I'm back with another chapter of Fate: Soul Bound! Not much has really happened since my last update. Thought I should tell you guys, This is an Ai Focus chapter, so if you don't like Ai... uhh... You may like her after this? I don't know. But with that said, their not much else to say. So I'll get right to the reviews
longbowchris50: Thanks. I hope you got her too, need to complete the family after all!
VGBlackwing: In due time they will. But that won't be for a bit, At least when it comes to Isai. As for Gil and Mordred. You'll have to wait and see.
angelvan105: of course they'll invoke Excalibur! If you have Saber in your story. Then it'd be a sin not to shout "EXCALIBUR!" at some point. As for the love interest. If you mean for Saber. I don't intend for her to be paired with anyone. If you mean Isai... Not fully sure. I have some ideas on what I want to do. But I'm open to any suggestions... as long as they're reasonable.
Fireblight9999: Oh, Dress of Heaven Iri, gotcha. Uhh... I don't want to go into too much detail about that. But Isai will stay as she is. I don't intend her to become an angel or a Devil.
Now on to the story!
"Speaking."
"Thinking."
"Servant Speaking."
The Toritsukare residence was a very lonely place. Well, At least that what Ai Toritsukare thought as she dumps a sponge into a bucket of what can be assumed to be Soapy Water. She then pulls out the sponge, but not before squeezing it to get rid of any excess Water.
The Torisukare residence was a very traditional home. Having a very Japanese Style and feeling to it.
The main part she was cleaning at the moment was often called an Engawa. An Outer corridor that wraps around the house. As such, it was usually the most exposed to the elements. So it's what she had to clean the most often. There Usual made from Bamboo or wood in this case.
There were other buildings in the Toritsukare residence, like the second main house, which Ai dubbed the guest house. But she keeps the storm shutters for those. She so cleans them less often than say the Bathhouse or the main building she lives in.
She was wearing a casual White shirt and blue shorts. But due to the fact she was cleaning, she also wore a black apron and bandana that on her head.
After she finishes scrubbing the floor, she was then in the Kitchen. Which she had three trays of food out.
"Oi! Food's here!" She shouted, banging a ladle on a pan a couple of times. It took roughly a minute, but three different cats do arrive on the scene.
The first one, whose fur was completely black with blue eyes, Just walked up and started eating from the middle tray, no real problems there. The second one, however, who's fur was mostly orange, with a couple of brown spots on its head and body and has brown eyes. It went for the leftmost tray. Which annoyed Ai a bit.
"Masa! That's not your tray." Ai chastised and picked up the cat, placing her by the rightmost tray... With the cat staring at her for a couple of seconds, then walks to the other tray and keeps eating. Much to Ai's dismay.
But before She could life Masa back to her tray, the last cat, who had White fur and red eyes. She just walked right up to and started eating form the rightmost tray.
"Dammit Not you too Saki..." Ai said. "Why can't you two be like Miyu? She always listens!"
But alas, her words came on to deaf ears. Since it seemed that cat didn't really care which tray they ate from.
"Does it really Matter? All the trays have the same thing in them." Archer reasoned. Yea, normally it wouldn't matter that much.
"No, but I swear those two do it just to annoy me." Ai insisted, she knew these cats for years after all.
"I highly doubt they're doing it just to annoy you, Master," Archer said. In which Ai just shook her head. She knew better after all.
After attempting and failing to get the cats to eat form the right trays. Ai went to the Rather large Garden in the back. It was rather large, larger than any of the buildings around it. The garden was mainly by some Trees, bushes, and a very small waterfall and went into decently size Koi pond. which even had a small wooden bridge over it.
There where natural looking stepping stones that were around the garden, so anyone who actually wanted to look at it without messing up the grass.
Anyways, it is now dusk, and Ai is currently feeding the koi in the pond. She was even hand feeding some of them. She has a relax and content face. Even smiling a bit.
"Don't you find it strange that the cats don't try and eat the fish?" Archer had to ask. It's something he noticed during his time with Ai. But never really ask about it before.
"Masa and Saki hate the water and would never go near the pond," Ai said as a fish took a pellet right form her hand. "And while I can see Miyu trying, she is purely an indoor cat."
It was the reason why she felt it was safe to have some koi fish after all.
"Though I will admit I was a bit worried for the first couple of weeks. But I really wanted to have some fish to go with the pond. It has been empty for so long, and I felt it needed some life to it. I only bought a single koi at first, however, just to be safe." Ai then said.
"It was right to be careful master, but it seems you didn't have to worry about it," Archer said. "That being said, don't you think you're overworking yourself?"
This caught Ai off guard.
