14: 'Operation Sakura' part II
Heroes of justice just don't exist.
Berserker did not even bother to dodge Archer's arrows. They were simply useless against his armor, like a horde of mosquitoes challenging a tank.
Robin could think of many possibilities to set up a trap and defeat his mad adversary but, unfortunately, none of them would work in current conditions. If he'd only had a chance to lure him out of this creepy basement… He was almost sure that his Noble Phantasm would be enough to destroy Berserker. Too bad he wasn't in a situation to even think about using it, jumping from one recess in the wall to another to avoid the strikes. Ugly bugs kept attacking Robin's legs every time he came too close, which also did not help him stay alive.
I feel like a bloody grasshopper!
Jump back, reload, shoot, jump, reload, shoot. Someone must get tired at last and more determined Servant will become the winner of this meaningless duel.
"Hey, we're both vanishing, right? Or maybe the vampire gives you energy now? Anyway, don't you think that our fight is pointless, scary black friend?"
"Aaaaaaaartttttttthhhhaaaa!"
"That's what I thought."
"Aaaagrhhh!" The next blow almost crushed Archer's arm. Lacking sufficient objects to use as a weapon, Berserker threw at Robin fragment of a wall.
"I see. So this is about 'honor' you knights babble about so often?" Surprisingly even for himself, the Servant in green smiled. "And this is also why I don't want to lose to you so badly?"
This short moment of distraction almost cost Robin his head.
"To think that you forced me to use my daggers…. You must be a famous hero, huh?"
Pale and exhausted, Archer dived between Berserker's legs. It was a dangerous maneuver, mostly because of the bugs on the floor. Robin frowned, expecting painful bites…
But they didn't come. All insects in the basement suddenly stopped moving. Their fat abdomens shrunk, cut off from the life source.
Good job, big guy.
Archer felt relief. Even if he won't be able to survive this fight, his job is already done.
Siegfried was breathing heavily, a bit disorientated after the hit of anti-dragon typhoon. The fact that he survived didn't mean that it doesn't hurt.
I think I understand now why dragons hate me so much…
"Saber? Saber!" He could feel a healing magic coming from his little Master. He must have scared her by this unexpected moment of silence.
"I'm ok, Illya. Thank you, but, please, do not exhaust yourself."
"Um. I knew you can do it! You're the strongest after all."
Siegfried usually didn't like being praised, but this time he just knew they did the right thing. Nothing left from the old vampire and his insects, not even a pile of dust on the ground.
The world will be a better place now, perhaps… And I'll just need to rest for a while. Only a short while.
He shook his head, knowing that he has no second to waste. Archer was fighting for his life, probably needed help.
And then Saber shivered, feeling a hurricane of emotions from his Master: fear, shock, despair.
"Illya?! Can you hear me? What's happened?"
"Mommy! Mommy fell on the floor!" Illya wasn't a powerful magus right now, but a frightened child her age. Saber was amazed how she can easily switch between 'sweet kid' and 'aggressive adult' modes. Maybe it was like this because of her homunculi origin? "She just… Aaaaaaah!"
"Illya?" Although all that Siegfried wanted at this moment was to appear immediately at his Master's side, he needed to stay calm to not scare her needlessly.
"I'm fine, but… Something exploded. Daddy said that Lancer's fighting and that all will be fine." She hesitated for a moment, but clearly lost a fight with her own fear and started to cry. "Please come back, Saber. Please don't leave me!"
"I won't leave you." His short, simple answer calmed her down in an instant. "I'm coming. Don't waste a Command Spell. Lancer will protect you."
"Um." Her quiet sobbing was much better than panicked cries. Good, she'll be fine, Siegfried thought, surprised how much he wanted to give Illya a hug.
Something else still bothered him... Which Servant would suddenly attack the castle after their meeting? Siegfried did not expect the King of Conquerors to invade their base, so it must be Assassin or Gilgamesh… Arturia was more than capable to take care of both of them, but Saber knew he need to hurry. He suspected that enemies will use Illya against them if they only have a chance.
Dispersing his shattered armor, which seemed much heavier than ever, Siegfried stood up at last, ready for another round.
"Why you have to be this strong?"
Robin clenched his teeth and blocked another blow with his daggers. His arms were already shaking, his weapons looked as battered as their owner. Having no opportunity to increase the distance between them, he was forced to fight for his life on Berserker's terms.
"Next time summon me as a Saber..." Although giving up was not in his nature, Archer simply had no chance to avoid the next strike.
