What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter in Fate DxD. Now we officially begin the Excalibur Arc.
Someone asked why would I make random Servants instead of summoning real ones. Technically, I didn't make them. The guy who petitioned these two made them. I only made one OC Servant and that was Savior.
Another asked why Sona's Peerage didn't tell Ren what would happen if he beat Sona. Well, to be fair, they always believed their Kaichou never lost. That, added with the fact that he wasn't a Devil, they had no reason to tell him because they underestimated him.
To those who keep telling me that I shouldn't pair Ren with 'her' and 'her', I'm the one writing this thing, dude. If I want to pair him with someone, I'm gonna fucking pair him with someone.
Also, big props to Apokalyps117. He actually guessed who was gonna be the next Servant to be summoned.
Now for the disclaimer: I do not own, except my OC, the Fate series, Highschool DxD, or any material related. All rights go to their respective owners.
Now let's get this party started… BEGIN!
Fate/DxD
Chapter 9: A Knight's Conflict
(Begin Ougon no Kagayaki by Number 201)
(Instruments) The camera opens to a nighttime view of Kuoh, panning as a stream of white light hops across the rooftops. The light stops to reveal Savior, who notices a scarlet red light pass by him then follows after it. The screen cuts to a scene at the Academy to reveal Rias unleashing her Orb of Destruction at a shadowy smirking figure only for it to cast aside the attack then disperse a shockwave at the Gremory princess, who was saved by the untimely arrival of Issei with the Boosted Gear on his right arm. Cuts back to the nighttime scene where the white and scarlet lights clash with each other then land on the side of a building, revealing them to be Savior while his opponent was Avenger. Both Heroic Spirits lunged at one another, Savior with his sword raised while Avenger smirked, producing a set of deadly black claws
(Mune no oku fukaku hisomu kono kizu wa) Cuts to Ren's face, eyes opened, as the camera pans out to reveal him standing on the rooftop of Kuoh Academy, overlooking the town with the sun beginning to rise
(Iyasareru koto wa nai) A brief image of black and white feathers enshrouds the screen before flying away to reveal Savior resting against a tree, sword by his side, as he opens his palm to allow one of the white feathers to land in his hand
(Daraka boku tachi wa kono mi sutesatte) Cuts to Rias in the Occult Research Club room, sitting at her desk, with her Peerage by her side
(Tsuyokunarou to chikatta) Cuts to a shadowy cloaked figure, watching the town from atop of a tall structure, a wicked grin appearing underneath the hood
(Dare mo ga negai) Cuts to reveal Saber lounging on a rather expensive chair, her jagged red sword by her side with Caster leaning on top with her tail swishing about behind her
(Inochi butsuke au) Cuts to Lancer upon a stone bridge, twirling her crimson spear, releasing a breath of cold air from her lungs while Berserker appears from beneath the bridge, his blood red visor glowing in the darkness
(Mayoi wa iranai) Cuts to Rider and Assassin standing on the metal beams of a steel bridge, the lights of Kuoh cascading all around them
(Tatakau to kimeta kara) Cuts to Ruler and Archer back-to-back as the sun shines down upon the two before cutting to brief images of Rias, Issei, Savior, and Ren
(Furikazu ougon no kagayaki) The camera cuts to Ren in his Saber Install blade-locking a black version of Saber, both roaring as they break the lock and slash at each other with their swords, sending sparks flying
(Tozasareta yoru wo hiraku yaiba) Cuts to Rider unleashing a blood red magic circle, Archer firing an arrow from her bow, and Lancer using her Noble Phantasm against an Alter version of Cu Chulainn
(Kotae nado naito shitte ite mo) Cuts to Kokabiel grinning maliciously while an army of Fallen Angels appears behind him, wielding spears of light
(Risou no hate wo motome tsuzukeru) Ren looks back to see three young girls appear in a flash. Two of them revealed to be Illya and Miyu while the other was Kuro. All three wave at him to which he sighs with a sweatdrop
(Ano hi miageta hoshi wa ima mo) Cuts to a pale hand outstretching towards a golden light
(Yakitsuite kieru koto wa nai yo) Cuts to Savior bringing his sword up to bear while twelve glowing white wings appear on his back
(Tatta hitotsu no tashikana mono) The Heroic Spirit raises his weapon, the blade surrounded by holy energy, then slashes down, evoking a massive pillar of light that climbs to the darkened skies
(Hajimari no jibun oikaketeiku) Cuts back to Ren looking up at the starlit night sky, in a field of flowers as his Command Seals glow then fade away
(Instruments) The camera pans away from Ren for a few seconds, dark grey clouds enshrouding him from view as the title materializes in front of the screen
(End of Opening)
Grail Faction HQ
"Well, that worked out better than I thought." Ren commented as his new Saber and Caster stared at him. When he first converted Sakuya into a Caster-class Servant, the girl screamed. It was expected, but still disturbing. In fact, Raven looked ready to kill the Sorcerer if his sister was in pain.
The pinkette clung to her brother, while both her and Raven stare at him.
"You think?" Raven questioned.
"It was not the best but at least it worked since you can both stay together." The Sorcerer replied.
"Just who are you anyways?" Raven demanded.
"Ren Sanada, I'm a Magus and a Sorcerer." The red-eyed boy shrugged. "I'm also the leader of the Grail Faction. What are your names?"
"I'm Raven and this is my little sister Sakuya…" He gestures to the clinging pinkette.
Ren grins, leaning down to introduce himself to the girl. "Hello there."
The girl hid behind her brother, making Ren look at Raven. "It's a long story…" he said.
"I'll take your word for it." The Sorcerer shrugged. "Come along, I'll introduce you to the rest of my Servants."
"Alright. Come along, Sakuya."
"H-Hai…"
The Sorcerer led his new Servants into the living room where the rest of the Grail Faction sat in waiting.
"Goshujin-sama!" Kuroka promptly glomps the Sorcerer, burying his face into her cleavage.
"Can't breath." He stated bluntly with his voice muffled by boob flesh.
"Who is she?" Raven asked while he nearly jumped from the action the woman did to Ren.
"One of my Casters," The boy removed himself from the woman's breasts. "Her name's Kuroka, a nekoshou and former Stray Devil."
The two look at Ren. "Long story." He said.
"Oh, we have new comrades." Berserker came in, dressed in a black business suit.
Sakuya hid behind her brother from the sight of the man.
"Ah, I see that this is the girl that doesn't like men." The knight grinned. "Be at ease, child. There has only been one woman in my life that I loved and no one will ever replace her."
"Oh! A fellow Caster!" Caster quipped cheerfully.
"This is my first Caster, don't mind her, she's quite friendly…" Ren paused. "At times."
"You're no fun!"
"See what I mean?"
"Praetor, Archer messed with my bath!" Came the voice of Saber, who stood at the door wearing only a white towel around her dripping, wet body.
"That's because the smell was irritating me!" Archer walked in wearing only her dress and boots.
"That's Saber and Archer," Ren introduces the next Servant but palmed his face. They were acting like children.
Sakuya curiously inched her head to see the two beautiful women arguing, blushing slightly at how pretty they both were.
"Master Ren," Stepping from out of the kitchen was Ruler, dressed in a blouse, a black skirt, and black stockings. "I'm glad you made it home."
"That's Ruler." Ren grinned, gesturing to the blonde Servant. "Unlike the few here who are acting like children right now, she is very kind to everyone."
The young woman approached Raven and Sakuya. "A pleasure to meet you both. It'll be good to have you as comrades."
"Nice to meet you," Raven acknowledged while Sakuya gave a brief nod towards her.
"Oh, Ren-san is back." Coming from out of the bedroom was Illya, Miyu, and Kuro with Assassin following close behind.
"Mother!" The young Servant cried out, hugging her mother/Master's waist.
"Hello, Assassin. Still a dude by the way." The Sorcerer pointed out.
"Who are those other three girls?"