"Do I look overtried? I'm clearly fine." She said to him. Raising an eyebrow.
"Which is surprising, you not only maintain the whole place by yourself. Which by the way, is way too big for just one person to work on. But you also take care of 3 different cats, a pond full of fish, and let's not forget about your friend. Not to mention school. Your family has more than enough money. Why not hire some people to help?" Archer Suggested.
"But then I wouldn't be able to take care of it myself." Ai points out.
"You're also part of the Holy Grail War? Sooner or later, all this work is going to get to you." Archer reminded her. But Ai just dismisses it all.
"It's fine Archer. Besides, I just need to finish feeding the Koi, and I'll be done for today." Ai tried to reassure him.
"You know that not what I mean, Master," Archer told her. But before Ai could response, her cell phone starts to ring.
She dug into her pocket with her free hand and pulled out her cell phone. looking at the caller.
"Oh. Wonder what she wants." Was what she said before she answered.
"Ai-chan! How has your day been?" Isaiviel's voice came through the speakers.
"The usual. Just about to finish feeding my fish, and I'll probably take some time to relax a bit afterward. How about you?" Ai told her friend. Tossing out the rest of the pellets in her hand in the pond.
"Oh, my day has been... eventful. To say the least." She said. Ai only gave a confused look, not that Isaiviel could see it, however.
"Eventful? Did something happened?" Ai asked her.
"I joined the occult research club!" Isaiviel said. Causing Ai to just stand there for a moment of silence.
"The occult research club? Why on earth would you join that club?" Ai had to ask.
"Well... Rias is actually the president. Remember what she said yesterday?" Isaiviel told her. In which Ai just stood there. She... Joined a club that was run by a Devil?
" . . . Yes, I do remember what she said... Isai, are you an idiot? Do you know just what she is?" Ai said to her.
"Duh, she's a devil," Isaiviel said like it was common knowledge.
...
"Why are you saying that so casually?! Hell, why did you even join a club that had a Devil as the president?!" Ai yelled.
"I have my reasons!" She added.
Ai went silent again, her hand shaking as she gripped her forehead.
"I'm gone for a couple of days and you become friends with a devil..." Ai said.
"One, I never said we were friends. And two, It's not only Rias, everyone in the club are Devils. Except for me of course," she told Ai.
"That only makes it worse!" Ai snapped at her.
"Well, they don't seem like bad people. So I'm giving them a chance. I also said I could get you to join so... Can you?" Isaiviel asked her.
Ai was having such a good day too.
"Isai..." Ai was about to go in a big rant. But then she reminded herself just who Isaiviel was.
She only sighs deeply. She couldn't say no to her... But she could protect her from her own recklessness.
"I'm only doing this to make sure you say safe." She confirmed. Sometimes Ai wonders what going through her friend mind. Especially with what happened a couple of days ago.
"I knew I could count on you Ai-chan! Please try to be nice by the way." Isaiviel said. "Oh, also, Rias said she would explain what she knew to you tomorrow if you joined so."
Well, if that's the case, she might actually get something out of this.
"I'll... try, but no promises," Ai told her. rubbing her head which no doubts hurt from taking in all this new information. "That being said, you're not going to get out of this scotch free."
"Eh...?" Seems Isaiviel wasn't actually expecting that.
"You'll find out tomorrow. For now, I'm going to relax a bit. I have a bad headache right now." Ai told her.
"Uh, alright... By the way Ai-chan?" She said, stopping Ai form hanging up.
"What?"
"I don't think their bad people. But I do think they have other motives for letting us in. Again, don't be rude, but also be careful." Isaiviel warns her.
"Not exactly making it easier to Isai," Ai points out. Sighing a bit.
"Right... Sorry about this. I just didn't feel very safe if I was the only human there." Isai said. Ai can understand that feeling. And while it is overall annoying, it does make her a bit happy that Isaiviel is relying on her for support.
Admitting thought she probably would have tried to join, even if Isaiviel didn't invite her.
"It's fine," Ai told her. "Well, I'll better be going. Goodnight Isai."
"Good night Ai-chan."
And with that, she hangs up. Looking at the phone, she sighs before putting it away.
"So about hiring some people." Archer suddenly butted in. Ai almost forgot she existed. Yea, now with A club and whatever activities that Isaiviel basically pulled her in. And not to mention all the extra school work she has to do due to missing a couple of days. She has her work cut out for her.
"If it proves too much... I'll think about it." She finally said. She didn't like the idea, but she might not have much of a choice.
"Well, I suppose it's an improvement." Archer wasn't very satisfied with her answer. But it's was probably the best he'll get for a while, and that was fine honestly.
