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Clarent Blood Arthur: Clarent Blood Arthur: A Fate/Stay Night Fanfiction
Chapter 15: Something Wicked This Way Comes
"Illya."
"What is it, Berserker?"
"Isn't odd that we have not encountered Caster's pet Assassin yet?" The Knight of Treachery inquired as they ascended the stairs of Ryuudo Temple.
"Now that you mention, yes it is." Illya put a hand on her chin in thought. "It's not as if he was eliminated. I would know immediately if that were the case. This makes it a little puzzling that she hasn't sent him to confront us. Unless..."
"She intentionally held him back to let us through." Berserker nodded, drawing the same conclusion as her Master did. "It could be either that she is really cocky, or that it is a trap. Considering that this is Caster we are facing, I would like to believe that it is the latter."
At that, Illya let out a sigh. "Territory Creation can be so convenient, especially when you're being forced into a place so easily defendable like this.."
"That being said," Berserker inquired. "What is the plan now?"
"The same as it was in the beginning." Illya flipped her hair with a smirk. "We go in, crush Caster, and her Master too! I wanna get rid of all the unnecessary nonsense before we go after Oniichan again."
"Indeed." Beserker grinned under her helmet. "It wouldn't do if I went after Father straight away. As she is now, I can kill her whenever I so desired. To go after the other five Servants will give her time to prepare for our next encounter. However, there is something I want to know." She turned to the tiny Master, her eyes looking hers. "Will you be able to kill that boy? As much as it irritates me to admit it, it seems that he was not the uncouth cur we thought he was."
"...There's still so many questions I need answered, so we'll keep him alive for now." Illya then curled her lips into a teasing smirk. "Besides, you still owe him a favor, so I can't really do anything yet."
"Yes, go ahead and bring that up." Despite the gravity of the situation, Berserker found herself grinning once more. "Alas, we no longer have the luxury to chat." The reason she said this was because they were already near the top of the steps. Once they were past that, the temple grounds would await them.
"Right." Illya nodded as she put her game face on. "Let's answer Caster's invitation so graciously."
The pair would ascend the final set of steps. Awaiting them on the temple grounds, in front of the temple itself, was the Witch of Betrayal in all her glory. Her features were obscured by the black hood she wore over her dark purple dress, but it did little to diminish her mystique as her pale skin was translucent against the moonlight. Standing next to her slim form was a stern looking man in what can only be described as black suit and tie that did nothing to hide his lean frame. He gazed at the the approaching pair impassively with his owl-like eyes, then turned to his Servant to inquire.
"Are these the enemies you spoke of?"
"Indeed they are, Master." She nodded before turning to the Einzbern pair, her dainty lips, painted in purple lipstick, curled upward in a small smirk. "I believe the quote goes: ''Will you walk into my parlor?' said the Spider to the Fly.'"
"Is this Caster's atelier?"
"Indeed, Sir Gawain." Ruler nodded as she stared up the steps, Lancelot and Gawain flanking her sides. "And from what I sense, Berserker and the Einzbern Master are about to confront her."
"And what of the others?" Lancelot inquired.
"The Masters of Tohsaka and Emiya are doing their rounds with their respective Servants as we speak, as is the Master of Matou. Even Kirei's pet Lancer is up and about tonight as well." She put a hand on her chin in thought. "It is not often I wager, but I believe that they will be drawn here the moment Berserker and Caster begin their battle."
"Then we must make our way there, post haste." Lancelot concluded as he took point. "Seeing as what Caster is doing threatens innocent civilians, we should provide support to Berserker if need be...personal distaste aside."
"To my astonishment, I find myself agreeing with you, Sir Lancelot." Gawain nodded as he followed the black knight. They kept that exchange short and proceeded to ascend the stairs. However, they quickly found someone standing in their way.
"Good evening, honored guests." The man, who had a long indigo ponytail tied on his head, clad in traditional light purple umanori hakama and kimono, light purple tabi and black geta with purple haori and tekkou, greeted them politely. "I am Kojiro Sasaki, Assassin Class Servant of the Holy Grail War. To whom do I have the honor of addressing?"
"I am Servant Ruler of the Holy Grail War." The blonde female would step forward to address the samurai. "And what business we have is with your Master alone. Kindly stand aside."
