Fate/Twin Roses Chapter 4: Iron and Blood
By Bluestar076
Hello everyone! Bluestar here with finally a new chapter of this story! Don't worry! It's not discontinued! As you can see, I'm still going! This time I've decided to take a longer break than the usual to proceed with my other stories. I also get the chance to thank you for your opinions about the fight between Astrea and Tygo and their Servants, it really pleased me to see that some of you liked the psychological issue of the battle! And i've noticed that someone got disappointed to see that Rider of White didn't say her true name. Well, the reason I didn't make her tell that was because I didn't want to reveal her name so soon, but if that doesn't concern you, then I don't mind! Next time I'll get the chance in the story, I'll fix that (Although I ask you once more to not say the Servants names in the reviews even if you know them, because it could bring spoilers to others that don't know them.)
With that said, let's get back to where we left off! Because now it's Kazuto and Archer of Red's turn to face a quite troublesome opponent. So as always, enjoy!
Note: I do not own Fate. All rights and characters belong to Kinoko Nasu and TYPE-MOON.
Chapter 4: Iron and Blood
Tokyo – Red Rose's Headquarter – 23.10 P.M
The zone around the headquarter of the Red Rose Faction was starting to get quiet due to the late hour. But the Masters and their Servants were still awake, since in an Holy Grail War, everything was possible. One of them in particular…was thinking about the current situation.
Marcus Graint Yggdmillenia, the leader of the Red Rose Faction, was sitting on a chair with one leg above the other and having his hands intertwined and resting over his mouth. His gaze was fixed and had a serious expression. Someone could say that he was looking at the table, but he wasn't focused on what he was looking at, since his mind was covered in thoughts.
"It's been three hours already since Kazuto and Astrea left to do the patrol of the city and see if they could find the enemy…but they're not back yet…I think that there are two solutions. Either they're still patrolling the city or they had found Masters belonging to the enemy faction. But I highly doubt it's the first one. Tokyo is a huge city, and it's impossible to check all the zones in just one night. And this means that the answer is the second one…they found them." He thought.
Ever since he was young, Marcus had already been a man of war, even before he became a mage, learned his skills about Magecraft and got chosen to participate in the Rose Grail War. Not only he showed a deep interest in getting stronger, but he also developed an impressive intelligence that gave him the opportunity to make successful strategies and valuable deductions. So for him, every aspect of a war was an interest for him. Every move, every strategy, every result, every win, every loss, all of these aspects could be of great value for him, even if they were insignificant. Even the smallest thing could change the tide of war, even in this case known as the Holy Grail War, which was known to be the least important and the most important conflict that history had ever seen at the same time, even if it wasn't known to anyone like other great wars in the past.
Suddenly, a noise brought Marcus back to reality. It was someone that knocked on his door. Marcus shook his head as if he was dreaming and turned around. "Come in." He simply said.
The door was opened, and the one who entered was Alvis Walker, Rider of Red's Master. "Oh, it's you Alvis." Marcus simply said.
"Thank God, you're still awake. Say, Marcus…it has already been a while since Kazuto and Astrea left, but we have no signs of them. Do you think that something happened?" Alvis asked. That naïve question made Marcus smile and stand up. "It's clear that you still don't know how this war works, and it's understandable. And yes, it's almost sure that something happened. Surely, they're not goofing around! If that was the case, I would give them the worst punishment of their lives! Anyways…they probably met Masters belonging to the White Rose and engaged them in battle." He answered.
That answer made Alvis get alarmed. "Are you saying that they're still there? Does…does a battle between Masters and Servants take that long?" He asked. "Indeed, young Walker. You see…normal people see a battle as a short thing while it's the complete opposite. You probably saw what a war is about thanks to movies, documentaries or even shows, but usually those intend to cut a lot of things during the war sequences. A war is not a thing that could be solved easily, for there are many issues to consider like power or intelligence. Both sides need their times to study the enemy and defeat them. Those who can grasp the situation better are the ones who emerge victorious. And the same goes for this Holy Grail War, which is not a common war. This is a conflict between mages and Heroic Spirits who have supernatural powers that are already hard to understand. Plus, none of us know something about the enemy, so these firsts battles will serve to study them. As such, it's only natural that it takes them so long. Who knows, maybe they're still fighting." Marcus explained.
"That means that they could be in trouble! Don't you think we should help them?" Alvis asked. "Both Kazuto and Astrea have notable skills in magecraft despite not having clear reflexes like me, and they're accompanied by notable Servants. Yet…" The Yggdmillenia mage replied with still a composed tone before looking away. "…Yet what?" Alvis asked. "Yet I can't hide that I have the same feeling you have. I hope they're doing well. If they would die, we would already have lost two Masters and two Servants, and we would be in complete disadvantage…" Marcus continued.
"So you do think we should do something about this. If that's the case, I'm more than willing to come in their assistance. As our companions, I'm ready to give their support." Alvis then proposed himself, but Marcus had already a different idea. "…No. I'll go instead. You stay here." He said.
"…You sure?" Alvis asked. "Yes. I don't know why but I'm really worried about them. There's just…an instinct that tells me that something is wrong there. Therefore I think they need their leader. You stay here and watch over our headquarters. The more people remain here, the more protected the headquarter will be." Marcus said before looking at the Command Spells in his hand.
The mark looked like some sort of spiral, and by looking at it, Marcus started to feel pressure and nervousness, this because he knew well what his Servant could do. "Berserker is a strong Servant, probably one of the most strongest in this war…but…it's also a risky move to put him in the battlefield, due to his nature. Every time I summon him I make a gamble on my own sake…he could be considered as a double-edged sword." He thought. He was indeed worried of what the outcome would have been…but soon that concern was put away. "No! My companions sake is important as well! I cannot show any hesitation! As the leader of the Red Rose Faction, it is my duty to bring our team to victory and ensure the others sake!"
"Hmm…you don't seem that convinced…" Alvis noticed. "Enough! My decision is final. I'll go now. Don't do anything stupid in my absence." With that sentence, Marcus quickly ran through the exit and went towards the city.
Alvis simply stayed there, looking at his leader going away. "I hope he'll handle this…" He said after a sigh…and then in that moment…
"Alvis-chan…I've put some cream all over my body…how about we have some fun with that?" Rider of Red's voice could be heard, calling back her Master, who went fully red. "R-Rider! For God's sake, no!"
"If you don't want it, I'll do it!" Saber of Red said from another room. "Oh yes, Saber…just like the old times…" Rider of Red answered, liking the idea.
"…Why…just…why…" Alvis commented, wondering how it happened to have such a Servant.
