Hi guys Azza here!
So first off 400k WORDS CLUB BOIS WE'VE HIT THE THREE PEAT!
Honestly I know some of you guys probably thought what with my irregular upload schedule we wouldn't get this far a third time but please again, I say this all the time but please, I will more or less be dead before I cease writing this. I get smashed with hours at work and get sick quite often as a result but I'm always keen to get back to writing that hasn't changed in the years since I started so thanks for understanding and sticking by me guys I appreciate it as always!
Now just a quick note this chapter's Servant at the end for Tales From The Tale Verse talks about what some of you might consider future spoilers so if you don't like those then probably skip that. So this is your one and only warning!
So a guest asked me to release this chapter on Natsu's birthday so I figured I'd drop it on what I believe is the 7th for most of the world. For me it's the 8th though but anyway the significance is pretty obvious so Happy Birthday to the MC!
Also this isn't relevant to anything but I'm coming off of having my soul crushed as I spent over 2k Saint Quartz in Fate saving for Skadi only to not get her. The game kills me inside sometimes I swear but at least I now have Ishtar and she only cost me $18 so how great is that ...
Alright that crap aside on with the reviews.
DarkFireCat – Well yeah I get what you mean but I believe that again having all that thrown at her right after she'd been brought into Mesopotamia would've done serious damage. Even tanking the Meteor from Quetzalcoatl's Noble Phantasm she still took significant enough damage to be knocked down and have physical damage dealt to her. Plus Gil's Mortar Of The Stars Enuma Elish is one of the most powerful attacks in existence at full power, one that could probably beat out a full power Rhongomyniad.
Also keep in mind that Goetia who I'd argue was stronger than Tiamat was ultimately defeated not by any Servants but by Ritsuka bashing him with Mash's shield even though he was going all out. So when looking at Tiamat and the sheer power behind the team against her it was still a ridiculously close fight but it was definitely one that they ultimately won through combat.
Plus I probably should've included this last time I replied but since this is fanfic the fight against Tiamat isn't the same as the canon one anyway and when I say they won it was because Servant Natsu has an ace up his sleeve, one that makes beating Tiamat in a fight possible thanks to his unique position as King Of Balance.
Anyway on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
Mordred Versus Anderson
How many years has it been I wonder since that fateful day? Course nobody aside from those heathens and Heinkel ended up surviving that bloody massacre and yet even despite all of it I felt like I'd done my duty for the lord.
So why?
Why have I returned?
When I first appeared in this disgusting, wretched hive of unholy macabre they said I was a Servant. Nothing new, I've always been a Servant of God after all. But then they laughed and told me I was not a Servant of God but one unto them, a tool that would be wielded against their foes in order to grind them into submission.
Is this what Alucard meant when he told me using 'that' would make me into a monster like him? Is this God's way of punishing me for my sin?
But I digress.
Alucard is gone now, destroyed by the hand of the King Of Balance however it is obvious that he only just managed the feat. Granted I don't think even old man Van Hellsing could've gone toe to toe with THAT version of Alucard so it is a rather impressive feat regardless.
I will keep killing until someone puts a stop to me, until someone with great power halts me in my tracks and saves me from this disgraceful servitude. I don't think this girl has what it takes to strike me down, she still doesn't even have a full grasp over her own powers let alone enough to even consider taking me on in single combat ...
Curse that bastard Hogback and his blasted Command Seal keeping me on the attack! Perhaps I'll get lucky and that homunculi will blow herself up and take me with her ...
/Mordred's POV/
"What's wrong, that all the power stored in that corrupt blade of yours," Archer taunted as he crossed two of his blades with Clarent, a sadistic smirk etched firmly onto his face. "It's like you aren't even trying to hit me!"
"Tch!"
"I like that face of yours, nice and angry! Do try and hold that expression as I separate that head of yours from those shoulders!"
"Like hell that'll happen," Mordred snapped back as the pair exchanged a flurry of swift strikes between one another before Archer vanished in a swirl of what appeared to be pages and reappeared close toward the edge of the dark forest.
"Heh, a bit too cocky for my liking but let's see just how much you can hang on ..."
Opening his arms outward Archer laughed as his body exploded into pages once more as dozens of the blades he'd been using were fired in her direction. Feeling Clarent's consciousness melding with her own she felt her power begin to increase, the blades begin to move slower in midair as she began to take swift yet precise strikes to bat them out of her way.
'I know this guy has the class advantage but even still why does this seem almost entirely hopeless?'
When Clarent hummed within her Mordred sighed. Despite not actually speaking she already knew the words of support flowing through her blade up into her mind, a silent cheer amidst what her battle instincts were crying out to be a catastrophic mismatch in power.
Believe
"Tch. Well if you're on board with this madness then I suppose we haven't got much of a choice, eh? I suppose I should be grateful that you're even by my side in all this now though so ... thanks for the faith in me."
Another positive hum flowed through Mordred as a red light temporarily surrounded her form, a move that didn't go unnoticed by Archer who simply laughed.
"Mana Burst!? Are you a comedian or a weathered Knight Of The Round girl? If you can't even hit me how do you hope to make use of such an increase in attack strength, slow as you are?"
"Heh, show's what you know," Mordred grinned as she shot off from her position so suddenly it pushed several metres of ground backward from her starting position. "I've been getting stronger and stronger the longer I've been a part of this war and I'm nothing like the Mordred you'd probably know of!"
