A/N: And thus begins the real deal of this story: the Impossible Holy Grail War! ENJOY!
P.S.: At the end of the chapter, there will be a list of the White Servants, their stats, and other important information, which may contain spoilers (though given that we should know at least most of these Servants and what they're capable of, I cannot imagine who would be spoiled by this list).
Edit #1: At the advice of a guest reviewer, RANSA GA SHINDA, I have changed the Luck parameters of the White Servants in accordance to his or her information. The same will apply to the upcoming Black Servant list.
Edit #2: Due to some recent discoveries, I have decided to make some additions in regards to Lancer of White's usage of Rhongomyniad in the White Servant list.
Glastonbury, England
"It's always a pleasure to have you with us in our residence, Miss Animusphere. Our families have done so much for each other in the past. Do remember that you are always welcome in this domain, so feel free to come and go whenever you like."
"Thank you very much, Wilkins. I appreciate the hospitality."
Olesya Mylène Animusphere followed the gray-haired, middle-aged man into the private study, all the while flashing one of her fake smiles to keep up appearances. In her mind, however, she felt nothing but complete disappointment in herself. Her family worked so hard for the summoning of the strongest Saber-class Servant the Holy Grail Wars had to offer. She had to undergo years of strenuous training to mold her magical potential even further and allow for a boost in the Servant's parameters. The catalyst that her family carefully extracted and hid for years should've provided the most optimal conditions for the coveted summoning. And yet, all of that hard work she and her family put into this task bore no fruit, all because of bad timing.
Now...she was stuck with the Servant she had... A Servant who wasn't even summoned with the required weapon!
"Here it is, Miss Animusphere," Wilkins spoke up, bringing the first-rate magus out of her private musings.
Olesya looked up at the wall at the far end of the study. There, locked away in a glass case like some sort of ancient artifact up for display in a museum, was the item she had been seeking: an elongated weapon, consisting of a metal pole mostly encompassed by a sheet of bladed metal. It almost resembled a sword, but Olesya knew it was anything but that.
"The holy lance of King Arthur..." she breathed out in wonder.
"Rhongomyniad," said Wilkins, smiling proudly. "And to think, he used this very weapon to pierce the heart of Vortigern in his dragon form. To kill his treacherous son Mordred in the Battle of Camlann." He approached the glass case, raised his hand, and traced his fingers longingly over the spear. "Spears have been used since the times of the Greek and Roman civilizations, but no spear has accomplished historical feats like Rhongomyniad did... No spear has had more importance to the world than Rhongomyniad would... It truly is the perfect tool..."
"I agree..."
"Uncle?" a new voice asked. Olesya and Wilkins looked towards the open doorway and saw a little girl standing by it. She had gray chin-length hair and sapphire-blue eyes. Olesya immediately recognized that kind of look anywhere.
"Gray!" Wilkins exclaimed, surprised. "What have I told you? This is my private room. You know you're not allowed to enter-"
"I'm not inside your private room, though." The girl looked at Olesya. "Who is this lady?"
"Just a family friend." Wilkins walked towards the doorway and knelt down so his face could be at the girl's height. "I thought you were training?"
"I just got done. I was hoping we'd have tea together..."
The girl then looked back at Olesya curiously, causing the woman to blink in surprise.
"They even share the same expressions..." Olesya thought.
"Well, Gray," said Wilkins, "I can't have tea with you right now. See, I have some private business to attend to with this lady here, and we need our privacy. Is that okay with you?" The girl nodded, and he smiled as he ruffled her hair. "That's my girl. Now, go along. I promise, I'll have tea with you soon."
"Okay..."
The girl gave Olesya one last curious look before leaving. Wilkins watched her go for a moment before standing up and looking back at the Animusphere.
"Children," he said. "They can be bothersome and nosy, but that doesn't stop you from loving them."
"Yes, I can empathize with that sentiment," she replied, smiling. She then looked back at the case containing Rhongomyniad. "Now, forgive me for telling you this, but I have a very important matter to attend to, and I require possession of Rhongomyniad if I am to proceed."
Wilkins' eyes widened in surprise. "Y-You want to have Rhongomyniad? I-I'm sorry, Miss Animusphere, but my family has had it in their possession for generations. Only descendants of King Arthur can claim rights of ownership over it! If you want to continue with your so-called matter, I'm afraid you're going to have to find another way to get along, because I cannot have you lay a finger on that spear."
Olesya sighed. "I wasn't asking you if I could have Rhongomyniad." She looked at Wilkins, a certain glow present in her eyes. "I am requesting you to give it to me."
As soon as he made eye contact with her, Wilkins blinked, a light seemingly fading in his eyes. After a minute, he blinked again twice, then cleared his throat.
"I see... Yes, yes, of course. I shall give it to you now, Miss Animusphere."
He briskly walked past Olesya and approached the glass case without a second thought...
"I cannot believe I had to resort to using hypnosis on a family friend to accomplish a goal. How shameful of me..."
Olesya sighed sadly as she stepped out of the house, a box containing Rhongomyniad tucked in her arms. She looked down at the box for a brief moment, then back at the limousine that was parked alongside the sidewalk. She locked eyes with the maid behind the wheel and nodded at her before entering the vehicle through the back. As she sat down and began to buckle her seatbelt, the engine already spurred to life and the vehicle began to move.
"Did you retrieve it, Master?" a voice asked.
The white-haired woman looked towards the person seated on the opposite side of her, having waited there calmly for her, never stepping out of the limousine ever since she stepped inside. It was a young, beautiful woman with hair as golden as the sun and a pair of greenish-blue eyes. She was wearing clothes Olesya provided to her, which consisted of a white long-sleeved blouse with a long dark-blue skirt, a dark-blue bow, black high-rise socks, and brown shoes. She was so beautiful that it actually made Olesya blush upon seeing her.
When she first summoned her Heroic Spirit back at the Tohsaka manor, she knew he wouldn't be a Saber-class Servant, not after what Tokiomi told her. Indeed, he turned out to be a Lancer-class Servant. But that wasn't the only thing about him that surprised her. It was also the fact that King Arthur, the King of Knights that she had known about since she was young, was a girl. Indeed, everyone was shocked to see Lancer in her true form. But they accepted her as a part of the White Faction, nonetheless. After all, legends that were thousands of years old were bound to have some details unintentionally altered or redacted altogether as they were passed down from generation to generation.
But it didn't stop Olesya from admiring her, all the same.
Ever since her family started lecturing her about King Arthur, the Heroic Spirit she was to summon, when she was still little, Olesya immediately looked up to him (or her) and saw him as the greatest hero and role model in her life, moreso than her parents or the previous generations of Animusphere mages that came before her. She empathized with the King of Knights' long and strenuous but ultimately heroic journey in becoming king, maintaining her reign over all of Britain, and finally dying while trying to protect what remained of the integrity of her kingdom. It was a hardship that Olesya could not even compare her own hardships to. King Arthur's legend was so inspirational to her throughout her life, and she could credit it for shaping her into the person she was today.
And now, the hero of that inspirational legend was sitting before her. Olesya wanted to ask her so many questions, but she knew it would be inelegant and unbecoming of her as a magus to do so.
"Yes," Olesya replied, giving Lancer the box. "This contains your holy lance, Rhongomyniad."
"My thanks, Master," said Lancer as she took the box from her Master. The King of Heroes looked down at it, and at that moment, her eyes softened in pity. "I want to apologize to you, Master."
"Apologize? Apologize for what?"
"I am more qualified in the Saber class of Servants, and you had Avalon, the sheath of my sword Excalibur, as your catalyst. That should have been more than enough to summon me in my prime. But when you summoned me, I can only be summoned as a Lancer. As a result, you had to deceive your friends to retrieve Rhongomyniad and give it to me so I could use it in battle." Lancer closed her eyes in shame. "That must have been something you were not comfortable with..."
Olesya's eyes widened. "No, no, don't apologize, Lancer! It was not your fault. It was mine. I should've known Tokiomi Tohsaka was aiming to summon a Saber Servant of his own and decided to summon his ahead of time. If he had waited until the rest of the White Faction was assembled, you would've been summoned as Saber and he would've had a Rider-class Servant." She looked out of the window next to her. "But alas, it seems as if fate has made its decision..."
Lancer blinked. "I assume from the tone of your voice that you're not proud of who you got..."
The Animusphere Master looked back at her Servant with a determined expression. "Now don't you say that, Lancer!" she exclaimed. "Saber or Lancer, I am still proud to have summoned you! You are a powerful Servant, and with my magical abilities and adeptness, you are even more powerful! And besides, you're my hero! I wouldn't have cared if you were summoned under the Caster class!"
Lancer looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "I'm...your hero?..." she asked in confusion.
Olesya blinked in shock; she was hoping she would better control herself in front of King Arthur. But it appears not. She had to stop doing that.
Clearing her throat, she composed herself and explained calmly, "Yes. I mean, your legend is quite famous, Lancer. I've heard all of the tales about you ever since I was a young girl. You went through long and difficult trials to rule over your kingdom, and you died protecting it! To cast away all other concerns in your life for the sake of your kingdom... It was something I found admirable. I wanted to be like you."
However, Lancer looked away from her Master. Olesya noticed that her expression darkened considerably.
"But I died unable to protect my kingdom..." she replied distantly. "A king must always preserve and protect all that is good and right about his kingdom. What kind of king am I...what kind of hero am I, if my reign ended in such a woeful tragedy? It is something that I cannot allow..."
Olesya's eyes softened in pity. She knew she had never asked Lancer her wish for the Holy Grail out of respect, but it seems as if she learned it now...
"So is this why you seek the Grail?" the white-haired magus asked. "To undo the downfall of your kingdom?"
"To save Britain from destruction," clarified Lancer, looking back up at her Master with her composed look. "That is my wish for the Holy Grail."
"I see." Olesya's smile widened. "Even after death, King Arthur continues to do what is right for your kingdom. It's very impressive..."
"What about you, Master?"
"What about me?"
"What do you wish from the Holy Grail, should you win it?"
Olesya blinked in surprise, having never expected her Servant to ask such a question. Then, she placed an index finger on her chin in thought. She almost looked like a child seriously pondering over a question.
"What do I wish from the Holy Grail?" she asked, more to herself than to Lancer. "To be honest, Lancer, I do not know what it is exactly I want. For my entire life, I was trained by my family to be their representative in this War. They never asked anything else from me. There were no other expectations that I had to fulfill for them. Just to be the strongest and most intelligent mage there was, so I could have the finesse to win this War.