"That's Illya, Miyu, and Kuro," said Ren, gesturing to the said three girls.
"So… they aren't Servants?"
"No, they're…" The magus grimaced as if disliking the word. "Magical girls from another dimension."
….
….
….
"Are you joking?"
"Does it look like I'm joking?" Ren gestured to his neutral expression.
"So then… they're really from another dimension?"
"Yes, we are," Illya confirmed.
"Though why aren't you home? I thought I told you to go back." Ren gave the three girls a scolding expression.
"We have been trying but…"
"You have no idea how to get home, do you?" The boy inquired dryly.
"Nope." The three young girls reply in unison.
"Damn it…" Ren rubbed his forehead, a migraine already forming. "As if my life didn't have enough problems." He then gestures to Lancer and Rider. "And the ones you met before is Lancer and Rider."
"Hello," Raven waved nervously to the two women.
"Hmm, he's nervous." Rider stated.
"How cute." Lancer smirked in a bored manner.
"So, do you have any questions?" The Sorcerer asked the two new Servants.
"Um…" Sakuya wanted to speak but hid behind her brother.
"You said before that we had Sacred Gears. What are they?" Raven inquired.
Ren shrugged. "Don't know. Apparently, you can summon them whenever you wish if you look deep inside yourselves, I think."
"You don't know much about Sacred Gears, do you?"
"Not much. I am still looking into the matter."
Raven frowned then sighed. "Well, I guess we'll have to worry about it later."
"Oh no, we're doing this now." Ren smirked. "In fact, since you're new here, we're going to be introducing you to our training regiment."
"Training…?"
"Since you two recently joined, you both will be learning combat. Since you are now a Saber and your sister being a Caster, I suggest you receive training from a fellow Servant of that class." He snapped his fingers, just as Saber and Caster appear behind him in their combat outfits.
"Ready and waiting, Praetor!" The Saber puffed her chest out.
"I'm always ready to help, Goshujin-sama!" Caster grinned widely, grabbing hold of Ren's arm.
"Personal space." The Sorcerer deadpanned, earning a pout from Caster. "Saber, you will be teaching Raven and Caster, you will be teaching Sakuya."
"Understood, Praetor." Saber saluted her Master.
"Got it, Goshujin-sama!" Caster hopped with excitement.
"Good. I wish you both good luck." He said.
"Wait, us or them?" Raven asked.
"Oh, you and your sister, definitely. You'll need it if you plan on surviving." Ren answered with a cheerful grin.
"Onii-chan… I don't like where this is going…"
"Neither do I, Sakuya…" Raven gulped.
Khaos Brigade
Drake returned to his Master in shame as he dropped on one knee, bowing his head in submission. "My master, I have returned. However, it is to my great dishonor that I've failed in our mission."
The black-cloaked figure glanced back, glowing yellow eyes glaring at the Reincarnated Devil. "And it would seem that four of my Sacred Gear wielders are dead. I'm most disappointed."
"I am ashamed of myself, Master." Drake summoned his spear. "If it will please you, I will end my life to rid myself of this shame."
"That won't be necessary. I will have those Sacred Gears soon enough." The figure replied.
"Do you have a plan, Master?" asked Drake.
"Yes, in fact, I plan on eliminating a few variables once the Fallen Angel initiates his little war game." The figure stated. "Can you track down the location of that stray exorcist? The one with the mental problems."
"It shall be done, my Master." Drake nodded.
Kuoh Academy - The Next Day
"Well, on the bright side, they've gotten… better." Savior admitted with an awkward grin.
"They were getting their asses kicked." Ren deadpanned.
"We can hear you, y'know." Raven interjected as Sakuya was behind her brother. "We're not deaf."
"We know, we're just pointing out that you suck at fighting." Ren replied.
"I'll have you know that I'm a kendo champion!" Raven argued.
"That's useless if you get in a scuffle with an opponent trying to kill you." Savior pointed out.
The Saber-class Servant felt offended but they had a point. "Now my pride hurts…"
"Onii-chan…" Sakuya looked up at her older brother.
"Then again, we can always practice your combat techniques. You'll need to learn the benefits of being Servants." Ren replied.
"Like what?" Raven blinked.
"Well, Sabers possess a skill called Magic Resistance which allows them to cancel out magical attacks depending on how high of a rank they possess. Right now, your rank is currently C. So you'll be able to counter against basic and some advanced magic-based attacks." Ren explained.
"What about Sakuya?"
"Well, Casters possess a skill called Territory Creation, which allows them to establish a workshop for them to construct magical objects for their allies." Ren gave Sakuya a critical look, much to her displeasure. "However, her skill set is basically all E-rank except for a skill called 'Healing' which is at least B-rank. Which leads me to believe that Sakuya-san's Sacred Gear/Noble Phantasm is a healing-type."
"Healing…?"
"Similar to a Sacred Gear that Asia Argento owns."
"You mean the new student that always hangs around that pervert, Hyoudou?" Raven inquired.
"Yep, the same one." Ren nodded.
"So that means that Sakuya's not suited for combat." The older boy realized as he looked down at his sister.
"Not necessarily a good thing, considering Casters are good with attack spells." Savior stated. "Though, due to her condition, I wouldn't be surprised if she froze in terror the next time a battle happened."
Raven frowned at the Servant but seeing his sister's expression, he calmed himself.
"Well, in any case, just go to class like normal and try to keep your abilities hidden. I would hate to have to deal with political parties." Ren remarked.
"You make it sound like it happened before," Raven deadpanned.
"Long story."
"I'll… take your word for it." Raven replied with a sweatdrop.
"Now with that aside, see you later." Ren waved his new Servants off as he and Savior entered their homeroom.
Raven stood there for a brief second then turned to his sister. "Does he even know that you go to this class as well?"
Sakuya, with flushed cheeks, shook her head.
"Sakuya, promise me you will be okay from here on?" Her brother asked. "I know it will be difficult, but… do your best, okay?"
"H-hai, Onii-chan…" The girl nodded, entering her homeroom while her older brother watched. The moment she entered through the doors, she was met with a lot of wolf whistles and lecherous stares, much to her phobic fear.
"Ah! Now that's one sexy girl with big hooters!" The resident pervert, Matsuda exclaimed.
"Yeah!" Issei Hyoudou added.
The glasses-wearing member of the Perverted Trio locked on to his latest target, already scanning her three sizes much to Sakuya's embarrassment.
"You three!" A stern voice spoke, followed by an aura of death which froze the three perverts in their place as they stared into the terrifying visage of Ren Sanada. "I suggest you keep your comments and gazes to yourselves if you wish to live longer in the next five seconds."
The three swallowed in fear and nodded vigorously.
"Next time you stare at her lecherously, you'll wish you were born as girls." At that point, an afterimage of a certain rampaging demigod appeared behind Ren, growling at the Perverted Trio. "Understand?"
"Aye, sir!" The three boys cowered.
Meanwhile in another universe…
A talking blue cat sneezes.
A buxom blonde dressed in blue and white looked down at the feline. "You catching a cold, Happy?"
"Actually, I think someone just used my catchphrase." The cat replied.
"Who are they!? I'll smash their faces in and burn them to ashes!" A pink-haired firebreather snarled.
"Geez, Natsu, calm down, would ya?" The girl deadpanned.
"Aye, sir!" Happy added.
Back in DxD…
Once the perverts had been fully domesticated, Ren gestured to an empty seat a few ways from him and Savior.
Sakuya took that chance to quickly move to her seat, muttering a small 'thank you' to the dark-haired boy. Ren smiled before he and Savior took their seats.
After which, the bell rang, the teacher came in, and classes started…
Occult Research Club Room
Once classes had ended, Ren and Savior sat on the lush couches while Rias, Akeno, Yuuto, Koneko, Asia, and Issei sat on the opposite side.
"We have a problem." The Sorcerer stated.
"And that would be?" The redheaded girl raised a brow.