Despite the sudden sharp increase in her speed, Archer still managed to block her strike with two of his blades. He only skidded backward slightly, a testament to his own monstrous strength as he too gained a momentary red glow over his form and entered an offensive stance.
"So you managed to increase your strength a little, don't go thinking it'll get you anywhere just yet."
A slash from Mordred seemingly severed Archer's body however as his legs hit the ground they exploded into paper that floated back up toward his torso as Anderson dashed forward, coated in pages and began assaulting her with dozens of blades.
"Let no heathen walk free amidst his Eden; that was one of the first things I was taught when I was young! You might have one of the Sacred Swords but I've got something just as sacred by my side!"
As Mordred moved to deflect the blades her eyes couldn't stop looking over at the legless form of her opponent. Propped up by mere pages he flew around with speed matching her own all the while deploying countless blades from within them.
'What kind of pages can summon blades like these,' Mordred thought as she wracked her brain of all the legends she knew that used anything book related but came up with nothing. It wasn't until Clarent itself hummed and an image appeared within her mind for but a fraction of a second.
"Wh-what!?"
Her momentary shock was enough for one of Archer's blades to leave several cuts across her body. They were less than minor wounds however first blood had indeed gone toward her foe, not that she could care less about it.
'Y-you can't be serious Clarent! How would he even have managed to get a hold of something like that let alone be granted permission to use it!?'
The response of Clarent was laced with disappointment, not in her but rather in humanity itself, as it seemed to try and convey an answer Mordred would be able to understand even whilst in the heat of battle. Its reply wasn't enough to shock Mordred again however it made her look at the Servant across from her in a new light.
"I-I can't believe it," Mordred gasped after swatting away several more blades. "How the hell did you even manage to survive something like that!?"
"Huh? What are you ... ah, so that's how it is then? I'm guessing you can actually communicate with that sword of yours which means you might not be as much of a heathen as I first thought," Archer sighed as he momentarily ceased his attack as the lower half of his body reformed. "If anything could give you an idea about me then it would be the twin blade to the one that is tied to the place of my rebirth."
"But if they did that to you then why would-!"
Mordred winced as she felt a long since suppressed memory rise to the surface, one that she had suppressed many a time that involved a certain royal annoyance.
/?/
"But that's absurd! Why would Father go so far to defend those who would no sooner thrust a blade into her back and take the kingdom for themselves!?"
"A valid question but also one with a rather easy explanation involving a similar question."
"Huh?"
"King Arthur is the perfect King destined to bring about a golden age Mordred however do you understand WHY she is the only one capable of doing so?"
"Well that's easy it's because she pulled the Sword Of Selection and was chosen by Excalibur-!"
"Wrong."
"What!?"
"There is a saying Mordred, one that goes back to the Age Of Gods itself. It goes something along the lines of 'It takes the strongest monster to keep those beneath it in check,' but do you know why?"
"What do monsters have to do with this ya damn white haired fluffball!"
"Ha! Making fun of me again Mordred, my children can be so cruel! But that aside it only further validates my next point ... Humanity is this world's greatest monster therefore it takes one even greater than it to keep it in check."
"H-humanity is a monster!? But then if that's the case then ..."
"I see you now have begun to understand the enigma that is King Arthur, even if only a little. To keep humanity in check, to create a proverbial golden age and to bring about true change Arthur needed to ..."
An extremely young Mordred, higher than the knee of the Mage she stood next to, widened her eyes in shock as the subject of the conversation strolled into the room. That same blank gaze roamed across the room until it fell upon them, the briefest light shining upon them before being snuffed out as she regally strode across the room.
"I have been searching for you for the last hour yet here I find you hiding away amidst the books. Is it too much a burden for you to perform your duties as Court Mage at least ONCE in a lifetime or am I now to be replaced by this new Squire?"
"Ahahaha! No need to bully me so harshly my King however I do often feel the need to lend aid to those who are in dire need of it as you so rightly know!"
"I see," the King replied as she looked down at Mordred who blushed and quickly looked away. "I am glad to see that you are taking your studies so seriously Squire Mordred, to ask one such as my Court Mage for advice is certainly a sign of good things to come. That being said however do not take all words of his to heart for he is not one to be relied upon."
There was a moment, it was brief but even the child form of Mordred could sense it as King and Court Mage locked eyes and a clash of wills took place. It vanished as quickly as it had occurred however as the King turned and made her way toward the exit but not without one last command.
"My throne room in twenty minutes, or else."
"Of course my King," the Mage replied with a bow as she promptly left. "Do you see now, Mordred?"
"In order to command and guide humans you have to be the biggest monster of them all?"
"Ha! Close but not quite. Humans are both beautiful yet outright repulsive due to their emotions," the Mage sighed as he too made his way toward the door. "In order to lead the sheep and do what is necessary to create a brighter future one must discard what makes one truly human, Mordred."
"Huh? I don't get it?"
"Perhaps when you get a bit older you'll figure it out and I'll gladly hear your answer," the Mage replied cheerfully before bounding out of the room leaving her to ponder all the Mage had said to her.
/Present/
"You willingly went through with it, didn't you?"
Archer's grin widened ever so slightly as he exited his stance and readjusted his gloves, his eyes never once leaving Mordred's form however just in case she dared to try something to catch him off guard.
"Seems you know a little bit more about the world than I thought," Archer said as he held out his right hand with many pages coming together to form a single book. "This is the result of my suffering, my devotion to the Lord and my promise to stay the path and purge the land of evil and heretics."
"And in doing so you discarded your own humanity to become something else, a monster."
