Disclaimer: See the Chapters before this one.
King of Beasts Productions Present:
Clarent Blood Arthur: A Fate/Stay Night Fanfiction
Chapter 10: Crimson Lightning
Emiya Household
"Shirou. Would you like to continue?"
When Shirou said he wanted to fight alongside Saber, he certainly didn't have getting beaten black and blue in the dojo in mind. Yet, here he was, lying flat on his back while Saber knelt next to him, her dainty hands folded and looking down at him with that impassive expression that did nothing to detract from her beauty.
Yes, he did say that he wanted to fight alongside her. He just didn't expect her to work him like a dog when they came home.
"I...I think I'm done for now, Saber." The red-head panted, his body still sore from the exhausting kendo session with his Servant. The rationale behind this training was simple: Whilst training with Saber won't give him the skills needed to fight a Servant be himself, it will at least sharpen his survival instincts and allow him to survive long enough for Saber to make a difference. "Besides, I still have to make dinner after all."
It was true; the dull, orange glow of the setting sun had begun to creep into the dojo, signifying that night is near. Saber nodded at this small realization, allowing a small smile to form on her lips "Yes. That sounds reasonable, for hunger is the enemy after all."
From where he was lying down, Shirou had to admit that Saber looking down on him with such a soft smile was a pleasant view.
"Oh...you two are having quite a tender moment."
A shame that it had to end, for the red-head immediately shot up into an upright sitting position to see Tohsaka Rin, her hands on her hips and a most mischievous grin on her face. "Should I come back later or...?"
"T-T-TOHSAKA!" Both he and Saber had the same reaction upon seeing their compatriot; their eyes (amber and green respectively) opened wide and their cheeks turned a bright cherry red "Th-this isn't what it looks like!"
"Y-yes!" Saber stammered in agreement, her eyes darting around the room with the anxiety of a child who got caught with her hand in the cookie jar "I was just checking if he had a fever! Yes, that's it!"
"Don't dig yourself deeper, Servant Saber." Archer materialized behind Rin, leaning on the door with crossed arms and with a smirk that matched his Master's "Even I can tell you're growing a little too fond of your Master."
"S-Silence!" The blonde knight answered with a flustered expression that Shirou found quite cute "I need not explain myself to you, Archer!"
"A-anyway..." The red-head said slowly, hoping to divert the discussion elsewhere before Rin and Archer continue their assault "How did your visit with Father Kotomine go? Did you learn anything?"
"Well..." Rin trailed off, her hand on her chin while deep in thought "If it helps, he was just as surprised as I was. Probably because this is the first time a Ruler Servant appeared in the Grail War."
"That pretty much means that he's as much in the dark as we are concerning this." Archer nodded, his words sounding as if it was an afterthought "Not that it helps us in any way."
"At any rate, I didn't come here because of that." Rin shook her head to Shirou's surprise "I actually needed to talk to you about something."
"About what?"
"Well...I was watching you spar with Saber earlier." She began to explain, though she wondered if 'sparring' was the appropriate word for it. It was more like Saber beating Shirou senseless again and again "From what I've seen, you're really serious about fighting alongside her, huh?"
"Yes." Shirou gazed at Rin with a dead set look in those amber orbs, his mind all but made up on the matter. That much Rin realized while she watched them train together.
"In that case, I'll pitch in as well." She answered him with a smile, a gesture that baffled the red-head and his Servant.
"She means that she will be teaching you more about magic to supplant your physical training with Saber." Archer explained for Rin "While I was against it, my Master's too stubborn to listen to the advice of her wise Servant, so I have no choice but to go along with her whims."
"Go to hell, Archer." The red-clad magus rolled (earning a small snicker from Archer) before the speaking to Shirou once more "I did promise that anyway, and I intend to honor it."
"I see..." Shirou nodded, having heard what Rin wanted to say and, in actuality, was thankful; if he wanted to be able to help Saber in any way, he would have to be able to be sound in mind as well as in body. It may not make a difference against Servants, but his enhanced instincts and knowledge should help him against enemy Masters.
"Thanks, Tohsaka." The red-head said with a sincere smile "I really appreciate the help."
The sheer sincerity in his words (as well as the lack of irony) caused Rin's cheeks to turn the same shade of red before she forced herself to turn away with her arms crossed.