[Katekyo Hitman Reborn – Boys and Girls]
*Seven Cards that represent the seven classes of Servants appear one by one before splitting in two different decks, each one having the seven cards*
[Boys and Girls be ambitious, Boys and Girls keep it real, Boys and Girls be ambitious, Boys and Girls keep it real]
*Kazuto and Archer of Red open their eyes, and then Kazuto with flames on his hands and on his head starts to perform various melee attacks while Archer of Red attacks with the katana, the nagitana and her bow. After that, the two start to fly in the sky*
[Following the manual, jumping out of everyday, you are a boy…]
*Kazuto wakes up and quickly prepares himself to leave the house with Archer of Red while having a croissant in his mouth. The two of them leave while Hinobu looks at them with a smile from a window.*
[Not able to become an adult, but not able to stay as a child, times like that will come…]
*Kazuto and Archer of Red are reached by the remaining members of the Red Rose Faction. With Gordon give some punch to the air, Saber of Red give his Master a pat on his shoulder with a big smile, Calem walking with a smile and his guitar on his back, Lancer of Red walking with her eyes closed, Alvis looking at the phone while Rider of Red tries to get his attentions by licking her lips, Marcus giving tips to the group, Astrea joining the chat by talking alongside Caster of Red, Cahya who looks at the group with a light smile and Assassin of Red that walks happy with her hands on the back of her head*
[Where everyone is in a hurry, in the world that we live in…]
*Meanwhile from the top of a roof, Seram, Isak, Cynthia, Tygo, Adewale, Oeneus and Maximilian along with their Servant are watching the Red Rose Faction, with Cynthia giving a quite serious stare at Kazuto*
[We stopped upon a shooting star!]
*Suddenly Kazuto and the other members of the Red Rose Faction stop and turn around, noticing the constellation of a rose in the sky. Then, the camera zooms at Kazuto's eyes before the screen becomes white*
[One thing that I cannot give up, with just one, I can become strong!]
*Saber of Red and Saber of White clash their swords and make a battle cry, while Rider of Red runs on her carriage to reach Rider of White, who summons her giant to attack her. Meanwhile, Assassin of Red and Assassin of White both make a fight pose before attacking each other with melee attack. Then Assassin of Red releases some golden stardust with a determined face while Assassin of White throws plates with a grin on her face.*
[You were scared and I pulled your hand, we keep walking!]
*Lancer of Red gets surrounded in purple flames before creating purple dragons that are cut in half by Lancer of White with his lance, who jumps towards her with an excited face.*
[Our breath increasing in the head wind!]
*Caster of White attacks Astrea with magical beams, but the girl is saved by Caster of Red, who cuts the beams with her staff and is ready to fight, while Berserker of White dives with anger to attack Berserker of Red, who is furious as well and he's ready to attack her.*
[Boys and Girls be ambitious!]
*Then, Kanashimi holding the Black Keys with a worried face, Hinobu making a smile with a thumb up and a shadowy figure that turns around are seen.*
[ Boys and Girls keep it real! Boys and Girls be ambitious! Boys and Girls keep it real!]
*Archer of Red is preparing a flaming arrow while Archer of White is ready to shoot with his gun. The two Servants throw their blasts which clash against each other and form an explosion. Then the screen turns white and in the end, all the Masters and their Servants are seen striking a pose while a rose stands on the center. The opening ends*
Tokyo – Near Nakano Broadway – 23.12 P.M
After the ferocious battle with Astrea and Caster of Red, Rider of White took Tygo to a place far from the Tokyo-Wan Aqua Line. She made sure that the place was empty, so there couldn't be anyone to interrupt them. Tygo Geshciezend could finally take a breath and rest after the battle he just had. While he was sitting on the floor with his back leaning against a wall, Rider of White was cleaning his head from the blood with a white tissue.
"You sure have a lot of wounds here…that Master must have been really strong…" Rider of White commented. "Yes…" Tygo simply answered.
Despite being all over, he was still thinking about what happened before. That was his first fight in the Holy Grail War. Yet…everything went so differently from what he expected. He would have thought to face determined people that showed decision and authority. People that knew what they were doing. But…his opponent of this night was a regular girl. While she did have a notable strength, it was surprising for Tygo that the girl didn't seem to have some sort of special trait. Instead…she was a quite paranoic and impulsive. But what surprised Tygo the most was that…he was feeling something. He couldn't know why…but…he felt that he could understand that girl despite not knowing her.
Was he feeling…empathy?
Was it really possible? To understand an opponent's emotions? Tygo was always a person who had difficulties to understand the situations he was in, and what he experienced that night made him even more confused. He came from a family that had a good reputation in the Mage's Association and he knew well the basics of thaumaturgy and the Holy Grail War. But maybe…there was more to learn for him. He was more than ready to participate in this conflict…but now…that conviction was starting to change…
What was the Holy Grail War in reality? Was it really just a conflict between Masters and Servant? But most importantly…was what he was doing…right? Maybe it wasn't all black and white…maybe there were some shades of grey.
"God…this is all so messed up…" Tygo thought. His mind was covered in thoughts and doubts that he didn't want to have…but he still had them, and this made him feel worse.
"Hm? Is there something wrong, Master?" Rider of White then asked. "You seem thoughtful."
The mage looked at his Servant and her innocent smile. Tygo wasn't usually someone that liked to talk to someone else due to his neurosis. But…every time he saw Rider of White…he could feel that he had someone to express his feelings with. And he couldn't be more grateful than that. He considered himself no-good, but in this case…he considered himself…lucky. So it was worth of a try to talk with her.
"…Say, Rider…back when you were fighting Caster of Red…what were you feeling?" He then asked. The Servant raised his head up and started to think about it. "Well…that's a good question actually, teheh! But…if I have to give an answer…I would say…respect. She was really a respectful person." She then answered.
"Respectful?" Tygo asked, making his Servant nod. "Yes. Apart from being an impressive fighter that manage to stand up against my iron giant, she was a charismatic and interesting character. Her way of talk made me think that she was the type of girl that was happy with little. Plus…in a way…I felt that she and I are similar." She explained.
The last thing he said made Tygo even more curious, since he, too, felt similar to Astrea. "Similar? Really? How?" He asked. "She seemed to really care about her Master, just like me with you. She said to consider her a 'pupil', which made me smile! The fact that she wanted only the better for her Servant…was really pleasant to hear. In the end, I've even felt a little bit sad to think that we're enemies. If she would have been the Caster of the White Rose…maybe we would have become good friends." Rider of White answered, looking at the stars. She then turned to her Master. "Why the question?"
"…You see…I…somehow felt something similar…with that Master…" Tygo answered. "That girl…I knew she was the enemy...but…it all went completely different from what I expected. Seeing her behave in that bizarre way…hearing what she said…made me think that…she wasn't a terrible person after all. I've even ended up sharing her tears…because of our similarities. Rider…do you really think…we're doing the right thing? If I have to be honest…I'm surprised to be chosen from the Grail as one of the participants in this war but…now I really don't know what to believe anymore…who's the good one and who's the evil one?" He then asked.
Rider of White made a smile and gently stroked his head. "Honestly…I don't think there is a distinction between good and evil. Sure, there are people who have saints those who have diabolical intentions. But…I think that everyone in this war is unique in their own style and they are simply moved on by their own will to achieve something in their lives thanks to the Grail. So…it's hard to see if there really is a distinction between good or evil. Because…everyone, even the rotten ones, has a little bit of humanity, and that's what makes people be so different one from the other. I'm not human…but I can say with ease that humans are such complex beings…and that's what I like about them. Even gods have difficulties on understanding them." She explained.
"…That makes me think…the reason why the Einzbern family created the system of the Grail War along with the Makiri and the Tohsaka…was because they wanted to give humanity…the ultimate happiness through the third magic known as Heaven's Feel, which materializes the souls. But…through the various wars…this never happened, right? I think…it's because what you said…there are no people that are fully good or fully evil. Everyone…has their own personality, their own way of thinking…their own humanity…right?" Tygo said.
