Chapter 5: The Battle with a King
Disclaimer: I don't own either of the franchises. All characters belong to either Type-Moon or Marvel.
Cruz7808: No, I won't use those exact versions of those characters because this story takes place at the same time as Secret Wars 2015. So, they are still stuck in the life rafts on the battle world. But I might use variants of those characters in my story and don't worry other marvel characters will appear in each singularity.
Axel263402: Yeah, some Marvel heroes won't be able to directly fight servants, but they should be able to distract them or by sometime. But there will be times that I'll show them going above what they could normally do and plus, the servants aren't the only enemies that they will be facing because like the anime and game there will be other threats.
Sakra95: The Marvel villains will have their own plans because I don't think that many of them besides someone like Thanos would want to see the destruction of humanity. This story won't have much to do with God Doom and the battle world unless I plan to do an event with them. Besides Goetia I don't plan to make any of the others more powerful because I think that they are strong enough and there will be villains from the Marvel universe to help balance things.
Epantoja521: So, in my story Chaldea is going to have multiple servants that can go to singularities like in the game. I'm sure Dr. Strange could summon a servant but I don't think he would because he would be fighting and there is always a chance he could die. Plus, he might not be able to support multiple servants and use his spell to fight without depleting all his magic. But if Dr. Strange did summon a servant, then I think he would get any of the divine servants because of his connection to various magical gods in Marvel.
Spiderwitch2211: Other Marvel characters will appear in the other singularities, but they will not become servants or pseudo servants because I think it'll be more interesting to see what they will do when facing stronger opponents. Plus, Marvel characters have fought aliens, demons, gods, and cosmic beings so I think they will be fine.
TigerWarrior1998: It's nice to see you again. Now about your question on Mash, well you're just going to have to find out by reading my story. Now to your next question, there will be a chapter that focuses on explaining the two multiverses to all the characters and there will be references to DC. After reaching ten chapters for this story, I'm planning to do a fate and DC crossover story. So, DC characters from that story might have cameos in this story.
Before getting to the story, anything that is written in italics means that someone is speaking telepathically. Now with that out of the way let's get to the story.
Normal Pov
When are heroes finally arrive within the location of the holy grail, they find themselves face to face with Saber. However, Dr. Strange immediately noticed that something was wrong with the servant. Despite knowing that Saber was king Arthur. It seems that the servant differs from the stories told of king Arthur because even when wearing a mask, if anyone were to have a closer look at Saber then they wouldn't see the man that was depicted in legend. But instead, they would see a young woman wearing black armor over a dress and holding what was most likely the holy sword Excalibur, but that isn't the main issue. It was as if the king and legendary sword had been corrupted by something that changed them into the forms that they were in now. Maybe it was one of the many differences between the two multiverses but Strange couldn't shake the feeling that something was unnatural with Saber's current form.
Unfortunately, Dr. Strange wouldn't get to think more about this problem because as he and the others moved closer to Saber, she decided to finally address them. "So, you're the ones that were responsible for defeating Berserker. There are some interesting individuals among you all."
"While I'm curious about that strange girl and her Noble Phantasm. I would like to know which one of you was responsible for the strange power that appeared before Berserker's death?" Saber asked, but as expected no one was willing to answer her. "But, I'm sure that none of you will answer. So, I'll find out for myself. Ready yourselves for my blade will test you to see if any of you are truly strong."
With those final words Saber launches herself towards her enemies with such speed that barely any of them could react to her. But to Saber's surprise Dr. Strange was able to predict what she would do and counter her. Before she knew it Saber was blasted by a magical bolt that forced her back in the opposite direction.
As Saber was sent back in the opposite direction, Dr. Strange took the chance to ready the others. "Mash prepare yourself; Saber won't be caught off guard like that again. Ritsuka, Director Olga, I advise the both of you to find a safe place away from the battle. I don't know if Mash and I can protect both of you while fighting Saber."
At the request of Dr. Strange, Ritsuka and Director Olga left to find a safe place away from the battle while he and Mash ready themselves for the upcoming fight.