Berserker, already in the middle of a powerful swing, abandoned the idea of crushing his defenseless foe. He turned around to face another opponent, a dark one, with a short sword in hand.
"Assassin?" A quick glance at the surroundings told Archer that the entire army of Assassins has come to his aid. "What are you doing here?"
"Making my wish come true," all black silhouettes answered as one. "We all decided. We all came. We are whole."
Thankful for this unexpected help – and sure that he has just exploited the entire reserve of his luck – Robin dared to suspect that he still has a chance to win this battle.
"Tell me, Kirei, why you just sit here and do nothing? You'll let your own Servant betray you?"
Kotomine was working in his room, totally focused on the dead bat in his hands. Catching one of these smart familiars was not easy, but certainly worth the effort - and crucial for his new plan.
"I have my reasons. The best moment to punish him is about to come. Besides, Assassin's pitiful rebellion works in my favor," Kirei explained, not even looking at his guest. "And I'm sure you won't complain if that failure of a Servant somehow manages to eliminate Berserker."
"Oh?" Gilgamesh frowned, the fire in his gaze was dangerous. "You suggest that I can't defeat the mad dog myself?"
"No, I would never say anything so ridiculous. I meant only that it would be pretty convenient for both of us."
"Why are you concerned?" The King of Heroes sat at the sofa and, shamelessly as always, took care of Kirei's wine. "You suddenly decided to help Tokiomi?"
"Not Tokiomi. You, Gilgamesh. Think of it as of a kind of bargain."
"What do you want in exchange?"
"Not much, don't be suspicious." A faint smile brightened Kirei's face. It looked strangely disturbing in the red glow from Gilgamesh's cup. "I want you only to look away when I'll be doing what I plan to do."
"Now it piqued my curiosity, Kirei." Gilgamesh chuckled and stretched himself on the sofa. "But you must be careful. Tokiomi may be boring but he's not a complete idiot. The sole fact that he has never tried to force me to do anything is enough for a proof."
"He's naïve and trusts people. For me it's the definition of being a complete idiot."
The King of Heroes chuckled again, amazed how, after so many ages, humanity still fascinates him.
Lancer was more excited than she really should be. Her Master believed in her strength and sent her to fight at last. That was a purpose of a Servant and the fact, that her adversary was a new, unknown Heroic Spirit, did not matter. Any intruder stupid enough to step on Arturia's territory will taste the power of Rhongomyniad.
Llamrei, as excited as her rider, was galloping through the forest at full speed. The mare neighed loudly, sensing a presence of the enemy, and waited for Arturia's orders.
"Another dark knight, huh?"
The intruder did not look surprised or intimidated at all – a strange woman in black dress stood proudly in the face of danger. Golden eyes met red eyes in tensed silence.
"Well, well… We expected someone else to be here, but this is even better. A Lancer is one of the knight classes, so you won't run away like that pathetic Rider, am I right?"
"Why should I?" Arturia smiled viciously, feeling that she has finally found a capable opponent. "And I won't give you a chance to escape. I'll annihilate you here and now."
"Try then, I won't stop you." Avenger unsheathed her sword. "Just hurry up and die quickly. You're standing on my way."
Lancer laughed at such ridiculous threat, but something about the black, corrupted blade seemed odd.
"Why do you use Saber's sword?" She frowned, suspicious. "He's been defeated?"
"So it's really him…" Avenger whispered and suddenly lowered her weapon. "Tell me, mounted knight, are you Saber's ally?"
That was a strange question to ask in the middle of a confrontation, but Arturia did not mind it and spoke the truth.
"Not anymore."
"I see." Avenger's blade raised again immediately, at the level of her eyes, and that meant an intent to kill. "Too bad, I thought it would be nice to join forces with a fellow fallen hero. We're so much alike…"
Despite Avenger's last threats, her words seemed suspiciously tempting. Arturia could feel traces of charm magic in the air. This Heroic Spirit must have used lies and sweet promises to gain allies, so often, that it became one of her skills. It enraged Lancer even more. The destiny of a hero is to stand alone on his path, not stain the hands and minds of others with blood for his own purposes and beliefs.
"We're NOT alike," she growled coldly, readying the weapon. Llamrei shook her head, as bloodthirsty as her rider. "Prepare to die."
"Awesome!" Avenger chuckled like a little girl; her sanity was doubtful. "Such pride! Such power! I hate the ones like you! Come!"
The little army of Assassins at least managed to open Berserker's helmet. It was more than enough for Robin to use his ultimate attack. If the poison reaches the body of the mad Servant, it will be an end for him.
"This arrow from my grave..."