Some people just have to learn the hard way after all.
"Well, for now, I have the rest of the night to myself." She said, walking inside.
"Let's see... Maybe there something good on TV..." She wondered to herself as she put her apron and bandana in a hamper in the kitchen.
"Perhaps you can just lie down and read a book instead?" Archer suggested.
"If there isn't anything good on, sure," Ai told him. walking towards the main room.
However, it seems her phone wanted to be very active today. As it
started ringing again.
"Again?" Ai said out loud, pulling out her phone looking at it.
"Oh, it's a text this time." She said.
Side Text reads.
*
FROM: I.F.
1 Fallen Angel located. Keeping track of him. Will be sending you location now.
*
". . ." Ai stares at the phone. Hearing the ring again.
"Tonight won't be so relaxing after all huh?" Archer said.
"I guess so." She said as she reads the other text. "The Park huh? He could have just given the location in the same text message."
Putting away her phone, she starts to get ready for the night.
It was dead silent at night. Ai was wearing a dark blue cloak, and was on top of a nearby building, looking over the park.
As she was heading towards her location, she was given the description of said Fallen Angel. Since they do look human and can hide their wings, Ai could easily just mistake it for a human.
But right now, she and Archer were keeping an eye on their target. The person they were watching looked to be a middle age man, with short black hair and Dark blue eyes.
Most of his clothing was mainly gray, with the exception of his pants, gloves, and hat. He had a trench coat and an admittedly cool looking hat.
"What do you think we should do Archer?" Ai asked him. "I think we should strike from a distance. It's also a lot safer than just confronting him as is."
"It's certainly an option. And normally, I would agree with that idea. But remember, we're not trying to kill him, merely get information, and your skills with a bow still need improvement. Remember when you tried to hit that stray Devil? Chances are the same thing will happen, only this time he'll approach us." Archer told her.
Ai admits that her skills with a bow still needs much improvement, especially compared to Archer. But she was sure she could at least land a non-fatal blow.
"That being said, your skill with a blade is much better than with a bow. So I suggest approaching him quietly without him noticing. Quickly attack and subdue him before he realizes what's happening, and force out any information we can get." Was what Archer said. Ai thought about Archer suggestion, trying to think of other ways to confront the man.
"Do you think we can get what we want just by asking?" Ai asked him.
"No, not only will he most likely not tell us anything. But by asking him that, he'll know that we know his true nature. And I don't think he'll take too kindly to that." Archer explained.
Of course, that wouldn't work and Ai kinda already knew that. But the idea was still worth mentioning, at least in her eyes it was.
None the less, she focuses her mind, She needs to make sure to get this right.
"Trace On." She said. And with those words, two Blades start to form in her hand, one black, and one White.
Kanshou and Bakuya, the married blade, crafted by Gan Jiang, the tragic Blacksmith. It was Archer's preferred choice in the vast amount of Noble Phantasms he could create. There were easy to make and Archer could make a nearly limitless amount of these swords for Ai to use due to how low they would cost to trace.
Thought Ai didn't really like them as much as Archer, she can respect his choice. They do look rather cool after all.
Granted, like nearly every other Noble Phantasm he owned, these were fake and are a lot weaker when compared to the real thing. But that didn't really matter when you basically have a limitless amount of them.
Ai then jumps down from the building she was on. and Slowly approached the man from an unseen angle, blade ready to strike. When she got closer, she noticed that he had a small magic rune floating right above his palm.
Then said rune disappears and he turns his head towards Ai.
"I was waiting for you to do something." The man suddenly said, turning around and tossing a light spear at her that he just created.
She quickly reacted, swinging her blade sideways, blocking and destroying the light spear without much effort.
"You knew I was here?" Ai asked. Shocked by this, she thought she was perfectly hidden.
"I noticed you were watching me some time ago." He told her. Ai looked a bit dumbfounded.
She quickly shook it off. Bringing her blade up into position, ready to strike.
"Seems we never had the moment of surprise," Archer said to Ai.
"No, we didn't... None the less, have some weapons ready for me to trace. We'll just have to do this the hard way." Ai told him.
"Though I'm not sure why A human would want to pick a fight. But if want to die-"
She then starts running at him, the man quickly stopped talking and created another spear, tossing it. But just like the last time, she easily destroyed it a single swing from one of her blades.
Despite the fact that her weapons were mere fakes. They were still Noble Phantasms threw and threw, retaining the very same history and memory that the real thing had. A light spear of that quality was no match for a crystallized mystery.