"Yes. That's it. Glad to see that you understand. So…don't see what happened as an act of benevolence or malevolence…just think that it happened…and that the next time things might go in a different way. Remember…think with your own head…don't be the ball of a group." Rider of White answered with a smile.
This made Tygo feel better. He was surprised to hear that he could have a discussion like that with his own Servant. He could see that their bond was more intimate than he could think. "Thank you Rider…next time…I'll do it better." He said.
"Happy to hear that. But next time, think carefully before using a Command Spell!" Rider of White jokingly said. "Ahah! Yes, don't worry." Tygo answered. "It's better for us to leave but…I feel sad to leave Isak alone…"
"Don't worry. I'm sure he can handle it. He's the leader of our faction after all." Rider of White reassured him. In that moment…they could hear someone coming, and when they turned around…they saw a familiar face.
It was the thug that tried to knock Tygo down. He was still feeling the pain of the mage's attacks, but he could walk. "T-That damn brat…how could he be that strong…uh!?" He said before raising up his head and noticing him. Soon the panic turned back.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The thug ran away, leaving the pair alone. "Wow…I didn't know I was so scary." Tygo commented. "Well…shall we go?"
"Sure." Rider of White simply answered before summoning her bull. She then grabbed her Master and put him on the bull's back before she jumped on it as well. The bull started to run towards the headquarter of the White Rose Faction, where a long rested was waiting for the tired Master.
Tokyo-Wan Aqua Line – 23.20 A.M
Kazuto was staring at Isak, his enemy that suddenly appeared. His stare was one that showed anxiety and pressure from all sides. It was strange, because he felt the same with Maximilian the previous day. But somehow…the pressure was much bigger than the one felt with the Maximilian. And Isak still didn't do anything to him. He was just looking at him…with a smirk.
Even Archer of Red was worried about the enemy Master. She could feel that his magical energy was somehow bigger than the usual. Just…who was this guy?
"So…why are you standing there without saying anything? I thought I was talking with a mage, not a mime." Isak commented. "Perhaps if we pass on introductions you will feel better! I'm Isak Svala Von Lud. The leader of the White Rose Faction." He then said with an apparently innocent smile.
What he said only put even more pressure on Kazuto, who started to look pale on the face. "W-What!? The leader!? Why…why would you make a move so soon?" He asked.
"Why? Well, why shouldn't one be curious to see the enemy in action? It's only natural, boy. The reason is simply that one, curoisity! So I've decided to depart with Tygo and…see what this first excursion would have brought to." Isak replied, showing a composed and chill tone.
"This guy doesn't make me any sense…I fear that he's plotting something…" Kazuto thought. "If so, why didn't you help your companion?" He then asked. "If you were in the battle as well, then perhaps I would have thought about it. But since your friend decided to take the fight by herself, I knew that there wasn't any need of my assistance for him. Not to brag, but we of the White Rose Faction have a nice combination of Servants. So…since you went away I've simply decided to…follow you! And what luck! I appeared in the right moment." Isak explained. He then looked to Archer of Red. "Judging from your look and the bow on your back, you must be an Archer-Class Servant. Which means that you…" He said while looking back at her Master. "Must be Kazuto Tohsaka, the last Master that joined this Holy Grail War and the one who gave a lot of troubles at Maximilian yesterday." He added before licking his lips. "Good. I was wondering how skilled you could have been."
Kazuto couldn't take it anymore. He just couldn't stand him anymore. Isak's way of speaking was just annoying for him and made him change mood. From nervous, he was now irritated, as his fists started to get covered in flames. His stare was now fixed on him, not for fear, but because he was now seeing him as a target.
"I think there's nothing more to add, so let's start the fight, shall we?" The leader of the White Faction asked with a smirk. Just as he asked it, Kazuto jumped towards him to attack with a fire fist. "WITH PLEASURE!" He exclaimed.
"Master! Wait!" Archer of Red tried to warn him, but the Tohsaka mage was already delivering his blow. "TSEAH!"
A giant explosion followed that attack. Archer of Red looked at the scene with a worried stare, and then…the smoke came out.
Kazuto was sure he hit him, but he soon saw the truth from himself, a truth that shocked him. He noticed that his fist was getting blocked by a golden circular barrier that surrounded Isak, who looked at him with still that smile on his face.
"W-What…?" Kazuto asked. "I didn't know you were that aggressive. Don't you know that attacks like that usually don't work? Maybe you have difficulties on understanding that, so let me help you." Isak commented. In that moment, the barrier started to concentrate energy on the spot where Kazuto attacked before releasing it in the form of a powerful counterattack that sent him away. "GAAAAAAH!" The Tohsaka mage ended up crashing on the ground.
"Master! Why, you!" Archer of Red swung her katana and went to attack the Master of the White Rose Faction, but before she could reach him, she could hear her weapon clashing with another, causing a strong iron noise. "What!?"
Lancer of White appeared in front of her, blocking her attack with his lance. The man clad in a silver armor looked at the samurai women with a large smile and red glowing eyes. "Did you really think I'd let you do that?" He asked. Archer of Red jumped away and stood on guard while holding her katana. "You must be the Lancer of White…" She said.
"You already know how it works, Archer of Red. Masters fight against Masters and Servants fight against Servants. Therefore I don't think you're stupid enough to know who your enemy is." Lancer of White said while pointing his lance at his opponent.
"It seems that I don't have other choice…I have to fight. But…" Archer of Red thought before turning around, worried about her Master.
Kazuto in the meantime stood up and looked at Isak. He had some blood in his mouth, but he soon cleaned it. He then noticed Archer of Red that was looking at him. "Don't worry, Archer. I'll find a way to attack him. Focus on your enemy." He said with a reassuring smile.
"Kazuto…" His Servant said, before nodding. "Got it. Good luck." She added, with a smile. And so, while Kazuto started to run towards Isak again, Archer of Red could focus on the other Servant. "En guarde!"
The two of them started to clash their weapons repeatedly, with one that tried to prevail on the other. Lancer of White then moved away an inch or two and started to rotate with the lance. Archer of Red noticed him and jumped away. She then grabbed her bow and shot three firing arrows.
The other Servant stopped rotating and moved fast to dodge two of them and block the last one with his lance. He then attacked Archer of Red, who answered by wielding his nagitana. The two weapons clashed again, generating a strong blast wave.
"Not bad, warrior! I would consider you a nice opponent, if it wasn't for a detail of yours that I despise even too much." Lancer of White commented. "And what is it?" Archer of Red asked.
"The fact that you are a filthy demon! The sight of malicious creatures like you increases my thirst for blood! You shall be the next evil being that I will slay!" Lancer of White answered before giving a punch in Archer of Red's face. The samurai Servant didn't expect that, and got hit in the face. "GAH!"
"Return to hell, foul creature!" Lancer of White then pushed her away with his weapon. Archer of Red fell to the ground after some flip, but soon stood up. "He answers every attack with ease…I need to reach his speed to be at his match…" She thought. "You know…your words offend me. You say that I disgust you because of my demonic nature, but you must know that I'm known to be a samurai. The fact that I'm a demon comes in second place. So don't think you're in the right!" She then said to his enemy.