"Alas, I cannot comply with that request." Assassin would draw the long slender no-dachi from his back with a grace that told volumes of his skill. "My orders were to only let that young lady and her knight pass, and to keep out all other intruders."
"Really?" Ruler raised her brow at what Assassin had just revealed. "Why does she seek them?"
Assassin shrugged his shoulders before he responded. "I cannot speak for the vixen when it comes to her whims. Be that as it may, my orders are clear. However..." His lips curled into a small smirk. "If one of you were to hold me back, then I would be hard pressed to stop your advance."
"Is that so?" Lancelot would attempt to step forward, materializing his armor and Arondight in his right hand. "Very well. Then I-!"
"Allow me this honor, Sir Lancelot."
The Knight of the Lake would blink in surprise when Gawain stepped past him, his own armor and weapon. Even in the starry night, his armor gleamed with the brightness of the sun.
"Explain yourself, Sir Gawain."
"You have already had a row with a participant of the Grail War. Our fellow knight Mordred, in fact. I simply wish to demonstrate my own skill as a Knight of the Round." He smirked as he held Excalibur Galatine in both hands in front of him. "We have little time to argue, so you will have to go on ahead with milady. And don't worry; I don't intend to fall before we settle our differences, Sir Lancelot."
"...Very well." Ruler would finally speak before turning to Assassin, he simply replied with a smirk.
"The vixen's own duel is about to begin shortly, so I suggest you hurry." The samurai smiled as he took his own stance. "It wouldn't do if the battle ends before you get there, now would it?"
Without needing to say another word, Ruler and Lancelot ran past Assassin, the Servant of the Shadows not making a move to stop them. Instead, he fixated his eyes on Gawain, who did not waver in his stance.
"Seeing as you have revealed your name, I must do so as well." The blond steeled himself for battle. "I am Sir Gawain of the Round Table, Knight of the Sun and of King Arthur!
"My my, such a lofty title. Yet it only tells me so much about you. No matter, my blade will tell me everything I need to know." Assassin swung his blade with practiced flourish. "Now, if you wish to follow your comrades, you must first force me aside. Do you believe to be capable of doing so, Sir Gawain?"
Both swordsmen didn't say any more as their clash began.
"So this is Caster, huh?"
"And you must be Berserker. Quite charmed to meet you, though I am surprised that you and your Master would be so brazen as to invade my atelier without so much as a warning." Caster smirked as she stood across the helmed Berserker and her tiny Master. "Alas, I still knew of your coming. Rather than stop you, however, I chose to let Assassin allow you both passage. I wish to speak to you both, you see."
Illya raised her brow, her expression on of understandable skepticism. "Oh? And what is it you want from me, Medea of Colchis?"
"So you know who I am. As expected of the Lesser Grail." Caster giggled. "Very well, I shall cut to the chase: I invite you two to join my exploits."
"And why on earth would we want join you?" Berserker responded with an appropriate amount of venom in her voice. She was getting more unsettled with this Caster by the second, as she reminded her too much of her mother.
"I have watched your battle with Saber and how you defeated her, so I've taken quite an interest in you." Caster held her hands out to emphasize her point. "With the Lesser Grail at my side and a powerful Servant at my beck and call, the Holy Grail War is as good as won." Seeing as she made her point, she offered her hand to the two with a smirk. "So, what say you two? If you join me, I will see to it that your own desires are granted as well."
Illya only snorted in disgust, then smirked at her surprised foe. "Is that really all you have to say? If so, then I will have to turn down your little offer."
"Hmm...I am quite surprised you would say no, not that I didn't expect this." Caster answered truthfully. "Though I had thought that an easy way to win the War will benefit the Einzberns, unless you're the type who doesn't approve of my actions."
"Quite frankly, I don't really care about that right now." Illya responded while flipping her hair. "Nor do I care about all that stuff with the Einzbern. I'm participating in the War for my own reasons, and you're just one of many in the way." She let out a tiny yawn that most found adorable, then turn to her Servant. "Well, I'm bored now. So go ahead and kill them, Berserker."
"Gladly."
The Servant of Madness was upon Caster within the blink of an eye, her sword raised with deadly intent as it gleamed in the night. Before she bring it down, though, a black blur struck her in the chest, sending her flying a few paces back before she planted Clarent on the ground to use a brake before she landed on one knee.