When she got close enough, she bought both blades up and swung them down. The man managed to avoid them back taking a step back. But Ai was relentless. She pressed forward, bringing them back up, she swung one of her blades at him again.
He managed to summon another light spear to deflect the blow, but it was still destroyed on contact with Bakuya as he did so.
Still, she had another blade ready to use. And she did use it, lending forward, she stabbed Kanshou into his left shoulder. Already drawing blood.
He let out a pained gasp, stumbling back as he grabs his shoulder with his free arm.
"You little brat..." He let out. Steadying himself. He wasn't expecting a Human of all things to trump him like this already. Was she really human? Maybe she was actually a Devil?
She quickly approached him again, moving far faster then any normal human could ever move, He kept moving back so he could have enough time to create another light spear. He couldn't let her get close enough, she would just destroy him, so he decided that using the superior range of his spear is the best option.
He thrust his spear forward when she got within its range, however. Ai just ducked under and swipe her blade up. Destroying the spear and catching him off guard. With a frim and hard step, she moved forward and tried to stab him again with the other blade. But this time, he let out his wings and flew up in the air, just out of reach.
At this point, it was clear he wasn't going to win in close combat. Ai was too fast and relentless, never giving him any breathing room. And the range of his light spear meant nothing if she just keeps destroying them.
So he chooses to stay in the skies, creating and tossing light spears at Ai. Who in turn just blocks or deflect any spear thrown at her.
"I expected this to be harder. This was a fallen angel after all. But this is..." Ai thought. Certainly, he is putting up more of a fight when compared to a human. But that's not really saying much.
"Master now is not the time to underestimate the opponent," Archer told her.
But right before the Fallen angel threw another spear, she chucks Kanshou and Bakuya and at him. While he didn't expect it, he was able to narrowly dodge her attack. He smiled and laughed now that she lost her weapon.
"You dumb human! Now you're defenseless!" He shouted, tossing another spear.
However, Ai smiled as another pair of the same swords appears in her hands. Slashing the spear in half at the last second.
"Cutting it a bit too close Master," Archer commented.
The fallen angel was shocked on the other hand. Can she create some sword out of nothing? He thought about it for a moment. Maybe she possesses a sacred gear? He has heard of a sacred gear that could create swords.
None the less. As much as he hates to admit it. She was a foe he couldn't beat alone, he needed to wait for one of his allies to help. So, for now, he decided to retreat. Turning around and speeding off. Moving as fast as he could.
A same small magic rune from before appears on his palm. This little rune is called a Mentis Nuntius. It's mainly designed to send mental messages to other Fallen Angels. He used it to ask Raynare to send some help.
But before he could receive an answer. He suddenly felt several instances of piercing pain go through his wings. Seeing silver streak come out of them... Where... where those arrows?
Just before he painfully lands on the ground. He looks back to see Ai holding a black bow. She can create bows too?! Just what kind of sacred gear was this?!
Meanwhile, Ai let the bow fade away and creates Kanshou and Bakuya again. Walking towards the Fallen Angel.
"I told you I could hit him," Ai told Archer. "As your Master, you should have more trust in me."
"I suppose you're right. Still, that was risky. What if you killed him?" Archer said. ai had a little smirk for once.
"But I didn't, and that's what matters," Ai said, walking up to the man who was on the ground. She noticed that he was going to create another light spear, so she just stomped on his hand. Forcefully stoping it.
"Gah! You brat! You're going to fucking regret this! You're going to end up as a corpse by the end of tonight!" Ai, however, didn't care for what he had to say. Or at least, what he had to say about her supposed death.
"Don't care," Ai said coldly. "I'll know your a fallen angel-"
"I wonder what gave you that idea." He sarcastically said.
"And I have questions for you," she finished. Ignoring his remark. She has gotten used to sarcasm thanks to Archer.
"Why should I answer anything after what you just did?" He said. glaring at her intensely.
"Well, I won't kill you, which seems like a good enough reason." She told him. "Now, why are you fallen angels here? This is a Devil's territory. Fallen Angels shouldn't be here."
"Fuck you." Was his reply. Well, that didn't get very far. Ai was determined, however.
"I saw what I can assume was one of your friends killing a kid that went to my school." She told him. "Why did she kill him?"
"Why should I answer that? What, were you friends with him?" He said.
"No, and frankly, I hate his guts. But it isn't right to kill someone. So why?" She again asked. Pressing her food on his hand harder. He gasped as he felt it.
"Answer me." She said. She expected an answer by now. But instead, he was smiling, and what he said afterward caught her off guard.
"You won't kill me."
She froze. Why would he think that?
"He is right. You won't kill him, even if he doesn't give you any answers." Archer said. Which funny enough snapped her out of it.