"D-D-Don't get the wrong idea: I'm not doing this because I like you!" She vehemently insisted to Archer's amusement "I'm only helping you because I owe you for dragging you into this mess. Also, It won't help me if my ally is useless, so don't get the wrong idea! Hmph!"
She stomped out of the dojo, thoroughly embarrassed, to Shirou and Saber's befuddlement. Archer, however, just chuckled and shook his head. amused by what just occurred.
"So it begins." He murmured lowly, though the tone just loud enough for the other two to hear.
"What do you mean by that?" Saber asked him while cocking her head to the side. As an answer to her question, the Counter Guardian simply shrugged with a smile, slowly walking away. As he vanished, he threw back the words Saber uttered to him earlier as a lingering echo.
"I need not explain myself to you, King of Knights."
Kotomine Church, 8:30 PM
Kotomine Kirei sat in his study, glass of wine in hand, as he mulled over today's events; an irritated Rin practically barged in (during a hearty lunch of Mapo Tofu, at that) and spoke of an interesting turn of events: Apparently, a new Servant called Ruler has entered the playing field. To make things even more interesting: this Ruler had brought two more Heroic Spirits as aides, one of them matching the description of the Berserker of his Grail War. He later asked Gilgamesh if he had seen anything and, sure enough, the King of Heroes confirmed what his protege had witnessed with his usual haughty attitude.
Now this created many questions: Who was this Ruler's Master? How is he/she able to maintain three Servants at once? This and many more ran through the priest's mind as he sat alone. He had been thinking about calling Lancer back from his latest scouting mission to investigate this matter when...
Creak...
The sound of the wooden doors opening ever slowly signified a visitor's arrival. This stuck Kirei as odd, for he usually did not have visitors at this time of night.
"Perhaps a Master has already surrendered." He mused to himself. This was not an abnormality in itself, as he himself took refuge here during majority of the Grail Wars (even if it was all a ruse then). However, a Master coming here this early into the game raised many questions.
Still, he had to brush those thoughts aside. As the overseer of this church as well as the War, he had a job to do, and part of that job was to entertain those who visit, even at these late hours.
With the practiced dignity he carried, the priest stood up and made his way to the foyer. As he entered the room lit only by the moonlight, he was greeted by a most immaculate sight: Before him was a woman, petite in height, with lustrous blonde hair tied in a long, intricate braid. Her fair features included a pair of rich purple eyes, round cheeks and a button nose. Her attire consisted of silver plate armor that covered her arms, legs and waist worn over a dark purple battle dress with a long skirt that clothed her robust chest as well as stockings on her legs. Slung to her waist was a sword with cross-shaped guard, both it and the hilt made of silver.
As Kirei gazed at her, it was as if he was staring at a Messenger of God, an angel sent unto the world of men to proclaim his judgement.
"Bonsoir." The female greeted with a light smile, her lips curving upward ever so slightly "I seek the man known as Father Kotomine Kirei, Overseer of the 5th Holy Grail War. I take it that you are he?"
"May I know who is speaking?" If the priest in question was in awe of this woman, he did not show it.
"Servant Ruler." While the fact that she made such an outrageous claim without any hint of irony with a smile was enough for Kirei to be on his guard. The very oddity in this Grail War he wished to learn more about was standing in front of him.
"I see..." His body language gradually became tense as he brought his guard up "It seems that the words of the Tohsaka Master ring true. The fact that you stand before me removes any shadow of doubt."
"Yes, Rin-san is rather excitable." She giggled with amusement "Alas, she only knows I exist; she is not aware of my face and, quite frankly, I would rather it remain that way."
"Oh? So you have met her then?"
"Aye, but hidden in plain sight." She said with a faint glint of mischief in her eyes "Attending Homurahara Gakuen has given me rather...interesting insights on most of the Masters of this War. All but one."
She let that last statement hang in the air as her eyes met Kirei's, her suddenly impassive gaze telling him more than words ever could.
"So...you know then." It was said not as a question, but a statement.
"As Rin-san may have informed you, I function as a Second Overseer in this War." Ruler began to explain, her earlier mirth disappearing "As such, the identity of every Master and Servant are known to me. I am even aware of the...unsavory fate that had befallen Ms. McRemitz. It was a good thing a good Samaritan came to her rescue lest she succumb to the wounds you've caused."