"What the hell?!" The Knight of Treachery looked up to see that Caster's Master, Souichiro Kuzuki, stepped in front of Caster and landed a closed fist strike at her. "How is a mere human able to strike a Servant so hard?!"
"Are you alright, Caster?" The man turned to the other Servant, who looked shaken due to Berserker striking fast enough for her not to have enough to time to prepare a spell.
"I-I am well. Forgive my carelessness, Master." the Witch of Betrayal managed to stammer out. "I had underestimated just how ruthless the Einzbern Master was."
"Berserker!" Illya went to check on her Servant, concern written on her face. Understandable considering last night's scare . "Are you alright?!"
"I-I'm fine." Berserker managed to stammer to her feet, quite surprised that a mere human got a decent hit on her...which in turn made her furious as well. "How?! How did he-?!"
"Look at his fists." The Servant of Madness did exactly that. She then saw that they were surrounded in an eerie purple glow.
"This is-!"
"Reinforcement magic. High grade too." Illya nodded at the Servant's observation. "Shouldn't have expected any less from a mage that lived in the Age of the Gods."
"So the Master fight at the front while the Servant supports him...The roles are reversed, it seems. No matter," Berserker gets to her feet and holds her sword with both hands. "I will make sure that he doesn't surprise me again!"
Wasting little time, she stomped on the ground to propel herself towards Kuzuki. Once she got within strike range, Berserker launched several wild strikes with the fury of a lion on the hunt. However, if Mordred was a lion, then Kuzuki was a snake. He slithered between every strike, then lashed out with several bullet point jabs that the Knight of Treachery was forced to bob and weave in between. Beserker could tell from this exchange that the man was an experienced killer; he wasted no action he took, using quick precise strikes that did not leave him overextended over haymakers that, while they indeed pack a whallop, would leave him unprotected should he miss. Thus, he left very little openings to exploit in his defense. However, she liked to think that she was no slouch in a brawl herself; after all, her usual approach was to use anything as a weapon, be it her sword or her fists. They would exchange several more attacks before Berserker got irritated.
"You're beginning to annoy me!" Berserker growled as she ducked a horizontal chop and slammed her elbow at the Master's gut, staggering him and giving her room to breathe. She then charged prana into her free left arm, then launched it upward to send Kuzuki flying with a massive uppercut.
"Got you!" Berserker's triumphant grin, however, vanished when she saw Caster in the air, her cloak extended to look like bat wings, as Kuzuki landed in a kneeling position with some blood trickling down from his mouth. What made her pause, however, were the floating purple orbs of pure prana floating next to Caster. Even the Knight of Treachery could tell that she was about to launch several spells. A-Rank ones at that, which would easily overwhelm the Magic Resistance she was somehow able to have despite not being summoned as Saber.
"Shit!" Berserker was already ready to jump to the side to evade, but it was already too late for her to dodge as the purple rays of light were launched at her, closing in before she could even move a muscle.
"Shape ist Lieben."
To both Berserker's and Caster's surprise, several wires infused with prana wove together to become a shimmering blue wall that managed to shield the Servant of Madness from the barrage of spells, albeit barely. The knight turned and, sure enough, Illyasviel von Einzbern walked up beside her.
"Thank you, Illya." Bewilderment had not left the Berserker's voice. "You did not have to, though-"
"Of course I had to!" Illya huffed, her round cheeks puffing up. "You called me "friend", right?! So as a friend, I can't let you do this by yourself! Not before we get the answers we're looking for!"
"...Your words honor me, Illya." Berserker found it in herself to smile despite the situation. "Very well. Let's put the training Morimoto had us do to good use!"
"Oh, so you'll fight alongside your Servant, Lesser Grail?" Caster giggled as Kuzuki resumed his stance, all while several of her familiar, the dragon teeth men of the Argonaut legend, burst from the ground to aid her. "A little girl and her pet thinks they can defeat me? How amusing! Fufufu...I suppose I shall humor you then."
"Keep talking, witch." Berserker grinned as she pointed her sword at the pair while Illya, standing beside her, summoned several white doves made from the same wires. "I'll make sure you eat your words by the time we're done!"