"Shut up Archer." Was her reply before pulling her attention back to the fallen angel.
"I can and will if you don't tell me what I want to know." She told him, aiming Bakuya right at his head. "Now answer the question."
His smirk never faded.
"Don't you remember what you just said? 'It isn't right to kill someone.' Sounds like your against killing really." He told her.
She just stood there, staring at him. But after a couple of seconds, the hand holding Bakuya began to shake. She was hesitating.
"...Ugg! Damit!" She yelled. Before the fallen angel could react, the foot that was pressed down on his hand suddenly came up and slam the side to the head. Knocking him out.
"Well, that went rather well," Archer said. "I don't think you had to kick him so hard, however."
"He was pissing me off." She said before sighing. "I hate it when your right."
"Simply doing my job Master." Archer only said, and Ai could feel him being smug again.
"Yea yea, whatever. Either way. I can't get answers from him." She told Archer. "But I know who can."
With that being said. She pulled out her celling phone, about to dial a number.
"Duck!" Archer said out of nowhere. However, his word, made Ai do just want he said.
She felt something fly over her head. Something very fast. And, was aiming at her head...
"Tsk, I guess it couldn't have been that easy huh?" An unfamiliar voice said. Grabbing Ai's attention.
Looking towards the voice, she sees a young man with short white hair and red eyes. Which made her think of Isaiviel. He was also wearing clerical clothing, which made her think he was some sort of priest. Or well, she would have thought of that if not for his disturbing smile on his face. It really creeped Ai out.
In his right hand, he had a gun which he put away after her attempt to shoot her failed. It looked like a normal gun. But something felt strange about the bullet that flew just above her head. She highly doubted that it was a regular gun, with the lack of sound it had as it fired.
In his right hand... was a Strange sword. It was shaped like a Kris weirdly. But it had a diamond shape gap in the blade with the edges of it having spikes. Ai thought it was a weird design for a sword.
"Be careful Master, That sword isn't normal," Archer warned her. It had to be some sort of holy sword with all that holy energy coming off of it.
"You'd think a fallen Angel would be able to handle a girl. But I he was pretty weak. Can't blame him for going down so fast." He kept going.
None the less, this man was clearly hostile. She raised Kanshou and Bakuya. It seems her night isn't over just yet.
"Eager to fight huh? I like that. Name's Freed, I wonder what's your name?" He said, licking the hint of said weapon. "You're pretty cute too! I'll make sure to have a bit of fun with your body if it's not too messed up."
And at that moment, Ai had a disgusted look on her face. Yea, she wanted this man out of her sight.
But at the moment, his blade started to glow when it grabbed it with both his hands. Ai tenses, ready for whatever was about to happen...
Within moments, Freed was already in front of her. Ai didn't know what really happened, but both of her blades with already blocking Freed's attack.
She was struggling as he put more force in his attack. Her knees bend slightly, and she can hear the cracking of her blades. The married swords were about to give in to his strength.
Ai then hop back as her sword give in and breaks under the pressure. Freed's blade narrowing missing her skin, but it completely ripped the cloak and a small part of her clothing. Great, she liked this shirt!
"Got you now you little slut!" Freed yelled, swinging his sword at her again.
"Archer!" Ai mentally yelled.
"You don't have to tell me, master!" Archer said, With Kanshou and Bakuya already forming in her hands. She used Kanshou to block the blow, it cracking on impact, but it didn't break due to the fact he only used one hand. Still, it gave her enough time to counter with Bakuya.
"Oh! Neat trick!" Freed admitted. He was very excited, in both a very good and a very bad way.
Or it would have it this guy reflex wasn't like lightning! He quickly sidestepped her attack and kneed her right in the stomach. Which felt like she just had a bowling ball fly right into her.
She gasps as she bends over a bit. Still, through sheer willpower. She managed to stand back up and was able to take a step back from him.
For about a second before Freed came at her again. She focused herself and started to back away from his assault. Her twin blades blocking or deflecting any attack she couldn't dodge naturally. Cold steel came together as two blades clashed with one. The sound echoing threw out the park.
Every now and then, Kanshou and/or Bakuya would break. Ai would have to replace it instantly. If she didn't, he would have easily overwhelmed her. Luckily with Archer in her, she could do just that.
Also thanks to Archer's Eye of the mind. Ai could barely keep up with freed's sharp movements and reflexes. Her calm and collective composure also helped greatly.
Her fighting style was also more refined and disciplined when compared to Freed's more wild and reckless assault.
But regardless, He was no fool, and even if he fought differently, he was still just as skilled as she was with a blade. This man was also far faster than she ever was. And at best Ai could only stay on the defensive.
