the day he would return to her.
END
Author's Note:
And so ends CH15. And before any of you ask, yes, Manaka brainwashed the Servants under her command in order to make them subservient to her. It was the only I way I could think of including them without them being Alter-Servants (At least not yet ;D) as I felt them being edgelords at the very beginning of their appearances would be incredibly boring. And yes, Arthur-Alter will be a thing. Anyone who knows about Fate/Prototype should know this, as I intend to base it from there. But at the moment, it's still too early to actually include him into the mix.
About Manaka. When I began writing her, I imagined her as an unhinged person having become even more unhinged since Arthur's betrayal of her. I wanted to write someone who can alternate between fawning over Arthur, being the young girl that she is, and being a psychotic-loli-goddess within mere moments of each other. Did I succeed in that? Currently, she's not much a threat yet as she wants to see Arthur be the badass that he is first.
As for Sieg, think of Corrin from Fire Emblem Fates when he uses his dragon abilities. Default Male-Corrin actually resembles Sieg to an extent. The Mordred/Arthur scene above is basically just a spur of the moment kind of thing. Don't worry, Mordred will eventually be back to her usual self later on.
As for those who had questions:
Code Zero: Why should she even change sides? Angelica in Prisma-Illya didn't so much change sides as she actually became docile. And Manaka doesn't have Avalon, that much should be obvious. Darnicula was a little too ridiculous for me, so I decided to cut out his scene and just have Heracles straight up kill the both of them.
ilover145: Does the second to final scene answer your question? :D I aim to give a steady growth to their relationship, as steady as one could get within a few weeks that is.
Black 13: Don't know, don't care. Don't ask me about things that don't have anything to do with FMB.
Cain: You can find out by reading the story. And you clearly underestimate and lack an understanding of Arthur's, and by extension Altria, abilities. He would have a hard time, but he can beat Heracles.
No need to weak: These days I'm only a fan of the comedy such series produces. Don't ask me things unrelated to FMB here. That said, I always read reviews for both of my stories. And Ayaka will survive, but which Ayaka I wonder? :D
unknown: Are you asking me to fuse Angra Mainyu and the Beast? No, I don't take requests.
That's it for now. Please review :D