"HAAAAA!"
It is said that the Knight of the Sun was a formidable swordsman and a knight of renown. His sword technique was considered peerless, equaled only by the Knight of the Lake and perhaps his King.
Which is why Gawain was surprised when he found that he couldn't penetrate the guard of this relatively unknown eastern swordsman. He swung his sword with strength and speed behind every strike, and yet Assassin found an answer to each and every one. The last strike pushed Gawain back several steps to where he started. Seeing this, Assassin smirked and held his no-dachi in front of him in a kendo stance.
"Impossible!" He grunted as he advanced once more and tried to overcome the samurai, but found that he couldn't even make him take a single step back. "Even without Numeral of the Saint active, I should hold the upper hand in weight, strength, and speed! Yet, despite that advantage, he provides a formidable defense that I can't seem to break through!"
Gawain would attack with several powerful strokes meant to overwhelm his opponent's guard. Assassin would answer that with his unparalleled technique and grace, his no-dachi slicing through air and neutralizing Gawain's every attempt at offense. The two would exchange several more strokes before engage in deadlock. Using his advantage of having the higher ground, Assassin would push the Knight of the Sun back yet again.
"Impressive." Assassin would state as he hoisted his blade over his shoulder. "There were many moments I should have taken your head, but you seem to have kept it attached. Western swordplay is more than flailing and hammering your foe to submission, it seems."
"You're quite impressive yourself." Gawain smiled ruefully as he held his stance. "Despite your slight build and slim frame, you are able to hold off an opponent who should overpower you. If anything, you're quite the master of cunning and guile."
"Now, now, you hold the advantage in strength and spirit. This leaves only my wiles in which to combat you." Assassin chuckled as he got ready to fight again himself. "By now, your comrades should have already arrived to witness the battle between the vixen and Berserker. I can tell that you and your fellows are not ordinary Servants, much like myself. That graceful little lady in particular resides within a mortal shell. A fragile container for such a powerful soul, mind you."
"You can tell that from a glance? It is a little terrifying how discerning you are, Assassin." Gawain got into a ready stance. "Unfortunately, I can no longer afford to tarry. If I am to rejoin my comrades, then I must fight with all I have!" At those words, a fire as bright as the Sun flared and enveloped Excalibur Galatine in a golden glow.
"Ah, such beauty in such a fiery blade." Assassin couldn't help but grin as Gawain advanced. They would trade several more strikes before engaging in another deadlock. "Yes, I was going to ask you what purpose you two and that girl have, but I suppose our blades will speak for us, now will they?!"
"I couldn't agree more, Sasaki Kojiro!"
The Servant's blades clashed at speeds that the human eye could not perceive. As the battle went on, Assassin would note that Gawain fought with more furor than earlier; his swings, though they were already quite strong, were more ferocious. Despite still keeping the Knight of the Sun at bay, the samurai found himself slowly being pushed back a step.
"Impressive. Most impressive." Assassin found that he was smiling to himself as he parried a thrust and responded by horizontal arc which was stopped by Gawain. "Yes, perhaps this battle will be the one. The one that gives meaning to the hollow existence of this nameless wraith!"
The both stopped mid-swing when they felt a sudden rush of wind blow past them. A normal human wouldn't see it, but the Heroic Spirits were able to catch a glimpse of a man in a blue spandex jump-suit and a gleaming red spear.
"So that must have been Lancer." Assassin noted while placing his hand on his chin. "It seems that the vixen's atelier will be attracting the number of guests tonight."
"I would not doubt that." Gawain grit his teeth as he attempted to overpower Assassin. If Lancer was indeed here, that could only mean one thing... "All the more reason I cannot tarry here!"
As they continued to engage each other in mortal combat, neither were aware that a shadowy figure was watching them with a devious intent and a malicious grin.
"We've made it."
Ruler and Lancelot had arrived to see the battle between Illya and Berserker against Caster and Kuzuki in full swing. They watched Illya's familiars were flying around the battlefield, bombarding Kuzuki and the Dragon Teeth warriors with beams of light while trying to evade Caster's spells. At that same time, Berserker was engaging the Master up close and personal while mowing down through the remaining familiars "Not bad, little Magus." Caster laughed as she continued firing spell after spell at the pair. "It seems that you're quite adept at in the art of alchemy!"
