What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter in Fate DxD.
To all those who have reviewed the last chapter, thank you very much for the praise. Oh, and for the ideas.
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 11: Magic Training and Heart to Heart
(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 stretching out 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
On top of the roof, Grayfia, still dressed in her maid uniform, looked upon her soon-to-be student with neutral eyes.
Speaking of said student, Ren started stretching his body while dressed in a black muscle shirt, red sports shorts, and white sneakers. "Alright, Grayfia-san, I'm ready to learn some magic."
"So this is the reason for my stay, is that correct?"
"Yup. Gotta thank Rias for complying. I am kinda surprised your husband accepted the request." He stated. Grayfia's eyebrow twitches at the memory.
"Please don't remind me, Sanada-san." The Devil woman replied with barely contained irritation.
The Sorcerer brought up his hands in a defensive manner. "Okay, it's cool. Won't say a word."
The wife of the Maou sighed calmly before focusing on the task she will be doing for Ren. "Alright, from what I was told from your 'Servants', you lack in certain areas of magic, correct?" The Sorcerer grumbled, recalling how he lacks in a few skills. It was the reason why he wanted Grayfia to teach him. "Which areas of magic do you lack exactly?"
"Um," The boy's cheeks flush. "All of them…" He admitted.
Grayfia raised a brow at the boy's admittance. She placed a hand on her forehead. "This will be more troublesome than I originally thought possible."
Two Hours Later…
"My aching everything…" Ren groaned as he laid on the couch… with several bags of ice placed on different locations of his body.
"I did warn you of the consequences to learning, Master. Especially from a Devil," Lancer idly said, being the one who is the master of Magecraft in the room.
"Aren't you supposed to feel sorry for me?" The boy glanced at the immortal witch with a glare.
"Was I the same way towards Cu?"
"... Touche." He recalled the history between her and Cu Chulainn. "Wait, didn't you have-"
"Moving on!" Lancer cut the boy off with a tinge of red on her cheeks. "In any case, you won't be able to use magecraft for a while. I suggest getting a few hours of rest and some food in you. You're gonna need it."
"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya…" Ren sighed. "Geez, you act like you're my mother or something."
Lancer rolled her eyes before leaving the room, allowing the Sorcerer to rest with the ice on his body. He never expected learning magic would be that difficult. Then again, he was learning so it was bound to happen.
"And how is Grayfia-san?" The boy asked, concerned for his teacher.
"She is alright though she did say you still have much to learn," Savior answered.
Ren glared at his Servant. "No shit, Sherlock."
"So what will you do after you are rested?"
"For one, have an excuse to stay home after training," He winced when the ice shifted a bit on his body. "And second, hopefully not be bothered by the Vatican. I can't stand their intentions."
Ruler, who had been listening, frowned. "I'm sure there are some who don't share the same views as other twisted priests."
"I've yet to see even one, Ruler." Ren countered. "Especially after learning more about why Asia was kicked out of the church."
Hearing from Asia Argento, the innocent girl was not even aware she healed a Devil in the past and to just exile her as a witch from a mistake she did not know? It clearly pissed him off. Even Yuuto's past was evidence to add more distrust towards the church.
"What about those girls?" Berserker inquired. "They seem trustworthy enough."
"Only because I used Excalibur. Had I used any other weapon, they would've deemed me a possible threat and reported to the Vatican. IE: I would've gotten Heaven's guard dogs on my ass." The Sorcerer hissed as his muscles flared in protest.
Berserker parted his lips to speak but held back, realizing the reason for his Master's concern. "I see your point."
"If you excuse me… I am going to get the sleep I deserve…" The young Master closed his eyes, embracing the sweet relief of dreams.
Savior sighed as his Master slept. His thoughts drifted to Grayfia. How she came down from the roof holding an unconscious magus in her arms with an emotionless facade. However, nothing could deceive his gaze. The look in the woman's eyes was laced with concern and worry for the boy.
He mentally chuckled. 'That Devil lady's got more heart than anybody I've ever known.'
Occult Research Club
Issei sat on the couch along with Yuuto, Koneko, and Asia while their King stared at them with a glare equivalent to a scolding mother.
When they returned back, she started fretting over all of them. Wondering how they had looked so banged up then healed in the next minute.
So they told them what happened. How Freed and Valper tried to kill them and the exorcists. How Ren came along with his Servants. The discovery of Jeanne d'Arc returning alive and stopping the Fallen Angels/Stray Exorcists. Ren slaying Freed with the true Excalibur. Valper using similar magic that Ren uses to transform into a raging monster. Everything they could possibly remember.
"So that is all you have to explain?" Rias admonished the four.
"H-hai, Buchou." Issei gulped, fearing what the beautiful redhead would do to them. "T-that's everything we know."
The Gremory Heiress looked at each of the four critically, her eyes boring into their own. She was seeing if they were lying to her and they know what happens if they lie to their King.
Yuuto and Koneko shivered. 'Paddle city…' They simultaneously thought with both embarrassment and fear.
"Who instigated this little outing?" Rias inquired.