Kirei was experiencing mixed feelings: on one hand, he was impressed that Ruler saw through his ruse. On the other hand, the fact that she knew what he had done and the fact that Lancer's former Master was alive did not bode well for him.
"Do not worry; for while she is alive, she is in no state to return to this War, so your ruse remains intact. I, for one, will let this slide for now." Ruler stated while locking her eyes on him. As much as she wished to enact her own brand of justice here and now, to wait for another representative of the Church would be an inconvenience she wished to avoid.
"However, though you shall only come off with a warning, know that I will not be so lenient the next time you misstep, Father Kotomine."
"Duly noted, Servant Ruler." Kirei nodded, his lips curling in small smile "But answer me this: As your aides seem to be far and away, what is to stop me from calling forth Lancer to end you here and now? ."
"This."
Ruler slowly unbuckled her right gauntlet and pulled it off her hand with a gentle tug. She smirked as Kirei's eyes widened at what he saw.
"It can't be..." the priest murmured, unable to deny the stigmata found at the back of her hand
"But it is." Ruler confirmed, keeping her eyes locked on him "You of all people should know a Command Seal when you see one, Father Kotomine. However, these are different from the others."
"Different? How so?"
"With these I can force any of the Servants in this War, from your Lancer to the Einzbern's Berserker, into absolute obedience with each use." Ruler stated with a smile "So I wouldn't try anything if I were you, Father Kotomine."
Kirei did his best to battle the initial fear. As long as she was unaware of Gilgamesh's existence, her attention would be diverted away from here. "I see my position here. As such, I thank you for your lenience, Servant Ruler. But if I may ask one more question?"
"You may speak."
"What drew you to the mortal world?" The priest inquired out of genuine curiosity "Surely the Grail has called you for a purpose, did it not? A wish you want granted perhaps?"
"Indeed it has." Ruler acknowledged with a nod before turning her back to him "But whatever my wish may be is irrelevant. I act as an agent of the world, nothing more."
Having said her piece, Ruler made her exit from Kotomine Church. However, deep down she did have a wish. It was one she had held since her Grail War had ended.
To see him again.
Einzbern Manor, Dining Room. Around the same time.
"I must say, I am deeply disappointed with your actions earlier this afternoon, ojou-sama."
"Geez, I said I was sorry!" Ilya was definitely not pleased with Morimoto and Sella's joint effort at nagging her. Granted, she DID sneak out earlier to loiter around town (with Berserker following her), but was that really the time for this?
"I agree with with Sella-san." The elderly butler butted in with a disapproving look that matched the pale homunculus' "Whilst curiosity is a trait apparent in your age, I simply cannot condone the actions you have taken earlier. Furthermore," That disapproving look was next directed to Berserker, who was leaning at the wall with her arms crossed "I was hoping that you would be able to keep the young mistress in line, Berserker-sama."
At this, she simply shrugged "Whilst her intents were childish, it did serve our cause. Knowing the lay of the land is essential in wars. Knowing our enemy, even more so."
"Be that as it may, I should remind you that there are other Masters about besides Emiya." Sella interjected, part of her mind in the discussion and the other part wondering where Leysritt was.
"And then there's the matter about this 'Servant Ruler'." Morimoto mulled while stroking his beard "If the claims of her conspirators are true, then I must suggest caution, Lady Ilyasviel."
"All the more reason I am to head out tonight." Ilya responded with a leveling gaze "As the vessel of the Lesser Grail, I have many questions for Ruler-san. The most important of which is...how were he and the two other Servants summoned when all the other spots have been filled? And why did the Grail decide that now was a good time for a few extra Servants?"
"Ilya has a point." Berseker interjected at this point "If we are to discern what we are up against, then a foray into the city is in order. Who knows?" she added whilst her lips turned upward, showing of her pearl-white teeth for a wicked grin "I may encounter Father or the other Servants. They may be worth my time.
Morimoto could not help but sigh at the stubbornness Ilya and Mordred were showing. While it seems that he could get through to neither of them, but all he did was shake his head and smile "It seems that I cannot sway you both from your current course of action."