"So, it was you. You were the one responsible for that strange power." Saber said as she stood up from the attack looking completely unharmed and took a good look at her attacker. "At first glance you seem like a regular magus. But your actions show me that you're an experienced fighter. To think a human could be capable of reaching that level of power. Mage, let's see how strong you are."
Again, Saber charged towards her enemies but this time her attention was on Dr. Strange. As she got closer and closer to him, Dr. Strange kept trying to blast Saber with his magic but each attack was either dodged or blocked, until Saber reflected a few attacks back at him and Mash. Having his own attack sent back at him didn't seem to hurt Dr. Strange too much, but it created a big enough opening for Saber to reach him.
Luckily Dr. Strange wasn't alone. The ever-reliable dem-servant was able to block the magical shot deflected towards her to then step in and knock Saber away from Strange.
Then in an instant Mash went for a frontal assault. She tried to hit Saber with different attacks using her shields, while doing her best to block incoming attacks but none of Mash's attacks could reach Saber. Then as Mash prepares to strike with her shield, Saber sees an opening and punches her with enough force that it knocks Mash down to her knees. Saber didn't stop there and prepared to strike down the demi-servant as she was trying to recover.
However much to Saber's surprise when Excalibur was supposed to hit Mash, the blade had somehow missed the demi servant. Unbeknownst to Saber, Ritsuka saw what was going to happen and used the abilities of his mystic code to save Mash from getting hit. Then he gave her a power boost to try to give Mash a better chance in battle.
As Mash felt the boost in power, she took the opportunity to hit Saber with as much strength as possible. However, it didn't seem to do anything but put some distance between the two of them.
This was starting to look bad for the demi servant. While Mash was trying to catch her breath, Saber hadn't even broken a sweat and was ready to keep fighting. Then suddenly the ground beneath Saber rose and trapped her in stone. Mash was confused until a portal opened in front of her. It was Dr. Strange, and it would seem he had recovered from earlier. "Thank you Mash, for saving me. Now let me handle the rest."
Boom!
But it didn't take long for Saber to break free from the stone. Then as Saber stepped out, she glared at Strange and within a moment made a move towards him. But to her surprise Dr. Strange was also moving towards her. Despite this Saber would quickly dismiss her worries and simply prepared herself for anything the sorcerer may try. But what happened next was something that Saber could never have predicted. As the two of them were mere moments from one another, Dr. Strange suddenly split into multiple duplicates of himself and surrounded Saber. In an instant all the duplicates casted the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak and were able to ensnare the legendary King.
As soon as Saber became trapped by the bands, she tried to break free from them but try as she might, she couldn't free herself. Then Saber saw something directly above her. It seems to be the real Dr. Strange, and she could sense another unknown power forming around him. "I call forth the Bolt of Balthakk."
Once again Dr. Strange conjured a power unknown to this world and fired a powerful bolt of streaming thunder towards Saber. But for some reason Saber didn't seem at all fazed by the incoming attack. As Dr. Strange's attack came closer, Excalibur began emitting an ominous power and with a few words a dark power suddenly erupted from the blade. "Excalibur Morgan!"
The sudden burst of power from Excalibur broke through the crimson bands and destroyed a few of Dr. Strange's duplicates. This allowed Saber to free her right arm to then direct Excalibur's power upward into the incoming Bolt of Balthakk just as it was about to hit her. When both magical blasts of energy met, there was a brief clash between powers before they erupted into an explosion that sent Dr. Strange crashing towards the ground and created a large crater where Saber was standing.
Once the explosion came to an end, Mash started searching for where Dr. Strange had fallen. For a moment Mash couldn't find him until she saw a red cloak trying to get up and ran toward Dr. Strange to help him up. "Dr. Strange, are you okay?"
But instead of getting an answer Mash got a warning. "Mash, don't let your guard down, it's not over yet."
Just as Dr. Strange had said the battle wasn't over. Saber started to emerge from the crater, but she didn't escape the explosion unharmed. most of her armor had been destroyed in the explosion and the sleave for her right arm had been completely incinerated, revealing her bare arm. At the same time her body had taken a huge amount of damage from the explosion. But despite having taken such heavy injuries, Saber was still willing to fight, and Excalibur was even emitting the same dark power it had before.
