Well, here we are again, another chapter in Fate/Soul Bound. 3 weeks eh? Well... not that good, but at least better than before. So at least I have that going for me kind of.
Aside from that, not much to say, so on to the reviews!
DungeonMaster: While I'm not inclined to agree (At least about friendship power. You can do some really dumb, but creative stuff with it.) I do understand why and it's perfectly reasonable to think like that. And I know I'm not the best at doing fights, it's something I really need to improve on, but hey, can't get better if I don't try right? Hopefully, as time goes on I'll get better at it. As for the whole dying thing... Well, this is Fate, and due to the nature of the Holy Grail war, people are going to start dropping once time goes by. But I wouldn't say it'd be anytime soon, however. Rather have the beginning parts have a lighter tone to them.
Well, some things will change. But I do agree that Isai shouldn't get involved with the whole Rating game itself. As you said, it's a Devil's thing and Isai is certainly not going to become a Devil. I will say that Isai isn't really going to be that important to the main part of the Riser Arc. But she won't be slacking as she has her own things to do. (As you will find out) She'll try help in whatever way she can, even if it's not much.
And technically your right, It wouldn't be the end of the world if they married, And while it would admittingly be an interesting path to take especially since no one has tried it yet. (As far as I can tell) I'm not sure if that's where I want the story to go. That said, Riser isn't as bad as people like to make him out to be. And I definitely want to show off his better points.
Certainly, their a lot of things that the Nasuverse has that I feel can be explored a bit more. Dead apostles, Beasts, daemons, fairies. Quite a lot. I won't be able to cover everything though. That'd be impossible. Especially when most of this story takes place in the DxD World.
RandomReader93: She feels uneasy because she has no trust in her for the Devils(Expect Maybe Asia.) and she never had to deal with someone quite like Akeno before. Think about it. A person who's been as devoted to god as her being forced to hang out with the very things that oppose your god, and they actually seem to be good people? I don't blame Jeanne for feeling like that.
VGBlackwing: Yes, I did say there are two Rulers. And he's certainly a possibility. You'll just have to wait and see if he's in.
UA1991: We'll definitely see more about Ai's past in future chapters. As there quite a lot that I want to show about her, and just why she like who she is.
Evowizard25: Thanks, it's good to know I'm not completely fucking things up. And I'm happy to see that someone understands why I decided to do the whole 'Servants in the Master' thing.
And while I'm not sure if my story is as good as your making out to be. It feels nice that someone actually thinks I'm doing that good of a job.
angelvan105: Thank you for your continued support. I'm happy that you've been liking it. Hopefully, I can impress you some more in the future.
Now onto the chapter!
"Speaking."
"Thinking."
"Servant Speaking."
The powerful clash of two warriors destroys the once silent outskirts of this small town in England.
Mordred wasn't exactly sure just how it ended up like this, but it didn't really matter at the moment.
She is currently in full armor and was currently deflecting the crushing blows of, some sort of... Bone mace thing. She's pretty sure he was looking for a fight.
The Devil she is fighting came out of nowhere and attacked her for no reason. He has purple eyes and Black hair. And he was wearing some sort of dark causal outfit, but that outfit and the rest of his body was now covered in some sort of white boney Armor.
The Devil was fast by the way, extremely fast. Even Faster than her. Thought that wasn't really a problem.
The problem was that he hits like a truck, Each time her sword clashed with bone, it felt like a two-story house slammed into her blade at the very least. Luckily, power like this was common among Servants. So she wasn't really taken back by it. Still, a good hit form something like that is something she rather not willing to take.
Along with the sheer speed that he was swinging that mace of his, Mordred is forced to wait and bide her time for an opening. Which was annoying since she prefers to be the one of the offensive.
It was impressive really. A Devil on the level of a Servant like her? She has fought and killed other Devils before yes, and she did find some fun in those fights. But none of them weren't nearly as strong as this one.
The idea of there being Devils who were actually Servant level couldn't help but make her grin madly. They would certainly make for a decent fight. And it would prepare her for her destined fight with her Father.
But at the moment, she has to focus on the fight going on now. The man wasn't slowing down, not even for a second.
The two danced around each other in a fury of clashes at blinding speeds. The dance was in fact so intense, The ground itself was shaking from there might.