"But that was all I needed to do for them. To win. They never said anything else. If I were to guess, my only objective in this War is to win for victory's sake, to bring my family pride in knowing that a magus from their bloodline won this prestigious magical tournament, this bloody battle royale. Because if one Animusphere won the Impossible Holy Grail War, then all Animuspheres won the Impossible Holy Grail War."
"I understand," replied Lancer. "And when people speak of your family name, they will speak it in wonder and admiration, because its belongs to the family that won."
"I will be a role model, a hero people will look up to. Just like how I looked up to you."
The King of Knights smiled slightly. "I never knew you view me in such a way, in spite of what happened that led to my death..."
"Of course! Like I said, your legend is extremely famous in this era, and it deeply fascinated me! Even if my family wasn't aiming to summon you, I personally would have gone out of my way to acquire your catalyst and bring you forth into this world. You really are my hero."
At this point, Olesya was blushing again, and she looked away, chuckling.
"My goodness," she said, "I'm so emotional right now. Please forgive me."
"There is nothing that needs to be forgiven, Master," Lancer replied. "Let's just return to Fuyuki and join our comrades on the battlefield. So we can win and accomplish our most fervent desires."
Olesya looked back at Lancer, smiling. "Yes, let's!" She paused for a minute, then added, "Also, Lancer..."
"Yes, Master?"
"You do not have to call me Master all of the time. You can just call me Olesya, okay?"
Lancer stared at her Master for a moment that seemed like a long time. She had never met anyone who wanted to speak to her so casually, after all of her years as the king of Britain. It was a foreign situation...one that she didn't mind...
She nodded and replied, "As you wish, Olesya."
As the limousine continued to drive down the street, a bat flew after it without the knowledge of the vehicle's occupants, keeping a safe distance.
The Tohsaka Residence, Fuyuki
Tokiomi sat calmly in the basement of the Tohsaka home, staring at his phonograph-like device. A bottle of wine and a half-full wineglass was sitting by said device. He rubbed his goatee as he listened to Olesya's message in its full detail.
"So you managed to acquire the spear Rhongomyniad, Olesya?" he asked.
"Yes, Tokiomi," came the voice of Olesya in response. "Lancer and I should be back in Fuyuki by tomorrow."
"Very well. Have a safe journey."
"You have my thanks, Tokiomi. Goodbye."
Tokiomi disconnected his line of communication, just as he heard the sound of footsteps steadily approaching. He turned his head towards the stony staircase, expecting to see one of his comrades in the White Faction. Instead, he found none other than Shirou Kotomine standing there.
"Shirou," greeted Tokiomi, smiling warmly.
"Tokiomi," the white-haired man replied, his expression unchanging. "I overheard all of that. Pardon me for the intrusion."
"No, it's fine, Shirou." The Tohsaka magus stood up, heaving out a sigh as he did so. "As much as I wanted to summon a Saber Servant, I absolutely had no intention of disrupting the plans of the Animusphere to summon a Saber of their own, nor any idea that I would be doing so. It truly is a shame, seeing that a talented magus like Olesya Mylène had to end up with a Lancer Servant in spite of her years of preparation. Such an act was very inelegant of me..."
"You couldn't have known, Tokiomi. The Animuspheres refused to impart their strategy to you, just as you wished not to impart your strategy to the White Faction. In hindsight, this was something that couldn't easily be avoided. Besides, I read the parameters of both your Servant and Animusphere's. They are both very powerful. Neither of you are at a disadvantage because of this lack of communication."
"That is true. We both have possession over very powerful Heroic Spirits. It wouldn't be a surprise to call Saber of White and Lancer of White the cornerstones of our Faction's entire strategy." Tokiomi grabbed his trademark staff and stared at the ruby that tipped one end. "Speaking of strategies, how goes your task, Shirou? Is there anything you wish to report to me?"
Shirou nodded. "Yes. My father just sent me the report. The remaining five members of the Black Faction have summoned their Servants at Einzbern Castle and are now making preparations to leave for Fuyuki. They are also making efforts to locate the sixth Black Master, the one who apparently went rogue. As for the seventh and final Black Master, the Holy Grail still has yet to select one. Naturally, Ruler is worried that the War will have to start without him or her, but-"
"Father Risei is more than pleased by this development, despite appearances," completed Tokiomi. He grinned and tightened his grip on the staff. "As am I. Obviously, this will give the White Faction less opponents to face off against, and even if the Grail finally selects the last Black Master, he or she will be, without a doubt, very easy pickings for us."
"It troubles me, though, Tokiomi. What if the Grail is just saving the most powerful Black Master for last? A majority of the Black Faction are second- or third-rate magi, and to top it off, they cannot seem to get along with one another. Perhaps the Grail has a strategy to curb that-"
"Don't be so concerned, Shirou," Tokiomi interrupted. "The Holy Grail may be omnipotent, but it certainly is not omniscient. I doubt it has its own machinations in this War, let alone having the capacity to make such machinations. Now, setting that topic aside, I would like you, Shirou, to take some homunculi and go to Fuyuki International Airport tomorrow to retrieve Olesya and Lancer."
Shirou nodded again, though his expression darkened slightly. "Yes, Tokiomi. Also, uh, I have to alert you to another problem. It's the reason why I'm here in the first place."
Tokiomi blinked in surprise. "What is it?" he asked.
Shirou led Tokiomi to the courtyard of the Tohsaka home. Right now, it was still nighttime, and the starry sky was unhindered by a single cloud. Upon stepping outside, the Tohsaka Master was greeted by a startling sight.
In the middle of the courtyard, standing beside an obliterated statue, was a gigantic, intimidating man sporting rippling muscles, red eyes, red hair, and a red beard. He was wearing a set of bronze armor and a thick, heavily decorated mantle dyed in red, resembling a flowing curtain on the stage of the theater. This man had his sights fully focused on one of the statues in the courtyard, and when Tokiomi followed his gaze, he realized exactly what the man was looking at.
Standing on said statue was another man, who was clad completely in remarkably golden armor with a flowing red cape and had an elegant, charming face. His hair was as golden as his armor and his eyes were red like blood, but alive with an unknown, almost fearsome energy. Amplifying their already fearsome appearance were the pupils, which Tokiomi noticed from a distance resembled those of snakes. Already did the Tohsaka Master feel off-put by the presence of this man.
He then refocused his gaze to the rest of the courtyard and saw Kayneth and Bram, trying unsuccessfully to reason with the two men.
"Archer!" shouted Bram. "Please calm yourself! These are our most valuable allies! We cannot attack them so soon-"
"Silence, mongrel!" the golden man roared furiously, his voice quaking. "Do you expect me to believe, after hearing this faker calling himself a king, that I would accept him as my ALLY without condition?! NEVER! There is only one King in this world, and that is me!"
"I sincerely apologize for the trouble caused to you, King of Heroes," Kayneth said, bowing his head towards the golden man apologetically. "This man's words are my responsibility, and I will make sure he is disciplined accordingly-"
"Huh?!" grunted the muscular, redheaded man. He turned his head to stare at Kayneth with a displeased look. "You would actually say you would discipline ME? The King of Conquerors who ruled over the lands of the known world? And with that kind of tone?! I expected more from you, Master!"
Kayneth furiously glared back at the redheaded man. "Do not speak to me in such a tone!" he barked. "I am your Master, and you are my Servant! You are to- AGH!"
The ninth-generation magus quickly ducked his head, just in time to avoid a...slap from the self-titled King of Conquerors?
"I am well aware of my status as Servant and yours as my Master!" the large, redheaded man roared, his voice equal to that of a frustrated god. "After all, we forged a pact, did we not?"
"Of course, but-"
"Then don't you go around reminding me like that title actually grants you more benefits than it has to offer!" He then turned his head back to the golden man who was perched on Tokiomi's statue, and flashed a rather surprisingly charming smile. "Because, contrary to your apparent opinion, I am not blind to the rules and criteria that I operate under! Now, if you do not mind, Master, I must resume negotiations!"
The golden man gritted his teeth and spat at the ground, causing Tokiomi to subtly writhe in disgust.
"You think your fiendish lies and your silver tongue are going to sway the likes of me?!" he shouted, his voice poisonous as he aggressively stomped the heel of his foot on the surface of the statue, threatening to inflict cracks on it. "Me, the one true King?! I think not, faker!"
"Well, if you are so certain in your claim that you are the one true King," replied the redheaded man, "then why not name yourself? No true king should be troubled by something as simple as giving his name to those he wishes to challenge."
However, this response only served to further irk the golden man.
"You dare question me?!" he roared, an eyelid twitching dangerously. "In the presence of this audience, who has gathered here to marvel in the midst of godliness?! How DARE you!" Suddenly, the space began rippling directly behind him, and a golden glow started to appear. "Mongrel, by demonstrating your blind, complete ignorance in my glorious presence, I will now have no trouble in ascertaining your absolute DOOM!"
"ARCHER, NO!" screamed Bram desperately. "STOP THIS AT ONCE!"
Meanwhile, Tokiomi and Shirou could only stare on in shock as the verbal exchange continued.
"How in the world did this all start?" Tokiomi whispered to Shirou.
"Rider made a scene introducing himself to everyone else and tried to recruit them all in his so-called endeavor of world conquest. Archer was not happy about such a request, and it only got worse when Rider called himself the King of Conquerors. Hence this soon-to-be physical exchange."
Tokiomi raised an eyebrow. "Rider of White tried recruiting everyone? Even though they are already his allies?"
"He's already so certain he will win the Holy Grail War," replied Shirou, "and apparently, his wish has something to do with world conquest."
"He has spirit." To Shirou's surprise, Tokiomi's lips curved into a smile. "I like a fighting spirit."
"You're impressed with Rider?! That's your reaction?! And you're not concerned about Archer skewering your allies alive, all just because Rider had no self-restraint with his words?!"
"Yes, that's true..." Tokiomi stepped forward towards the statue Archer was perched on. "King of Heroes!"
The golden man's blood-red pupils flitted towards the magus. "Do not interfere with my affairs, mongrel," he spat harshly, "unless you wish to face the full embodiment of my wrath as well, just like this foolish faker?"
Tokiomi bowed humbly. "Please, do not be troubled by the claims Rider makes, for they are the words of a man who does not respect your power and godly might."
Rider pursed his lips in annoyance, while Kayneth stared at his Servant apprehensively. As for Archer, his posture seemed to relax slightly at the reasonably submissive tone of Tokiomi's voice, drawing a sigh of relief from Bram.