"I am the greatest weapon of the Vatican, the one who has the authority to put the heathens and unholy monstrosities that pollute his Eden under his Divine judgement. I cast aside my humanity however it was necessary in order to combat the filth that corrupted my world."
'I think I see it now ... Like Father remained virtually emotionless in life Archer keeps that sadistic grin in place even as he strikes down his foes. This is his own way, his own form of monstrosity.'
"But even so ..."
"Huh?"
"I look back on my life and for the most part I regret nothing, though sometimes ... sometimes I do linger on certain situations and wonder if my former humanity would've made any difference?"
The book in Archer's hand began to disperse as the wind picked up, the trees behind him beginning to sway as a sudden spike in his power revealed itself.
"I can see you understand what I went through to become who I am, no doubt thanks to King Arthur. Was that the reason you killed her in the end, Mordred Pendragon? Was she unable to accept you due to the monster she was forced to become to shoulder her Kingdom?"
"..."
"So that's how it was," Archer sighed as his two blades reappeared back in his hands. "You know I think now that I know a bit more behind your reasoning I can't say you're evil, at least not the textbook version. That being said however I want you to show me why you deserve to be the child of that King, Mordred. Were you deserving of the crown as a true successor or were you just a brat throwing a tantrum!"
Her first reaction was to cry out that she was deserving of the crown however Clarent soothed her growing rage, a subtle reminder that she was not the arrogant brat she once had been. Indeed once Clarent had calmed her rage she recognized just what Archer was doing for her.
'He's testing me, just like EMIYA Alter and Alphonse did. Does he want to see if I can put aside my humanity, my emotions toward my Father and still fight to prove my worth?'
Another stabbing pain shot through her skull as her mind tried to pull up another memory though this time Clarent itself suppressed it, a move she was silently thankful for despite the brief glimpse of it she had seen.
'No time for more memory lane on this one. Fran is out there being forced to hurt one of my friends so I need to stop doubting and start acting like a real leader should!'
Archer's grin returned as he saw Mordred's posture straighten, her stance no longer bearing so much as a single hole within it as the surface of Clarent began to glow a faint reddish hue.
"There it is ..."
Taking a deep breath Mordred closed her eyes before exhaling and meeting Anderson's own cold yet amused eyes, her own no longer bearing so much as a shred of her former anger or worry.
"For the record, Hogback said your name was Alexander Anderson, right?"
"Yeah I was a rival to Alucard back when I was alive."
"The No Life King ..."
"I can tell you've had run ins with that bastard but don't let that deter you from trying to fight me with everything you have. I want to see if you have what it takes to face a monster or if you'll fall short of the mark!"
"Well then, Alexander Anderson, rival of Alucard himself ... come at me with everything you've got!"
"Hehe ... HAHAHA! That's the fire I was waiting for," Archer roared as the pages manifested all around him like a vortex. "Show me the power of that Divine Blade of yours and I'll show you the power bestowed upon me by the Lord himself!"
The pages again began firing out blades upon Mordred's position however this time they were far greater in quantity than before. This wasn't enough to deter Mordred however as she seamlessly slashed at the seemingly endless barrage as the deflected blades struck anything around them from trees, concrete or simply the ground beside her.
Her mind was focused and synced perfectly with Clarent just like it was when she fought Emiya and Alphonse, the blade calculating each individual incoming attack faster than the time it took to blink and forcing the counter into her mind as her body moved in what would otherwise be mistaken for pure instinct.
"Look at you go, not a single one can make it past," Archer grinned before summoning another book into his left hand. "But I wonder if you can deflect my blessed blades after I add true Divinity to them!?"
The book opened and floated out of his palm, moving to rest behind the pages that were firing the barrage down upon her as a White Magic Circle appeared and released an all too familiar feeling.
"Divine Aura: Blessed Scripture!"
Mordred felt the shift in the air as each and every last blade gained a Divine Aura, the power of a God now blessing them which in turn increased their overall speed and power. Clarent immediately reacted and had Mordred begin to slowly retreat as it used her eyes to scan the area for any potential sign to break the stalemate.
"By the Lord's hand I was reborn Mordred and although I had first assumed my arrival here was punishment for a supposed sin I now realize the truth of his will!"
'What the hell is he on about?'
Suddenly Archer vanished as Clarent forced Mordred to spin around and meet his attack head on whilst also spinning her blade in such a way that she would just barely manage to also deflect the still ongoing barrage of blades.
"The Lord is bound to render judgement upon the impure however he is also capable of granting forgiveness and redemption," Archer said as he hacked and slashed away at Mordred's impenetrable guard. "Let us see you for what you truly are Mordred Pendragon ... Be you Saint or Devil!?"
Mordred leapt back and let out a battle cry, a slight grin forming on her face as she swiftly moved to engage the Archer now on much more stable footing than before. Despite Archer holding an advantage in the number of blades he possessed Mordred's instincts, combined with the addition of Clarent's form of Clairvoyance, allowed her to match the monstrous man blow for blow.
All that could be seen from Mordred's end was a reddish glow from her blade, the speed no longer perceivable to the ordinary eye as she finally ceased Archer's relentless advance against her, the pair now locked in a fierce stalemate that tore up the area around them.
"There now, THAT is the kind of foe I'd hoped to face," Archer cackled as his form became coated in a burst of red. "Divine Aura: Holy Empowerment A!"
"Two can play at that game Archer! Mana Burst A!"
The ground cracked beneath the pair as they both enhanced their already monstrous strength rendering it unstable. To the pair this meant little however as, with a sudden clash, it gave way fully to an underground cavern.