"It was Issei." The Knight gestured to the shell-shocked Pawn.
"Yep," The Rook nodded in agreement.
"What the hell!? Why are you throwing me under the bus like this?!" Said pervert exclaimed in shock at the betrayal.
"But wasn't it your idea, Issei-kun?" Asia looked at her surrogate big brother/crush with an innocent blink of her cute eyes.
Issei's heartstrings were plunked as he looked at Asia in surprise. "Et Tu, Asia-chan?"
"Issei." The said Pawn slowly turns his attention to his King, her eyes boring into him with a harsh glare.
"Come on, Buchou?" The self-proclaimed Harem King laughed nervously. "T-there's no need to get mad."
"Ara, ara," Akeno giggled as she looked at Issei with a tint of red on her cheeks. "Someone's about to get a spanking~"
"I-It can't be that bad, right?" The Rook and Knight shivered in fear at the memories of their punishments from when they did something to anger their King.
"We hope you can sit right after this, Issei." Yuuto prayed.
"Good luck." Koneko pats Issei's back.
This only further drove the proverbial terror into the pervert's gut as anime tears fell down his cheeks. "You guys aren't helping at all!" He looked at the spot his Boosted Gear would take up. "Come on, Ddraig! Help a brother out!"
"Not my problem, kid. Reap what you sow."
For the first time in his life, Issei never wanted to get on Rias Gremory's bad side for as long as he lived.
His ass could testify to that…
Grail Faction HQ
Raynare stretched her body after waking up from a rather nice nap. Her injuries had fully healed yet she was still forced to remain bedridden because Ruler told her and her comrades to do so. This earned a pout from the Fallen Angel, much to the blonde girl's amusement.
Over the days she had been under the Grail Faction's care, her hatred for humans had slowly started to diminish. Partly because of Launcher, the man who brought her that delicious pizza (and who she almost raped) would tend to her every need as a mother would their sick child.
She'd never admit it, but she actually liked these people. They all had their own quirks that entertained Raynare greatly, especially the kids that ran around the place. Her first memory of the Heroic Spirit called Assassin was amusing since the scarred girl called her a pretty lady, something she took pride in for some reason. Her reactions were just too damn cute not to hug either! And she's never hugged anything in her life except her Father.
Raynare sighed, glancing to her left to see Kalawarner reading a book that had been offered to her. Mittelt was eating a pudding cup. Dohnaseek was asleep on his cot, ignoring everything.
"Have a nice nap?" Mittelt asked, swallowing the spoon of pudding she recently consumed.
"In a sense." Came the dark-haired woman's reply. She scowled at the sweet in the younger Fallen Angel's hands. "How can you eat that stuff?"
"It's a treat that's sweet." The blonde Fallen Angel replied dryly. "You should give it a try and not judge how others eat."
Raynare huffed. "It's vanilla. I'm not a big fan of vanilla." She puffed her cheeks like a pouting child.
"Keep that up and I might just take a picture for my scrapbook of cuteness." Came a familiar voice at the door.
The Fallen Angels (save for the sleeping Dohnaseek) followed the source, only to meet the bright gaze of Savior, who still had his usual carefree smile on his boyish face. "Lucifer-sama!"
"It's Savior." The Servant corrected dryly with a sweatdrop. He still couldn't forget what the two female Fallen Angels did to him. In fact, his mind had been mentally scarred for life, filled with images of generous curves and big breasts.
Kalawarner and Raynare sported heavy blushes, remembering the 'night' they had with the Heroic Spirit.
"How are we feeling today?" Savior asked, ignoring his PTSD for now.
Tossing the now empty pudding cup towards the small trash can by the corner, Mittelt turns her attention at Savior. "Better than before. Same could be said for the other three."
"Glad to hear it, little one." The First Fallen chuckled, ignoring the pouting look on the loli's face. "Because once you're all better, you're going to be doing chores."
"CHORES!?"
"Relaxing is only a luxury but you must earn it too," Savior stated with his smile still present. "So, you will be doing chores very soon. Master's orders. In his own words, 'Get those freeloading vultures to work as well or no more of Karna's pizza.' So, better prepare yourselves."
Mittelt paled as did Raynare and Kalawarner. The pizzas Launcher bakes was delicious and they will not lose that privilege. Dohnaseek, though, was still sleeping soundly.
"Well, see you later." Savior grinned, leaving the room entirely.
Dohnaseek chose that moment to awaken from his nap with a yawn, "Mmm, is it dinner time?" He wondered aloud.
The Next Day - Rooftop
Ren sat before his teacher with a hard expression on his features.
Grayfia was impressed that the boy came back for more, and went over how he could properly channel magic. "When it comes to using spells, one must feel the very flow of energy racing through their bodies." A tinge of red energy circulated around her right hand. "However, your situation is different. Your magical energy is greater than anything I've ever felt in existence. I could scarcely say that if you wanted to, you could become Heaven's Leader or the Underworld's King. Maybe even Ruler of the World."
"Lucky for everyone that I'm not interested in that." The Sorcerer smirked.