"Oh really? And it will be your weapons that will make me believe that?" Lancer of White asked. "You got that right!" Archer of Red replied before wielding both the katana and the naginata and running towards him at high speed. The Servant of the White Rose saw that coming and blocked her with the lance. "ORYAH!" He then tried to stab her, but Archer of White quickly lowered her head and attacked with the katana. Lancer of White was lucky enough to dodge the attack in time, but the blade was still able to touch him and made a small cut on his cheek, making it lose blood.
Archer of Red then quickly rotated the naginata and tried to cut his abdomen, but Lancer of White jumped in time and dodged it. The Servant of the Red Rose didn't lose any time and immediately started to run towards him. Lancer of White was ready to answer her attacks, but the other Servant suddenly disappeared. "Uh?" He said.
Archer of Red reappeared behind him, ready to attack his back with her katana. In that moment, Archer of Red made a lightning movement to reach his back in short time. A shift that was so fast that couldn't be seen by the naked eye.
But to Archer of Red's surprise, Lancer of White quickly turned around and attacked the katana with his lance. "Not bad, demon. But not enough!" Lancer of White then pushed up his lance, making Archer of Red lose her katana. "Now you're open!" The other Servant was ready to give her a fatal blow, but he had his eyes wide open when he noticed that Archer of Red already took her bow. "What the-"
The arrow was immediately shot, attacking Lancer of White in the belly and sending him a few meters away, followed by an explosion of fire.
Archer of Red could catch her breath, but she still looked at the smoke while standing on guard. "That attack definitely hurt him. But I'm sure that he's holding back at the moment…it seems that I must not give him the chance to breath." She thought
Once the smoke came out, Lancer of White could be seen while standing up. His whole body was still smoking for the fire, but he was fine and made a smirk. "Impressive. Perhaps I've underestimated her a little bit. But in the end she's only a demon like the others. I'll slay her soon." He thought. He then made his lance rotate and aimed at her, which meant that he was ready to continue. Archer of Red prepared another arrow to shoot and glanced at him. The battle for them was just getting started.
Meanwhile, Kazuto was running towards Isak while snapping his fingers and generating small fire explosions. However, all those attacks turned out to be useless, as Isak was still intact thanks to his barrier.
"It's the first time I see a magecraft like that…it almost looks like some sort of Noble Phantasm…at this rate I'll never be able to reach him. I need to find a break!" Kazuto thought.
"I hope you're not attacking blindly right now. It could make the battle boring." Isak commented. "Oh, don't worry. I'll know how to surprise you!" Kazuto answered, before jumping towards him and used another fire fist.
"The same attack again? Are you sure that will bring you somewhere?" Isak said, ready to prepare the counterattack. But it was in that moment that Kazuto noticed something. The counterattack wasn't immediate and took some seconds to charge. With this, the Tohsaka mage had an idea. In the short time Isak had to prepare the counterattack, he quickly moved to the right and attacked with a firing kick.
And this time, the barrier had to struggle in order to resist. "What? How did he do that?" Isak thought. "The barrier is having difficulties on blocking the attack!" Kazuto thought as well. But still…the barrier was able to counterattack the kick and sent Kazuto away. "AAAGH!"
The Master of the Red Rose landed on his feet and panted. "Anf…anf…it seems that maybe I've found a weak point…but I still need to make some progress…" He said.
"My, my! That was close! Perhaps it's time to attack. Thank you for reminding me that I cannot stay on defense forever!" Isak spoke, as several points of the barrier started to shine.
"What!?" Kazuto didn't expect that, and he could only see as the barrier started to shoot several beams, of which one hit him and made him fall to the ground. "Ngh!"
The beams started even to rotate, so that could prevent Kazuto from any attempt to get closer. "Shoot! At this point my possibilities of reaching him are minimal! I need to invent something!" The Tohsaka mage exclaimed. With that in mind, he started to run around Isak's barrier while doing his best to dodge the beams. He moved as fast as he could, and based on the case, he had to jump or go down to avoid the beams.
"Look at yourself! You look like a rabbit that is trying to escape from a snake! It's impressive how you keep on trying despite knowing that it's useless." Isak commented with a smile.
"Well, the reason is simple. I have a reason to fight as well! So it's worth a try even if the attempt is worthless!" Kazuto answered before sliding down in order to avoid another beam. He was now lying on the ground and on his stomach. Plus, he was in front of the barrier, so he took the chance to use another fire fist and wait for the barrier to concentrate energy for the counterattack. "If you think you've got your luck back, you're wrong!" The leader of the White Faction said.
"Now!" As the barrier was ready to give his counterattack, Kazuto quickly jumped high and ended up above Isak. "What!?" This time, the leader of the White Rose Faction didn't expect that. "Here's my answer!" Kazuto exclaimed as he opened his hand and released a beam of fire that somehow entered inside the barrier and attacked Isak.
An explosion followed, and Kazuto moved away from it. "Anf…anf…anf…I've managed to deliver my blow…but it was only the first one…I can see why he's the leader of the enemy faction…" He commented.
Suddenly, a beam came out of the smoke and attacked the Tohsaka mage. "Agh! Gh…as I thought…" He said.
"Congratulations for getting this far! I'm really happy to see that you are not someone that jokes around." Isak said. Once the smoke came out, he turned out to be fine just with some burns on his clothes. "It has been a while since someone was able to attack me. No wonder you stood up against Maximilian. But facing a teacher of the Clock Tower requires more luck and skill than you could ever think. Are you sure you can keep up?" He then asked.
"I've just figured out that in order to fight you I need the best of my strategy. Of course I'm ready!" Kazuto answered.
"This boy can study well the situation and knows how to answer at the right moment. It seems I'll have to be more careful than usual if I want to win." Isak thought.
In the mean time, Archer of Red was shooting several arrows against Lancer of White, who ran towards the samurai Servant with speed and will to fight. Lancer of White was able to deviate all the arrows thanks to his lance and quickly reach Archer of Red. "Dammit!" The woman Servant thought.
"WRYYYYY!" Lancer of White attacked her with a strong shoulder and made her recoil of a few meters. When Archer of Red touched her face for the pain, she could see the blood in her hand and gritted her teeth. "It seems that I've stimulated him more…" She thought.
In that moment, Lancer of White's body started to get covered in a flaming purple aura and his eyes started to glow. "Come now, demon! Our battle isn't done yet! I won't stop or rest until I've ripped your head from your body!" He exclaimed.
"W-What?! I can feel that his magical energy is starting to increase! How did it happen?" Archer of Red noticed. The increase of the enemy Servant's magical energy was due to the use of one of his special skills.
Innocent Monster. It was an ability linked to his nature that transformed his powers and abilities. Thanks to this, Lancer of White became even more powerful. By seeing that purple aura coming out from him, Archer of Red thought that now, her skills weren't enough to continue the fight. Now…she needed to have a good amount of luck. Lancer of White changed. Now he didn't even seem an human anymore, but more like a monster.
"COME HERE! ARCHER OF RED!" He shouted before jumping and diving Archer of Red, who as able to jump away for a little. But the Servant of the White Rose wasn't done there. He quickly turned around and attacked the samurai Servant with his lance.
To defend herself, Archer of Red used her naginata, but even she was starting to have difficulties on resisting, as she started to make a few steps backwards. "G-Gh…" She then thought of trying to make a surprise attack by let go the left hand so that she could grab her katana and stab him. But in the right moment she let go the hand, Lancer of White immediately punched her in the belly, making her spit blood from her mouth. "BLARGH!"