Hopping across the rubble Mordred shed parts of her armor to increase her dexterity, holding Clarent in a reverse grip as she fired off a powerful aerial slash attack that sliced apart Archer's own platform.
"You'll need to do a million times more than that to subdue me, brat! Divine Aura: Blessed Bayonet Barrage!"
Bringing his blades together with an audible clang Archer summoned hundreds of the pages from his own person that began firing out duplicate copies of said blades. Mordred didn't seem fazed as Clarent aided in her perception of the incoming barrage allowing her to form an effective defence in front of her, spinning Clarent around in a circular motion timed just right enough to continuously repel them.
The two finally hit the bottom of the cavern and landed in what appeared to be an underground stream of sorts. Instantly the pair were at each other's throats once more even as debris rained down upon their position. Unfortunately the current of the stream was rather strong and the pair found themselves forced further away from their entry point as a loud growling sound made its presence known.
As Archer blocked several more strikes from Mordred a massive skeletal Sea King smashed through one of the nearby walls and roared at them. Both Mordred and Archer simply ignored the newcomer entirely and jumped on top of its head and continued to fight which only further enraged the beast, prompting it to smash into the other bit of earth and burrow its way toward the surface.
'This Archer is no joke; his strength must almost be the same as mine! For an Archer that shouldn't be possible and yet here he is matching me blow for blow!'
As the skeletal Sea King erupted from the earth both Mordred and Archer were removed from its head and sent flying into the air, both immediately recovering and moving to strike each other. As Archer coated his blades in Divine Aura Mordred's erupted into Crimson Flame as she began spinning around vertically, gaining substantial speed in the process.
The Sea King's eye sockets widened comically as it realized it had ended up in between the pair and it flailed around midair trying to avoid being sliced apart however it wasn't to be as both tore through its remaining flesh and bone before landing blows against each other.
"Tch ..."
"Gugh!"
Archer sustained a slash across his chest as Mordred was stabbed through her shoulders, both hitting the ground without managing to recover in time setting off sizeable explosions as their respective attacks concluded.
"D-damn it," Mordred hissed as she ripped the blades free from her shoulders before rising to her feet. "That one actually burns a bit!"
"You're one to talk about burning," Archer growled as he pushed himself to his feet to reveal his wound was still on fire. "Doubtful that it burns hotter than the flames of hell but fuck if it doesn't come close!"
Both Servants panted heavily but slowly advanced toward one another, blood beginning to seep from their respective wounds until they finally stood face to face.
"This has to be the first time I've not been able to regenerate from an attack, no doubt due to that sword of yours."
"Yeah well this has to be the first time a Holy weapon hasn't one shot me once it landed," Mordred replied as she took several steps back and entered an offensive stance. "And since you know my legend you'll know what happened after that sacred lance went through my chest!"
"You are cocky aren't you," Archer grinned as even more power began to surround his form. "Honestly after fighting against you I can tell even if we kept fighting you'd still keep getting back up until I gave in so maybe it's warranted but ..."
From his robes Archer drew a single, worn nail and with it an overwhelmingly monstrous flood of Divine Aura with it. Mordred immediately cleared a considerable distance between the pair which only widened the grin on her opponents face.
"So you can sense it eh? Yes, this nail right here is rather special ... so much so in fact that even the mighty Alucard begged me not to use it!"
'A nail that even Alucard feared? Was it because of the Divine Aura seeping off of it or was it something else though ...?'
"Though as a Servant I am unable to achieve my once former power thanks to my current sorry excuse of a Master I can still perform this. Watch, Mordred Pendragon, as I transform into a being of destruction and piety and know that you were worthy enough to require it! Divine Aura: Noble Phantasm Release – Nail Of Helena!"
And with that Archer stabbed the nail right through his own heart Anderson began to transform with a veritable throng of thorny vines beginning to coat his form. Each vine hummed with Divine Aura as Anderson himself was lifted up off of the ground, now floating using the power of Aura itself.
"Are you prepared, slayer of Arthur? Are you resolved to try and slay a TRUE monster of God!?"
"What the hell have you done to yourself!?"
"I have become a force capable of spreading the Lord's will unto the mortal realms, a hand that shall preach Divine justice upon all those who dare stain his Eden!"
"But at what cost ..."
"What?"
"You gained such power but discarded everything you once were for it so what's even the point? Do you honestly think that becoming that massive thing you've automatically gained some sort of Divine authority over anything?"
"The word of God is the one true law in the face of the sins of humanity! By the power of God's hands shall the Eden shine once more and be free of the unclean and sinful masses!"
Mordred sighed and shook her head before looking up at the mass of swirling vines with a steely gaze, surprising the transformed Anderson who hadn't expected such a reaction from her.
"If there is one thing I've learnt alongside my Master's journey it's that both Gods and Devils aren't always right. True, at one time humans might have needed their guidance however they've now evolved to become their own civilisations capable of infinite potential."
"What of it?"
"If that is the case, Anderson, then what right do you have to force your God upon this world and its people where it doesn't belong? Who gives you the right to judge those who have never received anything from this God, who have been forced to suffer and die without any sort of Divine intervention up until you've decided they must suddenly 'conform' to them?"
"Their 'right' is existence," Archer roared as the vines began to shake violently. "Without God none of them would even have these petty worries to complain about!"
"You're no better than Kaguya was," Mordred growled as she raised Clarent up to point at Archer's overrun form. "This world has no need for you or this God of yours Archer, begone!"
