Chapter 14: Brotherhood

Toko looked at the boy, and then back at his disguise rune.

It was shocking, but it also made sense. All of them could use Runecraft. It was a magic that everyone could use, just required one to remember how to make the runes and what each rune meant. That knowledge was forced into them.

"So then...you are...you really are..."

"Yep. Your brother. Older then you though".

"...we cant grow though, yet you seem a bit taller..."

"Oh, part of my disguise rune. Helps sell the whole thing really".

"Huh".

"...then, why are you here? Try to get me to surrender? Trying to see if you can find the Greater Grail, get your own wish granted?"

"Nothing like that. Just wanted to hang out. Also, Horus and Set met each other".

"Oh...and how is that going?"

"Last time I saw, they got heavily into competing in air gun stalls".

"They are not trying to kill each other?"

"They both seem to understand we are in a ceasefire, and why we need it. Besides, I have a small suspicion that they actually like each other. They just also hate each other".

"So...family?"

"Yep. Family. By the way, what have you been drinking?"

"Oh, I have been trying all the rounds. Vodka, Sake, Whiskey, Rum. Pretty much everything available".

"I see...you know, maybe you actually want to enjoy the culture festival".

"Suzuki wants me in that dunk tank..."

"Isnt anyone who goes in there naked for comedic relief?"

"Yep. Only elementry and middle schoolers though".

"...why?"

"Zero Sex Appeal".

"But...why naked..."

"Suzuki wants people to be more open or something. I think she has a variety of reasons...but she is also unreasonable".

"I see...well, why not avoid her and just enjoy the festival?"

"Because I dont feel like enjoying it".

"You know, they wouldn't want you to mope..."

"Ha! Let me guess, your wish is to bring them all back to life right?"

Toko called Rune out on his wish, but Rune just shook his head.

"I am not that cruel of a person".

"So you understand then...what would happen if they were brought back?"

"Of course I understand. They died under horrific and terrible circumstances. Being physically and mentally broken. We bring them back, and it will only cause trouble. We made it here because somehow, we didn't break. I wont make anyone come back, since they would only end up somehow or another remembering their deaths, and all that pain".

"It would be a cruel thing to do".

"Exactly. So my wish is far more interesting then that. Although I gotta say, your wish also seems like a cool idea...but my wish also has its perks. And that is to give everyone Magecraft".

"Ev-everyone?"

"Yeah. Although I dont think I would mind your wish, mine doesnt risk chaos by flipping the world on its axis. Additionally, my wish will ensure everyone has potential to develop great and powerful Magecraft that could help the world. Doctors could develop new medical techniques. Teachers new forms of science. I think it would be fantastic myself".

"Huh. That does seem cool, but I dont think it would be enough to stop world hunger. To stop humans from fighting each other. My solution solves that. Give them an enemy to unite against, and humans will band together. Instead of discriminating against each other, they will fight side by side. Magic will be refreshed, new doors will be opened, old doors re-opened. It will be fantastic".

"Sigh...I gotta say, you sure have some wild and crazy ideas".

"Well, I was mentally broken and reforged several times".

"Haha! I suppose that is true!"

"...still, it feels bad, knowing all those others are dead..."

"And that is probably why this Suzuki tries to get you naked all the time. She wants to distract you from how you feel right now. She wants you to feel love".

"Then why are you not like me?"

"Because I am older and wiser then you. And I found my own ways to cope".

"And what way are you doing now, with the Red Faction?"

"Simple...I am looking for the bastard responsible for it all".

At those words, Toko gave him a look, though it was a bit obscure from his current drunk condition.

"What?"

"At least one person escaped..."

"YOu mean Suzuki-neechan? She rescued me. Her parents were forced to cooperate. They helped me survive, stay concealed, live a life".

"No, I mean someone else. The boss who was in charge of it all. You see, I heard mutterings...that they knew about the Greater Grail".

The moment Toko heard that, he was shocked.

"I dont know who or where this person might be, but...they knew. That means, they are a part of this Grail War. Now, for all we know, it seems until recently only the Black Faction knew..."

"Are you saying...that someone in Black Faction was involved in those experiments...that might be a traitor?"

"Its possible, but its not the only possibility. Red Faction...they already had collected multiple artifacts and resources. I find it hard to believe they managed this despite being caught off guard by the reveal of the Greater Grail".

"So...someone inside Red Faction worked with them?"