"Also," the Tohsaka magus continued, "by using your strongest attack against an ally before the War has even started, you will already be depleting a great amount of mana from your reserves. In doing so, you will not be in your state of prime when the first battle of this War begins. Surely it would be unbecoming of the King of Heroes to not be at full strength when the time comes to demonstrate said strength against the true enemy?"
Archer's eyes narrowed in slits, amplifying the snakelike quality of his pupils. He then twitched his hand, and the golden portals disappeared.
"For a retainer, you raise an intriguing point," he said. Then, he glared at Rider with a venomous look. "You are merely a commodity at the moment. You are not worth subjugating. Consider this act as a warning, for the next time you even make an utterance of your wretched delusions, I will respond appropriately. A king must teach his subjects their place when they step out of line. You are no exception."
Archer then turned his back on everyone and began to de-materialize into a dispersing cloud of shining, golden, dust-like particles.
"Now, I must make my leave. Heed my words, people of the White Faction, for the King of Heroes speaks of nothing but the truth. And that truth applies to all of you."
Once Archer was fully de-materialized, mostly everyone in the courtyard breathed out sighs of relief. Bram then approached Tokiomi, looking especially relieved.
"I praise you, Tokiomi Tohsaka," he said, "for defusing the situation as efficiently as you did. Archer was beyond reason when I attempted to negotiate with him. But you managed to calm him down with a few simple sentences. I was even considering using up a Command Seal before you arrived."
"I appreciate the praise, Sophia-Ri," replied Tokiomi, "but I am afraid my words have done little to assuage the King of Heroes. He will stay true to his word, and this incident will come back up sometime in the future, likely while we're still allied. We must be prepared by then."
"All the better to keep Archer away from the main battlefield," Kayneth piped.
"Indeed. This could serve as an advantage, for Archer's Noble Phantasm, if used properly, will be enough to overwhelm our enemies and give us the opportunity to finish them off."
"At the very least, he will not have to be provoked with every word spoken by a Heroic Spirit. Speaking of which..." He twirled around to glare at Rider in frustration. "You better watch your words, Rider! These are our allies in this Holy Grail War, and we cannot afford to have you shaking our mutual trust with your...ridiculous speech and pointless attempt at recruiting!"
"Ridiculous?" repeated Rider, his eyes wide. "Ridiculous?! My Master, that speech was crafted from the bottom of my heart and executed by the essence of my soul! You of all people would know what it would be like to give a swaying, passionate speech! You are an instructor, faced with the honorable task of educating students on the cusp of adulthood, am I right?"
"Yes, but I do not do anything outlandish like immediately recruit my STUDENTS to an army marching out in the throes of a war! We are already aligned! What purpose is there, trying to assemble an army that has already been assembled?!"
"Do not forget that the people around us are only our temporary allies. Once enough Masters are lost, then alliances will be cut and we will all have to operate on our own from now on."
"Yes, and that's the point of this Grail War!" snapped Kayneth, his voice quaking in frustration. "Weren't you made aware of the rules when I summoned you here?!"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Rider then shrugged passively, much to Kayneth's fury. "But still, it wouldn't hurt to inform them that there will be spots open in my army should they consider it."
"WHAT?!"
As Kayneth and Rider continued to argue about the latter's beliefs, and Bram continued to shower Tokiomi with thanks and praise for his quick thinking during the situation with Archer, Shirou focused his attention on the other people present in the courtyard.
First, there was Sola-Ui, who was watching the two aforementioned exchanges with a great amount of interest. Then, the redheaded woman locked eyes with Shirou, and she grinned flirtatiously at him. He sighed heavily in dissatisfaction, remembering the moment he first met her, her brother, and her fiancé. Already did he see the makings of a failing relationship between her and Kayneth, and he made a mental note to keep his distance from her so as to avoid conflict with Kayneth, given his track record with women. So, he turned his head away from her, hoping that this simple act would be enough to indicate his lack of interest in the Sophia-Ri daughter.
Then, there was Itsuki, who was lying practically immobile in his bed, connected to the machine that kept him alive in the outside world. Beside him was a woman clad in a bluish-purple robe with a hood that was drawn over her face, obscuring most of its features. The only discernible feature Shirou could make out was her long purple hair and lips. Further inspection of those lips caused Shirou to realize that they seemed to emanate a deadly aura, one that made him wary of her. The way those purple lips curved into a smile unnerved the white-haired priest considerably.
Next, there was Fiore, who had her eyes closed tightly for the duration of the incident. She was not sleeping, though, for her face was wrinkled in concentration. Shirou knew that she was focused on communicating with her Servant, Berserker of White, who was in spirit form at the moment. Like Tokiomi once did, she didn't disclose the true identity of Berserker to the other White Masters, the natural exceptions being him and Tokiomi.
Once Berserker was summoned into the world, however, he viciously, relentlessly attacked Lancer after laying eyes on her (hence the destroyed statue Rider was standing beside), and Fiore had to hold him back with a Command Seal. Still, Berserker tried to resist the spell's magical effects, violently so, forcing Fiore to use up another Command Seal and put him in spirit form before he could use up any more of her mana. Now, she was trying her best to communicate with Berserker through the dense fog of madness that blinded him, to try and work something out. Shirou knew Fiore wouldn't be able to reach her Servant, for all she would hear would be mindless screams and nonsensical rambles.
"Fiore..." he thought in concern. "You're now already down to one Command Seal, and the first night hasn't even ended..."
Pushing his concerns aside for a moment, Shirou turned his focus to the last White Master in the Tohsaka courtyard: Sieg. As usual, he was standing idly, unconcerned about the fact that he nearly watched some of his comrades getting brutally killed moments ago. Someone was missing, though...
Shirou walked out onto the sidewalk beside the Tohsaka manor and looked down both ways in caution. The streetlamps illuminated the road with a bright, pale, almost ghostly light. Though the street was empty, Shirou could sense the presence of someone else other than him... This presence seemed to have an innocuous air around it, but it almost seemed too innocuous...
A soft breeze blew, causing his white spiky hair to flutter with the stream of air. The priest prepared to head back into the manor when he suddenly narrowed his eyes, for he seemed to hear something through the whistle of the nice cool wind...
A hiss, coming from someone poised to kill...
He drew three Black Keys and swiped at the air at his right, hearing the clatter of metal seconds later. He looked across his shoulder and saw a small, shining dagger lying on the pathway leading towards the manor's front door. Shirou's lips curved into a smile, and he stared up at the marble column beside him.
"I was wondering where you were," he said.
Another hiss filled the air, but it failed to intimidate Shirou in the slightest. Then, someone appeared, crawling on top of the column like some sort of lizard. It was a young woman wearing a skintight black-and-gray outfit, a drawn hood, and a skull mask. She also had chin-length purple hair, possibly the only characteristic that wasn't black or charcoal-gray.
Assassin of White.
"You were good," Shirou continued. "I almost didn't sense you there. But of course, the Presence Concealment skill is no longer applicable when you make preparations to attack." He then raised an eyebrow. "So that was what you were trying to do just then? Attack me? Kill me, perhaps? Quite unbecoming of you, for I am an ally of the White Faction, and the person responsible for your summoning."
Assassin hissed again like a snake, but didn't move from her position. She was now crouched on top of the column, resembling an alert cat.
"But I don't blame you. I wasn't exactly present when you were summoned, so you had no idea of my involvement. But hopefully, now you do." Shirou gave her a warm and welcoming smile as he bowed respectfully. "My name is Shirou Kotomine, and I am the guardian of your Master, Sieg. Now that you know who I am, I do hope that we can consider each other the closest and most valuable of allies from now on."
"I answer to my Master," Assassin replied suddenly, her voice cold. "I do not answer to you, Shirou Kotomine."
"Maybe so, but your Master answers to me. I want you to remember that." Shirou then began walking back towards the Tohsaka residence. "Keep up the good work."
As he left, he heard Assassin hiss at him...
After the scene in the Tohsaka courtyard died down, Sieg had retreated back into the mansion to read his book about historical heroes. Just like always, he couldn't see the point behind everything that was going on around him. But of course, he was in no position to ask questions and receive satisfactory answers. After all, he couldn't understand the point behind everything. What is everything, anyway?
"Sieg," a voice said.
The gray-haired homunculus looked up from the book and saw Shirou entering the living room he was in. His guardian was wearing one of his friendly smiles on his tan-skinned face, one of those smiles that confused Sieg so.
"Yes, Shirou?" he replied without emotion.
"You have quite the interesting Assassin Servant." Shirou looked out of the window closest to him. "She pledges her loyalty to you, not me."
"But I'm the one who holds the Command Seals you transferred to me. As a Servant, she has to pledge her loyalty to me, her Master." Sieg tilted his head like a puzzled puppy, a faint hint of curiosity gleaming in his otherwise vacant blood-red eyes. "Why do you ask?"
Shirou looked back at him. "What do you mean, Sieg?"
"I was under the impression that you are no longer involved in this War, but your words seem to imply otherwise."
Shirou blinked, seemingly surprised that Sieg was asking him such a question. But when Sieg continued to look at him with an emotionless expression, he chuckled.
"My dear Sieg," he replied, "you have developed quite an aptitude for observation. I'm impressed." He crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "Well, I may no longer have the Command Seals one needs to be a proper Master, but Tokiomi wishes to keep me for another purpose, one that I can't disclose at my leisure just yet. To do so would severely compromise the strategy of the White Faction."
"I see..."
Without giving another thought, Sieg looked back down at his book, reading it intently. Shirou watched him for a few moments, fascinated by the homunculus' complete engrossment in the book. Then, the white-haired priest prepared to leave the room when he heard the rhythmic clinking sound of metal.
Silently stepping inside the living room was Saber of White. Sieg looked up to identify the newcomer, but he didn't react in any visible way, despite naming himself after him, the most interesting hero in the book he was reading.
As for Shirou, he bowed his head humbly before Saber. "Greetings, Saber," he said. "I believe we haven't officially met in person. I am Shirou Kotomine. I am not a White Master, but I have been appointed by your Master, Tokiomi Tohsaka, to oversee and assist the White Faction in any way I can. I look forward to working alongside the Dragon-Blooded Knight of Germany in the throes of the battlefield."
When Saber did not respond, Shirou raised his head to look at the knight. To his surprise, Saber was merely staring back at him, his expression flat and unchanging.