"Yes, quite lucky indeed." The Devil maid sighed. "Back to the matter at hand. You would most assuredly be able to use magic. Your body just hasn't adapted to it yet."
"What?"
"Think of it like this: When a spider wants to molt its exoskeleton, it is an extremely painful process. Once done, it takes a long time for an arachnid to form a new shell. Your magic container is desperately trying to push its way out of you. That's why you can't properly use magic." Grayfia finished her explanation.
"I still don't get it."
The Devil sighed. "If you use a spell immaturely, your energy will tear your body apart." She stated bluntly.
Ren felt horrified at the image of him either popping into a bloody balloon or having his limbs twisted like chicken legs. A loud gulp escaped his throat.
"Which is why I will be teaching you how to hone the five elements of the world." Grayfia waved her hands, revealing fire, water, wind, earth, and lightning. "Everyone is related to an element. I, myself, possess an affinity for fire and water, yet I've also trained in wielding wind, earth, and lightning. I want you to focus your magical energy at one central point in your body. Depending on what you feel, that will be your corresponding element. Understood?"
"Hai, sensei." Ren nodded.
"Good, you may begin." Came the maid's order. "Close your eyes and focus."
Following the first step, the Sorcerer closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He focused his energy at one point.
…
…
A swirl of power flowed through his body. It felt… empty. There was no burning sensation. No spark of destruction. Or even a cool shiver. It was just empty.
An emptiness that was neither calming, nor threatening. Shaped into being, yet formless to the naked eye. An infinite pool of potential that laid deep within the boy.
"What do you see?" Grayfia asked.
"I see… darkness…" He answered. "No, emptiness."
The silver-haired Devil raised a brow. "Emptiness?" She repeated. "An element such as that would have to be Void. A power of infinite possibility. This attribute could be the link to unlocking your magic's full potential."
Ren opened his eyes, standing up once again. "And what must I do?"
"Unfortunately, I do not know of any spells related to such an element. If you would like, I can return to the Gremory Manor and procure some reading material about the Void." Grayfia offered.
The boy looked at the Devil in surprise. "You would do that for me?"
"You are my student. It is my duty to see you grow." The maid answered.
Ren smiled at Grayfia, much to her surprise since he always seemed to be a grouch at times. "Thank you, sensei."
Her maternal instincts kicking in, Grayfia gave the boy a pat on the head, a thin smile worming its way to her own lips. "You're quite welcome, Ren-san."
"Mou, don't add '-san', it makes me feel old!" He whined.
For a second there, Ren thought he heard a soft giggle from the otherwise emotionless maid of the Gremory household…
Probably just his imagination.
Kuoh Mall
Archer watched as the three children she had tasked herself to protect were running around, exploring the different shops and sights.
"Wow, this place is so big." Illya proclaimed with awe.
"Amazing…" Miyu added.
"Any good food in this joint?" Kuro wondered, adopting a sort of pout-like expression that was indescribably cute.
The Chaste Huntress always loved children. If she were ever granted a wish, it would be to take care of all the children in the world like how her goddess, Artemis, raised and loved her like a daughter. Children were innocent since birth. Pure, and filled with wonder.
A cooing sound reached her hidden ears. She turned her gaze over to a mother feeding her infant son a bottle of baby formula. The baby looked about a year old and didn't seem to be relying on his mother's breasts to feed.
Archer knew of the process to procreate. Especially the nine-month cycle that soon-to-be mothers go through. Cravings, swelling breasts, moody behavior, and occasional vomiting.
After that came the birthing process. Painful, yet all the more worth it to bring forth a new life into the world.
...She idly wondered what it would be like to bear a child of her own.
Archer could see them now… a pair of twins, a boy, and girl. Both of them possessing her different hair colors, pale skin, and crimson eyes that glimmered like rubies.
A soft smile graced its way to her face. She could almost feel the strong arms of their father, wrapping around her waist in a loving manner. Archer looked into the crimson eyes of her beloved Mas-
The Servant shook those thoughts from out of her head. A tinge of pink warmed its way to her cheeks. She couldn't be having… feelings for the young Master.
"I mean… it's foolish. I haven't even considered him much, especially after we've hardly ever spoken to one another." Archer said to herself. Granted, she never instigated any of those conversations. And her Master was being nothing but an honest soul, even if he did have his faults. Then again, he was actually quite brave to save someone he hardly even liked. To care for children that he never wanted to be involved.
The realization hit her faster than an arrow… and she's an Archer-class Servant for Throne's sake!
"My gods, I… I actually love him…" The Chaste Huntress whispered in silent shock.
She believed herself untouchable to the whims of love, but it would seem that after spending weeks with this young man. Her young Master. She had grown to love someone as close as she could remember. The only person she had ever gotten close to was Medea when they were both still alive. The mage was like a sister to her during their days with the Argonauts. Atalanta will never understand how her friend could possibly fall in love with that meathead Jason. There was nothing remotely heroic about him.
"Cute kids. Are they yours?" A voice spoke, rupturing the Servant from her thoughts.