The term dance is used rather lightly, however. As Mordred was far more ruthless and wild, preferring to rely on brute force, though this aspect is shown slightly less so due to her being on the defensive. The Devil, on the other hand, moves in a more precise matter with his attacks, yet still held a very primal feeling to it, like a lion aiming for the throat of a wildebeest.
"Now this is a fight!" The man shouts, smiling. however, in his moment of joy, Mordred was it, an opening!
The mace was at just the right angle, one that allows her to effortlessly parry the mace. Throwing the Devil's aim off. Seeing the moment, She then took Clarent and tries to stab the Devil in the gut.
But then the bastard grabs the blade with his other hand. Stopping it, The devil was forced back a bit by this, however.
Mordred couldn't help but notice that his hand looked more like some sort of claw thanks to the bone armor.
"And here I thought that was going to last forever. Glad I was wrong!" The man said.
"Shit!" Was all Mordred could let out before the Devil suddenly spun her around, and with a heavy heave, tosses her high into the air.
Mordred didn't get much time to think about this either, because of only mere moments later, The Devil was already above her. Wings out and striking down with his bone mace.
While in midair, Mordred was able to roll her body around and block the brunt of the blow with her sword.
Still, the impact of the mace is more them enough to feel through the blade, and even Mordred couldn't help but flinch from the pain a bit as she rockets towards the ground.
Was it her or are the Devil's attacks hitting even harder as time goes by?
Mordred crashes into the ground as a small crater was formed from the impact. Dust spreading around her and the area, making nearly impossible to see.
It did not deter the Devil, however. With a mighty howl. He soars towards the ground. Swinging his mace into what he hopes was his target.
And of course, he hits his target... The problem is that Mordred was more than ready for him. Her sword again blocking the path of the mace.
But on impact, the Ground itself starts to give way and tear apart from the sheer force of the two conflicting weapons.
At this point. Mordred joy for this battle was quickly turning to anger. She was happy that there are devils that are Servant level... But...
This... Devil, is actually starting to push her back! Pushing the true Heir of Camelot. back! The very person who slew the King of Knights and brought her kingdom to ruin! No one else but the King should even come remotely close to her level!
Like hell is she going to let some shitty no-name Devil that she's never even heard of before overpower her!
"You fucking Bastard!" She suddenly yells as a sudden burst of power erupts from the Servant.
The air around her starts to crackle with red lightning as she flings the Devil away horizontally with a mighty shove of her blade.
Now surging with power thanks to her mana burst, she quickly jumps into the air and follows the Devil.
Before he could really react, Clarent then crashes into the man's armor, and give him a rather rough landing into the ground.
The Devil tumbles on the ground but was able to slow down and stop by digging his clawed hand into the dirt. Stopping while on all fours.
Now Mordred is really pissed. Even surging with mana Brust. Striking him with all of her might, she didn't even make the slightest crack in the Devil's armor. It was completely fine! How?! That in no way should have been possible! There has to be something about special about the armor if it can tank so much.
Still, she lands right in front of him and seizing the opportunity, she swings down the blade right into the Devil's Armored back before he even got the chance to stand back up. Kicking him on the side of the head so hard, the guy when spinning away, harshly bouncing on the ground as it happens.
But the Devil with his incredible durability easily took it. And is actually able to balance himself by forcing himself to roll on the ground and get on his feet.
With two swings of his mace, two bone spikes burst out from the mace and soar through the air, aiming right for Mordred.
Of course, something like this was easy for Mordred to react to. Raising her sword to deflect the spikes.
However, the impact of spikes was harsh, and while she could deflect them. She stumbles back a bit with each of the spikes. You can even feel as power at the spikes on the ground creating little mini tremors in the ground.
"Ugggh! You fucking bitch." Mordred Growls out towards the Devil. "You wanna suddenly be an archer? Fine by me. Two can play at that game."
She then took a stance. Firmly holding the blade in front of her.
The Devil was going to attack her, but notice that the air suddenly starts to feel different... And couldn't help but get curious at what she is going to do.
He will soon realize just how big of a mistake that is.
Like as if Mordred's Hemtel was mechanical. It automatic Comes apart and attaching itself onto her body Armor without any help from the owner.
The space around her then starts to crackle again with that red Lightning form before, only far more violently than before.
Hate, at this moment Hate was the only thing Mordred could feel and was the only thing the Devil could sense form her. He couldn't help but take a step back from the sheer Anger she radiates.