"Well," the priest said, "I believe I'll make my leave. Make yourself comfortable, Saber."
The white-haired man left, leaving Sieg and Saber in the living room. The two looked at each other for a few minutes, and neither of their expressions changed in that moment. Finally, Saber broke the gaze and left the room, leaving Sieg alone with his book.
Once Shirou entered the next room, he stopped and looked back at Saber as the latter made his leave as well.
"Well," he thought, "it looks like Tokiomi's order for Saber to take a vow of silence has affected even the most simple of conversations. I must say, Tokiomi is efficient in his preparations... Looks like this may be very useful..."
He then continued walking.
Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri heaved out a heavy, disappointed sigh as he entered the guestroom Tokiomi set up specifically for him. It was complete with a luxury bed, a portion of the room that functioned as a private study, and a door leading onto a small balcony that overlooked the street. Never before had he experienced such lovely hospitality and excellent lodging conditions. However, things would've been even more perfect if that damn Servant of Kayneth's hadn't started rambling on and on like a fool and irked the King of Heroes in the process... Yeah, that made quite the scene there...
"Hopefully Kayneth can find a filter for that Servant's big mouth," snarled Bram furiously to himself. "The White Faction cannot afford any infighting..."
"I could say the same for you," a familiar voice said coldly, causing Bram's skin to crawl. The Sophia-Ri Master twirled around and quickly bowed, having realized he was now in the presence of his own Servant.
"I do not know what you mean, my king!" he exclaimed, a little too forcefully and pleadingly. Archer noticed the tone and gritted his teeth disapprovingly.
"Do not spout lies at me, Bram. You know what you have done."
Bram's skin paled. Distinctly remembering the close call between Archer and Rider of White, he clearly remembered ordering Archer to refrain from attacking his fellow ally. In hindsight, he realized that in doing so, he potentially earned the King of Heroes' wrath by giving him such orders instead of taking his side.
"List- I-I-I mean, look, my king!" Bram cried, trying his best to calm himself down to present himself more accordingly in Archer's presence. "You heard what Tokiomi Tohsaka said. By attacking Rider, you would be depleting a significant amount of mana, so you would no longer be at full strength. Worse yet, you would already be depriving yourself of a useful ally-"
"YOU FOOL!" roared Archer. A single golden portal materialized above his right shoulder, and a blade emerged from the rippling space, aiming itself at a cowering Bram. "YOU, MY MOST TRUSTED RETAINER, WOULD CONSIDER THAT DELUSIONAL FAKER AN ALLY?!"
"Please listen to me, my king! This faker, no matter how delusional his proclamations may be, possesses potentially great powers of his own, powers that we have yet to discover! In waiting for the right moment, you will discover how powerful Rider may be, and therefore, how useful he may be to you! And once our enemies, the Black Faction, are all slaughtered, then you could use the information you have learned about Rider to your advantage when we enter the second stage of this War! It will be then when you finally teach that deluded faker his place!" When the golden portal refused to disappear, Bram added desperately, but calmly, "Please heed my words, my king. Should you not, the time may come where you would regret it, and Rider would find a way to gain the upper footing. And surely you do not want that."
Archer's red eyes narrowed into slits, and a flick of his hand prompted the portal to finally disappear. In his mind, Bram sighed in relief.
"That is true. Your strategy is most clear, Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri."
"Thank you, my king-"
"But do note, Bram, that not once will I ever consider Rider of White as my ally, or my equal. There can be no one with a footing equal to the King of Heroes, and there is only one person I would consider my ally without a single doubt. Of that, you can be certain."
"I understand," replied Bram, feeling progressively calm now that Archer was becoming more composed and easier to reason with. "And do not worry, for you will not have to listen to Rider's words with each passing day. All you have to do is stand back. Stand back, and let your allies pick off your enemies one by one-"
Archer's eyelid suddenly twitched, and three portals appeared behind him.
"WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU, BRAM?!" he roared. "I DO NOT, NOR WILL I EVER CONSIDER RIDER OF WHITE MY ALLY! I WILL NOT HAVE HIM GROUPED WITH THE OTHER RABBLE THAT SURROUND US! THE SAME APPLIES TO YOU, MY RETAINER!"
"I'm sorry, my king, I'm so sorry! Pl-Please do not use your Noble Phantasm here and now! You will destroy my living quarters!"
Archer gritted his teeth in annoyance. "For a retainer, you are proving to be a rather inefficient one, Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri. Your cowardliness is quickly becoming a source of boredom for me. Perhaps I should appoint someone else to your position, someone such as Tokiomi Tohsaka. With a few simple words, he has already proven himself to hold thrice the amount of entertainment you could ever hope to achieve..."
Bram began to sweat nervously. "I am sorry, my king, but he is already in the servitude of someone else."
"Impossible," spat Archer. "Everyone in the White Faction has pledged their loyalties to me. A kingdom cannot be ruled by two kings, for there can only be one King!"
"That is true, but he is currently serving someone of a lower class than you. A knight."
"A knight?" Archer raised an eyebrow. "Identify this knight. I wish to speak with him, perhaps negotiate a trade of retainers."
"I'm afraid that is impossible, my king. Tokiomi has refused to identify the knight he is serving, and this knight has yet to show himself in this residence. But please, do not be concerned about it. I know I have not made a good impression on you so far as a retainer, but I promise you, my magical skills and prowess should be enough to bring you a substantial amount of entertainment."
"That will be for me to ultimately determine and me alone." However, Archer flicked his hand again, and the portals vanished. "No matter. I will take your word for it, and I shall keep you as my retainer for the moment."
"I greatly appreciate the gesture, your highness."
The golden King pursed his lips, then glanced out of the door leading to the balcony.
"This age...truly fascinates me..." he muttered.
"I take that to mean the modern world is to your liking," replied Bram.
Archer narrowed his snakelike, bright-red eyes. "It's unspeakably ugly. But...that's fine in its own way. The most important thing...is whether the treasures available here are truly worthy of me." He glanced back at Bram, wearing a serious, almost deadly expression on his face. "Of course, if there is nothing I can find in this world that deserves my full and unhindered adoration, then you can consider my reaction to that to be equal to my current opinion of you as a retainer, Bram."
"Worry not, my king. The Holy Grail is surely an item fit to please the King of Heroes."
"That too will be for me to ultimately determine and me alone." Archer began to walk away, slowly de-materializing as he went. "Do remember that, Bram. Only I, the King of Heroes, can accurately determine the value of anything and everything in this world. Your effectiveness as a retainer, the appeal of the Holy Grail, everything. After all, everything of value in this world belongs to me and me only. Do not act as if you hold any sort of expertise over that."
Once Archer was fully de-materialized, Bram heaved out a relieved sigh and bent upward, having remained in a bowed position during the entire conversation. He slowly approached his bed and collapsed on it, letting its luxurious quality comfort him.
"Damn..." he whispered. "I thought he'd never go away. Who would've imagined the King of Heroes would have such a pompous and frightening demeanor?" With that thought in mind, he couldn't help but smirk. "At least I'm not the only one having trouble with their Servant... Kayneth must be having a field day with his..."
Outside in the courtyard, Rider scanned Sola-Ui's form from head to toe, prompting the woman to cross her arms and fidget uncomfortably. Then, once he was done examining her, his lips suddenly curved into a lecherous smile that caused Sola-Ui to shudder.
"You have a form that would make even Aphrodite jealous," he said. "How would you like to bed with me?"
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND, RIDER?!"
Rider looked beside him; Kayneth was rooted to his spot a few inches away, his eyes wide with rage.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING, TRYING TO SEDUCE MY WIFE LIKE THAT?!" the magus screeched. "ARE YOU MAD?!"
However, Rider continued to smile charmingly.
"What, so you want to bed with me as well, Master?" he asked. Then, he released a brief but loud and big-hearted laugh. "Oh, rest assured, I wouldn't mind that."
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"Master?"
"I WOULD NEVER BED WITH YOU, YOU-"
Bram sighed again and raised his arm, so he could examine the hand bearing his Command Seals. He took in their marble-white appearance.
"Come to think of it," he thought, "I could use a Command Seal to make Archer more cooperative and tolerable..." Then, he allowed his arm to fall back to the bed. "No, I mustn't think like that. I will only have three Command Seals at my disposal and no more. I must use them very wisely. For now, I will have to deal with Archer and his arrogance. After all, there are much bigger problems to be concerned about, namely the Black Faction. With Feend and the Magus Killer among its ranks, who knows what they are capable of..."
Tokiomi walked alongside Fiore as the two entered one of the manor's living rooms. At the corner of his eye, he noticed Fiore occasionally looking at the hand bearing her one remaining Command Seal. His eyes softened, and he turned his head to fully gaze at the wheelchair-ridden girl.
"Have you managed to communicate with Berserker?" he asked.
"No," Fiore replied solemnly. "But I guess it was to be expected. He is way too immersed in his madness to listen to any reason from me regarding...her."
"It is such a shame." Tokiomi closed his eyes as he sat down in a nearby sofa, while Fiore came to a stop beside an armchair. "A true shame indeed. Now you have only one Command Seal left." He opened his eyes and looked back at Fiore. "You have to be sure to use it wisely."
"Yes. I need to use my second Command Seal wisely too. Berserker can only emerge from spirit form at my express commands. I have to make sure his appearance is during a dire moment when the White Faction is backed into a corner, otherwise the usage of that Command Seal will be useless."
"That is true. Berserker will have to come out of spirit form during a time of great need. You have concocted an excellent strategy, Fiore."
"Thank you, Tokiomi Tohsaka." Fiore looked back towards her sole remaining Command Seal. "Besides, I doubt we will have much use of Berserker during the first stage. Saber of White alone will guarantee the White Faction victory during that phase of the War, given his power and abilities."
Tokiomi smiled slightly. "My, my, how kind of you, Fiore, to give me that remark of praise. But I believe that Saber will need all of the assistance he can get, given that he will be facing a multitude of enemies with various powers and abilities. And of course, we're going to need him for tomorrow's visit to the church." He then frowned in seriousness. "However, I agree with your strategy, Fiore. Berserker must be refrained from entering the battlefield unless he is desperately needed, when all of our other strategies have been outwitted by the Black Faction. In fact, I would prefer that he appear when Lancer is not present. He may be held back from attacking her by your Command Seal, but he will, without a doubt, be distracted by her at the very least and it would cause problems for us on the battlefield. Don't you agree?"
"I agree, Tokiomi."