"Its only a theory, but yes. Toko, there is something going on in the Greater Grail War. Its not just the normal stuff, and I dont mean Grail. There is a fourth faction moving I think, someone playing everyone's strings. I think they are causing this needless tense feeling at the Red Faction Headquarters, and probably are plotting something inside the Black Faction as well. We are getting played Toko, and we are losing fast".

"And right now, at this junction...would be the easiest way to play people even further".

The two of them looked around, at the various members of the crowd.

""Game On"".

"Ha! I win!"

"No way! I totally beat you!"

""YOU! STALL MANAGER! TELL HIM I AM RIGHT!""

Horus and Set were still at it, going head to head.

"Umm...I believe you both won at the exact same time and scored the high score at the exact same time, so...you both tied?"

"Seriously?!"

"Again?!"

They both chose the highest prizes in that, huge stuffed teddy bears, and stored them in dimensional storage. It was something they both had to carry their wide variety of assassination tools.

"Next time, I will beat you!"

"In your dreams! There, over there! Ring toss! I will beat you in that!"

"No, I will beat you! Game on!"

The two had totally forgotten about their masters at this point, as they were too busy competing with each other. That said, in a way this festival provided the perfect outlet for them. They were able to compete, give it all they had, in friendly, non-violent, competitions. Had these things existed in their time, it was entirely possible they might have settled things peacefully. Or at least, learned to co-exist.

The evidence was quite obvious, as the two were actually smiling as they competed...or really, at this point, played together.

That said, each one was still determined to win against the other, without the gods interfering this time.

"There! I win!"

"No way! I won!"

""TELL US WHO WON!""

"Well...umm...you both got a perfect score at the exact same time" the man said, as he handed each of them a prize. "It was a tie".

"Seriously?"

"Again?"

It appeared they would be pre-occupied for quite some time.

"Mika-chan. I got you some cotton candy".

"Oh, thank you Archer!"

"No problem" Archer replied as he and Mika continued to walk around the area with Suzuki and Sabre. "I wonder, what do you think their wishes are?"

"Their wishes?"

"I bet, Suzuki is secretly a closet pervert, and wants to be able to express her desires without complaints...and maybe obediance..."

"No way! I think her wish...it might be the same as Toko's. Unless Toko dies, in which case it will probably end up being to bring him back".

"What about Sabre?"

"Sabre is difficult...its Mordred, so I would say challange the sword of choosing, but isnt this version of her post that? In that case, what would be her wish? Maybe to be alive again? Travel the world and adventure? Dance crazy in exotic locations?"

"You do know I can hear both of you right?"

"Both of us? And for the record Archer, I am not a pervert. I just believe that innocent elementry schoolers are cute, and are fun to tease, embarrass, and help".

"Just...very unique...and dangerous".

"...very very unique".

"I have good reasons for everything I do".

"The dunk tank?"

"YOu would be amazed how many people are drawn in by their embarrassment alone".

"Riight...you did major in business as well as science, if I recall. Anyways...is that...Red Faction?"

And so, they ran into Inuzuka and Icarus. However...

"You can do it, Inu-niichan!"

"The correct answer is...the middle cup!"

"And...you are correct!"

It seemed they were fully enjoying the festival. Also, dominating the games that required perception and intelligence. At least, Inuzuka was. Meanwhile, Icarus would dominate anything that required hand-eye coordination and aiming. Together, they ended up dominating every game they came across.

"...it occurs to me that we may need to restock on festival prizes..."

"It occurs to me we need more food as well".

"Well, thankfully we have a Support Club for that. Poor Uzumi though, she must be overworked..."

"You have no idea!" Uzumi shouted as she ran past carrying three different boxes. "Make way, coming through! Gotta restock the food vendors!"

Mika just looked at Billy.

"Were those actually food boxes?"

"No, but no one would try to steal what is likely uncooked food. Those boxes were full of prizes".

The four ended up saluting Uzumi.

""""We appreciate your hard work and sacrifice!""""

It seemed that everyone was having a good time...

"Oh ho! Now, with the Quasi Gyro-Sphere, I can take over the world!"

"Not on our watch, criminal scum!"

"Oh no! Its...its...the Ford Mechars!"

And in another, far off corner, countless children sat down in front of a booth and stared with awe and wonder as Castor of Black and his Master, also known as one of hte Kings of Industry Ford and Serdtse-sensei, were operating a booth putting on a puppet show. It was a standard kids show, where a villain tries to do evil things, and then gets stopped by the Ford Mechars. Since the plot was simple, they kept changing things each version, making it new and interesting for repeat visitors.

