Merry Christmas everyone.

Chapter III: Fighting those beyond human

Within one of the several smaller buildings that dotted around Kuoh Academy, two figures faced one another. Wooden floorboards creaked ever so slightly as light footed feet paced slowly around the room. The evening sunlight glinted through slightly dirty windows as dust danced along its rays. All the while the faint smell of aged sweat and polished wood decorated the room's interior.

Artoria watched Kiba's form with tight eyes, her gaze unmoving from both his blade and his taut body. His physique screamed tension and yet his eyes and smile remained perfectly unchanged.

With little desire to prolong the fight beyond necessity Artoria shot forwards. She noted Kiba's widening eyes and yet the sure strike she had expected was partially deflected. A deft flick of her guard parried his counter attack and yet the speed and strength behind the blow forced her to reconsider her opponent. Slipping back defensively, blade raised, Artoria watched her opponent. She had presumed much of Murayama's talk to be little more than the infatuation of a young girl yet Kiba's reflexes told a different story.

Artoria's shinai darted forwards with her left foot pushing forcefully against the ground as her powerful strike attempted to land a critical blow. The air itself whistled as her blade travelled, yet it seemed Kiba too had learned a lesson. Her blade, that so gracefully whipped upwards, struck little more than the side of his blade as Kiba's body slid away with an animal-like agility. His sword attempted to answer her strike with its own but the lower half of her blade forced Kiba's to her side.

The pair disengaged and Artoria could not help but show a satisfied smirk towards her opponent.

"I have to admit that I misjudged you Kiba. I thought for sure that it was merely Murayama's affection for you that had her praise your skills so ardently. Yet here I find that you surpass her skill several fold, it leads one to wonder when and how you were able to develop such skills." In response to her words Kiba's smile faltered only slightly before returning to its usual amicable nature.

"The president of the Occult Research Club likes her members to have a variety of skills. I always liked to think of myself as her somewhat charming modern knight." Her shinai lowered slightly as they continued to talk. However for Kiba to consider himself a knight when he allowed his talents to be wasted on some schoolgirl frustrated Artoria to no end. Still honey was oft the better tempter than the stick.

"Well it is indeed an honour to cross swords with you, especially with one with such chivalrous intentions. Yet I cannot help but feel that your skills have been wasted on such a frivolous club. Perhaps I could entice you to join the kendo club if I offered to train you further?"

"Really Hyoudou? As much as I can see your offer comes from a desire to assist. I can't help but think your pride is showing, after all you have yet to deliver a single blow to me." Responding to his words with a slight nod and a tightening smile Artoria gripped her blade.

"Well then, I ought to clear any misconceptions you hold." She spoke with a calm voice before tilting her blade towards Kiba, signalling for their duel to resume.

Breathing in deeply, Artoria calmly noted Kiba rushing towards her with his shinai ready to strike, a winning strike. The air flew through her and her muscles tensed in preparation for the blow. His sword swept downwards towards her and it was only at the last possible moment that she moved. She could not help but feel a degree of thanks towards her teacher. As it was only the brutality with which she had been taught that gave her the confidence to face such a blow in such a risky manner.

Artoria would never admit that she enjoyed the gleam of surprise that manifested itself in Kiba's eyes when her body, beyond peak human speeds, slid underneath his strike and the tip of her shinai brutally buried itself in his stomach. Yet her enjoyment was short lived as she too was caught off guard when the strike, that she was certain would knock a full grown man flying, merely caused Kiba stumble backwards. So committed was she to her strike and her expectations that Artoria was forced to roll to Kiba's side lest she fall with him.

The two once again broke away, this time with lowered blades and measured gazes. Neither entirely certain of the other. No longer feeling the rush of battle, Artoria's thoughts swirled around Kiba. In truth, if she were not so certain of her own skill she would have thought her last debilitating strike had been faulty in some manner. Yet Artoria had spent the entirety of her life studying and criticising her own swordsmanship, she knew the strike had been perfect. If she had been wielding a real blade Kiba would have been bisected. As it was, either he should have been forced to fly back to absorb the blow's strength or keel over with internal bleeding. Such a strike would have been illegal in any normal tournament and she herself had only done such a move due to battlelust.