"Morimoto-dono!" Sella gasped in protest.
"However, I still urge you to exercise caution." The butler continue speaking "I would not be surprised if the other Masters decide to take the fight to your doorstep."
"Then say let them come." The Knight of Treachery pounded her fists together with a grin, eager for a good fight "As my Master has said- Ilya?"
Berserker's train of thought was interrupted when Ilya lurched forward ever so slightly. As the Boundary Field that surrounded Einzbern Forest was still in effect ever since the last war, each of them realized that only meant one thing.
The enemy was here.
Before either of them could say anything, a loud crash was heard all over the castle. It was followed immediately by the sound of steel clashing against steel.
"It would seem that Leysritt-san has engaged the intruder." Morimoto stated, his composure unruffled by the sudden turn of events
"Then she will not last long." Berserker shifted immediately into her battle regalia, Secret of Pedigree covering her face almost instantly "Her opponent is without a doubt a Servant."
"Yes, I can sense him." Ilya nodded before looking at her Servant "Then you know what we have to do?"
"Don't I always, Ilya?" The Servant replied with a smile on her face before turning to Sella "Stay by Ilya's side and keep her safe."
"With my life." The maid replied with a nod.
"I shall go ahead and provide Leysritt-san with support." Morimoto spoke as he brought out his Bible "Come when you are ready, Berserker-sama." The butler then sprinted down the corridor before Ilya, Berserker or Sella could speak.
Whatever questions he had about Servant Ruler, Morimoto set them aside. After all, he had a job to do.
Foyer, Einzbern Castle.
Leysritt panted heavily while glaring at her opponent, indicators that she was being given a hard time. To be fair, she was an opponent not many would want to face; in addition to being skilled in combat, the homunculus possessed a strength equal to that of Servant Rider, the strongest female Servant in the 5th War. As such, she was able to wield a humongous halberd made of rhenium that, due to the immense strength and stamina required, only she can wield. In most cases, she alone would be enough to stave off any with ill intent towards Ilyasviel von Einzbern.
Unfortunately, the opponent she faced was a most formidable warrior, if the state of disrepair her uniform was is any indication. As she knelt on one knee, using her halberd to support her battered form while standing in the midst of the debris, she fixed her blank gaze at her opponent; As he stepped out of the smoke caused by their last clash, his feral grin showed his gleaming white teeth for all to see. His spiky blue hair and jumpsuit was matted with dust, but he paid it no mind.
"Have to say, missy." The man grinned as he twirled his blood-red spear before planting it on the ground "You fight well for house help." When this compliment was met by Leysritt's silent glare, he sighed "Now why don'tcha tell me where Servant Berserker is and save us all the-"
He was immediately cut off when Leysritt lunged at him, his eyes widening in surprise as the homunculus closed the distance. To her own shock, instead of evading he brought down his spear with both hands, empowering his blow with enough force to shatter bone. The result was deadlock between the two, one that Leysritt was struggling to maintain.
As her opponent was the mighty Cu Chulainn, Lancer of the 5th Grail War, this was to be expected. He would be the first to break it, pushing her back then following it up with several rapid thrusts, each impossible to follow with the naked eye, that she struggled to keep her guard against.
"This man..." she thought as she blocked and parried as her life depended on it "He fights like an animal."
Lancer reared back for a split second, tensed his rippled physique, then roared as he propelled a thrust aimed at the homunculus' gut. She managed to adjust her stance in such a way that it was the shaft that got hit, but the sheer force of the blow took her off her feet and launched her straight at the wall. She gasped in pain before the impact instantly incapacitated her for the rest of the battle.
"Well, that was disappoint-" Lancer let out a deep sigh before speaking, but was unable to finish when an old man clad in a black coat with coat-tails, wielding a rapier in one hand and three Black Keys in another, charged at him while he gazed at the fallen maid and attempted to thrust his blade into his heart. The blue-haired Servant saw this at the corner of his eye and immediately responded. He leaned back and let the pointed weapon scream into the air and miss his mark.
"Heh, do they train all the househelp in the Einzbern clan like this?" Lancer chuckled as he swung his spear upward. The old butler thought quickly and kicked the ground to avoid the weapon. He failed to make a correct estimate of the spear's ranged and got cut across the shoulder. Scowling, Morimoto swung the Black Keys in his left hand sideways. Whilst they shattered upon impact, they did push the spear to the side long enough for him to make some distance.