As Saber stepped out of the crate, she set her sights towards Dr. Strange and Mash. "I underestimated you mage, your resolve and power rivals that of any servant. So, I shall answer it with the full might of my blade." After Saber said that she began radiating an ominous energy and started focusing it on Excalibur.
Uatu Pov
As I watched the battle unfold, I shifted my attention towards Olga and Ritsuka, to see what they would do in this situation. The two of them had kept themselves at a safe distance while watching the battle. But as Saber prepared her noble phantasm the both of them would react in different ways. The director, while worried about Mash and Dr. Strange, stayed where she was, knowing that she wouldn't be able to help them in any way. Ritsuka on the other hand couldn't watch as Saber unleashed her noble phantasm on them. So, he recklessly tried to run towards the battle, hoping to do something to help. Luckily, he didn't get far, as he was grabbed by director Olga. "What do you think you're doing Fujimaru?"
"I have to go help them." Replied Ritsuka
"What!? No, I'm not letting you go over there so just you can get yourself killed." Said the director
Ritsuka however was persistent and tried to argue. "But I have to try something or else they could die"
But Olga quickly returned with a counter. "There is nothing you can do by going over there. You don't have the power to rival servants nor are you an experienced magus. If you go over there you will die, and as the director of Chaldea I can't have that. You are the last master of Chaldea which means that you're the only one left that can save humanity but, the only way you can do that is by surviving. Despite how inexperienced Mash is, both Dr. Strange and her knew the consequences of taking part in this battle. So, you have to believe that they're strong enough to get through this."
When hearing this Ritsuka stopped and seemed to struggle with what he should do. For a moment he didn't move, so I decided to peer into his mind and all I could hear was self-doubt. Ritsuka kept asking himself what he could do to help. He wasn't strong like Mash, nor could he use magic like Dr. Strange. So, if he went over there, he could die. But there was also a chance that both Mash and Dr. Strange could die if they couldn't stop Excalibur. If only he were stronger than he could help.
As Ritsuka stood there, I continued watching him to see what he would do next until something unexpected happened that made the both of us freeze in fear.
"If it is power that you want then I can give it to you."
The darkness that I had sensed, it spoke to him. But why was he reaching out to Ritsuka? He has never shown any interest in humans before, so why now. No, is he intending to expand his influence onto this multiverse?
As shocked as I was by his presents, Ritsuka was even more shocked. Not only was he hearing a voice that he didn't recognize, but he was also hearing it speak to him in his mind. "W-who's talking to me?"
""For now, you shouldn't worry about my identity and instead focus on my offer. Just as you wish I can grant you the power you want. Power to save not just your allies but humanity as well. But in return you will do as I say. Answer me now human before that spirit destroys your allies." Answered the voice
Ritsuka seems conflicted. If he were to accept the offer, then he may very well gain the power to save Mash and Dr. Strange. But it would cost him everything. So, fearing for the worse, I didn't give Ritsuka the chance to answer. "Ritsuka Fujimaru, you must not accept that offer unless you wish to bring an end to your universe."
My sudden interference had caused Ritsuka to stop. He became even more confused with the situation that he found himself in. "Who's talking to me now?"
"My name is Uatu and I am an ally of Dr. Strange. Ritsuka you mustn't accept that voice's offer because if you do then you will forever regret your decision."
But despite my interference, he wouldn't give up so easily. "Hear me human, I could give you the power to save everything you hold dear."
For a moment Ritsuka seemed to weigh his options until he unexpectedly asked both the other voice and me a question. "Tell me what I am supposed to do, if I don't have the power to help my friends?"
Ritsuka's question had taken the voice and I by surprise and for a moment left us unable to answer. I struggle to find an answer until I remember the words that Ritsuka had said to Mash. "Ritsuka you must simply do what you had promised and go support them."
When I gave my answer to Ritsuka, he seemed to carefully take in my words and to my relief he finally found the resolve to move forward once again. It would also seem that the voice had also disappeared. But I fear that the human has now become the target for one of the most powerful beings I know, and he won't stop until Ritsuka is his. But for now, I will continue to watch this story unfold and at this moment Ritsuka had to address the worried look that the director was giving him. "Fujimaru, who were you talking to just now?"