Fighting Kiba was one of the most exhilarating fights of her life. He was close to her skill level and yet possessed a speed she could only match through the use of perfect technique. It was far more enjoyable sparring with him than the mysterious figure. It was only when Artoria noted the smile adorning her face that she realised her conclusion, she enjoyed fighting Kiba. Let him have his secrets, she might discover them one day, however his use as a sparring partner was worth its weight in gold.

"I have to admit that was an exhilarating fight." Even as she spoke her body ached and a slight glimmer of sweat made itself apparent. Steadying her breathing Artoria continued, "You're skilled, possessing a physique that borders almost on the inhuman." She noted Kiba relax as he understood her meaning. "Still, it seems that victory is mine. With such natural talent I do not think there is any way I can let your skills go to waste. Allow me to hone your skills further become my sparring partner." Even as she spoke, Artoria noted Kiba's surrender. No doubt he was still trying to understand how he had lost and that curiosity would be his undoing. They both knew that it would only be through further fights that they would learn more of the other.

"I doubt I'll be able to find the free time. As much as I may wish to train with you, my education is rather important." Artoria paused, searching Kiba's eyes. She knew that Kiba wished to train with her and could not see any reason for him to hesitate. Hesitating for the sake of hesitating would win him nothing from her. Her eyes drifted to Murayama and Katase, did he hesitate for them? Was he concerned that perhaps they would see his enthusiasm. Artoria could not be sure.

"I do not ask for you to join the kendo club. I can understand that you do not wish to be crowded by adoring fans and in truth I would not be able to give you the attention you deserve. However sparring at during your lunch period should not interrupt your studies."

"That's true, the lunch period should work plenty well."

"I'm glad, I shall see you tomorrow then." With a nod Kiba left towards the locker rooms while Artoria turned towards her audience of two girls. Both Murayama and Katase were looking at her with awe in their eyes.

"Are the two of you satisfied?" The pair simply nodded. Artoria returned her shinai to the rack before grabbing a bokken. "Good, then let us begin."

Two hours later

Although initially Artoria had considered running home, the fight with Kiba and the knowledge of her evening training, still to follow, dissuaded her. The early evening sun hung gently in the air even as it slowly descended as the time went by. Unbothered by the sun's fall, she wondered the concrete streets, walking past pastry shops, old arcades and plenty of restaurants that she promised to visit at a later date.

As she walked she considered potential running routes to explore, her eyes drifted from the streets to the top of the buildings and she noted the gaps between them. The narrow alleyways of Kuoh might just allow her to satisfy a growing desire within her to rush across the rooftops. Still, despite its potential, she considered it with hesitance as despite her want to do such a thing both its legality was questionable and its risks considerable. All it would take was a single misstep.

As Artoria continued to walk the evening sun grew dim and her stomach made its presence known. She paused looking around the street she had found herself in. It was slightly odd to see a cobbled street when prior she had been quite happily walking through the suburbs. Nevertheless, the chance of finding a restaurant was far higher in such an area.

The sound of running feet surprised her and Artoria turned around to see a young girl who seemed no older than twelve rushing towards her. Confusion marred Artoria's features and yet it swiftly fell away to anger as a second figure appeared, chasing after the girl.

Running forwards and unslinging the bokken from her side, Artoria stepped between the man and the girl. The girl, seeing this, turned towards Artoria, a look of surprise on her features. The man however slowed and a feral grin twisted his features. He seemed slightly older than thirty but not quite forty however more concerning to Artoria he held himself in a manner that suggested some form of martial training. He wore a large trench coat, an odd choice considering that summer had only just begun to end. His long dark hair was covered by a fedora and around his neck he wore a white cravat. His sense of fashion would be comical if it were not for the serious nature that Artoria found herself in. Still, Artoria faced him, her blade standing between him and his quarry.