"No one commands God, foolish girl! Divine Aura: Holy Vine Wave!"
Mordred prepared herself as dozens of the vines lashed out at her, slicing them apart as they approached before taking off toward the base of Archer's form. As she moved more vines rained down upon her, ripping apart the earth as they struck all around her form before re-emerging before her in an attempt to impede her progress.
"Not even Alucard could escape God's judgement girl! Even as he shot, stabbed and hacked away at my flesh the Lord inevitably caught up with him in the end and you are so far from what he was!"
"It doesn't matter what Alucard was," Mordred growled as she paused momentarily to slice apart a barrage of vines before entering a semi crouched stance. "This fight is between you and me Archer and I'm not gonna lose to an overgrown houseplant!"
With a loud roar Archer sent most of the vines down onto Mordred's position but was shocked as she suddenly vanished, shattering the earth in the spot the vines struck mere moments later. Appearing at the base of Archer's form where a lone vine was stuck rooted into the ground Mordred sliced it apart with a single swing.
"You say we can't operate without the higher powers intervention," Mordred said as Archer's vine covered form began to fall back down to the earth. "Then how did I pull that off?"
"You think that is enough to defeat me," Archer laughed as his now vine riddled humanoid form emerged from the throng of thorny vines. "Don't make me laugh!"
"You already made me laugh when you thought I'd give a shit about your God," Mordred snapped back as she readied her once more alight blade. "In my world humanity parted ways with the Gods well before yours ever rose to prominence so don't you dare try and lecture me about fearing him!"
"You'll learn in time girl," Archer replied as his two blades turned Galaxy Blue in colouration. "You'll soon understand the truth once you bask in his radiance-!"
Archer momentarily froze as a memory flashed to the surface, one he'd kept suppressed for decades. Stumbling backward a single step it flashed once more prompting him to grit his teeth as the vines seemed to worm their way deeper into his form.
Once you emerge from this sacred pool you shall be reborn as God's ultimate enforcer Alexander.
Bringing his blades upward he blocked a slash from Mordred before delivering several of his own. As the pair clashed the memory seemed to continue though this time he did not falter.
NO! PLEASE FATHER I-I DON'T WANT TO GO IN THERE!
Exchanging another series of blows with Mordred Archer backed off once more before feeling several of the vines be sliced away, prompting yet another flash that had him momentarily lose his balance.
IT HURTS!
"It ... hurts!"
"What," Mordred asked confused as she moved to engage Archer once more only to pause mid sprint as he looked up at her, blood seeping from his eyes, nose and mouth. "What the-!?"
Archer jumped away from her and whilst in midair fired a barrage of thorns laced with Divine Aura, two of the vines extending outward to ensnare her which forced her on the defensive. As Archer landed he stumbled backward several more times as the skin around his face began to shudder slightly, small bulges moving around within it as thorns began to worm their way free through his skin.
"What is that plant thing doing to him ...?"
"This was the price that I paid to become a weapon of God," Archer said in a much softer tone. "My suffering was a necessary price to pay to serve his will forever, girl."
"You look like you're about to drop dead any minute you dumb bastard," Mordred hissed in response as Archer staggered forward. "Are you even in control of yourself anymore!?"
"Heh ..."
Mordred watched as the vines began to fully take over Anderson's body, bursting forth from his skin now seemingly fused with his flesh all the while the man continued to grin away, even as his own teeth were forced out to be replaced by thorns.
"I've seen some crazy shit in my time but you're probably the craziest to date Archer," Mordred sighed as her grip on Clarent increased. "But even so, I can tell you aren't really the same guy I was fighting earlier anymore so ..."
Power exploded from Mordred as ethereal armor began to form around her, some of it solidifying into solid parts though she was entirely unaware of it. Holding Clarent out in front of her she watched as it gained a light Galaxy Blue hue before moving to hold it on a forty five degree angle at her side.
"I'll end this and give you rest once again, ARCHER!"
The same Galaxy Blue hue entered Mordred's eyes as she shot off toward Archer who was now attacking her from all directions. Thorny vines erupting from the earth, careening down on her from above as countless thorn barrages were fired from them in all directions. Despite this however Mordred blocked or evaded it all with her visual focus never shifting from her target who had already prepared a series of vines to stop her.
"This is it Archer!"
The vines wrapped together to form a massive thorny spear and was thrust right at her. The tip reached her in mere seconds however at the last moment, just as the tip began to scratch the surface of her chest plate she vanished.
The vine spear was sliced apart as Mordred appeared right in front of Archer's form, blade poised in a forward thrust and coated with Divine Aura. Archer's eyes locked with Mordred's own before the most disturbing smile etched its way onto his face.
"Well done ..."
"God's Aura: Noble Phantasm Release – Clarent!"
Stabbing Archer in the heart Mordred released her Noble Phantasm at full power, obliterating the nail etched within its core as her foe was ripped apart by the bright Galaxy Blue light. His mind however continued to operate for several more moments as he regained full control of it once more ...
/?/
"This lake is sacred ground Alexander and it is here where we shall make you into the greatest warrior of the Vatican!"
"Wh-where are we Father?"
"Tell me boy, ever heard of the legend of King Arthur?"
"Of course I have Father but where could we ... n-no way!"
"Indeed," the man grinned as they walked closer to the lake. "Can you feel the power emanating from this most sacred of places Alexander?"
"Power?"
"Divine power. The power that once granted King Arthur himself the ability to almost unite Britain originated from this very lake and it is here that you shall die and be reborn!"