"I agree as well," another voice said. Tokiomi and Fiore turned their heads and saw Shirou leaning against the doorway.
"Shirou," greeted Tokiomi, smiling again as Shirou stepped forward and sat on the sofa opposite to his. "How very kind of you to join us."
"Thank you very much, Tokiomi." Shirou looked at Fiore with seriousness and concern. "Your strategy for Berserker sounds wise, Fiore. In fact, I believe this is also a perfect opportunity for you to stay off the battlefield."
"Why?" Fiore asked. "Just because Berserker won't be in the battlefield doesn't mean I shouldn't be as well."
"Without your Servant, you'll be defenseless, Fiore!"
"I can handle myself, Shirou. I appreciate your concern, but don't let my looks deceive you. I have the perfect counterattack in mind."
Shirou blinked. "Fiore, aren't you aware of who's leading the Black Faction?"
"Yes, I am perfectly aware of who he is and what he is capable of."
"Then you should know that he will find a way to bypass your counterattack, Fiore. It doesn't matter how ruthless and underhanded that tactic will be; as long as it will do its job for him, then he will take it without hesitation!"
Fiore was starting to look visibly annoyed. "I'll be careful, okay Shirou? It's okay-"
"And if you do die on the battlefield? If the Magus Killer finds a way to kill you in the most dishonorable way?"
"Well, then I will have died a hero's death, and my ancestors and the Yggdmillennia clan will be proud of me." The girl frowned angrily at Shirou. "Don't you dare think for a second that I can't handle myself, just because I'm in a wheelchair, Shirou. Grandfather didn't put his faith in me all for nothing. Look, I'll be fine."
"But-" began Shirou.
"There is no need to concern yourself, Shirou," Tokiomi interrupted. "You and I both know her magical skills and abilities. In spite of her appearances, I have the utmost confidence in her, regardless if she has her Servant at hand or not. I believe there will still be a use for her in the battlefield."
"Tokiomi, with all due respect-"
"I am also perfectly aware of what the Magus Killer is capable of." He sighed and closed his eyes. "Rest assured, Shirou, as long as I am alive, he will not lay a finger on Fiore using his underhanded and dishonorable tactics. The same applies with any other member with the White Faction."
"Thank you, Tokiomi, for your unconditional support," Fiore replied, bowing her head humbly before the Tohsaka. Meanwhile, Shirou fell silent as he chose to abandon the topic, knowing Tokiomi would not be swayed from his position, and neither would Fiore.
"You are most welcome, Fiore," said the Tohsaka magus.
Then, Fiore looked up. "By the way, Tokiomi... Since we were on the topic of Lancer, do you think we should tell her about Berserker? About who he is?"
"I don't think so," replied Tokiomi, while Shirou's expression darkened at the mention of Lancer. "It will serve as a distraction for her and we need all of our allies to be in their prime when they face off against the Black Faction. We cannot afford any distractions of any kind. Is that understood?"
Fiore didn't waste any time in giving her response.
"Understood."
Fuyuki International Airport
– The next day –
Olesya stepped out of the private jet and walked a few steps down the wheeled staircase. Then, she stopped, allowing the burst of fresh, cool wind to gently blow against her fair skin. She used her left hand to hold her white hair in place to prevent strands of it from fluttering into her face and obscuring her sight. She then glanced at the jet she used for her personal transport.
Like all other traditional magi, her family held extreme distaste towards modern-day technology used by the rabble. However, Olesya personally didn't mind any of it, having had to familiarize herself with using such tools and objects in her childhood so as to keep up her then-facade of being normal among the other schoolchildren. Using technology was no longer a concern for her as an adult once she graduated from the London Clock Tower and inherited her family's Magic Crest. As long as her reputation as an elite of the first-rate magi community remained fully intact, no one would have much concern about her using something such as a personal jet.
Well, maybe except for the really arrogant and stuck-up kind of magi like Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald. Oh, how she hated those kinds of people...
"Is something wrong, Olesya?" a familiar voice asked suddenly.
Olesya turned around and saw Lancer standing a couple of steps above her, a curious expression on her face.
"Oh, I apologize, Lancer," replied the white-haired magus. "I was just enjoying the view." She looked towards the airport terminal, knowing that the buildings of Fuyuki City were lying on the other side of that building complex. "In my days of being here, I find Fuyuki City to be quite a marvelous place. For it to be located in such a backwater country, let alone the setting of such a bloody battle between mages, is such a surprise." She then looked back towards Lancer with a soft smile. "What about you, Lancer? How are you enjoying Fuyuki City?"
"Me? Well, it's nothing to speak of, really. I don't find it remarkable in any way."
It was then that Olesya realized it was pointless to ask her question. She knew that Servants receive knowledge of the era they were summoned in once materialized. And yet, she went ahead and asked anyway, expecting some other subjective response. She seemed to be too caught up with being in the presence of her favorite hero.
She had to stop doing that. The Grail War was almost upon them...
She turned her head away from Lancer and replied stoically, "I see. Let's get moving, then."
Lancer blinked, having immediately recognized the sudden change in her Master's tone.
"Olesya, did I say something wrong?" she asked.
"No, not at all. Come on, Lancer."
It wasn't hard for Shirou to make out Olesya, Lancer, and Olesya's maids amidst the crowds in the terminal. With their peculiar appearances, there was no doubt that they would attract more than a few curious glances in their direction. As soon as the group made its way through the crowd with relative ease, Shirou flashed a fake smile at them and bowed his head at them, as did the Yggdmillennia homunculi accompanying him.
"Olesya Mylène Animusphere," he greeted. "Lancer of White. Welcome back to Fuyuki City. Or, in Lancer's case, welcome to Fuyuki City."
He could sense Lancer's eyes narrow at him, and he subtly frowned while no one noticed.
"Greetings, Shirou Kotomine," replied Olesya. "It is a pleasure to see you again."
Shirou nodded, raised his head, and walked ahead, with Olesya and Lancer walking by his sides. The homunculi and Olesya's maids walked directly behind them, with one of the maids carrying the box Olesya received from Wilkins.
"I see Tokiomi Tohsaka sent you to collect us," Olesya said as the group approached the convoy of white SUVs and limousine that were parked in front of the terminal.
"Yes. In spite of being the former Master of Assassin of White, I still have an active role in this War. I can only hope I will be of use when the actual battling begins." He opened the door of the limousine at the center of the convoy, and gestured to Olesya and Lancer. "Ma'am."
Olesya and Lancer stepped inside the limousine, with Shirou following soon after. After Lancer received the box containing Rhongomyniad from Olesya's maid, Shirou closed the door. As soon as the homunculi and maids boarded the other vehicles, the convoy began moving away from the airport. As the limousine continued moving, Shirou glanced at Olesya and Lancer.
"You both know what to do tonight," he said.
"Yes, we are aware," replied Olesya professionally. "Any news on the Black Faction?"
"Well, like I told Tokiomi, the remaining five members of the Black Faction have summoned their Servants at Einzbern Castle and are now making preparations to leave for Fuyuki. They are also making efforts to locate the sixth Black Master, the one who apparently went rogue. As for the seventh and final Black Master, the Holy Grail still has yet to select one." He scoffed. "I sound like a broken record."
"A what?" Lancer suddenly asked, looking confused.
Shirou turned his head towards her and couldn't help but give her a dark stare. The expression was noticed by Lancer, who returned it in kind. The two stared each other down, and a tense silence fell upon the limousine interior. A few seconds passed, but to them, it felt like minutes...
"Ahem..."
Shirou and Lancer looked towards Olesya, who was now innocently reading a small book.
"Thank you for the information, Shirou," she said without looking up.
"Oh, you're welcome, Olesya," replied the white-haired priest as he continued to examine Lancer at the corner of his eye.
Kotomine Church
– The following night –
The convoy of all-white vehicles parked themselves in front of the church, with the limousine situated at the center as usual. Once the engines all shut off, the doors of the limousine opened up, and Tokiomi stepped out, wielding his ruby-tipped staff. Following him was Olesya, who was wearing her formal clothing and fidgeting with her golden earrings. Next were Kayneth, who looked particularly smug; Bram, who was straightening out his brown suit; and Sieg, who was wearing his usual emotionless and flat expression. Two male homunculi stepped forward, each holding a wheelchair; it took several minutes to get Fiore and Itsuki situated in them, especially with the medical equipment that Itsuki required.
Once the entire White Faction was ready, they began walking (or wheeling, in Fiore's case) towards the church, with two homunculi pushing Itsuki's wheelchair and life support equipment while he idly sat almost motionlessly. As soon as the group approached the front door, Tokiomi glanced over his shoulder to look at his comrades.
"Are we all ready?" he asked.
"As ready as we could ever be, Tokiomi," Olesya replied. Then, she raised an eyebrow. "By the way, Shirou isn't with us. Why is that?"
"He had some other business to attend to on the other side of Fuyuki. Please, don't be troubled by his absence." Tokiomi then pushed the doors open, displaying the dark interior of the church. "Now then, let us begin."
As soon as the interior of the church was in full view of the seven White Masters, they spotted the three figures standing on the altar, identifying them from left to right as Risei, Ruler, and Kirei. Risei and Kirei both bowed their heads at the group.
"Welcome to the church," they greeted in unison. "Please step inside in peace."
Tokiomi was the first to step forward, followed by the others. As soon as they were all inside, the doors automatically closed behind them with an ominous creak, but they paid no attention to it. Once the seven reached the last row of pews, situated near the altar, they collectively knelt down on one knee, with the obvious exceptions of Fiore and Itsuki, who merely bowed their heads instead.
After a few moments of silence, Ruler spoke, breaking the silence.
"I, Ruler-class Servant of the Impossible Holy Grail War, welcome you, the White Faction, to this house of God. By being present, you acknowledge your shared status as Masters in this Holy Grail War. Do you reaffirm this status, with the almighty God as your witness?"
"We do," seven voices replied as one.
"Very well. Display your Command Seals to me, as proof of your status."
Six hands immediately raised themselves in the air, bearing marble-white Command Seals of varying designs. Also raised in the air was an open book displaying a set of white Command Seals of its own. Upon spotting this book, Ruler glared at it with a stern expression. Her amethyst pupils then focused on the book's owner, Sieg.
"Would you care to explain why these Command Seals are on that book and not the back of your hand, White Master?" she asked.
"Ruler," Tokiomi said, catching the saint's attention, "he is a homunculus who cannot properly answer that question for himself. As leader of the White Faction, I wish to speak for him and explain the situation, if that is appropriate for you."