"Eh?" Archer looked to her right and found a cloaked figure sitting next to her on the bench. "What did you say?"
"I asked if those three little girls were your children." The mysterious figure asked in a voice that was neither masculine or feminine.
"Oh," The cat-eared woman shook her head. "No, I'm merely watching over them."
"Ah, so you're a babysitter. That's a neat profession." The figure chuckled with mirth.
Well, being a babysitter wasn't far from the truth…
"I suppose so," Archer replied.
"But I digress, I'm sure your Master must be getting stronger day by day, am I right?"
That particular comment made her froze. She glanced at the figure in suspicion and caution. "Who… are you?" Her senses were warning her that this person was extremely dangerous. Beyond the boundaries of a mere Servant.
The figure chuckled again, but this time it was filled with malicious intent. "You could say that I'm your enemy."
Archer frowned. "What do you want?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just a little chat. Come with me." The figure was about to stand but Archer grabbed the cloaked person's shoulder.
"Why should I listen to you?"
"Because if you don't," A pair of glowing yellow eyes were directed at her through the hood. "I will make you watch as I kill those sweet little girls in the most excruciating way."
The Servant's eyes widen as they take a momentary glance at the unaware trio of young girls that she had sworn to protect. She couldn't let anything happen to them. They were too precious. Too innocent.
"Alright…" Archer said quietly.
"Good, we shall go to where no one can interrupt us." The cloaked figure snickered. "Not to worry, those children shall remain safe. I have a Servant watching over them. He's rather fond of children. Very fond."
"You sick bastard!" The Chaste Huntress snarled.
"As long as I get what I want, I won't send my attack dog after them."
"And what do you want?" She questioned, following the figure until they had left the mall and traversed the empty streets.
The figure chuckled, "What I want is the power that dwells within your Master."
"My Master's… power?" Archer arched a brow.
Yellow eyes glanced back at her, amusement written in those sinister orbs. "You mean you haven't noticed? Your Master is the Vessel for the Holy Grail…" A dark chuckle left the figure's unseen lips. "Or rather half of it."
"Enough of your riddles!" The Servant demanded. "What do you have to gain from this?!"
"What I have to gain?" The figure stopped, remaining silent for a few moments until they spoke again. "Why ultimate power, of course."
Archer noticed their surroundings. Not a person in sight, meaning that this unknown enemy must've set up a barrier to keep mundane citizens from spotting them. This could only mean one thing: A trap.
"I will gain the power necessary to rival even Alaya itself! Nay, even greater than the Great Red Dragon!" The figure cackled in a mad haze. "I will use this power to build an everlasting kingdom that foolish humans and beings greater than them are brought before my iron fist!"
"Those are the words of a filthy tyrant." The Chaste Huntress hissed.
The cloaked person chuckled. "That they are, but…" Glowing yellow eyes glanced back at the Servant. "You won't get to live to see it. A pity, a beauty such as you would look marvelous in my bed."
"You insufferable pig!" Archer snarled, summoning her battle gear and her bow as he notched an arrow, aiming it at the figure's head. "I'll see you dead before you can live to realize your goals!"
"On the contrary, it'll be you that dies this night, my dear." A wicked grin appears beneath the hood as a barrage of projectiles rained down upon Archer, who used her instincts to swiftly, yet barely, dodge the attack.
"Damn!" She cursed, using a brick wall as cover until a bullet tore its way through the stone near her head, missing her vitals, but scratching her cheek.
"And don't think you can call for help. This barrier was set up to keep your Master and fellow Servants from sensing your distress. No one is coming to help you." The figure's voice echoed throughout the air. "Now be a good girl… and die!"
Archer's danger senses warned her of impending doom from overhead, which she quickly avoided by rolling out of the way. Her assailant turned out to be an armored man with snow white hair, blood red eyes, a beard, and pale skin. He wielded a wicked spear that had orange-red gemstones within the pikes.
"Oh, I missed…" The man commented. "No matter. My Master desires your death and I shall grant it to them." The obvious Servant directed his spear to the young woman.
"Lancer…" Archer snarled.
"Ah, you've figured out my Class. It matters not because you will die right now." The white-haired Lancer smirked, lunging at the Chaste Huntress and threatening to skewer the woman.
Atalanta quickly dodged the spear then fired three arrows at the man. However, he quickly spun his weapon, deflecting the projectiles. She cursed and was about to attack again until gunfire forced her to avoid in midair.
Her next assailant was revealed to be EMIYA Alter, who had both of his gunblades directed right at her.
"Damn it…" Archer frowned. "Just my luck."
"Archer, Lancer," The cloaked figure watched from above a high tower. "Make her suffer."
"As you command, Master." The two Dark Servants replied as their eyes flashed yellow.
Meanwhile…
Ren sat at his dining table looking over the books that Grayfia had brought for him. Every book had a reference to the element of Void and how it related to the Gremory family's Power of Destruction.
"Ren-san," A familiar voice interrupted his studies as he looked back to see Illya, Miyu, and Kuro. "Did Archer-nee-san come back?" The little albino girl asked.