"D-die!? I don't want to die Father!"
"But you will die here Alexander and be reborn," the man laughed as two other priests grabbed onto the now struggling boy. Toss the boy in!"
"NO! PLEASE FATHER I-I DON'T WANT TO GO IN THERE!"
The pleas of the boy fell on deaf ears as he was carelessly tossed into the lake by the two priests, falling right into its centre as he began to thrash about screaming.
"IT HURTS!"
"Prepare all necessary equipment for containment," the man said as the entire group ignored his cries. "Who knows what he'll be like once he emerges from the depths."
"PLEASE FATHER I CANNOT SWIM I-!"
The boy's cries were drowned out as he began to sink into the lake, his flesh feeling like it was on fire. It didn't take a genius to know that the lake didn't want him in there and it had decided to kill him to rectify that.
'I-I don't want to die ... please ... someone save me ...'
As he continued to sink the boy managed to catch a glimpse of a slight golden glow at the bottom of the lake. Sinking further his vision began to worsen however he could make out the shape of some kind of bladed edge.
'Light ...'
As the boy felt his consciousness begin to fade an unseen force observed him with a mixture of curiosity and pity. Those who resided above desired the power from her lake and with one swift examination of their memories she could see the world above for what it truly was.
She could not give the boy the sacred treasure but that did not mean he needed to die. It would be some time until the chosen one would return to her depths but until then perhaps a messenger could work in their stead?
As the boy reached the bottom of the lake's depths a force pushed his arm onto the sharpened edge of the blade, cutting it open as some of the golden light seeped into the wound. The entity watched with satisfaction as she began the process of instructing the boy subconsciously on what must be done with this gift.
And just like that the boy's eyes opened, Galaxy Blue eyes staring right up at the lake's surface as he rocketed up to the surface. Emerging from the lake's surface in seconds he landed on the ground before the shocked but delighted members of the church as 'Father' began to clap.
"Well done Alexander," the man cheered as he urged the others to also begin to praise the boy. "It is just as I told you it would be! Now then if you would kindly come with us so that we may get you someplace warm and dry-!"
"Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and for thy possession, the ends of the earth. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt dash them in pieces, like a potters vessel. Be wise now therefore, ye kings. Be admonished, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, though His wrath be kindled but a little."
"I'm sorry young Alexander but I do not quite understand why you are quoting-?"
The man didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as Alexander set upon him, breaking his neck with his bare hands as the other members scrambled to try and contain him. One by one however, even as his body was riddled with bullets Alexander continued to kill them, a cold and almost dead look in his eyes as his skin simply sewed back together.
"A-Alexander! Wh-why would you do this to us!?"
"We are the servants of God, and the messengers of His justice. We are the instruments of His divine wrath on earth. We are called upon to cleanse His kingdom: bringing ash from the flesh of thine enemies. Praise to our Lord in heaven!"
"What!?"
"This world is corrupt and its Holy Legions have forgotten the true path. From this day none shall escape his Divine Justice as his hand sweeps across his Eden to cleanse the world of the Demonic filth that plagues it and all those who would dare taint his children with sin and hate."
With his thumbs he crushed the man's eyes before cracking his skull, leaving him to die screaming in agony as he wandered back toward the lake to look at himself in its surface. Within the back of his mind he could feel a presence reassuring him of his actions as a sadistic smirk etched its way onto his face.
"I shall not fail you as I work to restore this Eden for your champion my Lord. Ask of me and I shall deliver upon this world your Divine judgement upon any and all who dare oppose your will. My flesh shall not rest until the final evil is slain so do I swear upon your name, Amen!"
The presence seemed satisfied as Alexander turned around and began walking off into the forest, the bodies slowly being consumed by nature as everything slowly began to turn white.
/Present/
'I see ... maybe this was all part of HIS plan, then,' were the last thoughts of Anderson before the last of his body was destroyed and Mordred's attack died down.
Panting heavily as she dropped to one knee the armor surrounding her vanished along with the traces of Aura, the latter leaving her highly confused.
"Have I really changed that much where I wield the Divine now?"
Clarent seemed to hum in response to her question though it simply left more questions than answers. It took her only a moment to clear her thoughts before remembering that Fran was out there being forced to attack Chopper, spurring her into action.
"I might not have much power left but ... I've gotta do something!"
Sprinting off in the direction of her old friend Mordred was unaware of the figure who had observed her victory over Anderson.
Despite the size of the figure their footsteps were relatively silent, cold eyes observing Mordred's speed as she vanished off into the ruins of Moria's Castle once more. Looking around the area the figure hummed to himself before slowly moving toward a single gold speck hiding beneath the nearby rubble.
"You cannot hide from my sight, Servant. Reveal yourself."
"Heh, so it seems my getaway wasn't as solid as I'd thought ..."
"Indeed it appears not, Archer."
From the gold speck thorny vines sprouted as Archer Alexander Anderson re-emerged seemingly unharmed despite seemingly being slain only moments prior, his trademark grin plastered on his face as he looked up at the towering monster of a man before him.
"I will admit that faking your own dematerialization was indeed a rather interesting strategy to cease combat however I have defeated several Servants who have also attempted the same strategy. You on the other hand are an oddity as my mind cannot begin to process why you felt the need to disengage against Saber when you clearly have the power to crush her?"
"Nosy piece of work aren't ya," Anderson grinned as the man moved to take off the glove from his right hand. "Course knowing who you are and the bastards you work for ... can't say I'm all that surprised."