"It would seem that there are Devils hunting Sacred Gear users and killing them." Ren stated. "What do you know about this?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You don't know?" He questioned. "Then you should know a few Devils attempted to kill two people because of their Sacred Gears."
"Then they must've been Strays." Yuuto pointed out.
"Except these said that they served a Lord. Someone who undoubtedly has control over Reincarnated Devils." Savior countered.
"So that means there's another player in the field." Ren stated, folding his hands together in a thoughtful manner. "Gremory-san, do you know anything about this?"
"Sadly, I don't but can you tell me what they looked like? Onii-sama could know something about the Reincarnated Devils."
"Unfortunately, I don't know what they looked like. Two of my Servants dealt with them." Ren shrugged. "And they weren't really focused on chatting, if you know what I mean."
Rias winced at the image. "I can see why…" she murmured.
"What I do know is that they all possessed a unique energy signature. One similar to a Sacred Gear." Ren revealed this revelation to the Gremory Peerage. "Which means that this force also commands Sacred Gear users. Some that are at least on the same level as my Servants."
This earned a forlorned look from the Gremory heiress. It does sound troubling indeed. Something clearly is going on in her territory.
"I would suggest that you stay on guard. No doubt there will be trouble later on." Ren informed the redhead.
"I thank you for informing me of this situation, Sanada-san."
"No thanks needed. I only wanted to keep those that are still useful to me alive." The Sorcerer shrugged.
"Hey, senpai, is it true that you are marrying kaichou?!" The pervert asked, earning a twitching eyebrow from Rias but also from Ren at the reminder.
The young man growled. "Unfortunately…" He admitted in annoyance. "Just don't ask. I am disliking this more so just by mentioning it."
"It can't be that bad."
"Hmm, let's see, not only have I won Gremory's hand in marriage, but I've apparently gained Sona's as well. Both of whom have Maoh siblings that would kill me if I deny them." Ren points out.
Issei gawked in disbelief. "Your harem is growing!?"
"I told you that I don't have a freaking harem!" Ren exclaimed in comical anger with his cheeks burning the same red as his eyes.
"Then how come you got so many beautiful hot girls around you!?" He pointed out.
"You think I want this?! I'm not even doing anything! It just fucking happens!" Ren argued.
"You're lucky is what you are!"
"Hyoudou, if you keep talking, I'm gonna tear your spine out and choke you with it." The Sorcerer warned.
Issei squeaked and nodded meekly in obedience.
"Good dog." Ren smirked.
"What do you plan to do about this matter, Sanada-san?"
"For the time being, train my two new Servants."
"New Servants?" Akeno inquired with a sly grin.
"Not what you think." Ren deadpanned. "Keep those thoughts to yourself."
"You're no fun," She pouted.
"And you're creepy. Has anyone told you that?" The boy raised a brow.
A knock on the door earned their attention as Rias' Queen answered, revealing Sona with a grim look.
"Sona? What seems to be the matter?"
"I was informed we have two exorcists coming to the territory soon," she said.
Ren raised a brow. "Exorcists? What are they from, the Vatican?"
"Yes. Whatever reason why, they will be coming to this building."
The Sorcerer chuckled. "Well, ain't this ironic. Holy Warriors coming to see the creatures from the Pit. It makes for a good story if you think about it."
"Apparently, they've also been informed to meet with the one whose soul shines with light." Sona added.
Fuck…
"That's it." He stood up. "First this 'marriage' nonsense and now this? If you need me, I am going to see how my new Servants are doing."
Once the young Master had left, Savior stood up as well, giving them each an incline of his head. "Farewell for now, minna." With a smile, the First Fallen left the clubroom.
"It seems it irritated him." Sona sighed.
"When is he not irritated?" Rias inquired with a sly grin.
"Always whenever it involves us Devils, the other factions or your Pawn."
"Hey!" Said Pawn exclaimed incredulously.
"You are a bit of an annoyance at times, Ise-kun." Yuuto points out with a charming grin.
The pervert starts crying tears of despair. "You guys are jerks!"
Grail Faction HQ
Raynare looked down at the meal that had been given to her by the Servant known as Caster. Despite her seemingly hostile nature, she acted more like a scolding mother. Her stomach growled in protest, ignoring her pride as hunger took over her actions.
She took hold of the chopsticks and ate the grilled mackerel first. Her eyes lit up. It was delicious!
She took another bite and another before she chooses to eat it entirely, savoring the taste.
Her next target was the rice. Despite its white coloring, it had a perfect touch of stickiness. She practically inhaled it with her mouth.
Azazel had told her that she and her comrades would be under the Grail Faction's care. At first, she wanted to curse him for leaving them in the hands of a mere human, but so far they've been treated not as prisoners but like sick children with overprotective parents. It felt humiliating at first, but the perks were actually quite delectable.
Especially the food she's eating now.
"I see you're regaining your strength." A heavenly voice spoke, drawing the Fallen's attention towards the buxom blonde girl with the tiara. Ruler, if she remembered correctly.
"Y-Yes," She replied, feeling intimidated by this 'human' that watched her with sharp violet eyes. There was something about them that unnerved her.
Ruler grinned. "Excellent. Master Ren will be quite pleased to hear of this. He was worried about you."
The Fallen Angel raised an eyebrow. A human was concerned for a Fallen Angel like her?
"I know what you may think. My Master is a bit… difficult at times, but he does possess a kind heart." Ruler explained. "He may not show it, but he's been making extra sure that you and your friends were comfortable here. In fact, I believe he's using this chance to change your ways."
"A human like him changing our ways?" The Fallen Angel repeated.
"You're not bad people, you just followed the wrong leader." Ruler pointed out. "Azazel, despite his perverted tendencies, seems like he generally cares about you all. Kokabiel, however, doesn't if he's using you to kill humans with Sacred Gears."
Raynare felt the corner of her lips twitch. She wanted to argue that Kokabiel does care about them but the blunt remark sent a paused reaction to her mind.
"I can see from your hesitance that you have a hard time believing what I'm saying." The Servant remarked. "While you may deny it, the truth is as simple as it seems. Haven't you seen it or were you just blinded to the truth?"
Raynare avoided eye contact from the Servant.
Despite the woman looking away, Ruler had caught a glimpse of what the Fallen had felt. "I see. You wanted to be loved."
The Servant saw the Fallen's eye wince slightly. Seems she was correct.
"You may not believe this, but Ruler's possess a skill that allows them to completely read a person or a Heroic Spirit's history, skill set, and combat prowess. You're sad because your Father had passed away during the Great War, leaving you without a guide and forced you down a dark path. Said path would have gotten you killed in the long run." The blonde woman stated.
Raynare grimaced. It was true. Ever since the Great War, she had no guide to help her. It only lead her to her Fall. No matter who she followed, who she slept with, or who she killed, there was always this emptiness that only her Father could fill.
"The path of redemption is difficult, Raynare." Ruler reminded the woman. "Savior saw something in you and your comrades to spare you. I believe this could be your chance at earning forgiveness."
"...you honestly believe that can happen?" Raynare managed to say from her short pause.
"Wanna know a secret?" The young woman grinned at the Fallen Angel.
"What…?"
"My real name is Jeanne d'Arc. The Holy Maiden of Orleans." Ruler revealed her identity to the shocked woman.
Jeanne d'Arc was a name Heaven and even those in the Fallen community have never forgotten. Unlike the descendant they heard of, the one in front of her was the true Holy Maiden of Orleans that God had blessed before she was accused as a witch and burned at the stake. An event like that horrified Heaven, even God himself. From then on, the Lord never blessed another mortal maiden that prayed deeply to him or possessed a pure soul.
"Y-You're…" Raynare couldn't form words given the person she was speaking to.
"That is correct." Ruler smiled gently at the woman.
If Heaven ever found out about the Maiden being here, there would be a lot of attention. They would use everything in their arsenal to make her an honorary Angel. Maybe even raise her to the rank of Seraphim if they so desired.