Ruler briefly reexamined Sieg, then nodded. "Very well. Explain."
"The White Master who once bore those Command Seals chose to withdraw from the Holy Grail War. He is no longer directly involved in these proceedings. Because of his decision, he had to impose his rights as a Master on someone else, someone who is willing to take them up. As such, the White Faction created this homunculus to take his place in the Impossible Holy Grail War, and created this Book of the False Attendant as means to receive and hold the Command Seals."
"I see. And what of the previous user of those Command Seals?"
"Like I mentioned, Ruler, he is no longer directly involved in these proceedings. He is keeping his distance from the battlefield. As for this homunculus, I hope you and the church will recognize him as a White Master now that you are aware of the situation."
Tokiomi glanced at Risei, who subtly nodded at him. Then, the elderly priest replied, "Very well. This church recognizes the homunculus as a White Master."
Ruler continued to examine an undeterred Sieg closely, but added unrelentingly, "As does the Holy Grail."
The Tohsaka Master promptly bowed his head. "I give you both my thanks," he said.
"There is no need to thank me, White Master. Now, as your last piece of proof as Masters in this Holy Grail War, I want you all to present your Servants."
"As you wish, Ruler. Now then, come forth, Saber!"
"Come, Lancer!"
"Come, Archer!"
"Come, Rider!"
"Come, Caster."
"Come, Assassin."
"Come, Berserker!"
One by one, all seven White Servants materialized beside their Masters. On instinct, Kirei and Risei's positions became tense at the sight of Berserker of White, a dark, almost monstrous knight completely engulfed in an unknown black energy; the knight was trembling violently and growling inhumanly. Lancer's grip on her spear only tightened at the sight of the Mad Warrior. Ruler remained calm, her eyes narrowing sternly at the black knight.
"Master of Berserker of White," she said, "I can sense your Servant is most unruly. Do I have your word that you will be able to properly control it on the battlefield?"
"Yes," replied Fiore. "I intend only on using him when the situation for the White Faction is extremely dire. My Command Seal guarantees that. Do not worry."
"Alright. But I shall remind you that you will be faced with serious infractions if Berserker's violence exposes the Holy Grail Wars to the outside world, or if they cause serious injury or death to innocent persons."
"Of course, I am aware of that, Ruler."
"Ruler?" another voice asked. The saint promptly focused her gaze on Archer of White, who was glaring at her disdainfully with his snakelike, blood-red eyes. "So, you're the fifteenth Servant, the one who claims to be ruler over all others..."
"Yes, of course," Ruler replied sternly. "Surely you were made aware of my presence upon your summoning, King of Heroes Gilgamesh."
Archer pursed his lips at first, his expression looking agitated. At the side, Bram subtly trembled in fear.
"You, a simple little girl in a scandalous dress-" He scanned her body, taking in the way her dress and armor clung tightly to her curves. "-claiming to be a ruler over me? There can be no one in this world who can rule over me, the King of Heroes." Then, the golden King's lips curved into a sinister smirk. "The look doesn't even suit your purported title. With your lovely face, you are more suited to be among the virgins who would shower me with flower petals in my bed."
"Archer," Lancer said, not bothering to hold back the disapproval in her voice, "I think it would be best not to speak to Ruler in such a tone."
"Y-Yes, Archer," stuttered Bram, nodding his agreement. "What she said."
The King of Heroes gritted his teeth and snarled, "You mongrels. Don't you dare question me and take the side of this deluded who-"
"Archer of White," Ruler cut off, her amethyst eyes narrowed, "you may act as insolently as you desire. Only God shall be the one to judge you. However, in spite of your insistence that you are supreme ruler over all others, I have the distinct advantage against you."
"What?! You dare-"
"With the Class Skill of God's Resolution, I have a set of Command Seals on my back, two for each Servant participating in this War. Should you, Archer of White, try to rebel against my supervision, I will utilize a Command Seal to stop you unconditionally. The same applies for all of you White Servants. No exceptions will be imposed. Is that understood, White Faction?"
"Yes, Ruler," thirteen voices replied in unison.
"No!" snapped Archer. "I will not allow this!"
"Archer, please calm down-" began Bram.
"MONGREL! I will not stand for this! I am Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes! To challenge my rightful kingship is an act of suicide!"
"King of Heroes," Tokiomi called calmly, catching the golden man's attention. "I advise you to restrain yourself."
"I SHALL NOT! I MUST TEACH THIS GIRL HER PLACE!"
"I do not deny your intentions. However-" The Tohsaka Master bowed his head before Archer. "-I beg of you to think about this for a moment. Before you is a girl on the cusp of womanhood. Her statements may be misguided-" Ruler narrowed her eyes at Tokiomi, but chose to remain quiet. "-but she is still a girl, after all. Surely it would be unbecoming of the King of Heroes to lash out violently against an innocent girl who has yet to fully blossom."
At the side, Rider nodded his head subtly in agreement. Meanwhile, Archer's stance softened, and Bram sighed as quietly as he could. The golden Servant then closed his eyes and growled, looking extremely reluctant.
"That is true," he replied. "Tokiomi Tohsaka, you have proved yourself as an excellent retainer once again. I can only wish my primary retainer was as insightful as you." Bram's pupils flitted towards his Servant apprehensively, while Archer opened his eyes and glared at Ruler. "Little girl, you have escaped the gravest of punishments for the moment. But be warned, for your blindness is guaranteed to seal your doom the next time we meet."
Ruler simply gave Archer an unsatisfied, deadpan expression in response. Then, she proceeded to scan the other White Servants. Once she was done, she gave them smile, though it faltered somewhat as she was still brooding over the exchange with Archer.
"Alright, your Servants have all been examined and approved. You may put your them back into spirit form if you wish." Once the Servants all promptly disappeared, she announced mightily, "The Holy Grail approves your participation in this War."
"As does this church," added Risei.
"We hope you will fight a noble battle for the Grail as worthy Masters."
"Of course," replied Tokiomi, smiling. "Thank you, Ruler."
Once the White Faction left the church and the sounds of their convoy faded away in the distance, Ruler, Risei, and Kirei all turned to face each other on the church altar.
"What do you think about Tokiomi Tohsaka and his White Faction, Ruler?" asked Risei, smiling proudly.
Ruler remained silent for a minute, her lips pursed. Then, she explained in response, "They are extremely powerful. Examination of their individual Servants has already told me that victory is guaranteed for them. Saber has strength and endurance that is unparalleled; Lancer, Archer, and Rider have extremely great offense capabilities and Noble Phantasms that cannot even be given ranks; and Caster has full mastery over magic that can date back to the Age of Gods. They have chosen their Heroic Spirits well."
"With that kind of manpower," Kirei said, "the Black Faction won't stand a chance. Not unless they found Heroic Spirits who could counter such strength."
"But there are very few Heroic Spirits that could meet such criteria." Ruler placed a finger on her chin. "The Black Faction needs to have excellent resources if they could find catalysts to such Heroic Spirits."
"Our information on the Black Faction says they do not, however," Risei said. He then shook his head solemnly. "They will lose."
"Ah, but do not understand the will and reasoning of God, Father Risei. He may have a surprise in store for us all."
"Yes, that is true."
"Do you have anything else to note about the White Faction, Ruler?" Kirei asked.
Ruler narrowed her eyes. "Most of the Servants do not pose a great threat to the Holy Grail War system. However, I am...concerned about some particular Servants..."
"I take it you're referring to Archer."
"He is a self-centered and arrogant man who looks down upon everyone else. Without a doubt, he will become a problem in the near future, and there will be no one who can hold his wrath back this time, not even his own Master. I may have to use one of my Command Seals against him. But I am not just concerned about Archer, Kirei." A dark cloud filled the forefront of Ruler's mind. "I am also concerned about Berserker."
"Ah, yes," said Risei. "This Berserker appears to be a particularly mad one. But didn't Fiore Forvedge say she was holding him back with a Command Seal?"
"Yes, but an unruly Servant hindered by a Command Seal is bound to be potentially even more dangerous, especially a Berserker. It depends on the specifics of the order on which the spell was used. We may have to keep an eye on Berserker as well."
"If you insist, Ruler." Then, Risei proceeded to step off the altar. "Excuse me, Kirei, Ruler. I must make an important phone call to the church."
"Of course. May God be with you."
"And to you too as well."
Taking a brief look over his shoulder, Risei then entered the private study in the church and closed the door behind him. Then, he approached the phone on the table at the end of the room, picked it up, and dialed a number. Bringing the phone to his ear, he waited for the receiver to respond.
Finally, a voice replied, "It's me."
"Shirou," said Risei. "Tokiomi has just left the church. Ruler has approved all of the White Servants for service."
"That's good."
"How is everything on your end?"
"Reviews are complete, and everything is ready. Do you wish to inform Tokiomi, or should I?"
"I cannot, Shirou. Ruler is in the church with me at the moment. Any further interaction with Tokiomi like this will practically be a violation of the Holy Grail War system in her eyes. I must not take that risk."
"Then I guess it's a drive back to Tohsaka Manor for me."
"Yes. And Shirou?"
"Yes, Father?"
"Your efforts will bear fruit in this War. Ruler believes the White Faction is powerful against the Black Faction, without a doubt. There is no longer any reason to worry. All you have to do is do your job, Shirou, and the world will be a better place for it."
"Don't worry. It shall be done, Father. Goodbye."
Unknown location
Shirou hung up his phone and stuffed it into his pocket. Then, he stared blankly at the ground, ignoring the shadows of the massive metal columns situated right behind him. Reflecting on his father's words, the white-haired priest tried to find comfort in them...but he couldn't. He just couldn't. The individual powers of the Servants in the White Faction failed to assuage him as well. Nothing that he saw or could be said failed to bring him any sort of comfort over the White Faction's power and endurance.
And he knew why. There was no other reason why he would feel so worried despite all the good news he's been hearing about the White Faction.
"Magus Killer," Shirou thought, his eyes narrowing with utmost conviction.
The Tohsaka Residence
"Well," Tokiomi said calmly as the limousine carrying him and the other White Masters approached his manor, "that was nothing short of elegant. I applaud you all for presenting yourself in such a fine and orderly way."
Kayneth scoffed and replied, "Yes, well, I wish I could agree, but I believe we could've been a little more fine and orderly and elegant if Bram's Servant was kept in line more efficiently!"
"It was nothing that could've been avoided," Bram said calmly.