Although, one boy and his guardian seemed especially amazed.

"Marco..."

"Oooh! Oooh! Ford Mechars, go!"

"...oh dear..."

Everyone was enjoying themselves today. It was a wonderfully fun filled, calm day.

And meanwhile, a bit down the road, another situation was occuring. Lobo and Berserker were walking around the fashion area, with Lobo buying her some more clothes so she had more to choose from. After all, she only had like, one outfit to get her by.

So, they had decided to support their students and by some clothes from their stalls. They had quite a bit to choose from too, so it was not a bad option. That said, maybe after the festival they would hit the mall as well.

Well, not litterally hit. Its an expression. But for some reason, Lobo felt he had to clarify that in his own head as well so Berserker didn't actually try to hit it. Suppose its the inherit qualities of being the partner of Berserker.

"Well now, looks like you two are having fun" a voice called out to them. When they turned around, Rider of Red was there, along with her Master.

"Some of that stuff looks good. You make them at the school?" her Master asked, ignoring the fact she had even used a provocative tone.

"What are you people doing here?"

"Well, Grail has to attack somewhere right? We have a truce, at least for now, so we figured, lets all be at the same place so there are more people to deal with him, and also why not enjoy the festival".

"Huh...I see..."

Lobo was still a bit suspicious, but it seemed reasonable enough.

"So then, where is..."

"Out of the way!"

"Skateboard race coming through!"

The group found themselves dodging out of the way as Horus and Set flew by on Skateboards, apparently racing each other, with a high school boy chasing them.

"The race track is back that way!"

The four of them looked at each other, then down the path at the two boys disappearing into the distance, and then back at each other.

"So then, where is everyone else?" Lobo asked, acting as if what just happened did not happen.

"I think Rune went off towards the alcohol area for some reason...by the way, just to check that, your students brew their own alcohol as well as import?"

"Ah, yes. Remember, everyone here can do Magecraft. Physical Reinforcement is a relatively simple thing. While it may not make you superhuman, the enhancements it gives can more then cover enhancing liver functions to drink alcohol. ALthough obviously, we recommend moderation or to not drink it at all".

"I see...makes sense I suppose. As for Inuzuka, someone challanged his intelligence at a stall game, and I think Archer got..."

"You can just say Icarus at this point. We all know".

"...okay. Icarus is handling the games that require accuracy".

"That seems like...a scary combination".

"There is apparently a secret betting pool away from the eyes of the administration of Red Faction on who will win. He is one of the favorites, along with Terry Blood".

"Naturally. From what I remember, Terry could be ultra serious and determined sometimes. He still like that?"

"Pretty much" Kasai replied, sighing. "Honestly? Most of us at the Red Faction actually came here to get away from the atmosphere of that place. The Mages Association are suffocating the atmosphere there, and everyone is always tense and on edge. We dont get to do much socializing and fun stuff as a result, so in truth we are a bit jealous. Thats why we came here, and justified it as a scouting mission to them. Compared to you guys, over there its just...its not that good".

"Yeah. Everyone there is super uptight about everything. I think if they could, they would get rid of us all and bring the Servants under the rule of Clocktower collectively".

"Honestly, its practically insufferable. One of our Masters, Rune, also seems to be super paranoid about something there. At least, I thought he was paranoid, but the more and more happens, the more I get bad feelings about all this. Apparently, he sleeps in the ventalation ducts for safety. As for the others...well, Luka was too carefree, Marco seems to be a normal boy who doesnt realize it, and Simon just...doesn't care. As for the others...Terry Blood is used to it maybe, or is too focused on being the leader. I think Inuzuka might be up to something. Its all a big mess, and now with the Grail situation, its gotten even worse. Its like some uncontrollable fire is spreading..."

"Uncontrollable fire huh...Berserker?"

As Lobo began to ponder, he noticed Berserker starting to act strangely.

"...something is off".

"Off?"

Rider of Red also seemed to notice something on her own.

"I will be right back if you need me...I need to check on something".

And with those words, Rider disappeared while Berserker seemed a bit unsure about something. However...she then took a deep breath.

"Maybe it was nothing..."

"So, you finally showed up, Sabre of Black" Rider of Red mentioned as she stood on the rooftop. In that moment, Sabre of Black appeared as well.