"I demand that you identify yourself and cease your chase of this young girl. If you do so, I will ensure that your injuries are not of a permanent nature when the police find you." The man paused as if to consider her offer yet Artoria could see his body remained taut.

"Really girl? You have a large stick in your hand which I must congratulate you for knowing which end is which. But back off and run home I have some unfinished business with that girl." His fists hung loose at his side and Artoria's blade remained firmly pointed towards the man. She had not fought many opponents unarmed before however those few she had were exceptionally well trained. After all, to face her without a weapon of their own spoke well of their confidence in their own skills.

"Very well, if that is your path you wish to follow I will not dissuade you any further." With her proclamation finished Artoria strode forwards. Her bokken struck out towards the man who proceeded to slide underneath her blade. Yet as he struck forwards to make his own strike, a quick pivot of her sword and feet brought a blow to the back of the man's head sent him to the ground. He recovered quickly and the blow had not been debilitating due to her unsure footing yet Artoria could see a mark of shame in his eyes. Smirking at the man, Artoria watched as he considered turning to grab the girl. Yet he knew as well as her that were he to do so Artoria's blade would strike his undefended back. 2002

The man rushed towards her, his fists ready to deliver brutality and yet Artoria's blade matched his speed blow for blow. Her defence was impeccable and the man was simply unable to land a single hit. His leg struck out and yet her blade cut through the air deflecting the attack with contemptuous ease. She returned with her own counterattack as her body followed her blade swing to deliver a kick into the side of the man's side, sending him to the ground. However, even as she did so she felt a resistance that was far too similar to Kiba's. Leaping back Artoria began to feel a slight rise of concern within her.

The man stood, slowly rising from the ground, his features now entirely different from the feral grin that had once sat upon his features. Instead, cold, calculating eyes looked towards her and Artoria felt an overwhelming pressure beginning to grow. However behind that rational mind she could see the bruised ego beneath and the pride that she had so easily bent.

Unwilling to give her opponent an opportunity to recover Artoria shot forwards her sword seeking an immediate debilitating blow. She held nothing back and with all of her human speed she pushed her body to strike the man. However, faster than her eyes could see, her flawless strike was parried in a manner that she was certain was impossible. The man held the side of her blade between his knee and his elbow forcing Artoria to pull back.

But even as she pushed back ready to launch a second attack a blow to her back answered her retreat. Winded and notably in pain, Artoria was forced to breath and her mind forced herself to ignore the slight blackness that touched the edge of her vision. Her grip on her blade loosened and Artoria prepared her defences. The man's fists once again shot forwards and though she was able to dodge most of the attacks one managed to break through and strike the side of her face. He was too close to her for her blade to deliver a reprisal and yet to drop it would be of the utmost foolishness. Her only advantage in this fight was the blade she held and yet it could do nothing as another blow followed through hitting her chest in a manner that disabled her left arm forcing her to use a single hand.

But even as her sword attempted to swing itself a hand shot forwards grabbing her neck pulling her forwards and up in the air. Her chest constricted as she struggled to breathe. Her eyes, however, looked into the man's own and she saw only the sadistic enjoyment of a man holding power over another. Her gaze then drifted to the young girl, surprise coloured it, as the girl's eyes held not concern nor fear but instead frustration and annoyance. The girl noticed her gaze and seemed to be about to say something when Artoria felt a memory rise within her.

The man before her was replaced by another yet his eyes held no sadistic enjoyment just a cold deadlike stare that was far more terrifying. Yet the memory brought with it a solution and she knew what she had to do. Almost dislocating her shoulder, her sword flew down seeking to strike the man's chest. And yet, when he moved to dodge and then throw her she pushed forward, against the ground, bringing the hilt of her sword into the man's stomach with enough strength to fatally injure someone. However, he merely stumbled back and Artoria recovered herself, forcing several deep breaths.

She did not know who or what she was fighting but she refused to allow herself to lose. Memories of an armoured figure rose within her and the whisper of a voice carried itself within her psyche.