"Now, I believe it's time we change your bandages." The Maid of Orleans places a gentle hand on Raynare's hand.
"A-Ah, right…"
"Come now, no need to be embarrassed. We're both women." Ruler chuckled melodically.
The Fallen Angel sighed and allowed the Maiden of Orleans to assist in replacing the bandages.
Once she removed the bindings, she noticed how the scars were slowly beginning to melt away, revealing creamy smooth skin. "Has anyone ever told you that you're quite a lovely maiden?" Ruler inquired, going through a medkit for more medical bandages.
Raynare blushed slightly at the compliment.
"I'm sure Master Ren would agree with me as well." The blonde winked slyly at the Fallen.
"Where is your 'Master' anyway?"
"He should be returning very soon," Jeanne replied. "He was meeting with Rias Gremory after school. He is probably arriving at the door very soon."
"How soon?"
The door was slammed open as Ren had an irritated look maring his features.
"That soon."
"Ugh! Why must everything in my life turn into a complete fuck fest!" The boy yelled, pulling at his silky black hair.
"Did something happened?" Ruler asked her fellow Servant, Savior.
"The Vatican sent two exorcists to Kuoh and want to meet Ren." Lucifer explained with a grin. "He's also engaged to Rias and Sona-san."
"WHAT WAS THAT!?" Came the voices of Saber, Caster, and Kuroka.
"Savior, you idiot!" Ren barked. "You are making it worse now!"
The First Fallen nervously chuckled while awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. "Ehehe, my bad…"
"How could you be engaged now, Praetor!?"
"I didn't ask for it in the first place!" He replied.
"Goshujin-sama, why must you keep adding more to your harem?!" Caster had anime tears streaming down her lovely face.
"I don't have a harem!" The Sorcerer exclaimed with a blush. First the pervert and now his own Servant was accusing him of having a harem.
"What about my babies! You and I were supposed to be making those right now!" Kuroka yelled, furiously.
The young magus groaned. "Why am I always surrounded by crazy women?!"
"Look on the bright side, Master. At least some of us understand the nonsense you are enduring," Savior stated.
"I am not gonna deal with more nonsense, especially from the Vatican!" He argued. "I'd rather not make things worse. I am gonna set the barrier and have no one else to bother us."
"Does that include Gremory and Sona-san?" He teased, earning a glare from his Master's crimson eyes.
"I will quite literally kick your ass, right here. Do not test me." Ren warned the human-visage of Lucifer.
The Servant raised his hands in defense before Ren begins to set up the barrier to prevent anyone from interrupting or approaching him. His day is crazy enough as it is, give him a break.
"Okay, that should keep any unnecessary intruders away from us." Ren smirked.
"So this is where you live." Came the voice of Rias Gremory.
"Son of a bitch!" The black-haired boy cried out in surprise. "What are you doing in my penthouse!? How did you even find me!?"
"I placed a tracking spell on you." The redhead smirked.
A twitch of the brow was all that she received. After that came the blood rushing towards his head as he glared at the girl in frustration.
"Uh oh," The Servants politely backed away.
"In other words… you violated my personal space…" He said quietly, another form of frustration slowly increasing. "Out."
"What?" Rias blinked in confusion.
"I said," He leaned near her face til his lips were an inch from her ear. "GET OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!" He screamed loud enough to disorient the Devil heiress. The heiress eventually found herself out of the apartment, the door slammed shut behind her, and the spell she casted gone and the barrier active again to prevent anymore interruptions. "AND STAY OUT!"
Rias pouts. "That's not a nice way to treat your fiance, hubby."
"AAAHHHHHHHHH!" Ren yelled loud enough to shatter his tonsils. "Stop calling me that! Just leave!"
The girl huffs but, inwardly, she liked how he started getting all embarrassed. It was honestly as adorable as when Issei tries to impress her.
Behind the door, Ren sighed heavily in irritation.
"You know…" Ren looks at Savior. "If you don't want any nonsense from them, can't you simply alter their memories?"
The boy lowered his head in regret. "I don't know how to do that… If you'll excuse me, I am going to sleep to stop this growing headache."
"Sleep well, Master."
"Kiss my ass, Savior." Ren snarked, shutting the door to his bedroom.
"I upsetted him, didn't I?" Savior asked his fellow Servants.
"Big time." They replied in unison.
The Next Day
Ren, Savior, Raven, and Sakuya were walking down to school. Though the tension in the air was so thick that one could cut it with a butter knife.
"Onii-chan…?" Sakuya looked up at her brother.
"Yeah, I don't know either." The Saber shrugged.
"You still mad?" Savior asked with a grin.
"Burn in hell." Ren snarled.
"Yep, still mad."
"What happened?" Raven asked the two.
"Don't ask." They both said but Ren gave one last glare to his Servant.
Before the siblings could question the whole reason for the argument, they stopped when they were met with two cloaked figures, both of whom were carrying swords on their back.
One of them noticed the group and approached. "Hello, I apologize for asking this, but are you students of Kuoh Academy?" The cloaked figure asked in a naive feminine tone.
"Uh… yeah?" Ren replied with a raise of his brow.
"Do you happen to know where the Occult Research Club is?"
Ren narrowed his eyes while holding back the urge to twitch his eyebrow. They were the exorcists Sona warned them of.
Crap.
"It is in the far west of the school grounds. Not that hard to miss considering its in an old school house of sorts."
"Thank you." The other cloaked person said before walking ahead.
"At least they don't know they just talked to-" Ren covered Savior's mouth.
"Don't. Say it." He warned. If exorcists were here and realized they talked to the one they wanted to speak to, it would only make things worse.
"Shutting up." Savior sulked.
"Good. If those exorcists are going to speak to Gremory and her Peerage then, we wait until the two exorcists leave and we will then ask her what is going on."
"What's the big deal anyways?" Raven asked. "I mean, it's not like they're here to kill you or anything."
Ren frowned. "Maybe not, but I've already revealed enough of my abilities to the Devils and Fallen Angels. I can't have the Church knowing as well. If they knew that I contained the Heaven's Feel, they would not stop until they captured me and forced me to revive warriors that once served under God."
"Oh… I see your point."
"Until they are gone from this town, we are to avoid them, understood?"
"Understood." Savior and Raven replied while Sakuya just nods her head.
"Let's head to our classes in the meantime."
Later…
After morning classes ended, the Master and his three Servants sat outside having a brief lunch, enjoying the sunlight and cool wind.
"Ah, this is the life." Ren grinned, munching on a rice ball slowly. "No irritations, no one to bother us."
"You kinda did barricade the door and set up a barrier to prevent that."
"Don't ruin it for him," Savior said to Raven.
"Why?" The Saber inquired.
"Because he'll kill us."
"And I can hear you." Ren stated.
The two quickly acted normal to not incur his wrath. They noted to allow Ren to savor this moment after the insane day he endured yesterday. And to not piss him off.
"Now, no more talking. Let me enjoy this moment of peace." The Sorcerer drank his strawberry milk. They nodded vigorously.
"Sanada-san."
"I swear to God," He ignored the hiss of pain. "If it's something that relates to me at all, I'm gonna…!" Ren growled.
Sakuya squeaked and hid behind her brother. She looks at Raven and whispers to let him speak for her.
"She just wanted to ask why you helped her back at the classroom when the Perverted Trio were… ogling at her."
"...oh." Now he felt like a jerk for acting that way to the androphobic girl. "Well, I did it because I can't stand a nice looking girl being treated like a piece of meat. It makes me sick to my stomach." He replied, folding his arms over his chest. "And you reminded me of someone when I was younger."
The pinkette leans over slightly. "I… remind you of someone…?"
Ren frowned. "Let's just say… they were someone important at one point in my life."
"O-Oh…" Sakuya murmured.
"Other than that, you looked uncomfortable, so I did you a favor." The black-haired boy remarked as he finished off his lunch.
"Thank you…"
Ren glanced at the shy girl then nodded. "No thanks necessary."