The green light, as bright as Archer's cloak, filled the basement. Three Assassins who tried to hold raging Berserker in place, fell on the floor, killed by just one strike of the black knight.
"Tree of burial, hone your fangs."
His beloved yew tree answered the call. Its roots caught Berserker, trapping him like a beast inside the cage…
"Yew Bow!"
…and exploded.
"A-aaa-ah, that was something, don't you think, Assassin?" - Archer said after a moment of heavy silence. He couldn't believe that it's finally over. "Assassin? What in the…?"
Forced by the power of the Command Spell, remained Assassins mechanically reached for their weapons. Not able to oppose such powerful order, they killed themselves, one by one.
"Damn you two, heroes of justice, for making me believe you."
But it did not sound like a real complaint, because they all – finally as one, complete entity - were smiling.
"How does it feel, Assassin?" – Robin asked with a strange, calm smile. "To die as a true hero?"
The answer never came – the fallen Servant already changed into a blue mist, that filled the basement like billions of fireflies. Archer sighed and looked at his own vanishing hand, which seemed almost transparent in such faint light.
And then he noticed a little girl on the stairs. How long has she been here?
"Why they died?" Sakura's quiet voice echoed through the basement. It sounded totally out of place here.
Robin did not know what to say. He couldn't judge from Sakura's blank expression if she speaks about Assassins or bugs. Archer took a deep breath and came up the stairs, trying to look as friendly as possible in his current state.
"Because their time has come," he said with a polite smile. "There will be no more fights or bugs in the basement."
"No more bugs room?"
"No more," he confirmed and reached out his hand to the girl.
Sakura did not accept it yet, only stared at Archer, like she was trying to find answers on his bruised, tired face.
"Grandpa won't be angry?" A distant echo of fear, that sounded in Sakura's voice, enraged Robin. But it was not important now, when the vampire was dead.
"Grandpa is gone."
"O-oh. And uncle Kariya?"
Archer felt relief, for the first time seeing emotions in Sakura's eyes. At last! So she cared for someone and still had hope. Maybe the girl is tougher than they thought and Zouken did not manage to break her completely.
"I don't know. But I have an idea – let's go and look for him together!" His smile was irresistible. "Ah, I almost forgot… You may call me Robin. Shall we go then?"
Sakura hesitated for a while, staring blankly at Archer's hand. Realizing that she has nowhere else to go or nobody to rely on, she nodded eventually and grasped his fingers, letting him lead her back to the light.
"You're an idiot." Archer laughed nervously, counting last Saber's mistakes. "You fired your own Noble Phantasm at yourself. You forgot about your riding skills and left your motorbike at home. Did I miss something?"
Siegfried only sighed, glancing at the empty Matou residence. He wondered if burning this place to the ground wouldn't be the best course of action… But he wasn't a pyromaniac and they had no more time to waste here.
"No, that's all," he admitted eventually. "I know I failed. Sorry."
"Big sword and a tiny brain, I knew it from the beginning! Your apologies won't help us get to the castle on time, you know? Too bad that stupidity can't fly. You would make a nice griffon already. Or a flying unicorn!"
"A dragon," Sakura said quietly, making both Servants focus on her. She reached out her hand, trying to touch the crest on Siegfried's chest. "You're a dragon."
"Yes, I am. Kind of." He smiled to the girl. Just like Illya, she was not afraid of him, but it did not seem surprising after the bugs hell she came through. She must have some potential to see my true nature so easily. "Speaking of dragons, I have an idea how to transport us, but…"
"But?" Robin was too tired to be angry anymore. Only a pure willpower – and a promise that he will speak with Illya – kept him materialized after the last fight.
"But it's too dangerous. It's the most unpredictable of my Noble Phantasms. And I don't think I have enough energy to use it now."
"So it's out of the question." Archer sighed. "Want a piggyback ride, Sakura?"
Having no other choice, they decided to run all the way to the forest. Speed of a Servant may be impressive for a mortal, but they still felt like moving painfully slow.
"Too bad I'm not a Lancer or a Rider," Saber said after a while. "They can be much faster than us."
"Speak of the devil…" Robin looked up. "I think that we've been spotted. Or rather we've been watched from the beginning."
Siegfried sighed helplessly, trying to notice anything at the night sky above their heads. He could feel a faint presence of the King of Conquerors but nothing more.
"And a magnificent eyesight of an Archer… I wonder why people think that Saber is the most powerful class."
"Yeah, you really are useless." Robin laughed at loud. "It's only a propaganda. Popularized by magi who think that any weapon other than sword is a trash. You know, the Arthurian Legends and stuff are to blame."