"Not to my knowledge, no." Ren shook his head. "Why? Did something happen?"
"Archer-san was taking us to the mall," Miyu explained. "She wanted to let us get a feel for the town."
"Then she just up and left us there!" Kuro added in irritation. "We've been looking for her for over an hour!"
The Sorcerer narrowed his eyes. "Something's not right…" He quickly called upon the Master-Servant link with the Chaste Huntress. "Archer! Archer, where the hell are you?"
Silence.
"Damn it!" Ren cursed. "She's not responding through the link."
"Master, is something wrong?" Saber entered the dining room dressed in her Servant gear.
"Archer's missing. We need to find where she could-" The young man froze when an unfamiliar presence entered his home. "Saber, your sword!"
The blonde girl quickly called forth her jagged red/black blade which the Master took then slashed at the presence that stood behind the three girls. A dark figure avoided the blow and hissed at Ren.
"You again…" The boy growled as he stared into the masked visage of the Dark Assassin that Launcher had slain. "I thought you were dead!"
"My Master saw fit to bring me back to life." The Heroic Spirit replied. "Unfortunately for you, one of your own will soon meet her end."
Rage filled the young magi's vision, releasing a bloodcurdling roar as he lunged at Dark Assassin with his Servant's blade, but the dark-skinned man had already vanished.
"If you want to find her then I suggest you go downtown. You'll at least find her remains…" A dark chuckle echoed throughout the household as Ren slammed a fist into the side of a wall.
With a snarl, Ren opened a mental link to all of his Servants. "Everyone, we need to get downtown. Now!"
Downtown Kuoh
Atalanta pants heavily. A trickle of blood flowing down from a cut above her left eye, hampering her visibility. Her dress was torn in several places, revealing skin and a few gashes from a blade.
The entire downtown area looked like a war zone. Buildings were reduced to rubble, streets were lined with potholes, and fires had broken out in the patch of greenery that remained.
For all intents and purposes, a perfect setting for a Holy Grail War…
"Damn it. I have to end this now or I'll be killed." Archer cursed as she summons two arrows. If she had no other options, she'd have to use her Noble Phantasm.
"There you are, you skulking little mouse." The voice of Dark Lancer drew her attention, forcing the huntress to avoid being skewered by the man's spear.
Archer landed on her feet, gritting her teeth with a violent shudder. Her ears twitched as she dived out of the path of EMIYA Alter, who came in with an overhead slash with his gunblades.
"There is no escape." The Dark Archer remarked coldly.
"Who said I was?" Atalanta countered, having already finished the mental chant that would evoke her Noble Phantasm. She pulled the string of her bow back with both arrows notched and aimed at the sky. "Phoebus Catastrophe!" She evoked, releasing the arrows with all the strength of her Class. The arrowheads glowed with a bluish green light as they exploded past the clouds while leaving a glittering trail. Shortly after, there comes a faint light filling the sky and a sound similar to falling rain, but instead of it being a rain of water, it is a rain of arrows of light as if the enemy is immersed in a downpour.
The arrows fall upon both Dark Servants, forcing both the Lancer and the Archer to either evade or block the mana-based projectiles, but not without suffering a few scratches from the Noble Phantasm of the Chaste Huntress.
The Dark Servants glared at the area that Atalanta had once been only to silently curse when she had already fled after releasing her Noble Phantasm.
"Damn that insufferable witch." Dark Lancer spat.
"Calm yourself, Lancer." The Dark Master informed their Servants. "She is nothing but bait for the bigger prize."
Atalanta hides behind a patch of rubble, panting heavily after exerting the use of her Noble Phantasm. If this continued then there would be no doubt that she'd be left at the mercy of those vile bastards.
Using that technique took practically all of her remaining prana reserves. If she didn't escape sooner, she'd be dead. Hopefully, her Master and her comrades sensed her distress and would search for her.
For now, she had to flee before the enemy could find-
"There you are, my pretty huntress." Came the voice of the cloaked Master that sought her death.
"Damn!" Archer cursed, rolling out of the way as she brought her bow up to attack.
"Ah, ah, let's not have that." The Dark Master stated as they threw a scarlet gem at Atalanta, who gasped in surprise when it glowed with untapped mana. "They say that art…" An unseen smirk appeared behind the hood. "Is an explosion!"
The gem explodes in a burst of fire-charged prana, covering Archer in the flames. Even with her Magic Resistance, that explosion scorched her good. A noticeable burn mark could be seen on her left cheek. Her clothes were singed from the flames, reducing them to near tatters.
"I suppose I've played this little game long enough." The Dark Master comments with an unseen smirk. "How would you like to die, little Huntress? Skewered like a pig? Riddled with holes? Or maybe violated to death?"
She didn't rise to his threats. All he received from the Huntress was a sneer and a defiant gaze.