The girl resumes her eating as did the other three in peace.
"Senpai!" A familiar pervert's voice exclaimed, drawing a groan from the Sorcerer while Sakuya hid behind her brother.
"What do you want now, Hyoudou?" Ren sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can't you just leave us alone? I am right now in need of peace and quiet from you, your King and her Peerage and the rest of the Devils. So please, give me a reason to listen to you, or I'll kick your ass."
"Buchou said that it's time for the sporting events." Issei replied with sweat dripping down his face. "She wanted you there since you're an honorary member of the club."
"Oh, why didn't you just say that before?" The Sorcerer blinked a few times. "Also, did your King receive any visitors?"
"Oh that, well… they eventually left after…"
"Issei… did you do something perverted?"
"Uh… no?"
"Liar."
"I swear that I'm not lying!" The Pawn exclaimed. Though, truth be told, he was staring at the exorcists' skintight bodysuits and how it showed off all of their God-given curves and breasts. "It was actually Yuuto who started it."
"Say what?" Savior raised a brow in surprise. "That's strange. I've never known Yuuto-kun to act out. I always thought Issei-boyo would be the troublemaker."
"Hey! I am not a troublemaker!"
"You peek on girls." Raven started.
"You violate them just by staring."
"You have a skill in your Sacred Gear that destroys clothing."
Sakuya quickly hid herself deeper behind Raven.
"And you scare Sakuya-chan." Savior added.
With each gut-wrenching truth, Issei sulked down into the earth like a beaten dummy. "You guys are so mean to me!" He cried anime tears.
"You brought up the topic, blame is on you."
"I don't know why I idolize you!" Issei sniffed.
"What'd you say?" Ren looked surprised.
The Pawn blinked until his cheeks flushed. "Well, you're really strong, Sanada-senpai. Not only that, but you've got all these really cool fighters as your servants. Not only that, but you have a freaking harem!"
Ren growled at that last part.
"Other than that, I think Ddraig actually respects you." Issei grinned.
The magus rolled his eyes. "Of course, dragons only value power after all." He muttered.
"Anyways, are you coming to play?" The perverted Devil asked.
"I'll think about it." Ren answered.
"So… a yes?"
"Just go before I force you to." He threatened.
The Pawn squeaked with fear and fled from the Sorcerer.
"Was that really necessary?" Savior inquired.
Ren raised a brow at his Servant. "Is that a trick question?"
"Uh… no?"
"Then you know the answer." He concluded.
Gymnasium
There were many things that Ren was thankful for. His power, his computer skills, and especially his good looks. Right now, he was quite thankful for the latter since he stood on the opposite side watching Issei being pelted by numerous dodgeballs while his fellow Peerage members were safe from the wrath of many angry boys.
The Sorcerer thought this game was pretty stupid since he hated sports. However, when the two 'Onee-samas' of Kuoh were on the opposite side, along with Koneko, Asia, and Yuuto, it made the skirmish seem more like a one-sided massacre, especially when Issei was the target.
The pervert, despite being struck by rubber red balls, continuously spouted out how he was with Rias and Akeno, having the chance to squeeze their breasts and all that nonsense. Ren personally struck the Pawn in the testicles for that remark.
The Master didn't get struck because he was Kuoh Academy's 'Vampire Bad Boy'. A fitting name, but mostly from the numerous fangirls (and questionable guys).
Savior, Raven, and Sakuya were watching the pervert alongside him. Pitying the poor soul as he received countless hits to the head and even to his scrotum. Most of the hits come from Koneko. A few from Sakuya as well.
"Why are most of the hits always me!"
"Pervert," Koneko robotically answered.
"She's got ya there." Ren nodded in acceptance, patting the Rook's head.
"Why do you have to say that!?" The Pawn exclaimed until he squeals in pain when another fast ball struck him in his… balls.
Every male in the vicinity winced as they subconsciously cover their own scrotums. Even Ren had to cup his jewels when he actually heard a sort of cracking motion. "That… sounds extremely painful." The pervert was on the ground, clutching his jewels.
"Master, should we stop this?" Savior whispered.
"No, let's have Gremory-san deal with Issei's tormentors." Ren replied as he watched the buxom redhead get revenge for her Pawn's pain, striking each boy that threw a ball at the pervert. The Sorcerer, thankfully, didn't get hit because his so-called 'fiance' couldn't hit him.
"Sanada-san," Sakuya spoke softly, ignoring her fear of the opposite gender at that moment. "Kiba-san looks sad." She gestured to said Knight, who seemed to be deep in thought, not even bothering to focus on the game.
"Hmm," Ren furrowed his brows. It isn't like Yuuto to look so… out of it. In fact, the boy could honestly say that he was concerned for the blonde Devil. When Issei told him that the Knight had nearly caused a scuffle between the Gremory Peerage and the exorcists from the Church, the Sorcerer almost didn't believe the pervert but after seeing the far-off expression on Yuuto's face, he was starting to rescind his doubts. "Something must have happened before…" He would need to talk to Issei of what exactly started the scuffle. Asking Yuuto would be a bad idea, given how he would react if he asks.
The pervert in question was slowly getting back on his feet. For all his despicable tendencies, he had an admirable will to never give up. Ren respected that and even believed that Issei would be a powerful Heroic Spirit if his deeds in life get recorded in the Throne of Heroes.
…
…
…
Actually, that might not be such a good idea…
"Thinking of something, Master?" Savior asked.
"I actually had a terrible thought. Something that I dread should never come to light." Ren replied in a serious matter.
"What are you dreading to do…?"
"Shut up and stop speaking like a fool." The Master spat.
Abandoned Cathedral
Freed looked at his new toy with a sick grin. A sword said to be the fastest out of all the pieces of Excalibur. The sword that the Church kept hidden within their walls. However, their guard was lackluster at best considering stray exorcists stole the weapon easily. Which is how the mad priest currently held Excalibur Rapidly since he was the strongest swordsman amongst their forces.
He couldn't wait to shed blood with the sword. However, he desired to skewer the heart of the boy that stood in his way from having his fun. Especially the red-garbed slut that followed him and so effortlessly defeated Freed with only a swift blow.
"You wield such a powerful tool like a child's toy. How pathetic." A voice broke through the quiet halls, irritating the ex-priest.
"Who the fuck said that?!" Freed demanded, eager to kill the bastard that dared to insult him.
"You are not at liberty to know that, mortal." The voice replied from the shadows. "In fact, I have no earthly desire to even reveal myself to someone with a piece of a faulty Miracle."
"What are you some shitty deity with a shitty personality?" The madman spat.
"God, I wished that fool had killed you back at the church. At least then, I wouldn't have to sully myself with looking upon such a disrespectful little brat."
"Are you making fun of me, you fucker!"
The cloaked figure, who had been looking through the eyes of their rat familiar, rolled their own eyes. "If I was taunting you, I would be there to say it to your face while you bled out in agony."
Freed gritted his teeth as he glared into the darkness. "You're making me angry now!"
"Be silent! Kokabiel's human mongrel didn't give you that blade just so that you could bitch and moan like a child." Yellow eyes glimmered in the shadows, watching Freed's every move.
The stray exorcist growled as his knuckles turned white with how hard he was gripping the handle of Excalibur Rapidly.
"Good dog. Now, I've been hearing that you're looking for a little payback, right?" The voice inquired.
Freed raised a silver-grey brow. "And your point is?"
"How would you like an opportunity to get your revenge?" The voice offered.
If there was ever a time where Freed's smile wouldn't be breaking his face, it was now. "I'm listening…" He snickered.
Occult Research Club
"Care to explain to me what's wrong with Yuuto-san?" Ren demanded with a glare at the red-haired Devil.
Rias grimaced. She figured that this would come sooner or later the moment her Pawn started running his mouth again. Truthfully, she didn't want to explain her Peerages' pasts. However, the look in the Sorcerer's eyes was enough to break those mental walls.