"Tell me Alexander Anderson, if you could go on a trip anywhere in this world ... where would you like to go?"
"Bet you rile up the weak Pirates this side of the seas with that line don't ya," Anderson laughed as he extended his arms outward. "Unfortunately, as powerful as you are, I don't think you quite have the power to send me where I want to go."
"You believe your Servant Contract to Doctor Hogback to be ... ironclad," the figure asked curiously prompting Anderson to chuckle darkly.
"To put it bluntly, I'm proper fucked."
"Is that so? Tell me then, if I could send you anywhere in the world despite that ... where would you go?"
Anderson's smile faded as he met the shaded gaze of the figure, no trace of humour present whatsoever. He had of course dreamt of killing Hogback however he knew between the three Command Seals, Moria and his arch nemesis being a right bastard he had little choice but to obey and bide his time from the shadows. But here stood a potential opportunity for him, potentially beneficial but also dangerous and yet despite that he felt nothing but amusement.
"All right then, I'll bite BUT on one condition."
"Very well," the figure replied as his hand froze half way toward the docile Servant.
"I want to see things through here first; you and I know Moria is biting off way more than he can chew here otherwise the World Government wouldn't have sent you in."
"You wish to aid Moria against Dragneel and the Straw Hat Pirates?"
"BAH, fuck Gecko Moria! I want to see the light leave the sinful eyes of the filth here, Moria, Hogback and Absalom! Those three have committed countless atrocities and it is time for their due penance!"
"I see, how interesting. Though I am obligated to aid Moria I find it intriguing that you would so quickly ally with the Straw Hats. Nevertheless I shall allow you this condition on the condition that once you have concluded your business here ... you shall submit to MY judgement."
"I'll play that game," Anderson grinned as the hand began moving toward him once more. "Go on then and get it over with if you can, make the deal ironclad!"
Gently touching Anderson's chest with the palm of his hand a strange reddish air bubble slowly began to emerge from his back. Anderson grit his teeth but was genuinely surprised at what he was witnessing as an air bubble of himself seemingly feel out of him bearing a full Command Seal on its own chest.
"I have reflected your Servant Contract rendering it null and void Archer, you are once more Masterless," the figure said as Anderson turned to fully face the air bubble form of himself.
"I never actually believed you capable of doing something that powerful, even despite Moria's claims to the contrary."
"To put it bluntly Archer," the figure said as he took several steps forward. "I can reflect anything."
Walking past Archer he placed a single finger on his palm and vanished with a slight popping sound, reappearing over near the castle before turning back to face Anderson once more, another popping sound going off as the Archer's eyes widened considerably.
"You have until dawn before I shall come for you, do not dally."
Without even having the time to blink the figure had come and gone leaving Archer genuinely shocked. Despite this however he had a job to do and knew the figure had provided him the means to carry it out and so with a glint present behind his glasses he marched forward with renewed purpose.
Tales From The Tale Verse
Chance Encounters In My Room III
Eliza (Ruler)
Initial Summoning:
"So Fate has finally decreed it be my chance to fight once more ... Ah, my apologies for such rudeness however it is my first time being summoned forth you see. Servant, Ruler, I have heeded your call to arms my Master."
"Y-you're the former War Goddess Eliza!"
"A rather astute observation Fujimaru Ritsuka, yes I have indeed finally been given a chance to take up arms to defend reality once more from the vile threat of Solomon. Do try and take care not to overly rely upon me though, dear."
Dialogue 1:
"..."
"Does something bother you Master?"
"Well it's just that Mash and I can't figure out why you are in the Ruler Class?"
"Really? YOU are unable to figure it out despite all that you have seen and done, all the historical and mythological figures at your disposal yet you cannot comprehend my own Class?"
"W-well ..."
"I was once the Goddess of War Master however I was also the one who took part in the final and bloodiest part of the God and Devil Wars of old and bare all the scars upon my flesh to prove it. It was I who united the fragmented War Classes under one singular banner and lead the charge into the pits of Tartaros and it was I who personally trained and aided countless figures of legend who now walk among these very halls. From my darling Elise to even dearest Natsu I have hands in countless circles of Fate even as I ruled amidst the crushed houses of the War Castes ... as its King."
"Wait, Natsu never told us about any of this!?"
"Of course he didn't for it is a closely guarded secret Master due to the lengths I went to secure my position of power. Of course technically I was chosen to succeed in the War God position by my predecessor however he lacked the strength, will and resolve to reunite our once ironclad body and restore it to its former glory. I shall not reveal the specifics to you yet Master lest you shy away from my aid and trust me when I say we do not want such an occurrence."
Dialogue 2: (If you have Aries – Any Class)
"Aries, as dishevelled as ever I see."
"What of it, witch!"
"Insults Aries? Really? Are you not a former God of War such as I or have you forgotten the way we Gods of old settled such petty disputes?"
"You know if we fight one of us will be sent back to the Throne Eliza so why even bother suggesting such a stupid idea?"
"No one ever said we need go all out you know ..."
"Tch. Just spit out what you want to say and get away from me."
"Your grudge against me must end Aries, as does those of the other fallen War Castes. The fact of the matter is that you lost to me in fair combat; there is no shame in that. Anyone who was there that day knew you gave that fight everything you had, Zeus included."
"I didn't recall asking you to address that day Eliza, don't test me ..."
"Very well I shall begrudgingly step aside from this topic for the moment however one day you and I must settle this grudge, you know that."
"That day has not come yet."