And all of that hate and power were pouring into that sword. The space around her turning to a sicky Dark Blood Red color. The blade emitting an intense murderous Aura.
It was as if the blade of the Sword is suddenly enveloped by blood and Thunder, towering into the sky. Turning its once pure and beautiful form into something sinister and wicked, more befitting for the devils of old than anything.
Does this fucking Devil think he can just tank Clarent just like that? This was the very blade he used to cut down Father! For a lowly no-name Devil to survive any strikes of this blade was not only an insult to the heir of Camelot, but to the very King of Knights himself.
No one insults King Arthur... NO ONE INSULTS THE KING!
The Devil knew at this point he could not reach her and interrupt the attack before she launches it. The only thing he could think of is-
"Clarent Blood Arthur!" Mordred Screams outs as she swings her sword down. Unleashing a surging wave of crimson lightning and glows with the color of blood from the tip of her blade. A wave filled with nothing but hatred, with the sole purpose of causing destruction in its path. And that's exactly what it did.
Mordred can feel Great pain when she utilizes this, But the pain was barely anything when compared to her undying Hatred. In fact, almost nothing could quite compare to it at this moment.
And the wave seemly hits it's intended Target, it's power expanding into a large pillar on impact. Engulfing everything around it's raging Lightning...
Mordred stares at the aftermath of her attack... And there is nothing. Nothing but a giant crater that one would expect to come from the impact of a meteor. There were no trees, no grass, no life... Nothing but the hollowed Earth left in the radius made by Clarent Blood Arthur.
She was grinning at the Results. She is sure that the dastard no name Devil is definitely gone. Sure, she is going to get an earful from her Master for the unnecessary destruction. But As as far as Mordred Knew. She did nothing wrong. That was a stray devil, And stray devils were the enemies of pretty much everybody. No one would miss him, and in fact, it's better that someone like that no longer exists, so it would work out in the end
"Serves him right." She said to herself. As she dismisses her armor. Revealing her Casual clothing.
"What an annoying Devil." She said to herself before she starts to give control back to her Master. "Oh well, At least it was fun at the start..."
...
...
...
"What. The. Fuck." Sofia bluntly said as she looks at the result of the fight. "Why? I told you not to do anything unnecessary Saber."
Sofia also couldn't help but feel very soar at the moment. But this always happens after Mordred takes control. So she's pretty used to it by now.
"Blah. He had far too much endurance for me to beat him normally." Saber admits. "He was pretty much asking for it anyways. He just stood there and took it I think."
"I'm more than sure this is going to attract unwanted attention, Saber." She points out to her Servant before sighing. "And that just what I want to avoid."
"Hey. You know he was a stray Devil, and those are things no one wants around. A little collateral damage is worth it if it means a stray no longer walks the Earth. I've probably saved a bunch of people just by doing that." She insists.
"Please. We both know that's not the reason. You probably just got pissed at him and just wanted him dead." she told her. Calling out Mordred Bullshit.
"Eh... You knew I was going to do this anyways. If you wanted me to hold back, you should have fought instead. Besides, In the end, we got the results, the bastard is dead." Mordred happily told her.
"... Yeah. I guess your right." She said before scanning the area for anything. "Mission complete I suppose?... Shame we have Nothing to show for it."
"Pfff, Does that really matter?" Saber asks.
"No proof, No reward Saber." Sofia told her. "You know that."
At that moment, it was as if Saber remembered something she forgot.
"Oh... Well... Maybe something survived then? How about now go take a look." Mordred suggests
"I've seen your Skill Sheet Saber. I highly doubt he would live through that. As well as anything we could've used." She told her. "Plus, it's only a matter of time before someone or something comes to check out the place. Rather be long gone when that happens" She told her Before she starts to move.
"Well. I can't really disagree with that." Saber mutters. "Still, It was satisfying to see him bite the dust."
"Sure sure..." she said, party agreeing.
After the two left the area, At the very center of the impact zone. The ground around it starts to shift around and move. Before a bloody and White Arm pop out digs itself out of the ground.
There was also a body attached to the Arm. Revealing that it was, in fact, the Stray Devil. His Armor was gone. He's missing an eye, and there was nothing but a bloody stump where his right arm should be. He was also missing his left foot and the left side of his body was badly Burnt. his clothing was also in tatters.