"Well said." Siegfried smiled. "Lancer may have something interesting to say about it."
As expected, Iskandar soon joined them on the ground. Sakura watched the flying bulls with her eyes wide open, but she was more surprised than scared by such unusual view.
"Relax, he's a friend." Robin winked cheerfully to the girl and she clung to his back even tighter than before.
"So you've made it?" Rider did not hide how happy he is. Seeing youngsters like them following the path of a true hero must be enjoyable for any old Heroic Soul. "There's a commotion in the forest near your castle, Saber. I thought you might be interested."
"That's exactly where we're heading, but we probably won't make it on time."
"Because that idiot forgot about his motorbike," Archer added, rolling his eyes.
"Who needs modern machines when there's a flying chariot at hand?!"
Saber and Archer looked at each other, surprised. The King of Conquerors really offered to give them a lift? And his always-complaining Master agreed, just like that?
Waver did not oppose this time. His eyes were full of compassion and kindness when he looked at Sakura. The girl was visibly lost but seemed calm in this unexpected situation.
"Hey, young lady, you want to go for a ride?" – Waver asked, opening the door to the vehicle.
"That's my boy for you!" Iskandar laughed, visibly proud of the young magus. It was a proof that his teachings reached Waver after all. "Hurry up and get in. We have no time to waste, ha, ha, hah!"
Although he would never admit it, Kiritsugu was captivated by the fight. Lancer's self-confidence and overwhelming strength were truly fascinating to watch.
This is exactly what heroes do, he thought, angry at himself. They make people believe that there's beauty and honor on the battlefield. No, it's death and despair, nothing more. And these two warriors are only pitiful women, which are trying to kill each other because their Masters ordered them to do so.
The subtle charm of this moment, when lance clashed with sword, was only an illusion. Emiya knew it. He won't be fooled anymore by shining heroes. Even the famous King Arthur summoned by him wasn't so pure anymore. Lancer was a realist, knowing that the world is a dark place. You must throw away chivalry to achieve your goal. Heroes of justice just don't exist.
Then Kiritsugu thought about Saber and clenched his fists in silent anger. He couldn't even express how much he hates this troublesome Servant.
Master. Arturia slowed down a little to warn him. A chariot is approaching. I can sense also Saber and Archer, but I'm not really sure. The last aura is too faint to say for sure.
Finish Avenger quickly, Lancer, Emiya ordered, expecting troubles. It's not a problem for you, I guess?
Not at all, Master.
Good.
He breathed in cold night air, waiting for a message from Maiya. While he was standing here as a bait to lure Avenger's Master out of her hideout, Maiya acted in the shadows to eliminate the enemy magus. The plan was perfect, but a bunch of rebellious Servants could ruin it at any moment…
"Heroes of justice just don't exist," Kiritsugu said to himself to kill the last remnants of this dangerous illusion within his own heart.
Her eyes were once blue, Saber thought. Strange memories, which he didn't suspect to have, hit him hard, and were so painful that he could barely withstand them. Her long braid used to be brown, but shone like gold when the sunlight touched it.
She was considered the most beautiful princess of the North. But now all Saber could see was the insane, completely broken woman, who had lost everything. All her beauty, even her soul, became corrupted by shadow. Black and red were her only colors now.
It's my fault, right?
Siegfried knew that no apology will be enough. Nothing can undone it, it was far too late. What he should do?
He was sure that he shouldn't stand here like an idiot, captivated by the fight of two women in black. Arturia was clearly stronger and more experienced, but Avenger managed to keep up with her, powered by anger and hatred, almost like a Berserker.
After another fierce exchange of blows Lancer smiled, sure that she has found all weaknesses of her opponent. Rhongomyniad twirled in Arturia's hand, when she charged forward to smash the enemy. It was the right moment to prove her superiority.
"This is the last one, fake knight!"
Avenger waited patiently, suspiciously calm. Siegfried recognized with ease the subtle movement of her wrist, the way her feet changed position to prevent her body from loosing balance. Saber knew exactly what Avenger is going to do – because he was the one who had invented this technique.
Arturia, being a magnificent swordsman as well, realized what's going to happen. But it was too late for her to stop it. No skill, not even a powerful blast of mana, could block this strike, a mounted warrior at full speed was in disadvantage against it.
"Master, look out!" – Lancer shouted, trying to perform an impossible maneuver with her mount. Llamrei neighed painfully, plowing the ground with her hooves and desperately trying to turn around, almost breaking her legs in the process.