"Of course!" Illya smirked as she maneuvered the doves to avoid Caster's rain of light. "I am from one of the families surveying the Grail War, so it is only fitting that my Magecraft is top class!"
"To maneuver each familiar with such precise control, not to mention having enough mana to both sustain them and Berserker at the same time...She is quite impressive for a magus of this age. However," She intensified her assault, adding more beams to the attack. "Against a Magus from the Age of the Gods, this is but a mere parlor trick!"
The beams shot down two of Illya's familiars, causing the homunculus to frown.
"Tsk...I knew that I would find quite the opponent in the Witch, but it's quite something else to experience magic from that Age. It's only a matter of time before she overcomes me. In that case, we'll have to change plans." She turned her attention to where Berserker was fighting Kuzuki, the latter having just knocked Clarent out of her hand. "Berserker!"
The Servant of Madness turned to see that Illya morphed her familiars into floating swords that she sent at the Master, who was forced to jump back lest he get impaled. They missed, but they landed in front of Berserker, planting themselves onto the ground.
"My thanks, Illya!" The Knight of Treachery grinned beneath her helmet as she picked up the blades Illya had thrown and wielded them in each hand. She then rushed at Kuzuki, who found it harder to dodge her wild swings.
"You're mine!" Berserker ducked a punch meant to crush her helmet and swung at his side. While he was able to lean in an attempt to evade, the weapon still found their mark as they left a noticeable gash.
"Master!"
Berserker was forced to jump back before Caster's beams of light descended on her, allowing her to evade by seconds. She would back flip then throw the blades, which were unraveled when Caster held out a hand.
"Allow me to treat you." Caster implored Kuzuki, who nodded quietly and allowed the Servant to cast a healing spell. At that same time, Berserker picked up Clarent on her way back to regroup with Illya.
"How are things on your end? Berserker asked her Master.
"She definitely is a Mage from the Age of the Gods." Illya smiled ruefully. "She's had an answer to all the spells I've thrown at her. Not to mention that she probably has more tricks up her sleeve. How about you?"
"The Master is no doubt an efficient killer." Berserker nodded. "However, it seems he was not meant to fight a prolonged battle." Seeing Illya's confusion, she explained. "The man is a master assassin, no doubt. However, you and I both know that their ilk are meant to kill from the shadows, not fight in the front lines. However," She then turned her gaze to the Servant. "Caster would intervene every time I try would close in for the kill."
"How annoying." Illya huffed. "If only we can take them out in one swoop..."
"You know, that just gave me an idea." the Knight of Treachery leaned close and whispered in her Master's ear, who was nodding as she listened.
"...It just might work." Illya agreed. "Provided we don't screw up, of course."
"Who do you think you're talking to, Master?" Berserker pointed her thumb at herself proudly. "Let's use this slight lull to put the plan into play. Besides," She then finally glanced at where Ruler and Lancelot were, both of them watching this battle with interest. "Seeing as Ruler has finally shown her face, we should put on a convincing show."
"They are about to begin again." Lancelot observed as they watched the combatants get ready to battle once more. "And it seems that the Master of Einzbern and Mordred have formed a strategy. Admittedly, that would be more than I expect from the Knight of Treachery."
"Personal hatred?" Ruler asked with a raised brow.
"Nay." Lancelot shook his head. "She was never the brightest among our knights, often preferring to use brute force to solve problems over diplomacy. Still, you couldn't help but admire her drive...Which is why it puzzles me to this day that she would betray us."
"Yes, it does boggle the mind. Still, this should make for an interesting match." Ruler smirked as she looked to her left. "Wouldn't you agree, Lancer?"
"So you figured me out. Well done, lass." Sure enough, the aforementioned Servant materialized beside her with a grin. "My master was right when he said that you shouldn't be taken lightly."
"If you are here for Ruler, then know that you'll have to get through me." Lancelot stood protectively in front of the blonde with sword drawn.
"I won't deny; those were my orders. But," The Hound of Ulster turned his attention to the resuming battle with interest. "I'd like to see how this plays out first. Berserker seems to be raring to go despite our earlier battle, and I want to see how this ends as much as you do."