The Devil struggled to breathe for a bit. But he slowly and painfully stood back up and starts to walks out of the crater.
"Ugghhh." He let out, hold on his head... God... he was having so much fun... That person.. he wants to see her again. He wants to fight her again. He wants to see the life drain from her eyes after he bites out her throat-
His eyes widen as his Bone armor starts to grow back on his arm again, slowly covering his body. He's come to realize his thoughts are getting cloudy again.
Knowing what would happen. In a wild panic. The Stray quickly dug his bloody hand into his right pocket, which luckily was still there, and took out a small White Pill. He quickly put it in his mouth and swallows it.
His thought became clear once again as he takes a deep and painfully sharp breath.
"Fuck! Shit!' Let let out. Now out of the Radius of... whatever the fuck that person just did. He sat back down to catch his breath. He just needs a couple of minutes.
"Too close... Way too close..." He said to himself before coughing up some blood. He looks at his bloody stump. "Shit... she really did a number on me huh... Need to be more careful next time I fight her... Well, whatever... I've been through worst anyways."
She continues to sit there for a couple more minutes. Letting his wounds slowly heal.
"..I should get out of here." He finally said with two wings popping out of his back. His body starting to float in the air, with him clutching his stump. He was lucky that he didn't have his wings out for the moment of impact. He highly doubts he would be able to get away before someone comes if they were injured as well.
Still, he could only fly away slowly, as he needs most of his energy to recover.
He knew he would be fine in the end though, After all, Nothing but a Holy weapon could kill him.
Rias was sitting down as she carefully listened to what Akeno told her about the events that transpired tonight.
She sighs a bit at the fact that Akeno had to fix another street that Isai fought in. She was sure this was going to be a thing from now on.
Still... There were far more important matters that need to be addressed first.
"Are you sure that's what you saw?" Rias asks her Queen. Akeno nods.
"I no have doubt, Isai was wielding a genuine Holy sword," Akeno repeats herself. Rias frowns at her words.
"A True Holy Sword... We can't let Yuuto know about this." Rias quietly said to herself. "That said, I knew she was special. But to think she can actually wield such a thing... Do you know which?" Rias asks.
Akeno shook her head.
"No, but If Mr. Kiritsugu and Ai are telling the Truth. I assume it's a Holy sword form the 'other world'." Akeno said. Rias couldn't help but agree.
"True. They did say she has a Servant... If we could figure out the name of her Servant. We could easily figure out which Servant." Rias concludes. Before sighing and laying back into the chair, rubbing her forehead. "The problem is figuring that out. We don't know anything about that world. And while I'm still iffy about the whole thing. I get the feeling that if we get involved with it. Things will change for the worst. And that scares me."
"But you're also worried about Isai and Ai." Akeno sadly said, With Rais nodding. Balling her fist a bit.
"I don't want anything bad to happen to them. They may not be a part of my Peerage. But they already feel like family." Rias admits, with Akeno giggling a bit.
"Ara ara, That's so like you Buchou." Akeno told her. "You always worry too much about us."
"I suppose..." Rias admits, smiling a bit at her words. "What do you think we should do...?"
"Do what you feel is right. No matter what. You know we all will follow you regardless of your choice." Akeno replies.
"...Heh, you always knew how to cheer me up." Rias said with a small smirk. But that soon turns back to frown. "Still... I would be nice if I could get at least one of them to join my peerage... specially Isai."
"Especially since He's coming soon..." Akeno darkly said. Rias was quiet, but nods.
"I have no doubt we will have to face him in a Rating Game. And we're not ready to face him yet... but with Isai joins. I know we could win..." Rias said to herself.
"That's assuming she could even wield it after she becomes a Devil." Akeno points out. "Isai would be nice, but now knowing about the Holy Sword... If Yuuto finds out about that... Ai is definitely the safer bet."
Rias agrees with that. Even if it felt weird with how distrustful Ai is of them.
"And now she has that Ruler working for her. I saw that look in her eyes when I ask Ai the first time. She not going to let us turn Ai in a devil even if said person agrees. At least not willingly." Rias said.
"That is a problem..." Akeno admits. "Well, at least we have Issei~."
Rias couldn't help but smile and nods at her words.
