Chapter 5
"Oi, Emiya Shiro!"
Shiro got up, startled by the voice that called out to him. He blinked several times, trying to make sense of what he is looking at.
All around Shiro, as far as his eyes could see, was a barren wasteland. The hot, arid air burned his skin and scalded his lungs. The atmosphere was so oppressive, that he couldn't stand upright for very long before crouching again.
It was a strangely familiar sight, though.
Bladed weaponry littered the landscape. They were not the original weapons like the ones seen in Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon, but they were copies of those weapons.
He has seen every one of those weapons before, so it was no surprise as to where he is right at this moment.
Something is different, however.
The sky looked like it was lit on fire, and massive gears were barely seen within the sky, rotating slowly.
"You had me convinced that you had your answer and that you would prove me wrong, Emiya Shiro."
Shiro turned around and stared at the man who spoke. His eyes narrowed as he beheld the man.
"You even look like me now, save for the fact that your hair and skin colour remains yours, unlike myself, who had to endure years of hard work mastering Unlimited Blade Works without any extra help."
"Why are you here?" Shiro asked.
"Hah, I came to look at your sorry self right now," Archer said. "After all that big talk you gave when we last fought, look at you now."
Archer stepped forward and sized up Shiro.
"So, ten years past, hundreds dead in your wake, their souls haunting you at every given opportunity, and now your friend is dead by your hands. What a life you lived these ten years," Archer continued, staring into Shiro's eyes. "Have you now realised that I could have been right all along?"
"I knew that you were right all along," Shiro said. "I believe I told you that I was still going to carry on even though it is impossible."
"So, that begs the question," Archer replied, stepping back from Shiro, raising his hands up to his sides. "Why are you here now? Surely you must have come here out of despair, as I have done so before, and predicted the same for you."
"I'm here because I need to revisit the reason as to why I fight," Shiro whispered.
"Hmph. Do you, now?" Archer goaded. "Is your resolve that easily tested?"
"Not to this point, Archer," Shiro said, walking towards Archer. "I killed innocent blood with my own hands this time. This is why I'm here, seeking a reminder."
"Hmph," Archer replied. "I don't have anything to give to you save for one thing."
"And that is?"
"If you don't strengthen your resolve here due to a mistake you made here and there, you are not helping me either on my end. I have resolved to continue with my purpose here because of the strong resolve in your eyes when we last fought."
Shiro remained quiet as he allowed Archer's words to sink into his mind.
"So you better be fighting on for your ideals, so that I can continue fighting for mine," Archer finished, as his Unlimited Blade Works began to dissipate.
"Ah. You don't have to be telling me that."
"Shiro! Shiro!"
"Eh? Rin? Where am-"
Shiro couldn't finish his sentence as Rin quickly pressed her lips onto his.
"Hush. You passed out earlier, and Saber helped bring you here."
Shiro's head was still groggy from waking up like that, but despite that, he sat up and rubbed his head.
"I saw him while I was down."
"I'm sure you would have," Rin said quietly. "And I hope you found your answer again."
"Uh.. yeah," Shiro replied. "I have."
"I'm sorry we couldn't be of any help for earlier," Rin said, wearing a downcast look on her face."
"It's okay. Assassin is far more crafty than I thought."
"I wonder how Sakura is going to feel when she discovers that Shinji is dead," Rin wondered aloud.
"I don't know how she will react if she finds out that Shinji died because of my mistake," Shiro replied. "I'm definitely going to make sure Assassin pays for this with his life."
"Master of Rider, I believe we have found the lair of your enemy."
Bram closed the book he was reading and looked at Caster. "Well done. I suppose it's time to attack them."
"Sir Bram, you don't suppose that Rider would cooperate with us for this, do you?" Mikhel asked.
"Why do you ask?"
"We are certain that everyone from Lord El-Melloi II's faction is in that mansion, and asking me, Viola, and Bree to attack it would be sufficient, no?" Mikhel explained.
Bram paused for a moment as he reflected on the things Mikhel said, and on the things Rider told him.
"It's fine. I will lead the attack. The three of you will remain behind to observe. You should find the right time to strike at Emiya Shiro," Bram finally said.
"Wait, Sir Bram, what if Rider does not comply?"
"He will," Bram replied, motioning for Mikhel and Caster to leave the room.
Not too long after Bram's room door was shut, Rider appeared before Bram.
"I shall lead the attack myself, as you have requested of me," Bram told Rider. "Does this please you?"
"That remains to be seen," Rider replied. "Let's go. I shall see if you truly understand the message I conveyed to you."
Just before Bram departed, he gathered Viola and Bree.
"Rider and I will attack Lord El-Melloi II's base of operations now, while the two of you will wait for an opportunity to provide support with your Servants. I have already issued Mikhel an order to take Emiya Shiro out from the fight, so you shouldn't be too troubled by Emiya Shiro's.. intrusion."
"Sir Bram, if I may ask, did Rider agree to this plan?" Viola asked.
"Let's just say Rider and I have come to an understanding," Bram replied simply. "Let's go. Time to put a stop to their plans once and for all."