With no words exchanged, the battle was rejoined. It remained the same as it was; Berserker and Kuzuki engaged in physical combat while Illya and Caster were bombarding the area with spells.
However, there were key differences from the earlier part of the fight; Having had the time to get used to Kuzuki's fighting style, Berserker was able to read the Master's movements. While his strikes were still precise and lethal, the Knight of Treachery was able to predict him easier now. This was shown when she caught a punch in her gauntleted palm, then responded by kicking him in the gut to stagger him. She was ready to run him through when Caster intervened, raining several more rays of light at her. They did their intended purpose and forced her once again to jump back.
Kuzuki would try to go on the offensive once again, but Illya's familiars were already firing their own silver bolts of light at him, forcing him to strafe in between them.
"So they were planning to switch opponents, thus throwing us off by forcing us to switch strategies." Caster thought as she found herself facing the Knight of Treachery. "No matter; Souichiro can take care of the girl quickly while I-!"
"OI! CASTER!"
The Witch of Betrayal had barely enough time to register the chunk of stone from the Temple grounds that Berserker ripped out herself being chucked at her.
"Such an uncouth savage. Exactly what one should expect of the Berserker Class!" Caster growled as she began raining spell after spell after the red knight, who responded by using Prana Burst to strengthen her legs and propel herself out of harm's way.
"What did you expect?" Berserker grinned beneath her helmet as she once again used Prana Burst, though this time it was to leap into the air and try to attack Caster. "I will use any means necessary to win!"
"I had thought your Master much smarter;" Caster was barely able to dodge the attack and took to the air once more, retaliating by unleashing yet another barrage of spells. "At least she would have had a chance if you had fought my Master. Now watch as she gets utterly destroyed!"
They both turn their attention to where the Masters were fighting; Kuzuki was blitzing past the familiars and was closing in on Illya dangerously fast. At a glance, the little girl would be no match for the seasoned assassin up close. He quickly got himself within striking distance, believing that it was all over and that the little girl had no chance to retaliate.
"Like a moth to the flame."
Kuzuki's eyes widened in surprise as Illya's lips curled into a sinister smirk. He then saw why; The Magus had crafted two more dove familiars and were quickly joined by the other two that had been attacking him from the distance. Seeing that he had no opening to dodge in time, he acted quickly by attempting to swat one aside.
"What?!" He saw that he definitely made contact. However, the dove began unraveling on his arm. It gripped it tightly while wires began surrounding his body. The other three familiars closed in and began binding him as well. Caster could only watch as her Master was bound within minutes. He fell on his knees, putting him at eye level with the homunculus as he struggled to break free.
"Now, now. It'll only tighten if you do that." Illya grabbed his face with both hands while forcing him to look into her eyes. "Did you REALLY think I'd leave myself open without some sort of plan? Now how about you rest easy?" Her eyes began to glow like rubies as she stared into the teacher's. He immediately found that his head began to grow heavy, his senses slowly dulling.
"Wh-What on earth...?" He was fading fast. His vision was blurring and the only thing he could hear were her childish giggles.
"Shh...it'll all be over soon."
"Mystic Eyes of Binding... So you planned this all along! MASTER!" Genuinely concerned for Kuzuki, Caster was about to make her move and bombard the little homunculus with spells. "GET AWAY FROM HIM"
"Once more, you forget your opponent, Medea of Colchis!" The Witch turned to see that the Knight of Betrayal's broadsword was spinning like a propeller toward her. With no time to muster an arcane defense, she darted to the side for it to barely avoid her.
"And what did throwing your weapon accomplish?!" Caster shot back as Berserker unsealed her helmet, revealing her confident grin. "You really are an oaf to throw away your weapon like so!"
"Is that a fact?" Berserker raised her right arm. "Then you underestimate greatly, Caster!" She made a yanking motion that puzzled Caster until-
"GUH!" The Witch lurched forward. Her eyes were wide in utter shock she found a blade protruding from her chest, mere inches away from her Spirit Core. "H-How...?"
"Once again, you give me and my Master too little credit." Berserker raised her right hand to reveal that a wire tied to the index finger. The same kind that formed Illya's familiars. The Witch slowly turned to see that the sword jutting into her back had that same string tied to the hilt. She didn't know what surprised her more; Being wounded so severely or that Berserker, the supposedly mindless Servant of Madness, and her Master were able to coordinate such an attack. "I-Impossible..."