"Yes fight harder! Fight as you hopelessly try to overcome me! I'm going to love the last look on your face as you life creeps away!" He screams. Ai was getting more and more unnerved as she fought him. This man is insane! She couldn't help but wonder why people like him exist.
"You're not going to win at this rate Master. He's got you beat," Archer told her. He's... surprisingly calm even though his master is in mortal danger. But he needed to be, If he started to panic, so would Ai, and that would mean game over.
Ai also knew this, but she couldn't let it get to her.
"Then what can we do?" Ai asked him. Hoping back slightly to create another pair of the married blades to fend Freed off with.
If anyone knew how to get her out of this, Archer would know what to do. He always knew
"It's his weapon that makes him so fast. If we can get that sword away from him. We should be able to take him out easily." Archer said. Ai nods slightly.
"How do I do that?" At this point, she was starting to get more frustrated. with it, she also made more mistakes in her fighting.
This had allowed Freed to get in small hits on her every now and then. With some scratches on her skin, and even some of her clothing was starting to get ripped up. Much to her dismay, it seems like the parts he trying to rip are the more... sensitive areas. But she manages to avoid having those parts ripped. At the coat of some other parts of clothing and skin.
"You can't do anything about it. I, however, can." Archer said. Ai couldn't help but be somewhat confused.
"What do you mean?" Ai had to ask as she deflected another blow.
"Remember when I told you about Independent Action?" Archer said. Yes, Ai did remember, he went into quite a bit of detail on how different it was in this war when compared to a normal grail war.
And then she realized what he wanted to do. She... wasn't fully on board with the idea. But she couldn't lose. Not only would it spell the end of her life. But she wouldn't be able to take care of the things she loves. Her fish, her cats, her house, and most importantly, she couldn't take care of Isai.
"Very well Archer, I'll let you handle the rest," Ai said. With her agreement, her body started to not listen to her anymore.
"I won't let you down, Master." Was the last thing Ai heard as her world slowly went to black.
At the moment, Ai Movements suddenly became much fast and more precise. Not quite as fast as Freed, but it was enough.
With the cling of two blades hitting together. She suddenly went on the offensive. thrusting one of her swords forward, toward Freed's stomach.
Freed narrowly dodged the attack by moving to the side. He was about to strike back. But with reflexes far higher then Ai shown before. she deflected the blow with her other blade.
Freed was taken by surprise. And couldn't help but step back from her. Where did this sudden improvement of skill come from? Was she holding back all this time?
"Shocked? I would be too." She said. Her voice was a lot deeper. And though it was still that of a women's. She sounded much older than she really was. As if she was in her mid-30s. And Freed could have sworn that heard a much quieter male voice behind it.
Or it could be hearing things, even he knew he was insane after all.
"Who are you?" He couldn't help but ask. Something was different from before. He felt as if he was now fighting a completely different person.
"Me? I'm Nobody really," She said, shrugging her arms. "But if you want to call me something. I think... Archer would be good."
"Archer...? What a retarded name." Freed let out. "You not even using a bow! An archer uses a bow you dumbass!"
Oh, this poor man. If only he knew.
"Well, it isn't a name. I'm just something I prefer to go by." Archer told him.
Archer raises Kanshou and Bakuya. But she had a very different stance to what she was using before. Compared to a more normal stance she had before. Her blades seemed to offer little to no protection to any vital parts of her body, like her heart, stomach, or head. It was something Freed picked on without a second thought.
"What are you? retarded? Do you suddenly want to die?" Freed wondered. Archer only smirked.
"Oh, I just thought I would give you a handicap. Someone like you would need it anyways," she said. The tone she gave off... Was very smug. As if she was mocking him.
And as expected, this pissed off Freed. Unknowingly to him. This was just what Archer wanted.
"You little bitch! I'll gut you right before you die!" He yelled, He suddenly charged at her. aiming for her exposed stomach.
But at the very last second, when his sword was just about to pierce the skin. She deflected his attack, and slashed at Freed's arm, causing a decently sized gash. Making him reel back in pain.
"What's wrong? I thought you were going to gut me." She mocked.
"Oh, maybe you want to aim for my head?" She said, gesturing at her own head.
"Maybe my chest instead? Stab right through the heart? You were supposedly interested in it before." She pointed where he heart was with one of her swords before going back to her stance.
"FUCK YOU!" He screamed. Swinging his sword as hard as he could at her head. But this out to be a grave mistake,
"Too slow."