"Caster. How are we to go with our plans now? I never thought that Sir Bram would go himself," Mikhel told Caster. He appeared troubled, judging by the way he paced the room.
"Patience, my Master. Initially, I assumed the worst, like you, but on the contrary, this is a good time to observe Rider's capabilities," Caster replied. "Aren't we supposed to be heading out too?"
"Yes, we should. Do observe Rider, if possible. But I will need your support when I engage with Emiya Shiro. Judging by how he easily kept a Servant as powerful as Berserker at bay, I don't think his so-called 'Magus Apprentice' level befits his true power."
"I concur with your insight, Master," Caster said, putting her arm around Mikhel. Master and Servant both disappeared from the room as they teleported to the position they were meant to be at.
"Master, I sense an imminent attack by the opposing faction," Archer told Luvia.
"Understood, Archer. I will alert the others. Good work."
Luvia burst out of her room and shouted at the top of her lungs.
"Lord El-Melloi II! Miss Gorilla! Bram and his faction is approaching!"
"Saber! Are you ready?" Rin called out.
"I'm prepared, Rin." Saber got up from the kneeled position she was in, her battle armour materialising on her body.
"Good. Let's go to the front door," Rin replied, opening the door.
"Luvia-san, take Archer and check the rear. I'll sneak away and position myself a distance away where I can lend support to you and Rin at the same time," Shiro said. "Lord El-Melloi II, what is your plan?"
"I'll follow either Tohsaka or Edelfelt, considering that I am probably going to need some protection from you all," Lord El-Melloi II replied.
"You'd probably be relatively safe if your opponent is either Konig-san or mac Branain-san, since they would very likely refrain from attacking a lecturer as popular as you," Shiro quipped, leaping through the window and away from the house.
"Ceh, this is no time for wisecracks, numbskull."
"Rin. That Servant standing in front of us. It's Rider!" Saber told Rin. "Stay behind me, Rin."
"If it isn't Tohsaka Rin!" Bram exclaimed. "Tell me, what is it about Lord El-Melloi II that compels you to do his bidding?"
"Nothing," Rin replied. "I know the true nature of the Grail, and that alone compels me to dismantle it."
"Oh, but how would you even know of its true power when you never actually got your hands on it?"
"I won the previous Grail War, remember?" Rin said, grinning. "I saw first hand what the Grail could do despite it being incomplete. What more when it is really complete."
"Rin, I scanned that Servant already. He is quite a formidable opponent," Saber whispered.
"Wonderful. We just need to test his power from here on, right?" Rin asked.
"Perhaps. My Noble Phantasm is ready if you require it," Saber replied.
"Were you not listening to me, Tohsaka Rin?" Bram said angrily.
"Oh. I'm sorry, Sir Bram. I wasn't paying you any attention. Feel free to dock some points off my exam," Rin replied nonchalantly. "It's not like your lessons are of any challenge to me."
"You arrogant vixen!" Bram snarled. "How dare you address your lecturer in this manner?"
"How dare I? Perhaps it is because I am no longer a student in the Clock Tower, but a Fellow of the Association. Therefore it should technically mean that we are peers now, am I not wrong?"
"I will make sure you pay for that insolence when I am through with you, Tohsaka!"
"Saber, he's properly riled up now. Prepare to meet the attack of Rider," Rin whispered.
"Ugh. This isn't going to be good for us now. Right, Archer?"
"Perhaps," Archer replied. "On the bright side, I am very familiar with onii-sama's combat moves, plus I have some experience dealing with that Lancer now, after our previous confrontation."
"Nevertheless, a two-on-one situation.."
"It may be a one-to-one situation," Archer replied. "See, my onii-sama's Master seems to be retreating."
"Huh?"
"I wouldn't want to raise my hand against my onii-sama, and he definitely feels the same way concerning me," Archer said.
Luvia turned to look at Berserker, who seemed frozen in place. Viola was standing before Berserker, looking as if she was trying to get Berserker to retreat.
"H-how is this possible?" Luvia demanded.
"Berserkers may have lost their sanity, but there have been cases where they do the unexpected when they see someone who they share a past with," Lord El-Melloi II said, emerging from the house.
"Lord El-Melloi II! What are you doing out here?" Luvia exclaimed.
"Emiya Shiro suggested I stay close to either you or Tohsaka Rin," Lord El-Melloi II replied. "Seeing that Tohsaka Rin is facing Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri, I thought that it would be better if I am not seen by him. He might be enraged."
"You don't have a Servant to protect you, and Archer can't protect myself and you at the same time," Luvia said.
"Emiya Shiro is already hidden somewhere. He can observe the entire battlefield from wherever he is, and he should be able to lend support wherever he is needed," Lord El-Melloi II replied. "Also, haven't you forgotten that Trimmau is with me?"
"Eh," Luvia said dumbly. Of course she remembered. Trimmau was the reason why they were delayed for a long time at the airport several days ago, despite her being stored in a vial for obvious reasons.