"You made the horrible mistake of thinking that I'm just a lowly Berserker. Nay! I am Mordred Pendragon, Son of the Once and Future King! I will surpass my father and show him that I am worthy of his throne! Worthy to be King! That I am..." The Knight of Treachery yanks the wire with all her might, using Clarent as anchor that dragged Caster along. "THE GREATEST KNIGHT OF THE ROUND!"
Caster was slammed into the ground like a ragdoll with enough force to shatter the stone beneath them. The landing was harsh and unforgiving as she crashed with a loud bang. Rubble and debris flew upon impact. The smoke cleared to reveal that Caster was still alive. However, between the gaping wound in her chest and the multiple ones that followed from her crash, she was in horrible shape.
"Hmm...It seems that you are not dead yet. No matter." With another yank, Berserk pulled Clarent back into her grasp as she began walking towards Caster's broken body with fatal intent. "That is easily rectified."
"The battle has been decided."
"It seems so." Lancelot nodded at Ruler's observation. "It seems that Berserker didn't need your Command Seals to bolster her efforts against the Witch."
"That's one concern off my list at any rate." Ruler then turned to Lancer, who had a huge grin on his face. "I trust that this little display has satisfied you?"
"Damn right, it did! Now I'm REALLY looking forward to my rematch!" Lancer chuckled excitedly. He then turned to the pair, his mirth not diminishing as he brandished his famed spear. "As fun as that was, I have my orders to take your head. Nothing personal, of course."
"As I said earlier, you will have to go through me." Lancelot had a grim expression as he held Arondight in front him, he himself ready to do battle.
"Ohohoho! Looks like I'll have some fun after all!" The Hound of Ulster grinned as he and the Knight of the Lake stood across each other prepared to do glorious battle-
THUMP!
All Servants and Masters stop in their tracks, their eyes wide as they felt a sudden chill in the air.
"What in the Land of Shadows was that?!" Lancer growled, his senses on high alert as his eyes darted back and forth for the source of this unnatural chill.
"Did you sense that too, Illya?!" Berserker gritted her teeth as she went to her Master's side. She found that the little homunculus was shivering, her eyes wide as she wraps both her tiny arms around her frame.
"No..." Illya mutters in a terrified whisper. "That...That isn't possible..."
"I sense it...It's coming it's entering through the Bounded Field..." Ruler turned to the area behind the temple, searching for the source as well when-
"What on earth is THAT?"
All turned to see what the horrified Lancelot was looking at; it was a being that can only be described as a mass of darkness. It had no eyes, no ears, no mouth...And yet, everyone present, even Caster who was practically in her death throes, could tell that this was a dangerous foe- No, a foe implied that it could be defeated, conquered like many of the foes these heroes faced before it.
No, it was graver than that.
It was a monster, a nightmare that haunted dreams come to life. An abomination upon the earth that wasn't supposed to exist. Yet it did as if to mock creation, to defile all that was good in the world. As such, as the Masters and Servants watched the Shadow's march towards them in terror, Ruler's following words were apropos.
"God help us. God help us all."
End Chapter 15
A/N: ...Yes, I know that I took forever updating this again. Pleasedon'tkillme.
ANYWAY, welcome to the latest chapter of Clarent Blood Arthur, and as you all saw, shit is about to get horribly real.
Mordred: I suppose I can see why you took your time with this one.
Yup! I did promise a casualty by the end of this arc, and if the Shadow has it's say, we're going to get one...or more. *Cue evil laugh*
On related news, Fate/Apocrypha is FINALLY getting an anime adaptation this year! I'm particularly hyped for this because...well, more Moedred is life!
Mordred: *vein bulging* Please don't call me that...
Fine, fine. Well, that's pretty much all I can think of saying at this point! Please leave a review when you're done with this chapter! Also, thanks to all who have read this for the support! When I started this, I didn't think it would get this popular. Looking back now, it's really humbling to see that people like this. So once again, thanks everyone! Once again, I'm the King of Beasts and I'll see you all in the next chapter!
Next Time on Clarent Blood Arthur: The Curse of a Million Sins.