"And so have you, Rider of Red" Sabre replied, as they both faced each other. They both looked so similar...so identical. However, Rider of Red scowled.

"So that is how it is huh?"

"To think there would be two of us here, summoned for a single Grail..."

"You can stop with the act now. I know you are not me" Mordred told her, as she stared right into her eyes. "I must admit though, had I not been summoned as Rider, you might have gotten away with it. However, thanks to a previous case in this world, there is a giveaway clue that shows we are not the same person. Thanks to a boy named Shiro, and his future self summoned as Archer during a Grail War he was in".

At those words, Sabre seemed to stumble a little. But not just because of those words, but also because someone began to clap as they stepped out from behind the stairway access. It was the Ruler of this Grail War, Sherlock Holmes.

"Well done Mordred. You seem to have made a fine deduction".

"Well, you were a part of it Sherlock. That said, dont interrupt".

"My bad, that was rude. Please, continue. This one is yours".

Mordred turned, and faced herself...or rather, her fake self, Sabre of Black.

"Yes, that is right. I know who you are...former Ruler Class Servant, Joan of Arc".

At those words, a glow appeared around Sabre of Black, as another disguise was dismissed...and standing there was indeed Joan of Arc.

"How did you figure it out?"

"There are plenty of clues. Not obvious ones, but clues none the less. And for the record, its a misperception that I am a fool or an idiot. I just dont like to wait around or be patient normally. However, lets get back to the reasons. First off, the fact you used as disguise ability at all. Sabre Classes do not get any form of Pressence Concealment. Although it is true Excalibur can conceal its own presence, there was no way you could hide yourself like that in truth. And then, there was my red flames. I suppose maybe you didn't quite know this, or you did but you conjured them to sell the lie, but Excalibur does not produce red flame, that is my ability, Clarent Blood Arthur".

"...I see. So it was too much huh?"

"Yeah, but also there were other things. For one thing, either out of respect, or out of spite, I would have never disguised myself as my father either. Even if you matured or grew or whatever crap they might have said if you were an alternate version of me, no version of me would disguise myself as my father. And also, Excalibur is one thing, but Avalon? Me ever possessing that Noble Phantasm, even if it goes with the sword, is pushing it. And, maybe most importantly...I am a way better trash talker then that! Which is how I figured it was you. No way someone like you would be good at trash talking".

Joan ended up a bit embarrassed when Mordred pointed that out.

"I guess my acting skills need work".

"Well, there was more. You see, other then my Father, I figured one other person might be able to use Authority to make herself an exception and use Noble Phantasms she would not normally have. And that would be a Ruler. And furthermore, you are supposed to appear as the Ruler for the Greater Grail. So why is it that Sherlock appeared this time? Sure, I suppose the Greater Grail could just go with a different Ruler...but, in truth its something different. After all, someone can only be summoned as a Ruler if they themselves possess no desire for the Grail, no wish they want granted. Which means...something changed in you that made you have a wish. Or rather, someone...your wish is for Sieg, right?"

Joan had no words to respond with, but her face said it all.

"So, you plan to use the Greater Grail to give him a life full of happiness and joy. To bring him back to us as a person, and let him enjoy the life he should have had..."

"Its only fair! He used his hard earned wish not for himself, but for everyone else! He deserves to be able to be happy as well!" Joan shouted, when something finally occured to her. "Hold on...do you remember past Grail Wars? That shouldn't be possible".

"Yeah, well...lets just say there are some unique circumstances. And, if you really want that to happen, I suppose you will just have to fight for it" Rider pointed out. "But I really could not just keep letting you pretend to be me. It was getting confusing".

"Well then. I suppose alls well that ends well" Sherlock pointed out, although...he did have this bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"...I cant believe none of them thought that I would also want a break" Terry Blood muttered, as he entered the school grounds to attend the festival as well. "Its not like I enjoy the stuffy atmosphere either..."

AN: Plot twist! Sabre's true identity is Joan of Arc, using those Ruler powers to pass as another Sabre! That sneak! But her wish is absolute adorbs!

As for the festival, more fun stuff is coming soon! This includes:

Brother Bonding!

Hillarious occurances!

Some action!

Some embarrassment!

Karaoke!

A concert!

If anyone has a suggestion for something they would not mind seeing in the festival as well, let me know and I will see if it could work!

By the way, I am also shipping Mika and Billy. It just works (and its super cute! Cuteness is justice!)