"Don't give me any of that nonsense, brother-in-law! Your Servant's even spouting insults to the Ruler-class Servant! How do you think this will make us look like in the eyes of the Standard-Bearer who Correctly Guides the Holy Grail War?!" The Sophia-Ri Master blushed in embarrassment. "Bram, he is uncontrollable and unreasonable! You need to deal with him before he causes any more damage to this Faction! Use a Command Seal if you have to!"
"Kayneth El-Melloi, calm yourself," Tokiomi said, catching Kayneth's attention. "Archer is admittedly conceited, but that falls short compared to the challenges that lie ahead. Dealing with the King of Heroes' attitude will have to wait another day. Besides, there are ways to deal with Archer without usage of a Command Seal. To use one this early would be unwise, and it would also damage the relationship Archer has with not only his Master, but this Faction." He scanned each and every White Master. "We must maintain the integrity of the White Faction for the duration of the War's first phase, otherwise we will not be able to reap victory. Is that understood?"
The others nodded in response, including an ambivalent Kayneth. Then, the nobleman's eyes widened, and his posture became tense. The other White Masters were also on full alert, even the ever-stoic Sieg.
"Rider just told me-" began Kayneth.
"Yes, I know," Tokiomi replied, his eyes narrowing as he gazed out of the window. Tohsaka Manor was approaching. "An intruder."
He wishes for no one to get their hands on the Grail
– WHITE FACTION SERVANT STATS AND INFO –
– Saber of White –
Master: Tokiomi Tohsaka
True Name: Siegfried
Sex: Male
Height: 190 cm.
Weight: 80 kg.
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Strength: B+
Endurance: A+
Agility: A
Mana: A
Luck: D
Noble Phantasm: A+
Class Skills:
-Magic Resistance: XXX
Grants protection against magical effects. Due to Saber's Armor of Fafnir Noble Phantasm (see below), the skill has been lost.
-Riding: A
The ability to ride mounts. Saber can handle many vehicles with above-average skill, as well as all creatures but those of Phantasmal Beast and Divine Beast ranks.
Personal Skills:
-Golden Rule: C-
The measurement of one's fortune and ability to acquire wealth. In Siegfried's legend, the Nibelung treasure promised him a lifetime devoid of monetary problems, but his Luck is ranked down.
Noble Phantasms:
-Armor of Fafnir: Blood Armor of the Evil Dragon
[Anti-Unit]: B+ (Range: N/A; Max. number of targets: 1 person)
An ability embodying and reenacting the legend of Siegfried bathing in the blood of the evil dragon Fafnir, granting him the body of a dragon that provides him with absolute invulnerability to weapons and magic of B-rank and lower that are used against him. It can also negate a portion of attacks of A-rank and higher by an amount equivalent to the amount of damage inflicted by a B-rank attack, essentially reducing the effectiveness of A-rank attacks to that of E-rank attacks. Due to a linden leaf sticking on his back during his bathing, Saber's only weakness is the mark left by that leaf, which allows even the weakest Servants to kill him by striking that position.
-Balmung: Phantasmal Greatsword, Felling of the Sky Demon
[Anti-Army]: A+ (Range: 1-50; Max. number of targets: 500 people)
A two-handed, golden greatsword with a blue jewel embedded in the hilt, gifted to Siegfried by the Nibelung family. Activated by the chant "O sword, Let thee be filled", the blue jewel stores and preserves magical energy from the Age of Gods, which is released as a surging, flashing wave of blue light in a semicircle centered around the user. It bears a cursed holy blade that will switch between holy sword and demonic sword depending on its wielder.
– Lancer of White –
Master: Olesya Mylène Animusphere
True Name: Artoria Pendragon
Sex: Female
Height: 154 cm.
Weight: 42 kg.
Alignment: Lawful Good
Strength: A
Endurance: A+
Agility: A
Mana: A+
Luck: B
Noble Phantasm: A++
Class Skills:
-Magic Resistance: A
Grants protection against magical effects. Spells of A-rank and lower are canceled out, making Lancer essentially untouchable to modern magi.
Personal Skills:
-Charisma: B
The natural talent to command an army, which increases the ability of allies during group battles. This Skill was granted due to Artoria's rule over Britain.
-Instinct: A
The ability to sense developments favorable for oneself during the course of a battle. Lancer's Skill borders the concept of precognition, and halves the effects of obstructed vision and hearing.
-Mana Burst: A+
The boost in performance caused by infusing one's body and weapon with magical energy and instantly expelling it, recreating the effect of a jet burst. Lancer can destroy weapons that are not on the level of a divine mystery, and deal some damage to those that are on such a level. The Skill raises her defense several times.
-Riding: A
The ability to ride mounts. Lancer can handle many vehicles with above-average skill, as well as all creatures but those of Phantasmal Beast and Divine Beast ranks.
Noble Phantasms:
-Avalon: The Ever-Distant Utopia
[Barrier]: EX (Range: N/A; Max. number of targets: 1 person protected)
The hallowed scabbard of the holy sword Excalibur, and the embodiment of the utopia sought by Artoria Pendragon in her lifetime. Though it is generally useless as a magical artifact, it is a type of Conceptual Weapon, and it can grant limited immortality through constant regeneration, and prevented physical deterioration through halted aging, to its user. It can be disassembled and sealed inside someone close to Lancer, such as her Master, at which point its abilities will be activated.
-Rhongomyniad: The Spear That Shines To The Ends Of The Earth
[Anti-Fortress]: A++ – EX (Range: 1-99; Max. number of targets: 1,000 people)
The holy lance of Artoria Pendragon that was used to kill Mordred during the Battle of Camlann. When activated through the fulfillment of at least half of its thirteen seals, it fires a spiraling beam of light that destroys everything in its path, similar to the beam of light that pierced through Vortigern's heart while he was in dragon form. In normal battle, it pierces through any kind of armor despite its toughness. It is said to serve less as a weapon and more as an anchor for the world, to ensure its stability, lest reality tear apart from it. Lancer is capable of using Rhongomyniad on foot and while mounted on her steed Llamrei, though her lance-wielding abilities are more efficient for the latter instance than the former.
– Archer of White –
Master: Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri
True Name: Gilgamesh
Sex: Male
Height: 182 cm.
Weight: 68 kg.
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Strength: B
Endurance: B
Agility: B
Mana: B
Luck: D
Noble Phantasm: EX
Class Skills:
-Independent Action: A
The ability to remain independent from a Master even when rejecting his or her supply of magical energy. Though Archer can take action without the backup of a Master, he requires one if he is to use a Noble Phantasm of great magical energy consumption.
-Magic Resistance: C
Grants protection against magical effects. Archer can cancel out spells invoked by chants below two verses, but cannot defend himself against magecraft on the level of High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals.
Personal Skills:
-Charisma: A+
The natural talent to command an army, which increases the ability of allies during group battles. Archer's Charisma is no longer based on popularity, but it is now rather a spell in itself.
-Divinity: B (A+)
The measurement of a Servant's possession of Divine Spirit aptitude. Though Gilgamesh is a demigod, with two-thirds divinity in his blood, and is therefore guaranteed a Divinity ranking of the highest level, his personal dislike of gods has caused his rank to be scaled down considerably.
-Golden Rule: A
The measurement of one's fortune and ability to acquire wealth. In his lifetime, Archer was so wealthy that monetary problems were never a concern for him.
Noble Phantasms:
-Sword of Rupture, Ea
[Anti-World]: EX (Range: 1-99; Max. number of targets: 1,000 people)
The most powerful Noble Phantasm contained in Archer's Gate of Babylon (see below), possessed only by him and unable to be replicated in its fullest form by anyone else, as it is a completely unique existence that can only be possessed by Gilgamesh. It activates its own unique ability, titled Enuma Elish: The Star of Creation that Split Heaven and Earth, which is an artificial space-time dislocation fueled by a violent, flowing storm of wind and light created by Ea consuming, compressing, and accelerating wind pressure. This singular attack bears the power to destroy any and all opposition. On its own, Ea can pierce through an opponent's chest and rotate its triblade segments, slowing grinding their inner vitals.
-Enkidu: Chains of Heaven
[Anti-Divine]: Unknown (Range: N/A; Max. number of targets: N/A)
The greatest secret contained in Archer's Gate of Babylon. Named after Gilgamesh's closest friend, it is a chain designed to bind even gods so they cannot escape, and one of the few anti-divine weapons in existence. Its strength and durability increases with the target's Divinity level, but it is nothing more than just another chain to Servants like Saber and Lancer. Its binding force is strong enough that it could even bind the space around itself and nullify transportation ordered by a Command Seal.
-Gate of Babylon: King's Treasure
[Anti-Unit]: E~A++ (Range: N/A; Max. number of targets: N/A)
A vault containing numerous weapons and other items Gilgamesh owned in his lifetime. Archer can access it, select any of the item(s) inside, and utilize them as he pleases. It is not a singular Noble Phantasm, but a treasury of multiple Noble Phantasms with various ranks ranging from E to A++. These items pass through the gate of the vault, forming glowing golden ripples in the empty air as they appear. The vault can only be activated by a key under Gilgamesh's possession, Key of the King's Law, Bab-ilu.
– Rider of White –
Master: Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald
True Name: Alexander the Great
Sex: Male
Height: 212 cm.
Weight: 130 kg.
Alignment: Neutral Good
Strength: A
Endurance: A
Agility: D
Mana: B
Luck: E
Noble Phantasm: A++
Class Skills:
-Magic Resistance: D
Grants protection against magical effects. Rider can cancel Single-Action spells.
-Riding: A+
The ability to ride mounts. Rider can mount all vehicles and all creatures, even those of Phantasmal Beast and Divine Beast ranks, but except those of the Dragon Kind.
Personal Skills:
-Charisma: A
The natural talent to command an army, which increases the ability of allies during group battles. Rider is granted this specific rank because he is said to have achieved the greatest level of popularity as a human in his lifetime.
-Divinity: C
The measurement of a Servant's possession of Divine Spirit aptitude. Rider was ambiguously claimed to be a son of the Greek deity Zeus.
-Military Tactics: B
The tactical knowledge that is used for battles involving armies with multiple numbers. Rider's rank is granted through the military experience he gained during his lifetime, and bonus modifiers are provided during the use of his Noble Phantasms (see below).