"He has… personal history with the Excaliburs." The Devil heiress replied as carefully as possible.
"Excaliburs?" Ren raised a brow. There should only be one in existence. "How could there be more than one?"
"During the Great War, Excalibur was shattered. The Vatican gathered all of the pieces and reforged them into seven new swords that were kept under lock and key." Rias explained.
The young magus furrowed his brows. If the King of Knights were to hear of this, she/he would undoubtedly be disappointed to hear that the legendary sword they wielded broke so easily. The Excalibur in the Nasuverse is said to be a True Miracle, or at least one of them. Forged by Alaya itself, there is no way that the blade would be shattered by any sort of means. However, it would seem that in this universe, those rules don't apply.
"Not much of a Holy Sword then if it breaks so easily." Savior scoffed.
"Moving on," Ren glanced at his Servant then back at the redhead. "What happened with Yuuto and the Excaliburs?"
Rias looked down, almost unable to reply. Ever since the sporting competition had ended, her Knight had left after she slapped him. He hadn't returned since. If her fiance could offer any advice then it would help Yuuto get closure in the end. "It all began when he was a child…"
And so the Gremory heiress regaled the dreadful tale of Yuuto Kiba, an orphaned child who was taken in by the Church only to be used by a mad scientist priest in an experiment called the 'Holy Sword Project'. Ren sat there listening to how Yuuto endured torture after torture while other children like him perished. At one point, the Sorcerer had crushed the teacup that Akeno served him in his bare hand, ignoring the porcelain digging in his palms, the blood dripping down to the carpet, and the tea scalding his skin. Thankfully, Sakuya healed the wound due to her Sacred Gear's healing ability. Not as potent as the Twilight Healing wielded by Asia but still just as effective.
Once Rias had finished telling Yuuto's tragic past, she gauged the boy's expression. Naturally, Savior looked upset along with Raven and Sakuya. However, it was the look of cold, burning rage that flashed within the Sorcerer's pupils. In fact, she swore she felt the temperature drop by several degrees.
"All those sacrifices… just to create faux imitations of a broken sword!?" Ren snarled, disliking this dimension's Church lesser than the one he's come to know. "It makes me sick to even consider those bastards human beings!" Had he full control of his emotions at the moment, he would realize that he was unintentionally unleashing a vicious killing intent that scared the Devils in the room and even his own Servants.
"I-It's regrettable, but life is quite cruel." Rias admitted, trying to keep the nervous sweat on her forehead from dripping down.
"Where is he?" Ren demanded.
"W-what?" The redhead leaned back in surprise.
"I said, where is he? Where is Yuuto Kiba?" The Sorcerer frowned.
At that moment, the door opened, revealing said Knight, who looked anything but pleased. "I'm back." Came the blonde's response.
"Perfect timing." Ren glanced at the bishonen 'Prince of Kuoh'.
Outside…
Both the Knight and the Sorcerer stood on opposite ends of each other when Ren demanded a fight with Yuuto. Rias, at first, protested, but a look from the magus silenced anymore retorts.
"Why did you want to fight me?" Yuuto asked with a grumble.
"Fight you?" Ren laughed mockingly, irritating the Knight. "I'm going to beat you within an inch of your life." He pulls out a Saber Class Card, implanting the Heroic Spirit that he once used against Raynare during their first battle. "Include!" At his command, the invisible blade materialized in place of the card, as the young man took hold of the grip and entered a sword fighting stance.
Surprised at first, the Devil activated his Sacred Gear, summoning a demon sword in both hands since he had no idea what sort of weapon the magician wielded.
The two warriors stared each other down for several silent seconds until they lunge at each other, the sound of their swords singing as sparks flew, clanging fiercely as their masters glare into each other's eyes.
"Onii-chan," Raven glanced at his sister. "Why are they fighting?"
"I honestly don't know, Sakuya-chan." The Saber shrugged.
Yuuto grits his teeth as Ren slowly pushed him back (thanks to the Saber's strength). His two demon blades slowly started to crack the same way as when he dueled against the Exorcist known as Irina Shidou, who wielded Excalibur Mimic, an Excalibur with the power to change its form.
"Weak." Came the Sorcerer's taunt as he released a burst of prana that shattered the Knight's demon swords into millions of pieces. Before Yuuto could get over his shock, the human mage had already planted his foot in the blonde's chest, sending him flying back until he slammed into the wall of the ORC building. "Is that really all you got? Guess it explains a lot."
Yuuto snarled, summoning Holy Eraser, one of his strongest blades that devours holy energy and other sources of light. "You bastard!" He shouted, lunging at Ren.
The moment Ren swung the invisible blade and clashed with Yuuto's Holy Eraser, he sent a mental command that diminished the Invisible Air for a brief second, revealing the glowing golden blade of the legendary sword hidden beneath the wind-focused mana.
The others took note of the blade, their reactions holding nothing but fear and shock at the sight of the legendary sword.
"Excalibur…" Rias uttered out the word almost in terror. She could sense the power and overflowing sacred light that radiated within the blade that Ren wielded in his hands.
"You…!" Yuuto's eyes burst with rage as he glared almost hatefully at the Sorcerer. "You have an Excalibur!"
At that moment, the young man chuckled then laughed out loud as if he heard the funniest thing on Earth. "Have an Excalibur?" His grin turned dark. "This is the true Excalibur!"
Despite the Holy Eraser's ability to absorb light, it just couldn't absorb the True Miracle being wielded by the Sorcerer. In fact, it almost seemed as if the demon sword was afraid of the blade.
"Then the class card you are using…" Rias realized from the Rating Game, the cards having a form of a soul inside it. Putting two and two together, it meant he used a Class Card that holds the soul of King Arthur!
"Yes, Arthur Pendragon, the legendary King of Knights, and the greatest of all swordsmen!" Ren declared as Excalibur's light shattered Holy Eraser.
Time seemed to come to a stand still as the shocked Knight of the Gremory Peerage watched as his best sword was defeated by the Excalibur. A weapon so great that none could contend with it. Not even a demon sword or a Longinus-type.
The tip of the blade rested near his throat. If Ren wished it, he could end the Devil with one stroke. However, he did not instigate this fight to humiliate Yuuto. He had another purpose.
"Tell me. Since I wield Excalibur, does that make me evil in your eyes?" The magus asked the prone Devil boy.
Yuuto grimaced, his eyes looking at the blade.
"You don't even have an answer. What were you going to do after you 'destroyed' all of the Excalibur Fragments? Is that gonna provide you closure? Or are you going to kill yourself after you've completed your purpose in life?" Ren inquired.
"Yuuto would never-"
"I am asking him, not you," He warned, glancing at the Gremory heiress. The girl backed away for a moment from the icy glare of the Sorcerer. Facing Yuuto, he expected an answer from the Knight. "Let me tell you something. I don't care what sort of hatred you hold for those fake Excaliburs, nor do I care if you hate me because I wield the true sword. You need to understand that it isn't the tool that is evil, but rather the person who instigated the Holy Sword Project. That is why your swords have been shattering every time I struck because you've been so focused on your hatred rather than the battle. A Sacred Gear reacts the same way as a person's emotions. They are God's gift to humanity, yet you use it as a tool for vengeance. Your own Sacred Gear is abandoning you because you just won't let go of the past."
The information shocked Yuuto, raising his hands to see his very palms. His own Sacred Gear abandoning him? It felt wrong but it eerily made sense. A Sacred Gear reacts similar to human emotions. Issei's Sacred Gear and his… 'unique' Dress Break skill was evident to the connection between the host's emotions and the Sacred Gear.
"So what is your answer, Yuuto Kiba?" Ren glared down at the Knight, Excalibur resting upon the boy's chest. "Are you going to use your Sacred Gear for vengeance? Or will you use it for justice?"
"I…"
"The decision is entirely left up to you." The young man stated. "Your actions will tell if you are one of the two." He moves his sword away from the Knight. "Better keep that in mind."