"Yes. Issei, At first I thought his Sacred Gear was just a Twice Critical. But it's clear now that it's far more than just that. Even if we somehow recruit Ai or Isai, no doubt he'll be our secret weapon." She said.
"Ara Ara, Issei will be quite surprised when he finds out~," Akeno said with a giggle. "Though I do feel a bit bad that we talking about them without them knowing."
"Yes, I will admit I do feel bad..." rias nods. "That said. It's not like that we're the only ones hearing this. Isn't that right... Mr. Kiritsugu?"
It took a second. But after she said those words. The door opens revealing that Emiya Kiritsugu was indeed listening in.
"...How did you know?" He asks, with one of his hands in his pocket. No doubt he's holding coming just in case things go south.
"You are in our base of operation." Rias smoothly said. "Don't you think it'd be hard to believe we don't have our own ways of detecting people?"
"... So you knew I was listening in this whole time but still kept talking. Why?" He asks again, eyeing the both of them.
"Ufufuf It's quite simple really, There's no need to keep the truth from you," Rias said. "And There are still questions we have Mr. Emyia. Questions you have the answers too."
"And why should I answer anything?" He asks again.
"Come on Mr. Emiya, You never finish what you meant to say before," Akeno said. "For example, We still need to know your connection to the fallen angels. After all, You must know about the great war, right? It's quite the sensitive subject."
"I see..." Kiritsugu said. "... You two are far more sly then you make yourselves seem."
"We are Devils after all. It's a given really." Rias replies. "...So what's your connection to them."
"... All I will say is that I have no real connection to the fallen angels themselves, just one of their leaders." He told them. Rias then narrows her eyes at his response.
"That's rather vague, can you at least tell us which one?" Rias presses a bit on it.
"I told you, That's all I'm going to say more about the subject." He said. Rias clicks her teeth a bit. She wants to know more... But she gets the feeling she shouldn't press her luck too far when it comes to that. Or she might regret it.
"Fine then..." Rias said. "Then Tell us more about the Holy Grail War."
A new day has come, And I am Fully dressed and ready for School. But all I was doing at the moment is silently staring at the mirror, looking at my own reflection
The scary thing about my own expression is that fact that I didn't have one. It looks tired and emotionless... As if it has given up. Like it's just about ready to throw in the towel. The look of someone who already accepts whatever fate the world plans for them.
Of course, it's silly to think that. I don't feel like I've given up really. In fact, I kinda feel good now that I know the truth. Sure, it sucks that a lot of things I thought I knew was a lie, and it still hurts a bit to think about it. But there was a strange solace that drifts into my mind when I think about it as well.
Perhaps it is the feeling that 'It can't get any worst.'? I don't know. I've never really experienced this stuff before. My mind is probably just handling it in a very unusual way.
I wouldn't be too surprised if that's the case. Since I'm not really human apparently. Granted I still feel human. At least, what I thought was human. But now I'm not so sure.
"Are you alright Master?" I could hear Saber say, being the one to break the silence.
"I'm fine Saber," I told her. "Just got a lot on my mind is all."
I get a small feeling that Saber doesn't quite believe me. But hey! If anything. It shows she at least cares.
"... If you say so. I will not pry if you need more time." Saber told.
"Relax Saber." I insist "I'm fine. Really! Sure, it's not... what I would have preferred. But just think of it like a game of baseball, If life throws you a curveball and it hits you in the face. You just need to endure and move forward!"
"I am not sure how this situation would relate to whatever this 'baseball' is. But if you believe you are fine. So be it." Saber told me. Man, no matter what I say or do Saber seems to accept it. Talk about Loyalty. It makes me smile a bit thinking about it. Having someone you know will never betray or lie to you. She's the only person I can completely trust now.
Then again, She is basically the face of chivalry. I should expect no less from her in that case!
"This is one of the things I'm starting to like about you Saber. You don't question- or well you do question things I say. But no matter what, you stand by my side. If that's not loyalty, I don't know what is." I express to her.
"Of course. You are a just Master. As such, as long as your my Master. My blade is yours until the day we part." Saber confirms for me.
Until we part huh...
I shake my head. No need for such thoughts!
I then hear a ring at the door. And with it, my mind immediately goes to Ai-chan... I guess I should go say hi. It's a shame I'm the only one here currently. Otherwise, Father could have gone to answer it instead.