But the Servant wasn't done yet. With another punch, he threw her away and started to run. Before Archer of Red could touch the ground, Lancer of White was already there, grabbing her on the mouth and made her slam to the ground. The impact was strong enough to leave a small crater.
"GAAH!" The pain was immeasurable for Archer of Red, as she was forced to yell with pain. "Can you see the difference between us, now? You did well on hurting me before, but as a demon, there's no way you can defeat me, who acts on behalf of righteousness!" Lancer of Red exclaimed.
"Y-You speak of righteousness and how I am a demon…but in this right moment you should watch yourself…that power you've gained in order to become stronger than me…it seems that it absorbs your sanity! You hate monsters and demons so much yet you look like one of them right now- AAAGH!" Archer of Red countered before starting to getting chocked by Lancer of White, who already pointed the lance on her head. "You sure do like to talk, woman. But soon I'll shut you up! With this, the first victory belongs to our White Rose!" He said.
"N-No! K-Kazuto…forgive me…" Archer of Red thought in that moment.
"GAH!" Kazuto on the other hand, fell down to the ground once again. When he raised his head up, he could see a disturbing scene: Archer of Red laying down while Lancer of White was ready to kill her. "ARCHER!" He knew that if nothing was done, it would have been the end for her, and in that situation, he was the only one who could try to do something.
The Tohsaka mage knew well that a Master could never defeat a Servant…he knew what the difference was after he got attacked repeatedly by Assasin of White just the day before. But…he could still not let Archer of Red just die. Not after the promise they made.
"We'll…look each other's backs…yes! That's what I've promised!" He exclaimed. Then, by grabbing all the courage he could have, he opened his hand and shot a beam of fire aimed at Lancer of White.
For the Servant, this was only but a scratch, but it was enough to make him turn around. "Uh?" He asked. Archer of Red raised her head and could see Kazuto breathing heavily. "Kazuto…" She thought. She then glanced at Lancer of White and slashed him on the belly.
"ARGH!" Since he was distracted, he couldn't do much and got hit, roaring with pain. Since it was a deep cut, Lancer of White had to hold his belly and grit his teeth. This gave Archer of Red an opportunity to send him sweep him away with an arrow of fire. The attack worked and another small explosion appeared, even if it wasn't probably enough for defeating him. Archer of Red then turned around and looked at her Master. "Kazuto…you saved me!" She said.
"Let's watch each other's backs, remember?" Kazuto answered. But in that moment, he got hit by a golden beam. "AH!"
"Clever move to save your Servant, but have you forgot that I am right here? A simple distraction can cost your life, you know?" Isak said while he was still inside his barrier.
The Tohsaka mage stood up and looked at him. "Archer, continue the fight…we can't lose time." He ordered to his Servant, who nodded. "Ok!"
In that moment, Lancer of White stood up and looked straight at Archer of White. His armor was smoking, but he didn't care. He was used to that kind of situation, and that was what made him boil with the desire for blood…every time he fought. "Cursed demon…now you are starting to infuriate me…" He said. Archer of Red stood on guard…and the two Servants started to fight again.
"TSEAAAAAH!" Kazuto flew against Isak through the use of flames and gave a powerful kick against the barrier, even though it was useless. He then started to give a barrage of firing fists against the barrier before getting hit by the counterattack of it. "What a curious behavior you are showing…you looked more strategic before, now you are going straight for attacks. Are you telling me that you're so desperate that you don't know how to answer anymore? Ahahah! I'm starting to feel sorry for you!" the leader of the White Rose Faction commented.
Kazuto then gave a double firing fist against the barrier, which was preparing the counterattack. "If you say things like this then it seems that you don't know what I'm planning!" He said.
"What?" Isak asked. In that moment, one second before the barrier released the counterattack, Kazuto jumped high and snapped his fingers, generating a small explosion of fire that was able to enter inside the barrier and attack Isak.
Kazuto landed on his two feet and took a breath. "It worked again…it seems that his weakness is unpredictability…" He said. In that moment, from the smoke, he could see golden filaments that looked like tentacles going towards him. "What!?" The Tohsaka couldn't do anything that got blocked by those tentacles. "NGHHH!"
"Master!" Archer of Red exclaimed before getting stabbed on her left shoulder by Lancer of White's lance. "GAH!"
"Where are you looking? I'm your opponent!" Lancer of White exclaimed.
"T-Tentacles!?" Kazuto exclaimed. When the smoke came out, he could notice that the tentacles were surrounding Isak, which meant that they were a different form of the barrier. "Well, well…congratulations, kid…it seemed that you really know your stuff. Hitting someone like Isak Svala Von Lud twice is something not all mages can do…but…you're starting to annoy me…so I guess it's time to finish this…" He said.
In that moment, the tentacles started to pull Kazuto's limbs with the inten to detach them from the body. The mage of the Red Rose gritted his teeth for the pain.
But then…
A blue beam attacked the tentacles, destroying them and freeing Kazuto, who well on the ground. "What!?" Isak exclaimed.
Archer of Red took the chance to take her bow and shoot an arrow of fire towards the leader of the White Rose, who saw it and jumped away. The samurai Servant then ran towards her Master. "Master, are you ok?" She asked.
"Yeah…somehow…" Kazuto replied. Archer of Red then grabbed him and put his arm over her shoulder. "Don't overstretch yourself now…" She said.
Even Lancer of White returned beside his Master. "Who…attacked me?" Isak asked. The two pairs then turned to the direction where the beam was, and they all saw…a familiar face.
Marcus Graint Yggdmillenia stood up, holding two stockfishes with a quite serious expression on his face.
"Marcus!" Kazuto said in surprise. "Are you ok, Kazuto?" Marcus asked. "Yes, but…why are you here? And how did you find us?" The Tohsaka mage replied.
"I was starting to get worried, so I've decided to see where you were. During the travel, I've met Astrea and Caster and they told me that you were here. It seems that this battle lasted for quite a while. But I compliment you for resisting so much. Now rest, I'll handle this." Marcus said.
Kazuto didn't know what to say. But he knew that for now…what his leader said was the right choice to make. "Ok…" He said. "Don't worry, Master. I'll protect you in case of danger." Archer of Red assured him with a smile.
"Magnificent! Your arrival on the scene caught me by surprise and was simply splendid! It seems that you haven't changed at all…" Isak then said while holding his usual smirk.
"Hm? You talk like I know you, did we-" Marcus was going to ask a question, but when he turned around…he directly had the answer. The only sight of that person…froze his blood. "I-It can't be…" Marcus said with his eyes wide open. When he saw the other leader of the war…a memory flashed back in his mind. A short event…but terrifying.
"Uh?" Kazuto asked. "What's wrong with Marcus? Why's he…so concerned?" Archer of Red added. "It seems you remember well." Isak said.
"A-Absurd…you're Isak Svala Von Lud!" Marcus exclaimed. "Yes! It has been a while, Marcus Graint Yggdmillenia…since the battle of Mashhad, right?" Isak answered. He then held his chest tightly. "Yes…when we had that LITTLE incident…" He added with a large grin.
By hearing that, even Marcus held his chest before talking. "And here I hoped to not see your face ever again…but instead we are here…" He said.
