Charles hadn't eaten all day. He felt rather sick, to be completely honest. No matter how much he told himself that it was just nerves, he couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling in his stomach.
"Charles?"
Akira Tohsaka poked her head in his dark bedroom. Beside her stood his Servant, who was looking worried.
"He's been like this since he went to sleep last night," Fran said. "Could you-"
"I'll fix your Master," Akira sighed, crouching beside Charles. "Hey. Charlie. You have your Servant worried, what's wrong?"
Charles only briefly looked at her before closing his eyes again. "Ah. Miss Tohsaka. Good morning. I think I've eaten something funny. I'll be up in a jiffy."
Akira felt his forehead for a moment, searching for a high temperature. When she couldn't find one, she retracted her hand and sighed. "It's just nerves. Have I misjudged you, Yarenes? You're completely different from when we first met."
"Yes. Well, er.. That was then, and this is now, you know? I've never done something like this before."
"Tch. Get up," Akira said, pulling him out of bed for the second day in a row. From his spot on the floor, he finally looked up at his ally. She had her hands on her hips, and her silver hair was now tied up in a single ponytail. The deep crimson of her jacket made it look like it was stained in blood, with a single cross emblazoned across one of her sleeves.
"Listen here. You're supposed to be setting your Servant an example. What's she supposed to think if her Master is catatonic and too lily-livered to even get out of bed? Why did you even join this Grail War if you were too scared to even face your opponent? I could kill you right now if I wanted to, you know."
Charles didn't have a retort.
"Exactly. Get dressed and meet me outside in five minutes, I've already received my first invitation."
"Invitation?"
"Yare yare. You really are out of the loop."
After freshening himself up, Charles left his bedroom to find Akira and Fran drinking tea in his living room.
"Miss Tohsaka. Or would you prefer Tohsaka-san?"
"Miss Tohsaka is fine, Yarenes. We're in London, and you know the saying. When in Rome.."
"Fair. Good morning to you too, Saber," Charles smiled, raising a hand in greeting.
"Morn', Master. Miss Tohsaka was just telling me our strategy for our battle tonight."
"I told you, Saber, just my first name is alright. My mother is Miss Tohsaka."
Charles cleared his throat. "Then, Akira-"
"It's Miss Tohsaka to you, Yarenes," Akira said, crossing her arms. She and Fran then exchanged glances, and then giggled in unison.
'So this is a girl's bond.. Scary..'
Akira's demeanor turned serious. "Being a magus from an unremarkable family has its perks, Yarenes. For starters, barely anyone competing knows who you are or what you do. Unfortunately for me.."
"The Tohsakas are a big deal here, so everyone will be gunning for the honor to take you out first."
"Essentially."
"So who was it today?"
"Adriana Scladio. Allegedly, she's the granddaughter of one of America's largest crime bosses. They've got a thumb in every magical pie over the world. Tch. I hate those mafia bastards," Akira cursed. "Total disgrace to the art of magecraft."
"Scladio? As in the Scladio Famiglia? You're kidding, right?"
"Ah huh. They sent a letter to my P.O Box at the Clock Tower a few hours ago. Some poor kid lost his eye from the curse that was in it. The message was pretty clear, though."
"They've declared war against you already, huh?"
"Pretty ballsy, considering how the Tohsakas are famous for summoning Saber in these Wars. They must be pretty confident with whoever they summoned."
"Or confident that they can kill you before a Servant enters the equation. I know these guys, they don't mess around."
"Is your family a bit of a seedy sort, Yarenes?" Akira asked, eyebrow raised.
"My brother was taken for ransom by them when he went to America six years ago," Charles said.
"My grandfather was friendly with the previous Scladio head, so they were pretty embarrassed when they realized who they'd taken, but.. Their mages are no joke. One second, I was talking to him, and when I looked away, he was gone without a trace. They work quick, and they work well. Where's Sha- Er, Caster?"
"You're not the only one with history with that lot. He's watching over us now, doing his best impression of King Oberon. We gave someone's spying golem quite a fright this morning when he pulled out his wings."
"From 'A Midnight Summer's Dream?'"
"Mhm. The course of love never did love smooth, and neither would a Grail War," Akira shrugged. "But this isn't something we can let go unchallenged, either. We should strike back while they're feeling most confident, and hope they slip up in their hubris."
"Let me guess- I'm going to be doing the actual fighting?" Charles asked.
"Of course you are, Yarenes. And, in exchange, I'll make sure you don't get whacked by the mob."
Charles looked towards his Servant. "Thoughts, Saber?"