Just as he was about to hit her, she deflected the blade upwards. Throwing him off balance due to the force he threw into the swing. Using this, Archer slashed his chest, Not only cutting through his clothing but also cutting through his skin.
It wasn't a deep wound. But it still hurt a lot. Judging from Freed's reaction and scream at least. He took another step back.
"You fucking little slut. I'll murder you!" He yelled, Grabbing his chest wound.
"Doing a rather poor job at the moment then," Archer said, all smug like. "Even with that sword."
"Shut up! Excalibur is the strongest sword! I can beat anyone with it!" Freed yelled as he swung to the side again. With Archer hopping back a bit, Smirking.
Freed started to relentless assault Her. His attacks were strong and fast, almost impossible to see with the human eye. But none of that matter, Any attack or would be blown at Archer was just deflected or outright avoided.
Freed was also far too mad to make any reasonable judgments. He just wanted her dead.
"You can't even beat me with it. And I'm pretty weak all things considering." She said. "And if I'm weak. Then that would make you-"
She casually moved to the side on Freed's downwards swing. With the sword crashing into the ground. Archer sweep one of her feet under Freed, Tripping him and causing him to fall on the ground. She than painfully slams her foot on the hand that was holding his sword, Forcing him to let it go. When that happens, she then places the same foot that she stomped his hand with on it, holding it firmly in place.
"Well, I guess you can see what I mean." She finished.
"You little fucking Bitch...!" Freed said as he suddenly pulled out his gun. But Archer was way ahead of him. She swipes across his fingers, causing him to yelp and drop it.
Just as Freed got up on his knees. Archer had Kanshou pointing right at him
"This bitch just won," Archer said. "By the way, you seem to be working with the fallen angels. Perhaps you can answer some questions for me? Your friend wouldn't so I'm hoping you would instead."
Archer tilts her head to said person. Who wasn't that far away.
"Fuck you!" He breathed out. "Like hell, I'll tell you anything. Next time we meet, I'll make sure you'll pay for everything you did!"
Archer looked at him, Not saying anything. But then he just shrugs.
"I guess I don't need you then... We won't be seeing each other after this." He reverses the grip of one of the married blades he's holding, ready to stab the blade right into his skull.
After all, unlike his Master, Archer was far more open to the idea of killing.
But before She could deal the finishing blow. Freed pulled out... a flash bomb?
"Wha-" Before Archer could say or do anything else. Freed activates it. Causing a blinding flash to engulf the park, Archer was forced to use her arms to cover her eyes, but that did very little to protect them. She was blinded by the light.
By the time Archer could see clearly again. Both Freed and the fallen angel were gone. Nowhere in sight. No doubt the man took the fallen angel back to wherever they are hiding.
However, when she looked down. Freed's sword was still there. He abandoned his weapon.
He went and picked up the blade, examining it. Granted, He already knew what the blade was after he analyzed it when Ai fought Freed.
Excalibur Rapidly, the Holy Sword of Heavenly Flare, one of the seven fragments of the original Excalibur of this world. He wasn't quite sure what to think of it.
It looked nothing like the Excalibur Archer came to know. And its abilities were vastly different when compared to the Sword of Promised Victory.
Still, personality, she found it quite insulting to call it Excalibur. From reading the history of the blade, the Original Excalibur, despite lacking the qualities that the Excalibur from his world had, was still a blade worthy enough to be called Excalibur.
But this? No, it's a mere shell of its former self. A hollow blade that was recreated by alchemy. It was no longer the Divine Construct that it once was.
Still, it's power is comparable to that of a Noble Phantasm. And it's ability could prove useful in the future. So Archer had already copied and stored it within Unlimited Blade Works.
So even if they didn't get any information on just why these fallen angels are here. Archer can still be satisfied with the end results.
"Better give my master her body back," Archer said to himself. He could stay in control for a bit longer. But he honestly didn't feel like it.
"Wake up Master."
Ai felt like she just woke up from a very short nap. As such, her body was a bit sluggish and slow as she regained control. If anyone saw her now, people would think she was a bit tipsy or just really tired.
"Mhmm... What happened...?" Ai slowly said. Not fully here yet
"I fought the man known as Freed," Archer told her. Her mind starts to remember what happened before she 'passed out'
"Oh... O-oh! Right. I gave you temporary control to fight... Freed" She said, reminding herself. Her voice was full of disgust as she said his name.
"I beat him. He wasn't really hard to fight." Archer commented. "He was skilled with a blade, and could have actually been a reasonable threat if he kept his cool."
"Let me guess, You went and pissed him off," Ai said. which was exactly what he did.
"What can I say? He easily got upset. I merely took advantage of that weakness." Archer told her.