"Tsk, it seems I have forgotten just how formidable Servants are." The old man sighed as he clutched his left shoulder. It seems that he did not leave that exchange unscathed, as the earlier upward attack left a deep wound on the old man's shoulder that saw blood flow out "No matter. I have kept you entertained long enough, Lancer-dono."
The Hound of Ulster immediately whipped his head up to see a red-clad masked knight diving at him, both hands on her sword bearing down at him with ill intent. He grinned as he brought up his spear to guard, catching the knight's massive red blade at the shaft. The sheer power of the blow was enough to crack the ground beneath Lancer's feet. Seeing that her initial attack failed, the red knight jumped back to create distance.
The blue spearman did not let up, stomping the ground to propel himself forward. Once he got close, he swung his crimson spear in wild arcs with the intent of overpowering his opponent. The helmed knight gladly met his challenge, swinging her sword at the same speed as he. The clanging of steel and the red blurs around them were the result, each weapon moving too fast for the other two to follow.
"Now this is more like it!" Lancer roared with glee whilst spear and sword were locked in a deadly dance "No wonder you got picked as Berseker; you're as wild as I am!"
"The feeling is mutual, Lancer." Despite the dire situation, Berserker couldn't help but grin under her helm "In another life, perhaps I would have loved to fight by your side. Alas, this is the way things should be!"
"A Berserker that can talk? Now things have gotten interesting!" With a one-handed swing that contained a lot of force, Berserker broke the stalemate. Lancer, for his part, jumped back before the blade could connect. Unlike earlier, the beastial spearman did not reengage. Instead, he stood with a grin on his face. "Looks like the little mistress has decided to join us."
Sure enough, Ilyasviel von Einzbern stood at the very top of the stairs with Sella by her side. With the grace of a noblewoman, she looked down at the battle, glancing from Leysritt and Morimoto, then at Berserker to Lancer when she noticed that something was off.
"You don't have your Master with you, Lancer?"
"Nah. He's too much of a coward to come into battles directly." The Servant of the Lance shrugged
"I see. Then there is nothing more to say." Ilya then glanced at Berserker, who returned the look and gave a nod. No words were needed, Master and Servant both understanding what needs to be done. The Servant of Madness then clasped both hands on her sword and held it in front of her. Whilst she was not as skilled in formal swordplay as her peers in Camelot, she does remember the formal stances. This is manifested in the form she employed here.
"Look like you're about to get serious, Berserker. Allow me to do the same" Lancer changed his stance; With both hands he pointed his spear downward and hunched his legs, much like a wolf ready to pounce on his prey. The striking difference from earlier was that his blood-red eyes, which were filled with mirth earlier, replaced it with killing intent. That, and the mass of prana that was building within the spear, manifesting itself as a crimson mist.
From her perch, Ilya could see that Lancer was about to use his trump card. She wondered what could make him use it this early in the war. There were a lot reasons not to...reasons which won't matter if he killed Berserker right here and now.
"Berserker, look out!" The little homunculus yelled in panic, but there was little she could do now.
"Your heart is mine!" Lancer roared as he took into a running start, thrusting the his Noble Phantasm forward. The night was filled with the screams coming from Lancer's spear, the feared weapon that reversed causality. A weapon that, no matter what you do, what countermeasure you take, will always pierce the heart. The weapon associated with Lancer's legend. And it's name was...
"GAE...BOLG!"
End Chapter 10
A/N: Whew. This took reaaaaally long to finish. Anyways, I'm glad that it's done now!
Morded: Indeed, you were focused on one thing to the next.
I know, Morty. I know! Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed this latest installment of Clarent Blood Arthur! Lancer finally makes his on-screen appearance this chapter in a match against the titular Berserker. Will Mordred surivive the Barbed Spear that Pierces with Death? What role will Ruler play in the coming days? This and more as we march onward past the tenth chapter! Hurrah!
That's it for now, I guess. Kindly leave a review when you finish reading. All feedback, be it positive or negative, is welcomed! See ya next time, readers!
Mordred: Next time on Clarent Blood Arthur: The Right to Rule