Seeing as his point had been made, the Sorcerer dispersed Excalibur, revealing the Saber card once more as the King of Knights' soul returned to the Throne of Heroes within his own body.
"So it is true…" A voice suddenly broke through all the silence.
All eyes landed on the two exorcists that had come to get permission to enter Devil territory. A beautiful buxom bluenette with an impassive stare and having a wrapped up object on her back and a lovely pigtailed brunette with a bracelet on her wrist.
"Oh shit…" Ren cursed. He could feel two entities reacting to his presence, almost demanding to be near him yet it seemed the two girls couldn't feel them. His crimson eyes landed on the bracelet that shook on the brunette's wrist and the object on the blue-haired girl's back that rumbled excitedly.
Savior immediately recognized the holy energy radiating from the two females. "Exorcists."
"Um, Sanada-san, any bright ideas?" Raven asked.
"I have one idea in mind." He raised his hand. In a split second, all that was left was his silhouette. "Run away!"
"Okay… that was quick…" Sakuya blinked but saw Savior gone as well before her brother helps her and the two run.
"Wait, we need to talk to you!" Irina Shidou called out as she followed after the Master and his Servants. Xenovia rolled her eyes and dashed after her companion to seek out the supposed Holy Sword user.
"That was… interesting?" Rias commented.
"Buchou," Yuuto's voice drew the redhead's attention over to him. The Knight kept his head down in shame.
"Yuuto, are you alright?" She asked, concerned for the well-being of her Knight.
"I…" He paused. "I'm sorry."
"Eh?" Blue-green eyes blinked in confusion.
"I'm sorry for putting all of you through so much trouble." The Knight bowed his head apologetically. "Please forgive me."
His King smiled, almost motherly. He understood why Ren asked him those questions now. After everything that's happened to him in his youth, it was this young woman that saved him. Rias Gremory was his angel. His savior. His… friend.
Yes, all of his Peerage mates were his comrades. His friends and greatest treasures. They were his support and he was their sword. And nothing will ever get between him and his dear family ever again. Never again.
Nighttime - Downtown Kuoh
Having split up to keep the exorcists confused, Ren placed an exhausted hand on the side of a closed toy shop, panting heavily as he steadied his body.
"Goddamn…" He pants. "Those chicks just don't give up…"
Thankfully, they were not nearby. If they were, he would have sensed them. Or rather the objects they carried with them.
His thoughts drifted back to the impulsive entities that tried to get near him. The same aura yet vastly different from the Miracle he previously wielded. Those two women carried Excalibur Fragments. Those fake imitations of the true Sword of Promised Victory. If he had to guess, the blades were reacting to him because he was wielding the soul of King Arthur, their rightful master. It wouldn't take a genius to figure out that the blades sought to be united once more. However, Ren had no intention of collecting such a broken tool.
Excalibur wasn't just some sword forged by the Fae. It is one of the True Miracles that the World had bestowed upon Humanity in times of great crisis. A Divine Construct. The strongest of holy swords whose equal is the strongest demon sword. Such times being when the Umbral Star tried to destroy all of mankind with the White Giant, its herald of destruction. Or when Vivian, the Lady of the Lake, granted Arturia the legendary weapon after Caliburn had been lost and the King of Knights needed a proper blade to lead her people.
Ren sighed. "As if this world couldn't get any more confusing." He grumbled to himself. "I should head back home before those two find me."
"Well, well, if it isn't the shitty bastard that ruined my fun." A familiar, annoying voice echoed in the night.
The Sorcerer paused. He sensed a great amount of killing intent coming from all around him. "So you survived. I thought you died weeks ago back in the Church." His gaze hardened, scanning the area around him. Nothing but shadows, but he could definitely feel the presence of several beings.
Instincts took over as Ren quickly rolled out of the way of a long Kris-like blade that struck the ground from where he had originally been. Standing there with a psychotic grin on his twisted face was the mad stray exorcist, Freed Sellzen.
"It will take a lot more than that to kill me!" The stray exorcist shouted.
"So it would seem." Ren already prepared a card to deal with the madman until he felt a similar presence to the Excalibur Fragments. "That sword you're wielding… it's a piece of Excalibur."
"That's right, you shitty Devil lover!" Freed stuck his tongue out as he brought his weapon up to bear, licking along the blade as if eager to taste blood. "This is Excalibur Rapidly. It has a really nifty feature that makes it all the more special in killing heretics."
"You're a real piece of shit, y'know that?" The dark-haired boy frowned, glancing at the card he drew. An Assassin card. He clicked his tongue. Not what he wanted, but it will have to do for now. He searched within his soul and called forth any powerful Servant that would respond to his call. One answered and entered the catalyst. "Include." The card vanished and in its place was a katana that possessed no form of handguard, a purple tsuba, a long blade that easily towered over him, and golden accents on the handle.
"Another of those things? You think I am scared of a toothpick!?" The exorcist attempted to behead the Devil lover and kill him for trying to end his life at the Church.
"Tsubame…" With a firm stance, Ren spoke two words that would unleash the power of the Servant he currently wielded.
However, before he could unleash the technique, he quickly dodged a projectile that had been shot at him from within the shadows. From the loud sound, it would seem that it was caused by a gun.
"Don't you look away, shithead!" Freed yelled.
"Fuck!" Ren cursed as he quickly brought up his katana to block Excalibur Rapidly from splitting his head in half. He glared into the mad blue eyes of the exorcist. "You have help?" He hissed.
"Yeah, but they're only there unless I actually need it." The silver-haired man snickered. "Besides, I want the pleasure of killing you, myself!"
The Sorcerer felt his teeth grind in frustration. Not only was Freed here with the intention to kill him but he has help. His eyes briefly landed on his Command Seals. He could use them to summon his Servants. He needs an opening to summon them.
Raising his left leg, Ren struck Freed's shin, earning a cry of pain from the psychopath. He used this chance to step back from the stray exorcist and brought his left arm at the ready, the red tattoos glowing as he gave his order. "By my Command Seal, I order you, my Servants, to- AHHHH!" A shrill scream escaped his throat as a set of dirks that were thrown from the darkness pierced his hand, arm, and shoulder, effectively disabling it as scarlet blood dribbled down to the ground.
The exorcist laughed to the predicament. "I am gonna enjoy seeing your blood splattered across the ground!"
"Bastard!" Ren spat. This couldn't be the end! He didn't go through all that shit just to be killed by a psycho with a hard-on for murder.
…
No, this was not his destiny to perish this night. He still had things to do. People that actually care about him.
"I…" Just as the blade of Excalibur Rapidly made contact with his neck… a hand stops it in its tracks.
"What the hell?!" The madman exclaimed.
Ren, his eyes shadowed by his raven locks, had stopped the weapon with only his fully functional right hand. The katana he previously wielded was on the ground, forgotten by its master.
"I'm gonna…" A wicked grin slowly spread on the boy's androgynous face. "Kill you."
Before Freed realized it, the Sorcerer had already planted his knee right into the ex-priest's abdomen. The silver-haired man gags as saliva left his lips. His stomach ached and burned, crying out for him to end the pain. When he tried looking into the eyes of his prey, he actually flinched in shock when he noticed the shadowed edges of the boy's eyes.
They were glowing an unearthly golden yellow…
At that moment, Freed had forgotten his pride and quickly called to his hidden allies. "H-hey, I need some help here!"
The raging magus raised a brow at his victim's call for help. Was he bringing more toys? Excellent, more blood to shed.
The figures that were hidden before emerged one by one to reveal themselves to the Sorcerer. There were four in total, all of them wore dark cloaks that concealed their forms.
Ren scanned each one of them. They seemed human enough, but… there was something unnatural about all of them. Their mere presence and aura signatures labeled them as inhuman. Not like Devils or Fallen, but something similar…
"Servants." He spoke, realizing that the four were Heroic Spirits but they felt… evil…
"Correct." The leader of the four Servants replied, holding a pair of guns with blades melded onto the barrels. Both of them looked strangely familiar…
He swore he has seen them somewhere before. Just where exactly has he seen them?