"I can't stand those eyes of yours." The cloaked figure frowned. "Servants like you need to learn their place…" The Dark Master raised their foot then brought it down on Atalanta's left knee, snapping it in half and forcing a cry of agonizing pain to erupt from her throat. "You are nothing but slaves to the will of your Masters. In life, you might've been legendary heroes, but now you are nothing more than familiars designed to serve those like me."
"You're nothing but a pig!" Archer spat venomously. Unshed tears threatening to fall down her cheeks, but she forced them back with sheer willpower. However, the pain from her broken leg made it all the more unbearable. She could even see bone piercing through the flesh. Now there was no way she could escape.
"Then maybe I should find those little girls you're so fond of. I'll have my Assassin bring them here and I'll make you watch as I torture them in the most inhumane procedure known to mankind." The Dark Master threatened with a cold grin.
"You sick bastard!" She growled. Eyes wild and hands aching to grasp the Master's throat to snap their vile neck. "I'll kill you if you touch them! I'll gouge out your eyes and make you eat them! I'll skin you alive then tear out your innards one by one!"
"For shame. Such a filthy mouth from a young woman your age." The cloaked Master snarked with an amused chuckle. A two-handed black scythe appeared in their hands. "Perhaps I should cut out your tongue before I kill you."
Atalanta debated on using the pelt of the boar she slew to give her a chance to fight, but if she did that, she'd undoubtedly lose herself to its corruptive aura.
"Oh! I've got a better idea. How about I just cut out one of your eyeballs?" The Dark Master said nonchalantly as if they weren't about to commit murder. "I'd like to see if an Archer-class Servant can still be of use after they've lost their hawk-like sight."
The young lioness felt her instincts scream at her to run. There was no way that she could survive if this creature got its hands on her. She had to flee. Get back to her Master and her fellow Servants.
A tight grip grasped the cat tail on her rear eliciting a cry from the Huntress, who tried to crawl away as the monster pulled her back. The gleam of the black scythe only sent a cold shiver of fear down her spine as Death's icy grip drew ever closer.
"Time to die." The Dark Master raised their scythe overhead, preparing to deliver the finishing blow upon the weakened Archer.
"Back off, gruesome!" A familiar voice called out, filling Atalanta with a small array of hope. A crimson spear deflected the scythe then a blue/silver boot struck the Dark Master across their face, sending them crashing against the brick wall of a shop.
"Master!?" Archer exclaimed in both surprise and shock with a hint of joy in her tone.
There stood her Master Ren, clad in an ultramarine bodysuit that hugged his body tightly (something she secretly appreciated) with silver markings present on the fabric, plate shoulder pads, steel boots, black fingerless gloves, and silver raindrop earrings. His eyes still remained crimson, but they appeared to be more feral than usual. His hair had also taken a dark blue pigment. In his hands, he wielded a barbed crimson spear that radiated with unrepentant bloodlust.
"So the leader of the Grail Faction emerges from his hole at last." The Dark Master smirked, wiping a trail of saliva from their hidden mouth. They took in Ren's form. "The Hound of Ulster, huh? Interesting choice."
Ren directed his spear at his foe. "So you're the one commanding the Dark Servants. I should be flattered that there's another Master here, but you won't be alive in the next few seconds."
"Oh, a threat," The cloaked Master chuckled. "How amusing." A pair of glowing yellow eyes flared beneath the hood then shouted in Latin, "Fulminis!" With a wave of their hand, a bolt of lightning was blasted at the transformed boy.
"Sgiath!" Ren called out in Gaelic as a barrier stopped the lightning bolt from striking him. "So glad that worked." He muttered under his breath.
"Don't relax yet, boy!" The Dark Master exclaimed just as Ren brought up his spear to stop the blade of a familiar sword bastardized in malevolent black and red. "You haven't faced an opponent quite like me before."
The bearer of Heaven's Feel glared at his hated foe. "So I was right. You're the one who gave that priest the Berserker Class Card!"
"Guilty as charged." The cloaked figure snickered as the two Masters slid their weapons away from each other in a shower of sparks.
Ren narrowed his eyes and charged at the enemy Master. His spear already moving towards skewering their heart. However, the cloaked warrior possessed the same instincts and reflexes of a Saber. All he managed to do was tear a piece of their cloak, revealing a bit of blackened metal behind the cloth.
"Why are you doing this? What do you hope to gain?" Ren demanded, parrying a sword swing from taking his head off.
"Me? Why else would I seek to kill you and your Faction of Servants…" The Dark Master remarked, backpedaling to avoid the crimson shaft about to hit their stomach. "For ultimate power, of course."
"Do you realize how fucking cliche that is?" The transformed teen said dryly.
Yellow eyes rolled beneath the hood. "Tell me about it. You'd think being a villain would be easy, but it's not. Incompetent lackies and fools tend to ruin one's plans for world domination."
"Then it's a good thing that I'm ending that dream." Ren declared, lunging to pierce his foe's heart.
The cloaked figure backflips, narrowly avoiding the red lance and landing on their two feet.
"You can't beat me, boy. I have far more experience wielding the power of the Class Cards and the Heroic Spirits." The Dark Master taunted.