"Oi, Luviagelita Edelfelt. Are you done talking?" Bree asked. "I originally thought of attacking you no matter what, but it doesn't sit well with Lancer. He wants you to be prepared."
"Oh? A fair fight it is, then?" Archer asked, stepping forward. Well then, I shall gladly oblige."
"I'm glad it turned out this way. I was afraid Berserker over there would be participating in this fight too, but it seems that he has some trouble accepting the fact that he has to kill his own brother," Lancer said, pointing at Berserker, who was still frozen in place, while Viola was still desperately trying to get Berserker to move.
"I can't bring myself to raise my hand against onii-sama myself, so that means I would be more than satisfied to test myself against you," Archer said, drawing his bow.
"Heh, very well." Lancer replied, spear materialising in his hands.
"Caster! What's gotten into you?" Mikhel demanded. Ever since Caster laid eyes on Rider's opponent, she couldn't stop laughing.
"This is pleasing for me!" Caster said. "I know that the Master of Rider intends to have the boy taken out of the battle, but I feel that our plans have changed."
"Huh? Caster, whatever you said is incomprehensible," Mikhel said.
"That girl over there," Caster replied. "The one that is called Saber. She is in fact my sister!"
"What?" Mikhel said dumbly.
"Fate has smiled on me! I was denied the opportunity of a complete revenge in the past, but now, I have another chance to finish this!" Caster said, her face seemingly twisted to the point that her dazzling beauty became that of a demon.
Mikhel shuddered at the sight of Caster, but nevertheless, he steeled himself. He read all about the legends of King Arthur before, and the name Morgan Le Fay popped up once in a while. Back then, his mental image of Morgan Le Fay was that of an old hag, as what he imagined most witches would look like, but when he laid his eyes on her at the night of her summoning, he was ensnared right away. The way Caster looked this time was more befitting of the mental image he had before her summoning, but perhaps, if she got her wish of remaining in this time with him, she could finally be rid of such a hideous look once and for all.
"Oh, Master of Rider. I must tell you that I wish to join this fight for now," Caster said, sauntering up to Bram.
"Oi, Caster! I believe your instructions were clear! You were supposed to ensure Emiya Shiro does not participate in this battle, whether by keeping him busy, or killing him!" Bram replied angrily. It was already bad enough for him that Rin was goading him to fight, and now it is Caster who decided to interfere with this fight.
"Master of Rider, perhaps you may actually perceive the wisdom of my doing so," Caster replied. "That Servant Saber standing before you?" Caster continued, pointing at Saber. "She is my sister, Arturia Pendragon! And I shall be the one who kills her!"
Bram could not reply as his mouth was agape. He heard the rumours before concerning the identity of King Arthur, but he did not believe even a shred of those rumours. This time, he is forced to believe it.
Shiro swallowed hard. He was aware from the onset that Rin and Luvia were going to be outnumbered. And even though he was told by Lord El-Melloi II to do whatever he had to do in order to turn the tide of battle their way, he had to figure out how best to go about it.
All he could do now was to wait at his perch atop one of the buildings in the shopping district. It wasn't the tallest building in the city, unlike the skyscrapers at the Shinto district where he fought Berserker recently. Nonetheless, as long as he had a good view of the battlefield, it would suffice.
He noted that Lord El-Melloi II was with Luviagelita and Archer. Owing to the fact that Bram might be a more dangerous opponent if he saw Lord El-Melloi II, it was a logical choice to not be seen by Bram. Also, Lord El-Melloi II wasn't totally defenseless as he brought Trimmau with him. Exactly how reliable that crazy multi-purpose golem maid is in battle remains something that Shiro cannot comprehend. Perhaps he would finally be able to see just how useful it could be for the first time.
On the other side of the battlefield, his wife Rin was facing Bram. Mikhel also seemed to be joining the fight with his Servant Caster. Shiro couldn't help but notice Saber's face darkening. The only other time he's ever seen Saber sporting such a look was when she saw Gilgamesh for the first time ever since the Fourth Grail War.
Something was definitely amiss.
"Hey, Saber. What's wrong?" Rin asked. "You seem very disturbed the moment you saw Caster."
"The identity of that Caster is unmistakable," Saber replied, her grip on Excalibur tightening. "She has been my nemesis for a very long time."
"As far as the legends go, it's Morgan Le Fay, right?" Rin replied.
"Indeed, she is," Saber replied. "However, our relationship runs very deep," Saber continued.
"Huh?" Rin asked, puzzled at the statement Saber made.
"Morgan Le Fay is my younger sister."
"Wait, what did you say!?" Rin exclaimed.
"Fu fu fu… Beloved sister!" Caster said. "Why, am I pleasantly surprised to see you again!"
"Morgan..!" Saber replied with clenched teeth.
"I was afraid that I may never get to finish whatever I started, but it seems that we can pick up from where we left of the last time."
"You incorrigible.. scum! I knew that the plot to seize the throne from me was all of your conjuring!" Saber replied angrily.
"Well then, feel free to continue this little feud of ours, sister!" Caster replied, laughing.