"If you want me to stand a good chance of defeating enemy Servants, I can't be protecting you from enemy magi as well. I recommend we take advantage of Miss Akira's generosity for now. Ah, also, Japanese-style tea is very nice."
Akira covered her mouth with a hand. On it, Charles noticed, were three Command Seals, two intersecting circles and a large line running through the middle.
"Are you okay, Tohsaka?" Charles asked.
Without warning, Akira hugged Fran, squeeing. "This Saber is too damn adorable, I can't control myself! Kawaii sugiru! You'll ditch your Master and contract under me eventually, right? Right?"
"E-eh? Miss Akira? Get a hold of yourself, please!" Fran pleaded.
At some point, Shakespeare had materialized on the couch beside Charles. "Sear this moment into your memory, young Master. Ah, how much the sight of two maidens grappling each other is a sight for sore eyes!" he crowed.
"Gross," Charles reprimanded, punching the lecherous Caster on the shoulder. However, some deep down part of his soul couldn't help but agree.
After several more hours of deliberation, both Masters had come to the conclusion that it would be better if Charles stayed somewhere out of easy reach, but close enough to monitor Saber fight in real time.
"So why does it have to be… Here?"
"What, are you afraid of heights?
"The heights aren't the issue. I'm afraid of falling."
"Some magus you are," Akira snorted.
Charles sighed. "How long are we going to have to wait for these guys to show up?"
"Only a few minutes to go before sunset. The London Eye is a global attraction, you know. If you came all this way, then you may as well do some sightseeing. Oh, I'm getting a call." Akira picked up her phone.
"Tohsaka speaking."
"We can see you and your friend up there. Do you really think magi are immune to lead?" the voice came over, cracked and distorted.
At that moment, something small thudded against the carriage window, but it failed to penetrate.
"Magi? No. Reinforced glass? Yes."
"To think that a Tohsaka would resort to Reinforcement magic. We expected something more.. Flashy."
"What can I say? I'm all about performance per dollar, and I happened to have a good tutor closeby. Are you going to keep threatening me over the phone, or are you going to send your Servant out to fight? Surely even you people know that we're not supposed to be killing other Masters off."
The line went dead. Putting her phone away, Akira peered at the ground below. "Ah. Movement."
Smashing a blue gem into the carriage window, a small portion of it suddenly started to magnify the ground below.
Below, Saber stood resolute, though barehanded. Approaching her was a massive white stallion, and on its back was an imposing figure covered head to toe in armor and furs. Behind him, ten people, honest-to-god knights assembled in formation. Saber suddenly reacted, as if the figure on horseback had said something.
"Tch. We've got no audio. Come on, you stupid thing.." Akira murmured.
'Saber, what's he saying? Saber?'
On the ground, Fran stood with her back straight, facing the approaching congregation silently. Her bridal dress billowed in the wind, highlighted by the last vestiges of sunlight.
Approaching her was a monstrous white stallion, larger than any beast of burden she'd encountered in life, and on its back sat an armored figure. The horse, too, was armored, but its paltry plates didn't compare to the intricate designs that adorned the Servant at the top. Their mask, in combination with the mane-like fur that flowed behind them, made them look like a humanoid lion, and betrayed not a single shred of humanity.
'Servant presence confirmed, Master.' she eventually said. 'From the mount, I believe them to be of the Rider class. However.. I don't know where to begin when it comes to ascertaining their identity.'
"Identify yourself, Servant, so we may battle honorably," the armored figure said- no, commanded.
However, Fran didn't feel the need to kneel. Something inside her gave her the strength to stand up to this King- for they were surely a King if they commanded this presence.
"Class Saber, of the house Tohsaka," she replied, summoning her jeweled sword into her hands. She was hesitant to lie, but if it was for her Master's good, she could play along for a little while.
"And you?"
"Class Lancer, of the house Scladio." Maybe it was a trick of her eyes, but Fran could swear that she saw something in Lancer's hands, though she couldn't exactly place what it was.
'Scratch that, Master. Servant confirmed to be Lancer. Should I still-'
'Do your best, Saber. I'll get you out of there with a Command Spell if I need to. First, take out their horse. It's no Phantasmal Beast, but it has trouble written all over it.'
"Would you have me duel you while mounted, or on the ground? I'm willing to accommodate a maiden's wish," Lancer said.
"How could I separate you from your friend in good conscience?" Fran asked, smiling as she readied her sword. She had never wielded it seriously before, but her stance seemed somehow natural.