The Sorcerer scowled in annoyance. "We'll see about that!"
"Not quite." The sword the cloaked warrior wielded began to pulse with dark energy. "You see I've had a lifetime of practice."
Before the red-eyed teen could inquire what his opponent meant, the Dark Master swung their sword, releasing a wave of malicious dark red energy that forced him to brace with Gae Bolg, but the blast sent him crashing into a wall, which threw dust all over.
"Master!" Atalante cried out in shock.
"See what I mean, boy? My power is greater than yours." The Dark Master remarked. "Nothing you do can ever hope to match me-"
"Gae Bolg!" Ren's voice interjected as a streak of crimson light shot out of the dust cloud and towards the monologuing villain. The spear tearing through the air with violent power. And with no chance of escape, the cursed weapon tore its way through the Dark Master's chest and out the back.
A spurt of dark red liquid erupted from the wound as Ren's foe fell to the ground.
"That's the downfall of all villains." The Sorcerer remarked as Gae Bolg returned to his hand. "They talk too much." With a twirl of the shaft, he dismissed the spear and made his way to confirm his kill.
Ren heard nothing as he approached. His senses warned him to be cautious, but he knew that nothing could survive Gae Bolg's attack. Especially if said attack managed to skewer one's heart by breaking through reality itself.
"Archer, can you still stand?" He asked while keeping his gaze upon the fallen Master.
"No, Master. That pig broke the joint in my knee. I can't walk until I am healed." Atalante answered briskly.
"Don't worry. I'll get you back to the others so that Sakuya can-"
A chilling laugh stopped the young Master from finishing his sentence. He summoned Gae Bolg once more, preparing for another fight while his inner thoughts radiated with shock and disbelief.
'How?! How can the Master still be alive? I know Gae Bolg pierced the heart! There's no way that they could've-' He stopped his inner monologue when a dreaded answer came forth. "It can't be…"
"That's right, boy." The Dark Master spoke softly, despite the blood pouring from the hole in the chest. "I'm not really here at all."
"How can that be?! Your body is right here!" Ren demanded.
"True, a body is laying on the ground before you…" The cloaked figure remarked as the hood peeled away to reveal the masked visage of one of the Hassan. "But I never said it was my true body."
"You cheating son of a bitch." Ren cursed with gritted teeth.
"Call it what you want," The double remarked as dark purple particles began to rise off the dying physical body. "But by the time you realize my true plan… you'll be too late."
"What does that mean? Tell me what that means!" The young man grabbed the dying spirit's cloak.
"You'll see… my message… is already being sent…" A dark chuckle escaped the Assassin's lips until it fully disappeared in a burst of prana particles.
Ren released the remains of the tattered cloak then quickly marched over to Archer. "Let's get you out of here."
"What do you think he meant, Master?" Atalante asked as Ren began to use a bit of healing magecraft to help with the huntress's injuries.
"I don't know but what the message entails concerns me," He grimaced.
Occult Research Club (Before Ren's intervention)
Meanwhile, Rias sat on one of the two couches while sipping a cup of tea Akeno had made for her. "Hm, maybe I should take a shower."
"Haven't you done that twice today?" Kiba inquired in his usual gentlemanly tone.
"Doesn't mean I can't enjoy it, Yuuto-kun." The redhead replied with a good-natured smile.
"Ara~? Any chance I might join?" The Queen of the Gremory Peerage asked.
"I don't see why not." Rias shrugged.
Koneko munched on another sweet, not really paying much attention.
Issei, who had been listening, idly wished that his Buchou would ask him to join her as well! Just so that he could get a feel of her breasts again!
Asia kept sending her not-so-secret crush shy glances every once in a while as she nibbled on a cookie that Kiba brought to celebrate their victory over the mad priest and his sick Excalibur experiment.
"Buchou, shouldn't we invite Ren-senpai? He did help us after all." Issei offered, seeing as how the Sorcerer saved not only his life but the lives of his friends as well.
Rias shook her head. "I tried calling him, but he only said that he'd be busy so there's no chance of him coming I'm afraid."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about him…" A sinister chuckle rang throughout the interior of the clubroom, surprising the Gremory Peerage. "He's a little… distracted at the moment."
"Who are you?! Show yourself!" Rias demanded.
"Oh, I will. Be patient, little heiress," The voice remarked. "You and I will be spending quite a lot of time together."
"Threatening buchou will not be tolerated while I'm around." Kiba declared, manifesting Sword of Betrayer to his hand as he narrowed his eyes to find their unseen stalker.
"Is that so…?" A pair of yellow eyes glimmered behind the Knight just as the lights went out.
The sound of a heavy object impacting against flesh echoed in the room followed by the thud of a body. The lights return only to reveal Yuuto Kiba on the floor, unconscious.
"Yuuto!" Issei exclaimed.
"That's one. Who will be next?" The lights flickered again. This time a feminine cry rang out when the lights returned.
Slouched against a wall is an unconscious Asia, who had a dark purple bruise on her left cheek. Issei felt his blood boil, his eyes filled with rage.