Still, I pat my cheeks a bit to gain composer, leave the bathroom, and head towards the front door. Making sure to grab my bag along the way.
"Ai I assume." Saber said. I couldn't help but nod.
"No one else would come knocking at this time," I told her.
"Are you still upset with her?" Saber asks me. I ponder that thought. Am I still upset...
"Well, I wouldn't say I'm upset with her, not anymore at least. But I don't think I can say I'm happy about it either." I honestly told her.
The front door rings again.
"Sheesh. I'm already coming! No need to ring the bell again!" I told her as I get to the door. Man, this is going to be pretty awkward now that I think about it.
However, when I open the door. I wasn't greeted with the sight of Ai... Instead it was Issei and Asia. both of them in their school outfits.
"...Huh?" I let out. pretty confused about it being these two instead. "You're not Ai."
Issei seems surprised that I'm surprised.
"What? Were you expecting Ai?" Issei asks. I just nod at him. "Well, you got us instead!"
"We were worried... With everything that happens yesterday." Asia said.
Ah yes, the whole fight with Assassin... I guess Akeno told them that, huh. I'm not too surprised by that. I would have told them myself, but I opted to head back home instead to sleep the rest of the night off.
"Are you still hurt?" Issei Said, coming up and looking over me a bit. "Akeno did say that the someone did a number to your leg."
"My leg is fine. Healed pretty fast in fact." I told him. Yea, I know it's not normal. But I assume it's a Servant thing at this point. I tend to jump back from injuries rather fast after all.
I even move that leg a bit to show them it's fine.
"Well, that's good!" Issei said, relieved that I'm fine.
"Does it have to do with that Servant...?" Asia asks. I froze for a second but then remembers that they were told what Servants were. At least from what Akeno told me.
"I assume so," I told them. "Saber?"
"I had something that has a similar power before. But I no longer have it with me." Saber told me.
It looks like Issei would going to say something but then stops before he says anything. I bet he wanted to reply to Saber, but remember that Asia is around.
I couldn't help but smile a bit at that. Even after everything knows about Servants. He still doesn't want to break his promise.
Still, she just doesn't have it anymore? That's depressing. I Wonder where it is now then...? Eh, I can think about it later.
"Well lucky you two. I was just about to leave." I told them, coming out of my house, making sure to close and lock the door.
And with that. The three of us head towards school.
As we walk, It... kind of felt strange that Ai-chan wasn't here. We're always walking to school together. That being said, I get the feeling we wouldn't have talked much even if she was here.
"So how's your morning been?" Issei asks me.
"It's been fine I suppose. Better than the last couple of days at least." I told him. "Still... My Father told me a lot of things Yesterday... I'm not fully sure how to deal with this knowledge..."
"..What were you told?" Asia quietly ask. She clearly wasn't sure if it was something she should ask.
I just remain quiet for a bit, thinking if I should answer.
"Maybe I shouldn't have asked..." Asia then said. Oh, Maybe she took my silence the wrong way.
"No no, It's fine. Just think about it." I told her "... I guess it's fine. I have to talk to someone about it anyways."
I rather not talk about the whole 4th war thing though. So I'll just tell them about...
"Well... I guess I..." I try to say something, but it's pretty hard to let out. It just...
"If you don't want to talk about it you don't have too," Asia told me with Issei agreeing. I just shake my head.
"It's fine. It is better to get it out anyways" I told her. "Now... Well... I'm not exactly..."
"Exactly what?" Issei asks.
"Exactly..." I had to take a breath, shaking slightly. "Human... I'm not exactly human."
"...Eh?" Issei let out. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I was told that I'm actually a Homunculus... an Artificially Made Human. I don't know why, however, and my father didn't know either." I said hesitantly.
The two went quiet for a bit after hearing this. Not sure what to say. Can't blame them. Even I'm not sure how to take it, and I'm the Homunculus!
"It kind of funny. Knowing you've been living a lie." I said. Looking at my own hands "I thought I was human all this time. But in truth. I'm just some... thing. Better yet. I don't even know why I was even made, why I exist! Like seriously, what the point anymore?! I can't help but think about this now!"
I can feel myself get madder and madder as I keep talking about it... Maybe I didn't as good as I thought I did.
"I don't think that matters" Issei suddenly said. Snapping my attention towards him. He... Is he mocking me?