"Hmph. So be it. Let's begin, Saber."
In a burst of green lightning, Saber cleared the space between them in a single leap, roaring a battlecry as she did. She bring her sword down on the unguarded Lancer, who hadn't moved when-
CLANG!
Lancer raised their arm, and Fran's blade struck an invisible barrier.
"Wha-"
"Invisible Air."
Fran was blown back by a sudden gust of wind. Landing on her feet, she eyed Lancer warily. "You're concealing your weapon, Lancer."
"But of course. Now, my turn. Hya!"
The horse bore down on Fran, and with a sweep of their arm, Fran was blown back by a strike from some weapon. She could only defend in the most generic sense- there was no way to tell exactly how long Lancer's weapon was. Still, she held her ground as best as she could, deflecting strikes where she could as the horse maneuvered around her with surprising nimbleness. Whenever she did sneak a small strike, it bounced off of Lancer's armor without a scratch. Her struggle was obvious- she couldn't commit to any attack without risking falling victim to his unseen weapon.
Fran heard her Master's command over the cacophony. 'Enough with the niceties, Saber! Even the playing field! Get him off that horse!'
Fran nodded her understanding. "Haaaaaagh!" Slamming her sword into the earth like a battering weapon, Fran split the ground underneath them. Lancer sensed the changing tide and jumped off his horse. The stallion disappeared into thin air, and Lancer landed on solid ground.
'Master! This fight is a write-off, it's going to take all I have just to figure out what his weapon is!'
'Do what you have to, Saber! I'm here to back you up!'
Saber grinned. "Got it!" Holding her sword in front of herself, the finns on Saber's head started rotating, generating electricity to power her Noble Phantasm.
'Just enough. Not enough to hurt him. But.. just enough to blow away that weapon's disguise. Control yourself, Fran. Don't take yourself out just yet.'
"Noble Phantasm! Release one quarter.. Of limiters!" Fran's blade started glowing a bright green, and the inlaid jewels were sparking.
"How splendid, Saber!" The masked Lancer started to laugh. "So you say that I'm only worth one quarter of your true power? Come, then! Let me see it!"
"Shut… yer trap.." Fran growled, getting ready to fly at him. 'Maintain control. Over your mind and your body.'
"Blasted.. Roots!" Fran again crossed the distance between them in an instant, and her blade crashed against the weapon of the masked Lancer.
The ensuing shockwave was instantaneous. The carriage that Charles and Akira were taking refuge in was rocked, crashing the two of them against the far window.
Fran had also been blasted back against the immovable monster of a Lancer, who wasn't even visibly marked by the attack. However, Fran had gotten the result she wanted.
Just for an instant, the enchantment that was hiding the true form of Lancer's weapon was dispelled, revealing a shining lance, easily the most beautiful light that Fran had ever seen. Even from how high up Charles was, the light almost seared his retinas.
Pointing her sword at Lancer, Fran grinned. "I.. see you... Lancer!"
Lancer paused, looking towards their spear. After a moment, it was once again swallowed up by the winds- their so-called Invisible Air, Fran figured.
"It seems I've been discovered," they mused. "Just what sort of bride are you, to attack me with such reckless abandon?"
"I'm just a monster with a meddling Master. What I'd like to know is what sort of shameful knight would hide their own weapon," Fran replied, getting ready to strike.
The knight laughed. "That would be the fault of my own meddling Master. Unfortunately, I must concede this victory, fair maiden. I've been instructed to return to my Master immediately if my Noble Phantasm were revealed. You understand, surely."
'Take the out, Saber. They're strong. Crazy strong. Their Master's paranoia saved your life today.' Charles said telepathically.
Reluctantly, Saber lowered her blade. "Fine. One question, though."
Lancer, having already gotten back on their horse, tilted their head. "Yes?"
"Your Noble Phantasm. I want to see it again one day."
Lancer chuckled, the sound reverberating throughout their helmet. "Survive long enough, and I'll make sure you see it. Gentlemen." Lancer turned on his horse and rode back the way he came, his entourage following suite.
From the carriage, Charles released a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.
"Is it over?" he breathed.
What felt like an hour was in reality only eight minutes of combat. The London Eye rotated, eventually returning their carriage to the ground. Eventually, Charles was able to hop out, his stomach settling.
"That Lancer… I need to some digging, but until we figure out who it is, we should stay out of their way. If the Scladio family wanted us to crap our pants, they succeeded."
Charles nodded. "For now- Tch! Saber, get your guard up!"