Noble Phantasms:
-Gordius Wheel: Wheel of Heaven's Authority
[Anti-Army]: A+ (Range: 2-50; Max. number of targets: 100 people)
A gigantic war chariot pulled by two Divine Bulls, possessing two large, curved sickles capable of destroying surrounding obstacles and hurling the debris at foes. Rider can summon the Gordius Wheel by slashing at the air with his sword of the Cypriots, subsequently opening up a rift in the empty space from which the chariot emerges. The Gordius Wheel activates its own ability, titled Via Expugnatio: Distant Trampling Domination, a powerful trampling attack that involves eight decisive strikes by the hooves of the Divine Bulls and the following strikes by the chariot's wheels.
-Ionioi Hetairoi: Army of the King
[Anti-Army]: EX (Range: 1-99; Max. number of targets: 1,000 people)
Rider's ultimate Noble Phantasm, a Reality Marble embodying the kingship and commanding abilities of Alexander the Great. This Reality Marble appears as an image of a vast desert with a heavily armed cavalry of Iskandar's soldiers, possessing a diverse fighting force shared between tens of thousands of soldiers. Each soldier is a Servant without a Master, though they are left dependent on Rider's Noble Phantasm.
– Caster of White –
Master: Itsuki Himuro
True Name: Medea
Sex: Female
Height: 163 cm.
Weight: 51 kg.
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Strength: E
Endurance: D
Agility: C
Mana: A++
Luck: C
Noble Phantasm: C
Class Skills:
-Item Construction: A
The skill to manufacture magical items. Caster is capable of crafting healing potions that induce limited immortality.
-Territory Creation: A
The skill to construct a special terrain advantageous to oneself as a magus. Caster is capable of creating a Temple, which is superior to a Workshop.
Personal Skills:
-Golden Fleece: EX
An extremely valuable item that can be used to summon a dragon. In Caster's case, the item, Argon Coin, must be thrown to the ground by the user, who also must be knowledgeable in summoning a Phantasmal Beast. However, Caster lacks such knowledge, and she is subsequently unable to utilize it.
-High-Speed Divine Words: A
The power to activate Thaumaturgy without using any magical circuits, by reciting language from the Age of Gods, a skill that is long lost by modern magi. Caster can activate magic at the level of High-Thaumaturgy with the speed of Single-Action spells.
Noble Phantasms:
-Argon Coin: The Golden Fleece
A coat of golden fleece taken from the winged ram Chrysomallos, which was under the possession of Medea in her lifetime. It isn't an official Noble Phantasm of Caster's, instead serving as a Personal Skill. It is capable of summoning a dragon from Colchis that once guarded it, but such a summoning also requires the necessary knowledge to summon a Phantasmal Beast, which Caster lacks. However, the Argon Coin could still be used by someone as long as they have said knowledge. The summoned dragon itself possesses a sufficient amount of strength. In addition, it is inhabited by a mysterious Guardian Spirit whose identity is unknown.
-Rule Breaker: All Spells Must Be Broken
[Anti-Thaumaturgy]: C (Range: 1; Max. number of targets: 1 person)
An iridescent, jagged dagger that was originally designed as a key to rituals that were held during the Age of Gods, and was never meant to be utilized as a weapon. It is the ultimate anti-magic Noble Phantasm capable of eradicating any possible kind of thaumaturgy. When it comes into contact with any person or item affected by any sort of magic, said magic would be undone. However, it is incapable of affecting items on the rank of Noble Phantasms, no matter what their ranks are.
– Assassin of White –
Master: Sieg
True Name: Hassan-i-Sabbah
Sex: Female
Height: 150 cm.
Weight: 40 kg.
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Strength: D
Endurance: D
Agility: A+
Mana: C
Luck: A
Noble Phantasm: C
Class Skills:
-Presence Concealment: A+
The ability to hide the presence of oneself as a Servant and become nearly impossible to detect, commonly attributed to the Assassin class. Its efficiency will immediately decrease when Assassin prepares to attack her target.
Personal Skills:
-Independent Action: B+
The ability to remain independent from a Master even when rejecting his or her supply of magical energy. Assassin can stay in the world for a few days without a Master, but only if she conserves a great amount of mana and doesn't engage in battle.
-Poisonproof: A+
The skill that renders one immune to poisons. Assassin is completely resistant to any kind of poison that exists in the world, including the very poison that coats the entirety of her body.
-Projectile (Daggers): B
The expertise in throwing projectile weapons like daggers. The strength of Assassin's thrown daggers is comparable to that of bullets.
-Shapeshift: A
The ability to change the appearance of oneself. Assassin can alter all or part of her appearance to whatever she sees fit.
Noble Phantasms:
-Zabaniya: Delusional Poison Body
[Anti-Army]: B (Range: 1-99; Max. number of targets: 1,000 people)
The ability possessed by Assassin, which is an incurable poison that covers all of her body, and even her scent is poisonous. Any form of contact with her is fatal and almost instantaneous, no matter how small it is. She is capable of spreading this poison on the wind, killing entire armies if possible. However, the poison is indiscriminate in its targets, and even her allies are unsafe from its effects.
– Berserker of White –
Master: Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillennia
True Name: Lancelot
Sex: Male
Height: 191 cm.
Weight: 81 kg.
Alignment: Neutral Mad
Strength: A
Endurance: A
Agility: A+
Mana: B
Luck: C
Noble Phantasm: A
Class Skills:
-Mad Enhancement: C
The raising of basic parameters at the cost of mental capacity. Berserker's parameters are all ranked up except for Luck and Mana, in exchange for his ability to think and speak properly.
Personal Skills:
-Eternal Arms Mastership: A+
The prevention of the degradation of fighting skills and capabilities despite the user's diminished mental capacity. In his lifetime, Berserker's combat abilities and training have become so unrivaled that he can utilize them to the fullest potential without being hindered by the effects of Mad Enhancement.
-Magic Resistance: E
Grants protection against magical effects. Though Berserker can't actually cancel magic spells, the damage dealt by them is reduced somewhat.
-Protection of the Fairies: A
The capacity to increase Luck during particularly dangerous situations. Berserker's Luck increases greatly during combat, allowing him to fare well against opponents.
Noble Phantasms:
-Arondight: The Unfading Light of the Lake
[Anti-Unit]: A++ (Range: 1-2; Max. number of targets: 1 person)
A sword wielded by Lancelot in his lifetime, and the counterpart of King Arthur's Excalibur, down to the similar design. It is capable of taking any kind of attack without suffering any damage. It was once a holy sword, but it lost its holy attribute after Lancelot used it to kill his fellow knights as they guarded the execution of Guinevere, and subsequently fell to the rank of demonic sword through Lancelot's madness. Once drawn, it seals Berserker's other Noble Phantasms, increases all of his parameters by one rank, and doubles the success rate of saving throws. It deals additional damage to Servants with dragon attributes like King Arthur, due to the legend of Lancelot slaying a dragon.
-For Someone's Glory: Not For One's Own Glory
[Anti-Unit]: B (Range: 0; Max. number of targets: 1 person)
A black fog embodying Lancelot's tradition of accomplishing his endeavors while in a variety of disguises, which conceals Berserker's identity and personal status. Even an opponent Master cannot be able to properly read his status, with the Master's name, height, weight, alignment, class abilities, and skills being the only discernible items in Berserker's stats. This ability can also give Berserker the ability to disguise himself as other Servants, specifically those who won in military exploits, but it is only a mere imitation.
-Knight of Honor: A Knight Does Not Die with Empty Hands
[Anti-Unit]: A++ (Range: 1; Max. number of targets: 30 people)
The embodiment of the incident where Lancelot fought Phelot with only an elm branch. It is a unique ability that activates whenever Berserker grabs an object that is popularly recognized as a weapon, which is conceptualized as a weapon if he recognizes it and then becomes a D-rank Noble Phantasm. Even other Noble Phantasms will become his own if he manages to grab them; their ranks will stay the same while he has control over them. This is accomplished by the item being soaked in the magical energy that permeates Berserker's hands. These weapons, once turned into Noble Phantasms, gain enough strength to be matched against Excalibur.
Chapter 2:
The White Land
Irisviel: I'm so sorry you feel that way.
Feend: Why couldn't you just do what you're told to?
Saber of Black: This is disgusting! Beastly! Horrific!
Kiritsugu: The item I left here, where is it?
Kariya: I just cannot understand you mages...
Caster of Black: Did you enjoy the savory taste of raw, unspeakable death?
Next Time:
The Black City
A/N: *in Joker's voice* And...here we...GO!
*clears throat* So, who do you think the intruder is? And what exactly was Shirou preparing for the White Faction? All will be answered in the following chapters.
In other news, I hope the parameters of the White Servants make sense to you all. I tried to keep it as realistic as possible, but also thought about the power that would be demonstrated through the White Masters' magical abilities and potential.
I'd like to thank the following for reviewing:
-Amatsumi: I've thought long and hard about it, and to my reluctance, I have decided not to bring Karna in. I've decided on the fourteen Servants featured in this fic, and to change one Servant would result in changes to other Servants, and therefore carefully crafted subplots. Sorry.
-angelvan105: Don't worry about the reviews being long, but I would recommend making shorter paragraphs so I can easily follow what you are trying to say. Also, you may be living in a country outside of the U.S. (which is excusable, I guess), but also improve on your English, because it's kinda hard to read that way as well.
-JustSayin (guest reviewer): Oh, I'm sure fate has something clever up its sleeve...
-Kishou (guest reviewer): It's just the beginning, so you never know...
-Mr me (guest reviewer): Excellent guess. Let's see if that'll hold up in the next chapter. :)
-VergilChan: Man, those are some pretty good guesses there! But only some of them are correct, as you can see from this chapter. Let's see if the remainder of your guesses will hold up in the next chapter and the chapters to come. But I will guarantee something interesting will happen with Jeanne, Gilles, and Uryuu... ;) (Nothing horrible and gut-wrenching, though.)
-lamda:
1) Ah yes, the relationship between Shirou and Kiritsugu is going to be very interesting, as well as the development of the relationship between Shirou and Kirei.
2) You'll find out who the final Black Master is in the next chapter.
-zachary2: Why, thank you. What exactly do you like about my portrayal of Shirou?
-Elef.L (guest reviewer): Oh, well thanks for clearing that up, I guess.
-Pssr A (guest reviewer): Do note that this is an AU. Even if it's technically a combination of "Fate/Zero" and "Fate/Apocrypha", expect some original content to be delivered by me. But don't worry, these are going to be minor problems.
Well, hope you enjoyed this chapter! TheCartoonFanatic01 is out. PEACE!