"What?" I angrily told him.
"I mean... You're Isaiviel von Einzbern, right? Then that's all that should really matter." He told me, not being phased but my slight outburst. Or at least pretending not to be. "Just because you found out you're not human. Doesn't mean you would just suddenly change from being who you always were. Sure you may have not be Human, and you certainly have the spirit of one. And I think that what matters the most."
...
Both Asia and I stare at him amazingly. As we did so I thought hard about what he said.
Oh, how much of a fool I was...
"Did I say something wrong?" He asks, getting a bit nervous because of the stares.
I then start laughing a bit... which caught both Issei and Asia off guard.
"What did I do wrong?!" Issei asks again.
'No no..." I said. taking a breath before I force myself to stop laughing "I-It's just... your completely right. I'm just... been overthinking this really. Which made me feel Depress and empty. Like I'm living some sort of lie, that I shouldn't be who I am. But I know I shouldn't think like that. All I really needed was someone to tell me that. So... Thank you."
I give me a warm smile, something I can tell that he appreciates a lot.
Funny enough, Asia looks slightly conflicted about this. But quickly then smiles herself.
"I'm just glad that your feeling better," Asia said. I giggle slightly at her. I get the feeling she got ever so slightly jealous. Ha, I bet she herself didn't even realize that.
"Yup!" I agree with her. "You're a lot like Keichii-kun in that aspect."
"Eh?" Issei let out. "Why's that?"
"Keichii-kun seems to always know what to say when I get depress or mad," I told him. "I often talk to him about these things as well."
"Oh." issei said. "He seems like a good friend."
"What's this about me?" I could hear someone say.
All three of us suddenly jump and quickly turn around. Seeing Keiichi-kun just standing there.
"Woah. Synchronize jumping. That's new." He casually said.
"Don't scare me like that!" I told him. "I keep telling you not to do that!"
"Sorry Sorry." He said, Raising his hands in front of him. "I just wanted to surprise you. Been a while since we've actually talked."
I pause and think about it... Yea, it's really been a while huh?
"That said..." He glaces at Issei and Asia. "Didn't think you'd find replacements so soon."
"Ooh... It's not what It looks like!" I suddenly said. "You and Ai-chan are my best friends! I could never replace you two!"
Keichii-kun just laughs.
"Don't worry. I'm just messing you." He told me... I just stare at him. "... What? You look cute when you're like this."
"Jerk!" I said,
"Why doesn't she add kun to my name..." Issei quietly said to himself. Oh right!
"Keiichi-kun! I think It's best I introduce you to my new friends." I said, before "This is Issei, but I'm sure you already know about him."
"Hey." Issei said. Waving at him a bit.
"Didn't think you'd hang out with the biggest pervert in school," Keichii-kun comments. "But hey."
"Hey! I'm a proud pervert thank you very much!" He told him. Grumbling at him a bit.
"Didn't say it's a bad thing," Keiichi points out.
"And this is Asia! She a new friend, but she very nice and caring!" I gesture towards her.
"Hello. I hope we can be friends in the future." Asia quietly said.
"Ditto," Keichii-Kun said toward her. "An interesting set of friends I must say. Not that's a bad thing mind you."
Keiichi eyes scan the areas a bit As he joins us in our walk.
"Huh, so Ai isn't really here..." He said... As if he was expecting this.
"You sound like you knew she would be here," I said to him.
"You two did get into a fight after all." He told me.
...What?
"...How do you know?" I suddenly ask him, narrowing my eyes.
"Hey... Yea! You weren't there!" Issei said. Looking at Keichii-kun.
"Well, she called me last night and told me you two got into a fight." He said.
"Oh." was all Issei and I could let out.
"Yea, she was crying and sobbing throughout it. She's really scared that you don't want to be friends with her anymore." He told her.
... Did I really hurt Ai-chan that badly...?
"... She did suddenly get quite after you left." Issai then adds. "She kept her head down and refused to speak to anyone after that."
"Woah... Ai-chan let you of all people in her house? Dam, the world just might end at this rate." He said, amazed by the sheer fact that Ai would even let him in her house.
"Yea... She kicks hard by the way." Issei said.
"Ah, I bet she kicked you right there right?" Keichii said as if he expected it. Issei nods at his words "I've been unlucky enough to be on the receiving end of one of those kicks before. She has a bad habit of being rather violent towards people she doesn't like."