Ai was not surprised by this. She knew Archer long enough to know this was something he'd do. He was the kind of person who would play dirty if it got him the win.
"By the way, he left his sword. It's in your hand right now." Archer said. Causing Ai to look at it. She actually dropped it out of shock. She didn't expect to actually steal the blade from him!
Thought she did pick it back up. Looking at it. It was still a strange looking sword in her eyes.
"What kind of sword is it?" Ai asked him. Her eyes completely focus on said blade.
"Some Holy sword created by the church. Freed stole it from them not long after being kicked out. It ability simply increase the speed of the user. So fast that you can create afterimages of with it." Archer explained.
"Huh, I didn't see... that man, have any after images when we fought," Ai said. That was strange. Wait, that means he wasn't using the sword's full power
He was just playing with her that whole time. That's a really chilling thought, and Ai couldn't help but have a chill go down her spine.
But that also was what bit him in the ass in the end. He underestimated Her and Archer. And now not only has he lost his weapon. But he also probably suffered a massive blow to his ego.
"What do we do with it?" Asked Ai. Swinging it a couple of times to get and an idea of its weight.
"I've already copied it, so we don't have much of a use for it," Archer told her. Yea, if Archer did, they don't really have a need for this blade anymore.
At the moment, the phone rings again. Luckily enough, It survived the clashed that just happened. she opened it up and saw she got a text.
*
FROM: I.F.
Meet me back at your place. Bring the sword with you.
*
Turns out he was watching the fight. Go figure.
"Guess we're heading back. Oh, by the way, did you get any information?" Ai wondered, she could feel Archer shaking his head.
"No, he used a flash bomb and got away. Took the fallen angel with him too." Archer replied. Well, then this was mostly a waste of time. Aside from the fact that they got this Holy sword now.
"I'll just have to explain that to him." She said as she set on out towards home.
By the time she got home, she could already feel that someone else was here. Of course, she already knew who it was. So she wasn't worried or anything.
She walked into her home, leaving her shoes by the front door.
She knew where to go to, Straight to the main room.
And when she got there, She was met by a man sitting at the Table, One with short gray hair and blank Gray eyes. He was wearing a black trench coat, with a suit most likely under it.
The most notable thing, however, was the sniper rifle that he had by his side. Ai wasn't sure what kind it was.
He already noticed Ai by when she came in.
Ai took a deep breath.
"They got away, and I couldn't get any answers," Ai said to him. The man didn't say anything for a good couple of seconds.
"That's fine. As long as they're not a threat. It doesn't matter." He said. "You still have the sword I see."
"Well, you did ask for it," Ai said, walking up to the table and placing it on it. "Do you intend to keep it?"
"For safe keeping." He said. "This was worrying, however. While we're not much closer to our goal. They could have become a problem if they had this... It's good to know that it's in our hands now."
Only silence followed. It seems the man was silently thinking about what to do next. Archer wouldn't talk. He never talked when he was around. Ai wasn't sure why really. But that hardly matters, as long as Archer did what he needed to do.
". . . You know your daughter misses you right?" Ai told him. "I know you love her, but you need to show it more. You should actually spend some time with her. She would really like that."
The man was quiet. Not saying anything at first.
"I know... But this is all for her." He said. "I refuse to lose anyone else I care about..."
He was right. This man was someone who once lost everything and everyone he loved. And now that he finally has some form of a family again. He didn't want to lose it. Ai can agree with him.
Everything they were doing was for Isaiviel's sake after all. They not only need to keep her safe from anything that could pose a threat to her. But they also need to prevent her from sharing the same fate that her Mother and Sister suffered.
A/N: Well, that's a lot to take in I guess. But we got action people! Not only that, but we get to see how independent action work in Fate: Soul Bound! Since the skill would be pretty useless in this grail war otherwise. I decided to have it work differently.
Oh, and Freed appears! and He has-or well had Excalibur Rapidly! I wonder how this will affect the story. Rapidly should also be important in the not so distance future. With the whole Excalibur Arc and all of that.
Speaking of Freed, Seems Archer made a fool of him, but don't worry, Freed will be back for some good old revenge later down the line! Honestly, it was good that it was Ai and Archer that ran into Freed instead of Isai and Saber. Since Isai is not nearly skilled enough to fight Freed just yet.
And finally we have the last part, Honestly, we all know who that man is. As well as the other two people mentioned at the end there. But it seems good old dad has been more than aware of what's going on and is actively trying to do something about it. With our friend Ai helping him none the less!
Anyways, thank you all for reading and I hope you'll read chapter 7 whenever it's posted! Which will probably be in two weeks.