"You bastard!" The Pawn roared, summoning the gauntlet of his Boosted Gear as a berserker-like rage consumed his mind. Red armor with emerald gemstones materialized over his body as a pair of green eyes flared with anger. He punched at every shadow he could find, but all he succeeded in doing was making a fool of himself.
"How appropriate for the Crimson Dragon Emperor to lose his mind when his precious comrades are injured." The sinister voice spoke, keeping their presence hidden. "But you'll find that even the power of a dragon is useless against me."
Before Issei knew it, a glowing golden sword had bitten deep into the torso of his Scale Mail, cutting through flesh and bone as the Pawn fell to the ground. Blood pooled from his wound, but he remained alive. At least, barely.
"Issei!" Rias was now extremely worried as Akeno stood by her, her guard raised. and lightning crackling around her fingers.
Koneko tried to put up a worthwhile defense to face off against her comrade's assailant, but a magic circle surrounded her then delivered a devastating shock that overloaded the Rook's nervous system until she fell to the ground, unconscious.
"Rias, whoever this guy is, they're after you." The masochist Queen whispered to her best friend. "Get out of here while you still can."
"But-!"
Akeno unleashed a lightning bolt into the darkness. A brief glow of light managed to reveal the cloak of a shadowy figure. "GO!"
A black blur collided with Akeno, driving her head-first into the wall and into the realm of Morpheus.
"Akeno!?" Rias cried out in horror before a sinister claw lined with talons gently gripped her chin, forcing her to look into a pair of glowing yellow eyes with the face hidden beneath a hood.
"Do not worry," The voice that had been haunting them for a while spoke with a velvet-laced tone. "They still live. However, their continued survival depends on your cooperation, my dear Gremory."
"What is it you want, monster?!"
"What do I want?" The owner of those malevolent eyes flared. "You, of course. You see, I have need of your assistance."
The Dark Master leaned in close enough for Rias to feel their hot breath against her ear. She recoiled in genuine terror. Something about this… creature sent a cold shiver of dread down her spine.
"And your answer will depend if I leave here with you in tow, peacefully. Or if I have to use more convincing means of persuading you over." Their gaze lingered over to Rias's unconscious Peerage.
Fear and horror took over the Devil heiress's expression. "No! Please leave them alone!"
"Will you come along quietly?" The Dark Master asked. "Or do I have to torture your friends one by one until you do?"
A look of pain and sadness crossed the girl's face. She gave her Peerage another gaze, but this one being resignation and distraught. "I'm sorry…" Rias whispered then glared at the Dark Master. "Fine. I'll go with you. As long as you don't hurt them."
"Not to worry. They aren't even my targets." The cloaked figure remarked. "Your fiance is."
"What?!" The Gremory heiress looked at the Dark Master in surprise. "Just what do you want with Ren?! What has he ever done to you?"
"You could say that we… share the same destiny," The Dark Master reached up to their hood and removed it.
Rias gasped in horror. "W-what the-?! But how can you-"
"Sleep." The Dark Master's eyes gleamed a soft violet that overrode the heiress's own blue-green eye color. In the next second, the redhead fell into a deep slumber until the cloaked Master caught her in their talons. "Still as beautiful as the day we met."
With a wave of their hand, the Dark Master and their prisoner disappeared in a fog of shadow, leaving the rest of the Gremory Peerage writhing in pain.
(Present)
"Hyoudou! Oi, Hyoudou!"
Issei's eyes weakly opened until he found himself staring at a blurry figure. However, he could never forget that voice. "Ren-senpai?"
The Sorcerer frowned. "Who did this to you?" He questioned.
"I don't… I don't know… the guy was too fast…" The Pawn answered. "He… took Buchou…"
Ren narrowed his eyes. "Did he say anything? About where they were going?"
"Praetor," Nero's voice reached his ears. When he turned to address his Saber, she was holding out a parchment of paper in her dainty hand. "I found this message on the desk. It was addressed to you."
The Master took it and gave it a once-over. The language was in Latin, but he understood it perfectly thanks to the power of the Third True Magic granting him a multitude of information, including language.
"I have the Devil heiress," He read aloud. "If you ever want to see her alive again, you will come to Kuoh Stadium at midnight. Failure to comply will result in Rias Gremory's termination. You're free to bring your Servants and the girl's Peerage. Do not be late."
Silence permeated the room.
"What do we do now, Master?" Savior asked the Sorcerer.
"Now?" He crumpled the paper in his hand. Ren turned to face his Servants and the Gremory Peerage. "Now we go get her back… and tear this fucker's clean off."
A/N: That's it for this chapter and damn am I glad! Mostly because I haven't uploaded this story in months and I apologize for that, everyone.
Anyways, this is a cliffhanger. Next chapter marks the reveal of the mysterious Dark Master. Also, Ren will be utilizing a new Heroic Spirit's power with the Class Cards.
I'll give you a hint: He comes from Sengoku Basara.
Review and comment. To those who use Guest Reviews, don't bother trying to get me to respond because I can't talk to you.
Peace out, everyone!