"I know right? I feel like she goes overboard." Issei agrees. "Like I didn't even do anything bad towards her!"
"Just got to toughen up if you gonna hang out with her more," Keichii said. "That said. You seem like a good guy. I think it'd be a good idea if she befriends someone like you."
"Why do you say that?" Issei asks, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Keichii when quiet for a second.
"... Best you ask Ai-chan yourself." He told him. Getting a groan form Issei.
"I should talk to her." I then said. Catching the attention of the boys
"Yea, I told her that you would definitely forgive her for... Whatever happened. But I'm sure she needs to hear that from you." He said with me nodding in agreement.
"...But for now, Let's talk about something else for now." I then said. Preferring to change the subject for now.
"Right... Oh! That reminds me." Keichii-kun then said. "You remember those nightmares you were having for a bit? You know the one where it's completely dark and there are those... things."
I raise an eyebrow. It's certainly been a while since I've had those, I've stopped having them when I summoned Saber.
"Nightmare?" issei ask, with both him and Asia looking at me. Right, they wouldn't know about it. Only Keichii and Ai would know.
"Yea..." I questionably said. "What about them?"
"Do you think dreams are contagious?" He then asks... Where is he going with this?
"No. Why do you ask?" I ask him.
"Well... It's just that lately I've been having dreams that were pretty similar to what you've described." He then said.
"What...? Why would you have tho-" I was saying but...
I then stop. The gears that are turning in my head suddenly had a thought...
Are... Are those nightmares connected to Summoning a Servant? If so...
I then suddenly turn and Grab Keichii by the shoulders. Something he wasn't expecting at all.
"Wha-" He was about to say, but I cut him off.
"Keichii." I seriously said. "Are you telling the Truth? Are you really seeing those Dreams? Or are you trying to scare me again?"
"Wait. What's going on?" Issei suddenly asks. Asia seems to want to know as well, but I ignore them.
"...Yea? Why would I lie about that? Does it look like I'm trying to mess with you?" He said. I bit my lips a bit at his head... He doesn't look like he's lying. "Ok seriously, what's going on? You kind of making me nervous right now."
...
"If anything unnatural happens. And I mean really unnatural. Come and talk to me, ok?" I tell him.
"Uh.. what are you acting like this...?" He was starting to say.
"Just promise me alright?!" I almost yell at him.
"O-ok ok! I swear, if anything strange happens, you'll be the first to know. Alright?" He promises.
I stare at him for a couple more seconds... Before letting him go. He takes a couple of steps back form me. Ugg... Right now, this is the last thing I need.
The three just look at me questionably, confused and not really sure as to why I'm acting like this. But they don't say or question anything I did.
"...Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Saber asks me.
"...Yea, but I really hope that's not the case." I told her.
A/N: That's it for chapter 17! We haven't met Riser just yet. But we're getting there. And I know some people might be upset that the Stray didn't get killed by the Mordred's Noble Phantasm, but there an actual reason for it! Also, Mordred still won, she didn't kill him. And I'm sure Mordred will be pissed once she finds out. But that doesn't change the fact that she kicked his butt at the end there.
Still, I get the feeling things might have been different if that fight went on for a bit longer...
Also, Keichii is back! It seems like he going to become very important very soon. Not sure if people remember him much though. Regardless He here to stay.
Now... for the Servant Sheet of the chapter... I think it's best to show Mordred!
Master: Sofia
Servant: Saber - Mordred
Stats
Strength: B+
Endurance: B+
Agility: B+
Magical Power: A-
Luck: D
Noble Phantasm: A
Class Skills
Magic Resistance: B
Riding: A
Personal Skills
Mana Burst: A
Instinct: B
Battle Continuation: B
Charisma: D
Master's Skill
Calm and Collected: A
Noble Phantasms
Secret of Pedigree: C, Anti-Unit(Self)
Clarent: C, Anti-Unit
Clarent Blood Arthur: A+, Anti-Army
Mordred is overall stronger than before. Seems Sofia wasn't kidding when she said that she and Mordred has a near-perfect affinity. Though she does lose a rank in Charisma. It a shame that Mordred didn't use Sofia Master's Skill during the fight either, but I don't think it would have mattered in the end.
Anyways, that's all for now. See you all in chapter 18!