"What…? Marcus and that person…know each other?" Kazuto thought.
"Indeed. I wonder how it will end…last time we didn't have the chance to settle things. Guess we both have to be grateful to the Holy Grail if we can see each other again! And I suppose you must be the leader of the Red Rose, just like I am the leader of the White Rose." Isak answered.
"You've already figured it out…impressive. But, if you think you can take me by surprise this time, you're terribly wrong!" Marcus exclaimed while pointing a stockfish at him.
With that, Isak knew how to answer…because he knew too well what was Marcus's weak point. "Yeah, you are right. I couldn't even compete with a genius of your level!" He said. By hearing that, Marcus made a small laugh. "Eheh, to be modest, I am a genius when it comes to war, and when enemies see me they are-" As always, Marcus started to show his egocentrism and this made him vulnerable. It didn't take too long before Isak shot a beam from the barrier that hit the leader of the Red Rose Faction. "ACK!"
"You really like compliments, don't you, Marcus?" Isak said. "MARCUS! FOR GOD'S SAKE, FOCUS!" Kazuto shouted.
"Ahahah! And this person should be the leader of the enemies and a commander? What a bluff! I'll take him out in a matter of seconds!" Lancer of White said before preparing to attack.
Marcus stood up and returned to be serious, feeling offended by what just happened. "So that's how it works for you, huh? If there is one thing I can't stand is an enemy that mocks me! But don't worry, I'll pay you back for that insult right now!" He exclaimed.
"Oh really? And how you are going to face me? I'm a warrior that serves the righteousness, and a glorious commander of the past! You really think a clown like you could have some chance?" Lancer of White asked.
"Eheheh…you really think I would face you? You disappoint me, Heroic Spirit! In a Holy Grail War, Servants fight with other Servants, so I'm not your opponent…but he is…" Marcus answered.
Somehow, this put some pressure on Isak, who started to be more cautious now. What was Marcus planning? "Hmm…Lancer, be careful. He's up to something." He advised to his Servant.
"He's talking about his Servant…but where is he?" Kazuto thought.
"But enough talk now! Come forth, Berserker!" Marcus then shouted. And in that moment…
A mist of darkness appeared in front of the Master, surrounding all the area with its tremendous power. "W-Woah!" Kazuto exclaimed. "What is that…? This Servant seems different than the others…" Isak thought while looking at the mist. "Could it be that it's another demon from hell? How annoying! I'll take him out with all of my rage!" Lancer of White added.
"If you can keep up with him, that is." Marcus simply replied. Then, the mist disappeared…finally revealing the leader of the Red Rose's Servant. And Kazuto, Isak and their Servants had their eyes wide open…when they saw him.
Surrounded by a black smoke…he stood up. A knight clad in a pitch-black armor and a rustic helmet with a red glowing clay…was now in front of Marcus and glancing at the pair of the White Rose.
Kazuto didn't know what to say after he saw him, as he had a completely different vision of Berserker Servants. But he could feel it…despite looking like a regular knight…that Heroic Spirit had a monstrous side to show. "So…that's our Berserker?" He said. "I…I feel an outstanding power coming from him…" Archer of Red added.
Berserker of Red didn't say anything. All he did was to look the others in the tunnel. "Interesting! I've never expected to face someone with an armor similar of mine! This battle will be exciting! Come and face me then, mysterious knight!" Lancer of White said getting ready. But Isak was of a different humor. There was something in that enemy Servant that didn't convince him at all. "What is…this feeling?" He thought.
"Berserker!" Marcus called his Servant, who turned around to see him. "Attack Lancer of White with everything you've got!" He then ordered.
Berserker of Red didn't answer, but there was no need for it. Marcus knew well that his Servant understood what to do. The knight Servant simply turned around. His vision was blurred from the darkness, but he could see well the forms of everyone else. From his point of view, Marcus, Kazuto and Archer of Red were surrounded by a green aura, while Isak and Lancer of White were surrounded by a red aura. That was enough for him to understand what to do.
Eliminate the target.
"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…" Berserker of Red started to tremble, as he was ready to attack. Lancer of White stood on guard with his lance. But he made a terrible mistake in doing so…a Berserker Servants…only think on attacking…and as such…they can be unpredictable.
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" With an outstanding speed, Berserker of Red already gave an headbutt to Lancer of White's chest, making him spit a lot of blood. "BLARGH! W-WHAT!?" The Servant of the White Rose was astonished. He couldn't imagine this ton of power as the first attack. He was soon wiped away and slammed to the ground several times before falling.
"G-Gh…what…what is that Servant…?" He asked while he slowly stood up. But Berserker of Red was just getting started. "ARGH! GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He quickly ran towards Lancer of White, who was now feeling more pressure than before. The knight Servant immediately started to attack the enemy with a barrage of punches and kicks, showing immediately brilliant fighting skills. Lancer of White had serious difficulties on defending from his attacks. Now the role were reversed. This time, it was a Servant of the White Rose that was getting pushed back by a Servant of the Red Rose.
"ENOUGH!" Lancer of White then tried to cut the enemy with his lance, but Berserker of Red quickly jumped up. He then grabbed Lancer of White's head with his arms, almost like a spider who held his prey tightly. "GRAAAAH" He then lifted him up and threw him several meters away.
"WOAAAAAH!" Lancer of White crashed against a wall, before seeing with horror that Berserker of Red summoned a sword and made a large jump to reach him and stab him on the chest. "GRAAAAH! GH…if you think this will be enough to stop me…YOU'RE TERRIBLY WRONG!" He said before finally starting to answer. Despite the pain on his chest, Lancer of White still had the strength to take his lance stab Berserker of Red near his shoulder. In that moment, the two Servants started to clash their weapons, making the metal noise be heard throughout the tunnel, but of course, Berserker of Red seemed to be stronger.
"Did…did you see that, Archer?" Kazuto asked, still surprised. "Yes! He shows the anger and the power of a Berserker, but at the same time he has a perfect mastery of fighting skills!" Archer of Red answered.
"L-Lancer is getting pushed back! I didn't expect that Servant to be that powerful!" Isak added. "Surprised? Now you know that even your enemies can hold a lot of surprises! And as always, your pride lacks of auto control to understand it!" Marcus answered before taking a large machine gun that had thousands of bullets filled with magical energy. Isak noticed him and used his barrier back, as soon as Marcus started to shoot repeatedly. The bullets of course, didn't do nothing to the barrier, since it was made especially for attacks like this. And then, the barrier transformed itself in the golden tentacles that quickly grabbed Marcus, taking him by surprise. "AUTO CONTROL? DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH!" Isak shouted before throwing the leader of the Red Rose to the ground.
"As always, your magecraft is weak! TOO WEAK, MARCUS! Were you really thinking that you could do something against me!?" The leader of the White Rose exclaimed.
Marcus stood up. The attack hurt, but it wouldn't have stopped him. "I don't think I can, I'm sure I can! The Yggdmillenia clan are formed only of the strongest mages in the world!" He exclaimed before running towards Isak, who used the tentacles again.
But this time, the leader of the Red Rose seemed more prepared and agile. With both speed and style, he was able to cut all the tentacles that were aiming at him and reach Isak. The other leader quickly called back the tentacles, making them turn back to the barrier form, as he expected a direct attack from the enemy.