"How are other Servants here?"
He always assumed he was the only one capable of summoning Servants but seeing four in front of him, it seems he wasn't the only one.
"The hell are you assholes waiting for?! Permission!? Just kill this little shit so we can go!" Freed exclaimed in irritation.
A growl erupts from one of the cloaked Servants. As one, they removed their coverings to reveal themselves to their young foe.
"No way…" Ren muttered in shock.
The first Servant had pitch black skin, short white hair, burning yellow eyes, and possessing a strong muscular body frame. His outfit was entirely strange since all he wore on his upper body were black/yellow arm sleeves and silver wristbands that looked more like giant handcuffs, a pair of black pants with a yellow sash, and black boots with yellowish-gold plating. In his hands were the two gunblades that seemed utterly familiar.
The second Servant was a sort of knight decked out in bluish-black armor that bore a resemblance to a dragon, a long black waistcoat, spiked heeled boots, and a dragon-like helm with with a black visor and a pair of yellow eyes on top of the helm. In the knight's right hand is a black lance with red-violet crystalline spikes.
The third Servant is a bald man with black skin like the first Heroic Spirit. However, his face is covered by a white skull-like mask that seemed to be stitched onto his flesh. His appearance was quite lanky yet there was a great amount of muscle on his body. His attire consisted of arm wrappings on his left arm, a black skirt-like covering, dark boots, and two silver rings on his left index and middle fingers. However, it was his right arm that proved that the Servant was entirely unnatural. It glowed a devilish orange-red that seemed almost inhuman.
The fourth and final Servant is a large, buff man with scarlet red runes drawn on his face and body. Blood red eyes, a cold smirk, and a ponytail of dark blue hair was all that could be seen to detail the man's face. His attire consisted of a black/red bodysuit-like outfit with dark boney armor attached to the Servant's body. Gripped in his left hand is a dark purple barbed spear that radiated darkness and bloodlust.
Ren narrowed his eyes. He knew these Heroic Spirits. They were the twisted alterations of the corrupted Holy Grail. Alters. Dark Servants that were made as Anti-Heroes.
Respectively, these Servants were known as EMIYA (Alter), Lancer Arturia (Alter), Hassan of the Cursed Arm, and Cu Chulainn (Alter).
This was turning from a small situation to a major problem.
Ren had no options left. He can't summon his Servants via Command Seals or use his Class Cards without being turned into a pin cushion. Had he any other options, he could simply manifest Servants without the need to use a summoning circle or an incantation. Unfortunately, he hadn't trained enough to use that sort of skill set.
This was not good at all. "Shit…" He cursed.
"Apologies," Lancer Arturia (Alter) remarked coldly. "But our Master has decreed that you are to die. Right here and now."
Cu (Alter) snickered darkly, bearing his dark Gae Bolg with a vicious appetite for destruction.
EMIYA (Alter) said nothing in return, merely aiming his gunblades at the young magus.
"While I find it distasteful to kill a child, you're still an enemy." Hassan of the Cursed Arm stated, his demonic hand clenching and unclenching.
Ren cursed. A part of him was terrified. However, another part of him… "Then why are you just standing there? Come at me already!" He taunted the Dark Servants. Hey, if this is how he was gonna die, might as well get one last snide comment out before he bit the dirt.
"Admirable, but foolish." EMIYA (Alter) stated as he, his fellow Alters, and the Hassan lunge at the boy to end his life.
Time came to a slow as blades and speartips came within range of the young magus. No energy left to fight. No way to summon his Servants in time to save him. And no Miracle to protect him. In his hour of twilight, this would be the end of Ren Sanada.
However, he would not look away from his death, nor will he cower in fear. He has walked with death for all these short weeks, facing off against foes human or otherwise. If this is to be his end then he'll die with pride.
Then, for the briefest moments, he thought about the people he encountered on his journey…
Savior…
Issei…
Sona…
Serafell...
Akeno…
Lancer…
Saber…
Caster…
Archer…
Rider...
Assassin…
Berserker…
Ruler…
Koneko…
Yuuto…
The Fallen Angels…
Grayfia…
Sirzechs…
Azazel…
Kuroka…
Illya…
Miyu…
Kuro…
Raven…
Sakuya…
…
…
...Rias…
He didn't understand it, but his heart started to ache when all of them came to mind. Even though some of them were an annoyance, irritating, perverted, siscons, or even enemies at one point, he actually… cared about them.
He cared about each and every single one of them. Before he came to this world, he never liked anyone after what he's lived through. However, his feelings grew to the point that he started to laugh with them, argue with them, and even smile with them.
Ren understood why his heart started to hurt. He loved this world. He loved his life. And he especially loved all of the people that he's met…
This was not his time to die…
"Well said." A neutral, yet youthful male voice spoke.
The Sorcerer's inner eyes widen in surprise. Who was that?
"I am a Heroic Spirit." The voice replied.
A Heroic Spirit? Which one is it then?
"Before I reveal my True Name, I must ask of you…" The voice paused. "What is it that you desire?"
His desire…?
"Yes, what motivates you to fight?"
…
…
...To live
"I see…" The owner of the voice seemed… pleased? For lack of a better term. "One more question: ...Are you worthy to be my Master?"
Need he asked?
"Very well. I shall answer your call, Sorcerer." The voice replied. "Your enemies will be my enemies. Your allies, my allies. Our contract is complete, my new Master."
A burning sensation resonated within Ren's body, almost like an uncontrollable beast that wished to escape its cage. He didn't stop it, nor did he want to. His will to live was far too great and nothing would stop him.
And then, his world exploded into fire and red…
A/N: Cliffhanger! That's the end of the chapter. Hope you liked it. Hate it if you want, just know that you've read it.
Also, I'd like to get a quick message out to this annoyance that disabled their PM so that I can't talk to them.
Gundam ibo: Please, for the love of God, shut up! I get it! You don't like how I write, but that's not up to you. I don't care if you have crap grammar. I don't give a shit about your rants. And I especially don't give a shit about you. Criticize me in anyway possible, I know my flaws and I accept it. I have a hard time dealing with it, sure, but I won't accept that some punkass little man, who acts like he knows everything, is telling me about 'freeing' my hatred. You sound like a fucking pessimist, which annoys the hell out of me. Also, I'm not rude to other people (well, I'm probably rude to you at the moment) and it's called Autism. Know what that is? If not, look it up. I've got Asperger Syndrome, and you know what, I'm proud of who I am. It's hard to voice one's emotions when all we're doing is using computers and laptops (or mobile phones) to chat. So while I understand if you think I'm a hateful bastard, I'm really not and you have no right to judge me even if you say that you're not, hypocrite. So just… stop and leave me the fuck alone.
Well, that felt good. Man, I should vent out shit more often.
Anyways, there are a few changes in what I've done. I skipped the little temper tantrum that Yuuto has when Xenovia and Irina arrive. I also had Ren real Excalibur against Yuuto. I know Cursed Arm Hassan isn't an Alter, but he's been summoned by the figure who 'contains' a version of the corrupted Heaven's Feel, that's all that I'll reveal.
Quick note: Illya's group will get more screen time in the next few chapters.
All of you think that Ren, being a terminal Gary Stu (or an OP OC), is just that good at everything, but he's not. He isn't good at making friends, he didn't have a good childhood, and he's not that good a leader. Character development isn't as easy as many believe. You actually have to plan out on how you want your OC to proceed or at least the character in general. Besides, he has his strengths and his weaknesses, like all protagonists.
So yeah, next chapter will be up in a week or two, depending on my schedule.
Please review and comment on this chapter. If there are any problems then inform me in the reviews or PM it (unless it is relevant). However, please refrain from using flames because I have a bad reaction to those.
Peace out, everyone! Oh, and Happy New Year!