Saber sensed the incoming presence and placed herself between it and her Master. Soon enough a mass of blue, white and purple crashed into her blade, and then it leaped back.
"It's so fast, I can't keep up! Careful, Master!" Fran called. Shakespeare also materialized in front of his Master protectively.
"Master, I sense a great evil from this Servant. It matches up with the oppressive aura that is currently eclipsing the globe. We should end him as soon as possible.
"So many friends, so many friends! I suppose, to a point, it is a comfort to the damned to have others suffer with them!"
The figure, tall and thin as it was, looked like a sort of demented clown to Charles. He was dressed in an embroidered jacket, an almost cartoonishly large hat and bright purple stockings. From under his hat, a wild mane of purple hair shook whenever he spoke.
"Bravo, bride-girl, from one Servant to another! I could never hope to match blows with that man, hee-hee!"
"Identify yourself, Servant!" Fran ordered, pointing her sword at him.
"Identify myself? Where to begin.. Where to begin.. Weeeeeeell… Well, well, well, well, well, you may call me Caster Pierrot. After all, it is my sworn duty to bring man joy!"
Charles snorted. "Hey, smart guy. Tell your Master to do his homework next time. We have the Caster Class Servant right here," he said, jerking a thumb at the disguised Shakespeare.
"Besides, Pierrot? A Heroic Spirit? Don't make me laugh."
Caster Pierrot cackled. "A liar? Do you seek to insinuate me a liar? Caster Pierrot is many things but he is not a liar, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO!"
He hopped from one foot to another, in a sort of mad dance.
"BESIDES. Two Casters, is that really such an outlandish assumption? Young Master C, you have two Sabers, do you not?"
Charles stiffened.
"And you, many-faced-man, you would put my own master to shame with how many forms you've taken to deceive others. No, no, no, Pierrot is true, in a technicality of the meaning that I am a clown, that, of course, you can see. But, a friend or a foe, I really do not know? After all, is anyone who they seem from first glance? No, no, no, not I, not thee, all the Servants here take part in some form of deception. You, bride-girl, lie to yourself. You long to rip my throat out of my mouth, flay my eyes and smash my chest! You have the rage of a true demon below the surface, but you present yourself as a sweet and charming maiden. So shy! So pure! Hee hee hee!"
"How do you know all this?' Akira demanded. "Have you been spying on us?"
"Spying? SPYING? No, no, no, no, no! It is simply in my nature to know your nature! Your desires, your dreams, your fears~ Under my eyes, any human's true self is laid bare! After all, I am- oh, I shouldn't say. I really shouldn't say. Oh, no, no, no, no."
Charles was beginning to get an idea. "How about we make a deal?" he asked, stepping forward in front of his Servant.
Caster Pierrot's eyes bulged wide. "A deal? A deal? How amusing! What contract would you seek to make with one such as I, Master?"
"You tell us what your True Name is, and I'll make sure that your death is brief."
"HA!" Caster Pierrot fell over and started to laugh uncontrollably, kicking his lanky legs in the air as he did so.
"Saber, now!"
"On it!" Saber dashed forward, her sword arcing towards the laughing Servant. Almost instantly, he sprang up on all fours, a large pair of scissors in his teeth, and blocked the strike.
"Uh-uh-uh!" Caster Pierrot said, turning to dust and reappearing a few meters away. "I applaud the effort, and efforts should always go rewarded. If it bothers you so, I will tell you my name, so remember it well."
Drawing himself up to his full height, Caster Pierrot took a bow.
"I am a mere representative of All the World's Evil, a merchant of chaos, if you will. You may call me a demon or a trickster, if it allows you to sleep at night, but I am naught but a simple jester, in my own opinion!"
"Spit it out, already," Akira groaned.
"Very well!
My True Name is Mephistopheles, and you, my dear Masters, will be a fine source of entertainment for me! Ta-ta!"
With that, Mephistopheles vanished in a cloud of confetti.
"Well," Akira mused. "I wasn't expecting that."
SERVANT: MEPHISTOPHELES
CLASS: CASTER?
STR - D
END - C
AGI - B
MAN - A
LUK - B
NP - B
CLASS SKILLS
ITEM CONSTRUCTION - C
TERRITORY CREATION - C+
PERSONAL SKILLS
CLOWN'S LAUGHTER - A+
INNOCENT MONSTER - B+
WITCHCRAFT - A+
(A/N - A long chapter this time, with two (2) enemy Servants introduced. Once I finished Chapter 7 and 8 [aka plot dumps], writing the fun things came a bit easier. Well, thanks for reading, and see you next time!)