"Do not think you can escape from me, Isak!" Marcus said as he pointed one of his stockfishes and shot a grey beam from it that entered inside Isak's barrier and hit him. "GAH!"
"He did it!" Kazuto noticed. Marcus wasn't done there and jumped towards Isak with the intent of stabbing him on the head. The leader of the White Rose saw him coming and quickly rolled away. He then stood up and hit Marcus on the nose with his cane, making him recoil. But the soldier mage quickly recovered and started to attack Isak with both stockfishes. Isak on the other hand, used his cane to defend himself.
Meanwhile, Berserker of Red got pushed back by Lancer of White, who didn't want to give him air and ran towards him. "You have done well, mysterious knight, but everything must come to an end, even your life in this world!" He exclaimed.
"GRAAAAAAH!" Berserker of Red got surrounded by a dark mist and dashed against his enemy, who made several attacks with the lance. The knight Servant was able to dodge all of them by simply moving his head, showing his strong agility yet again. But this time, Lancer of White opted for something different and once Berserker of Red lowered his head to dodge one of the attacks, the Servant of the White Rose stabbed him on the back with the lance.
"ARGH!" Berserker of Red yelled out of pain and apparently stopped. "Ahah! It seems that in the end you were all hat and no cattle!" Lancer of White said, thinking he won. But then…
Berserker of Red's clay glowed of red and looked at his enemy right in his face. "GRR!" He immediately pushed him away with a kick on the belly. But the Servant of the White Rose couldn't predict what would have happened right later. When he raised his head up, he could see that Berserker of Red was right in front of him and then…
CRACK!
With a strong punch, the knight Servant broke Lancer of White's nose bone, making him lose a lot of blood. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" This time the pain was too much, as the Servant had to hold his nose with his hand. "Curse you…CURSE YOU, BERSERKER OF RED! WITH THIS, I'LL MAKE SURE THAT YOU'LL BE CANCELED FROM EXISTENCE!" He shouted full of anger, as he raised up his lance and planted on the ground while his body was surrounded by a purple aura.
"KAZIKLI BEY!"
Soon, hundrets, thousands of lances emerged from the ground, stabbing everything they touched. Berserker of Red tried to run but he got soon stabbed by two of them. "GRAAAH!"
"Berserker!" Kazuto exclaimed. Archer of Red observed the attack and recognized it. "There's no doubt…that's…a Noble Phantasm!" She said.
Even Marcus and Isak stopped fighting to see that scene. "Ahaha! In the end it seemed that Lancer was stronger! With this we've taken out the first enemy!" Isak said.
Marcus looked at Berserker of Red…but he didn't seem worried. Maybe…he knew what was happening?
Just like before…Berserker of Red didn't move…but his clay was still glowing…which meant…that he was not dead. "GRRRR…GRRRRRRR! GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
With that yell, he released an huge aura of darkness and looked at Lancer of White. "He…he can still move!?" Lancer of White exclaimed, astonished.
"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!" Berserker of Red then grabbed the lances that stabbed him, took them off the ground and then from his body. Both his shoulder and his belly (The spots where he got stabbed) were losing blood, but he didn't care. All that he cared for now was to take down the enemy. The two lances he was holding got corrupted by his dark aura, which meant that now they were of his property. "GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Then, he ran against the enemy.
Lancer of White didn't know what to do at this point, and he ended up getting stabbed by those lance that belonged to him…he got stabbed in the same spots he stabbed Berserker of Red. "BLARGH!"
Berserker of Red looked at him straight in the eye, and spoke… "VLAD!" When he said it, both Isak and Lancer of White had their eyes wide open. "Gh! Dammit!" The Master of the White Rose exclaimed.
"Vlad? Wait…that attack…his Noble Phantasm…I see!" Archer of Red said, once she understood. "Yes, I understand too! Lancer of White…his true identity is the famous king of Romania that lived in the 15th century…the one known as The Impaler who pushed back the ottoman empire and the one who is associated with the legend of the Count Dracula!" Kazuto added.
"True! His Noble Phantasm resembles his brutality in battle. He used to leave all the bodies of his victims impaled…that means that Lancer of White is none other than the famous Vlad III!" Marcus concluded.
"G-GH! S-So…you've figured it out my identity…?" Lancer of White, Vlad III said. But at this point…there was nothing he could do. It was clear, who the winner of the match was. In that moment, Berserker of Red grabbed his head and then he jumped towards Isak, grabbing him as well. "W-What!?" Isak exclaimed. Since he didn't expect it, he couldn't defend himself. All that was left was to finish the battle.
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Berserker of Red used all of his strength to throw both Isak and Vlad against a wall, witch got destroyed, and in the end, the pair of the White Rose ended up falling down into the sea.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Kazuto and Archer of Red came closer to the hole in the wall, but they couldn't see them. "Hmmm…I don't think they're dead…but at least they won't try to come back reduced in that state." Marcus said.
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Berserker of Red was still releasing his energy and seemed eager to attack. "Berserker! What's happening to him?" Kazuto asked. "I don't know…but I don't like it!" Archer of Red answered, putting herself in front of her Master, not liking the situation.
"ENOUGH BERSERKER! IT'S OVER! CUT IT OUT!" Marcus shouted to his Servant, who…surprisingly stopped…and started to breath. "Anf….anf….anf…"
"There's no need to continue. You've done your job." His Master told him. Berserker of Red looked at him and nodded. He then looked at Kazuto and Archer of Red in silence. But now he didn't seem to have bad intentions. "Are…are you ok, Berserker?" Archer of Red asked. As an answer, the knight Servant made a thumb up.
"Phew…I'm glad." Kazuto said. In that moment, the group could hear someone breathing heavily and getting closer. When they turned around, they could see Astrea alongside Caster of Red. "Anf…anf…we've finally reached you! Oh…it's…already over?" The Master said before looking around. "OH DEAR LORD! What happened here?" She exclaimed before seeing Berserker of Red. "Ah…that explains a lot."
"Well, I did make quite a mess before as well!" Caster of Red said. "Astrea! Are you ok? You seem badly injured…" Kazuto asked.
"T-The same can be said of you! But don't worry! I'm fine! I'm…glad to see that you're ok…" Astrea said with her cheeks lightly red.
"If you wonder, our battle ended with a tie. They left." Caster of Red then informed them. "I see…well…Marcus and Berserker of Red were able to win…but they're probably still alive…" Kazuto answered.
"Really? Oh man…" Astrea commented. "Well, it's only natural. This Holy Grail War had just begun after all. Plus…Isak Svala Von Lud isn't someone who gets down that easily…" Marcus said.
"Yeah…I know it well now…" Kazuto answered before looking at Berserker. "So…this is our Berserker…I expected him to be different…"
"Yes. That's him. As you can see…he goes on a rampage quite easily. That's why I make him appear only when necessary. I don't know what could happen If I make him appear normally…" Marcus answered. "Good job Berserker…you can rest now."
Berserker of Red nodded again and disappeared. He was still there, but in his spiritual form. "Well…there's not anything left to do here. Let's get back to our headquarter. Once you'll be better, you can go home." Marcus said. And with that, the first day of the war…ended.
Meanwhile…near the bay of Tokyo…Isak and Vlad were able to reach the shore and take a breath. Both of them were still feeling a lot of pain for what Berserker of Red did to them. But they were still alive.