"Is this really all you are father without your tricks?" The voice spurred something within her and the red light that she had only glimpsed in the corner of her mind grew to an unmatched blaze. Upon her fist a red glove manifested itself.

"I do not know what you are villain nor do I know why you and this girl have attempted to deceive me. However, I shall not allow your deeds to go unpunished." Her voice was hoarse and pain filled her body yet the red light burned such feelings away. And when she stood, she stood both strong and proud, like a dragon of old.

Power flew through her veins as she shot forwards towards the man again. However, despite his own impressive speed and strength, she gave the man no ground upon which to defend himself. Her wooden blade, engulfed in crimson, struck forwards knocking aside the man's hasty defences before striking his centre. Her sword hit true and she finally saw a reaction from the man as he was forced to bend over and heave.

Even as he attempted to dart forwards with his fist she gave him no room to recover as her blade firmly struck his head. Still, his arm attempted to grab the blade and follow through with a desperate attack yet her blade firmly struck his ribs and a satisfying crunch made itself known. Hobbling and stumbling back, he could do nothing when her leg sent him flying into a nearby wall, cracking it.

"Huh, who would think a Twice Critical would be enough to punish me this much." He chuckled darkly even as he coughed and spat blood to the side. Yet what stole Artoria's gaze were the black wings appeared behind the man. The man rose into the air as a white light began to manifest in his right hand. Artoria prepared herself for an attack.

A spear of light shot struck forwards faster than her eyes could see but her body responded with a mind of its own deflecting the spear. But there was no respite for her to feel a cheer as although the spear was parried, the sound of shattering echoed along the alley. All that remained of her bokken were splinters dotted on the cobbled street. Another the spear flew forwards and Artoria prepared herself to dodge the blow, but it never came. Another spear deflected it, and turning, she saw that the young girl, who now looked nothing like she had, held a furious expression.

"Enough Dohnaseek you've caused enough trouble as it is." Her voice, though sultry, carried with it an undercurrent of command. Her body, no longer that of a child, was now that of a mature twenty year old. She wore some depraved outfit that left nothing to the imagination and revealed her body for all to see. Artoria personally thought she would not look out of place in some degenerate adult film.

"I was merely seeing how far the human could go, I even managed to unlock her Sacred Gear in the process."

"We both know that it was your pride getting the better of you. But then again that shouldn't really surprise me considering your fall." The man's gaze sharpened at this and pain flickered throughout his body much to Artoria's confusion.

"Identify yourselves and tell me what you are. I may not have my sword but I will not surrender to you beings." Her voice was calm and although she was concerned by her lack of blade Artoria would not bow. She considered the red gauntlet upon her left hand and wondered whether it would allow her to escape if she had to. Although, where she could escape to she had little idea, maybe a church of some kind?

"Calm yourself Artoria, we're not here to hurt you despite what it might seem. We're here to help you. My name is Raynare, I am a fallen angel and it's my duty to protect humankind. We want you to join us to help defend this town from the devils that infest it." Raynare's voice was strong and Artoria could not feel any deceit, but if this was an angel how could she be certain? The pair's attitudes and outfits did not befit that of honourable protectors. Artoria needed more information.

Author's note:

So the fallen angels have made their move, a very different move from cannon. Are they trustworthy? Probably not.

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I figured Dohnaseek, a being that has probably lived for quite some time, could easily have a similar training to Souichiro in how to fight unarmed against an opponent using a blade. He isn't a reincarnation of Souichiro merely that he's learned similar schools of fighting in the past. I imagine Souichiro essentially learned most martial arts across the world and when he fought Saber he used the best methods to deal with an opponent fighting with a blade, Dohnaseek merely did the same.

I hope you enjoyed the fight. I also figured a non-servant Artoria with her potential still unknown fighting against a fallen angel using only martial arts at the peek of human potential, sometimes slipping over would probably result in a similar outcome to Saber fighting a caster empowered Souichiro.

As always suggestions, thoughts and criticisms are always welcome. I hope you all have an enjoyable Christmas and hopefully the next chapter should be out soon. I already have some interesting ideas of where I want it to go.