"Let's just say, I know what I have to do now." answered Ritsuka
The director only became more confused with his answer, but that confusion gave Ritsuka the chance to break the grip she had on him and run towards Dr. Strange and Mash. Just in time too because as he started running Saber had fired her noble phantasm at Mash and Dr. Strange.
Fortunately, Mash and her shield were strong enough to block the attack, but she was steadily losing strength and she was starting to lose hope. However, that all changed when she noticed Ritsuka's arrival. "Senpai?"
Placing his hand on Mash's hand, Ritsuka did his best to support Mash. "Mash, I know you can do it."
As I watched the both of them, I once again saw the miracles that humans could create. From the support of her master Mash was able to further tap into the power of the spirit within her to call forth the power she needed. "Noble Phantasm Unleash!?"
With this newfound power Mash was able to summon a powerful wall that had the strength to push Saber's own noble phantasm back at her and deliver a heavy blow to the king. As the smoke cleared from the impact of the noble phantasm, Saber was still standing but she had stopped moving. It would seem that having her own noble phantasm pushed back at her combined with all the injuries that she had taken from her battle with Strange had finally started affecting her. To the point that Saber was beginning to disappear.
Normal Pov
Seeing that Saber was disappearing seemed to indicate to Ritsuka and the others that the battle was finally over. It couldn't have happened at a better moment because Mash had fallen to her knees due to exhaustion. It would seem to have unlocked and using her noble phantasm was just a little too much for her. But now Mash and the others were finally able to take a moment to rest and let their guard down. Until a familiar voice was heard "Well looks like you guys took care of Saber."
From the cave entrance Ritsuka and the others saw a familiar figure of Caster. Of course, seeing Caster alive made Ritsuka happy, but seeing him with some injuries made the master a little worried "Casters are you okay?"
"I'm fine, that damn Archer was just a little tougher than I thought." Assured Caster
Then suddenly before Saber completely disappeared, she spoke. "I planned to defend the Holy Grail to the end, but it seems like I lost to the power that protects. Ultimately no matter how my fate changes, I will always meet the same end if I'm alone."
Those words caught everyone by surprise but most of all Caster. "What does that mean? Do you know something, Saber?"
"Eventually, you too will realize it, Ireland's Child of Light. Grand Order. The battle over the Holy Grail has only just begun." Answered Saber
Caster wanted to ask more but then he noticed that he too was beginning to disappear. "Crap looks like I'm being sent back too. Hey doc, kid I'm leaving the rest to the both of you, but if we ever get the chance to meet again try summoning me as a Lancer."
With those last few words both Caster and Saber disappeared and returned to where they came from. But not long after the servant disappeared the hologram of Dr. Romani once again appeared. "Congratulations everyone you completed the mission. You all did a fine job and I'm sure even the director is pleased with your performance. Right director?"
But Director Olga didn't seem like she was listening to Romani and was distracted with Sabers last words. "How did that servant know about Grand Order?"
This prompted Mash to try and get her attention. "Is something the matter, director?"
This finally seems to snap the director from her train of thought "Huh? O-Oh nothing's wrong. Anyways you all did well and despite some things about this singularity still being unclear, I think that it's safe to say that we completed this mission. Not to mention Mash was able to unlock her noble phantasm. But Mash, do you know its true name?"
"No, I don't know its true name" Answered Mash
"It's okay if you don't know its true name Mash." Assured Olga. "But it has to be inconvenient using the noble phantasm without a name. So, for now how about we call it Lord Chaldea."
"Yes, director, I think that name will do." Mash happily replied as she looked at her shield while repeating its new name.
Unfortunately, this joyful moment didn't last as everyone was caught by surprise by the echoes of clapping that suddenly filled the cave.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
As the group looked for the source of the clapping, the members of Chaldea all heard a familiar voice from the shadows of a nearby cliff. "Well, I didn't expect any of you would get this far. But then again today was full of surprises."
From out of the shadows emerged the familiar figure of Chaldea's very own Lev Lainur Flauro.
A/N: Hi everyone if you made it this far than thank you for reading my little story. As always please leave a review.