"Anf…anf…I'm sorry, Master…I should have been more careful…" Lancer of White said. "Don't worry my friend…it's only natural…even I was caught by surprise…plus, this is only but a battle. The real deal has yet to come…I still am sure that victory will be ours…" Isak answered.
Vlad was surprised to hear those words…but he smirked. "Yes…you're right…they still have to see what my power can do…" He said.
Isak then looked up at the tunnel. Despite the loss, he was still satisfied with what happened that night. Not only he had met an old enemy of his, but he also had the proof that this war would have been more interesting than he thought. Now he felt even more motivated to win…and obtain the Holy Grail. "Congratulations, Marcus…and even you, Kazuto…you caught me unawares…if I have to be honest…I can't wait for the next time we shall see each other again…but…I think that things will go…different." He thought with a grin on his face.
Tokyo – Red Rose Headquarter – 0.10 A.M
After they've returned to the headquarter, both Kazuto and Astrea were subjected to an healing treatment by Calem and Cahya while their Servants healed themselves through the process of auto regeneration.
"There we go! Now you should feel better." Calem said. Kazuto and Astrea moved their arms and noticed that they were indeed, fixed. "Phew! I thought I was going to the hospital…" Astrea said.
"If you had injuries like that, your opponents must have been pretty tough…" Cahya spoke with his typical tone. "Yes…I was even surprised to meet the leader of the White Rose Faction…" Kazuto answered before turning to Calem. "His Servant was a Lancer…"
"A Lancer? Hmmm…so my main opponent is the leader…" Calem said. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I wonder how you'll handle it, Master…" Lancer of Red said now curious.
"Well…as for me, my enemy was the Master of their Rider…so…I guess he would be Alvis's opponent?" Astrea asked. "Yes, pretty much! Also, it's a good news that we know the name of one of the enemy Servants! So I guess that this first day worked! Good job, you four!" Assassin of Red replied.
"Eheh..thanks." Archer of Red thanked. "It was fun to fight. Even if she was an enemy…Rider of White didn't sound that bad…we were even similar somehow! Eheh!" Caster of Red commented.
"You…felt sympathy for the opponent? Is…that really possible?" Cahya asked. "Uhm…I mean…I don't think it's that rare…i…felt the same for the Master I fought." Astrea replied, making everyone curious. "Really? You…felt sympathetic for that guy?" Kazuto asked.
"I wouldn't say sympathetic…more like…empathic. Oh gosh…now I should explain, but I'm bad at it…" Astrea answered. "Don't worry! Try to be natural." Caster of Red suggested.
"I-If you say so, Master- I mean…Caster. Well…back when I fought with him…I still saw him as the enemy and as something to defeat for the best of our faction. But…at the same time…I felt like…he was like me, overall…a normaò boy who just wanted to be useful for his friends. I mean…when I started crying, he did the same! That was a shock for me! Then the fight ended because we were both scared I guess. At least…I was scared, I don't know what he was thinking…" Her master explained.
"Wow…that is…quite the empathy." Calem commented. "Now that I think of it…what is empathy?" Cahya asked. "Oh, Master…well…simply put, empathy is when you share the same feeling of another person in a certain moment…like when you are happy, I can feel happy…when you're sad I can share that sadness…" Assassin of Red explained.
"I see…and you're saying you were feeling that way, Astrea?" Cahya then asked. "Y-Yes. Do…do you think it's wrong?" Astrea answered.
"Honestly? I don't know…usually, in an Holy Grail War, Masters fight against each other with their Servants, even if only the latter ones have to die. I've grown up with this knowledge. But to hear that you felt that way with that guy…is strange…" Kazuto said.
"Life itself is strange. But…I think that what makes it wonderful. I honestly see nothing wrong with that. Judging by what he said, he didn't seem to be a terrible person. This war had only started, so there's an high probability that you will meet him again, and who knows? Maybe you're relationship with him will increase in a positive way. It's not impossible." Calem said.
"You do like seeing twists like this, right Master?" Lancer of Red asked. "Yes…I didn't even think about it!" Her Master replied.
"Wow i…I really don't know what to say…we're supposed to be enemies, but hey…maybe I'll have something similar to a pair of rivals in anime? Gosh this is all so messed up…" Astrea said. "Hmm…maybe. It wouldn't be that bad…perhaps there is more to discover in this war than we could expect…" Caster of Red replied.
"Now that I think of it…back when Lancer of White was going to finish me…you…distracted him to save me…" Archer of Red then remembered.
"You…wonder why I did that? Well…because it's only natural, right? We promised to look at each other's backs, and that was what I did. I know it was dangerous but…I couldn't accept the fact that you were gone. We've met only yesterday but...i can feel already a good bond with you, only with just a sight. I just thought that i didn't want to see you disappear...as far as i've seen...you are a good person, Archer. And this makes me want to know you better! Even if you don't want to tell me you real name for now. Uhm...maybe it was a little bit exaggerated as an explanation but that's the gist of it. I made a promise and intend to keep it!" Kazuto replied before making a smile. Archer of Red was surprised to hear that. Usually…the Servants were the one that supposed to defend their Masters, but he thought of doing the contrary. It was naïve…but she really appreciated it. And that was what made her smile baxk. She then stroked his head in a friendly way. "You really have a big heart, don't you, Master? But…I think it's ok. It makes you really tender! You remind me a lot of him…" She said, referring to someone.
"He? Who are you talking about?" Kazuto asked. "Uhm…nobody. Maybe I'll tell you someday." Archer of Red quickly replied. "You're weird…" Her Master commented.
"But…thank you. I really appreciate it." Archer of Red then said with a sincere smile. "Hey, don't worry! It's nothing really." Kazuto told her, smiling back
"Aw, we have some secret here, Archer?" Assassin of Red asked. "It seems that you and Kazuto…have a good harmony…that's…good I guess?" Cahya wondered. "Of course, Master! We have it as well, right?" His Servant asked. "Err…I guess?" The Homunculus replied.
"Eheh! It's fun to watch them, don't you think-" Caster of Red was going to talk to her Master, but she noticed that Astrea was already sleeping.
"Oh dear lord…she couldn't even wait?" Lancer of Red commented. "Well…she was sleepy." Calem answered, while the rest of the people in that room looked at the sleepy Master.
Meanwhile, Marcus was looking outside the window in another room. "We can say it was a satisfying night. But…to think that the White Rose has a mage like Isak Svala Von Lud as a leader…is worrying." He said after a deep sigh. He then held his chest…remembering of the 'incident' he had with the other leader.
"And this is only the beginning. Who knows how many surprises this war has in store for us…fate really can be cruel sometimes…right?"
And this chapter is done! As you could see, this was more focused on the fight itself than the previous one, but I did my best to give some space to some interactions between Masters and Servants! If I have to be honest, I really liked writing Berserker of Red while he was fighting. Not only because he's one of my favorite Servants, but also because I feel satisfied with the dynamic I gave to him (Probably many of you already recognized him, but again, please don't say it in order to avoid spoilers).
With this, we're done for today! As always, I now leave the word to you! Did you like the chapter? What do you think of the leaders of the two factions, Marcus and Isak, their skills and their Servants? As always let me know through your reviews! Your opinion really matters!
Once again, I thank you for following and reading this story and I'll see you in the next chapter! From Bluestar here, Arrivederci!