"Too late!" Avenger grabbed her weapon in one hand and threw it with all might, like a spear, aiming for Kiritsugu Emiya.
With Lancer defeated here and now many of Saber's problems would be solved. Most of all, he did not like Kiritsugu Emiya. Even if Siegfried respected this man's wish, he had no obligation or intention to help him…
But Kiritsugu Emiya was Illya's father. She would be sad. She would cry and miss him. She would be left alone in this world, a pitiful orphan, with her father dead and mother turned into the part of the cursed Grail.
That was enough motivation for Siegfried to stand between Avenger and her prey. Clenching his teeth, he deflected the corrupted version of Balmung with his own, pure one. The weapons clashed with a terrible force and a very unpleasant sound, but the strange sensation during the impact was even worse. Almost like the shadow from Avenger's sword wanted to force its way through the other blade…
"This is not how a princess should behave, Kriemhild," Siegfried whispered, lowering his sword. It was something Gunther used to say to his little sister. Although the king was serious about it, the girl usually laughed at him and his rules. Now it was just too sad to be a joke anymore. How is it possible that I suddenly know it? Is Kriemhild's presence enough to rewrite my memories? "You bring shame to your family, especially to your husband."
It was not fair to take advantage of her madness, but he had good intentions. And it worked. The entire forest froze, even Kiritsugu didn't dare to move, not knowing what's going on.
"Forgive me, my dear." Avenger bowed slightly, like nothing weird has ever happened or like they were never really separated for ages. "You know that everything I do is for you."
"I know." The pain in Siegfried's voice was more than obvious. There was no doubt that this Servant is completely insane. "So, please, stop fighting. Enough for tonight."
Kriemhild nodded and clearly wanted to say something, but stopped halfway. She grabbed her sword from the ground and ran though the forest in a great hurry. A series of gunshots, that sounded in the distance, was enough to understand such sudden change in her behavior.
Kiritsugu immediately reached for his phone.
"Maiya, retreat now! This Servant is far too dangerous for you to handle."
"Understood. I'm already on my way back."
"Good. Did you get Avenger's Master?" – he asked through the device. Lancer was already by his side, staring suspiciously at so many Servants that gathered here tonight, but clearly having no intention to fight them.
"No, that bitch was well-protected. I shot only to distract her Servant."
"Thank you, Maiya. You were a big help." Emiya disconnected and lightened up a cigarette. He needed a moment to collect his thoughts; his gaze wandered from one unexpected guest to another, and stopped at the little girl, who clung to Archer inside the Rider's chariot. "Now… will someone tell me what's going on here?"
They all looked at Siegfried, who only sighed helplessly.
"Honestly? I have no idea."
Bonus: Character Sheet
Class: Avenger
Master: Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri
True Name: Kriemhild
Other names: Black Widow, Fallen Princess of the North
Alignment: Chaotic Insane
Strength: B+
Agility: B
Luck: D
Endurance: A
Mana: C
Noble Phantasm: EX
(see below: skill Devoted Imitator)
Once a beautiful, kindhearted princess and a wife of the dragonslaying hero, she changed drastically after her husband's death. Betrayed by her own family, robbed of her status and wealth, she carefully planned her vengeance, that led to bloody slaughter.
Class Skills:
Avenger: D (hatred shown towards her is not the source of Kriemhild's power – it's her hatred towards others that fuels her; because of that she's easy to provoke and very dangerous in 'berserk mode')
Self-Replenishment (Mana): B+
Personal Skills:
Counter Hero: B (reduces all of the opponent's parameters by two ranks (works also against traitors and 'men with power'), weaker against anti-heroes, reducing their parameters by one rank)
Charisma: B+ (mix of natural charm and lies; during difficult times in her life Kriemhild developed this ability to make alliances with those with power, eventually even to gather an army)
Devoted Imitator: A+ (Kriemhild's devotion to her murdered husband is as strong as her madness – during the fight it allows her to copy most of Siegfried's stats, habits and fighting techniques, although she cannot copy his Noble Phantasms or things he himself had not taught/shown her in the past)
Magic Resistance: B
Prophetic Dreams: D (according to legends Kriemhild used to have prophetic dreams (about falcon killed by eagles and others); being a Servant – and insane one – she doesn't dream, but can be struck by a sudden vision of the future; this kind of foresight, however, is not very useful, because Avenger can see things but usually is not able to interpret them correctly)
Noble Phantasm: Balmung, Demonic Greatsword of Vengeance (basically her own demonic, corrupted version of Balmung, covered in black, evil energy)
Noble Phantasm: ?