"No ... it most certainly has not."
Dialogue 3: (If you have Cynthia Dragneel – Any Class)
"I had wondered when we'd finally cross paths once more dear though I do wish it were under much more fortunate circumstances."
"My death couldn't have been prevented Auntie Eliza, you of all people should understand how Fate works by now. That being said however being dead does have its own advantages, namely ones that allow me to continue pursuing my own scientific pursuits into Anti research on-well you know."
"Yes indeed I do but I must say seeing how mute to moral and ethical guidelines you have become is rather disturbing, considering I once held you as a baby and all."
"Such is the way of life Auntie Eliza. Besides if it weren't for my research much of Chaldea's summoning network wouldn't have been possible so I believe that between Dad and myself our sacrifices do serve the greater good in the end."
"You are beginning to sound like that old Wizard your Father encountered during his travels Cynthia."
"Except I'm much cuter!"
"That you are dear."
Dialogue 4: (If you have Merlin – Caster)
"Hello there Grand Caster, ruined the lives of any more young children today?"
"Haha, I resent that Miss Goddess! And for the record the fate of all Arthurs wasn't my fault it was Morgana's!"
"Actually it most likely was yours if I recall the chain of events correctly."
"Shh! Do you want everyone finding out about ... THAT!?"
"Hmm ..."
Dialogue 5: (If you have EMIYA – Any)
"Now there goes one that rubs me the wrong way ..."
"Why is that Eliza?"
"A Hero of Justice, a man such as he isn't suited for such a role."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you understand how difficult it is to become a Heroic Spirit in the modern age Master? To put things into perspective from your world's point of view had World War Two occurred in let's say the nineteen sixties NONE of its notable figures would yet be Heroic Spirits. Part of becoming one requires a myth or legend behind you yet that one is nothing, a simple blank that simply forced himself to continue to exist despite everything else around him crumbling away. No Hero could possibly exist upon the Throne in such a sorry state."
Dialogue 6: If you have Natsu Dragneel - ?)
"Hello Eliza."
"Natsu ... I-I'm glad to see you looking so ..."
"Young? Vibrant? Not withering away into a pathetic husk of my former self?"
"..."
"Sorry I know it isn't something to joke about but I mean it was something I had to endure for centuries so I feel like if anyone has the right ..."
"C-can I touch you?"
"Of course."
"After all this time ..."
"I noticed a few of your later scars aren't present either so I guess being a Servant has heaps of perks, eh?"
"I never lost faith in you, even after the fall of Equilibrius."
"You'd be one of the few ..."
"How were you to know-!"
"Eliza."
"S-sorry I just-!"
"It's alright; I've had a long time to reflect upon that day."
"Look at me, tearing up like a young maiden ... War has no place for the tears of the weak."
"On the contrary Eliza," Natsu smiled as he gently wiped the tear away with his thumb. "Those tears only paint a more beautiful picture, one that those who survive it can look back upon and be proud of. To cry is to feel and to feel is to embrace what it means to be alive. If you felt nothing from War then you would be no better than those who massacred our friends and I know you aren't like that, I remember it all too well especially after that day ..."
"The battle against Crimson Moon ..."
"You were so light in my arms that day; I still remember it like it were yesterday. As you died in my arms the last of my old life truly died with you I think."
"You still had Cynthia and your yet to be born Son ..."
"But it was you who introduced me to the possibility of higher realms Eliza, of outside worlds and infinite potential and possibilities. When you passed it truly hit me hard, as hard as when Elise and Seilah fell."
"And yet look at us now, back among the land of the living to fight the same foe we've been dealing with for millennia. Truly we are rather hopeless no matter how old we get."
"Agreed. That being said however I'm glad Fujimaru managed to forge a contract with you Eliza, truly."
"Why is that?"
"I know that with you here we've got a real shot at stopping Solomon in his tracks just like last time."
"I am but one cog amidst a sea of millions Natsu and to defeat someone like him it will take much more than I alone."
"And yet here you are Eliza and these supposed millions of cogs are merely less than a hundred so I believe you indeed do have a part to play, one that will indeed possess a defining role."
"I often forget who I'm speaking to when I deal with you like this, a far cry from the young and brash version of yourself I dealt with so often in the past."
"Glad to see I inspired such confidence."
"Speaking of confidence I wonder how you would fare escorting me to lunch amidst the sea of rather possessive Servants of the feminine variety who all seem to be vying for a piece of you. Are you up for such a challenge O mighty King Of Balance?"
"I believe I can endure for your sake."
Likes:
"My likes you ask? Well obviously I love the thrill of a good fight however I do believe I love my family much more."
"Family?"
"My Daughter Elise of course as well as Natsu and his own large family. To me they are the most treasured aspect of my life and I would fight the One Above All if it meant keeping them safe."
Dislikes:
"Kratos."
"Uh ..."
"Kratos."
Wish For The Holy Grail:
"Although I find the Grail itself repulsive if forced to make a wish I believe I would ask it to cure Natsu's illness. That aside I cannot think of any one thing I would desire to use something so disgraceful for."
Master's Birthday:
"I have been informed that it is indeed your birthday today Master. Allow me to be the first to offer my congratulations on reaching your majority however with that comes several problems."
"Problems?"
"Well you see now that you are of legal age I know you will believe yourself to be able to do as you please however I would advise clamping down on that rebellious side of yourself and focus on the task at hand."
"Rebellious side? Eliza I don't think-!"
"Also no alcohol. Ever."
"WHAT!"
Bond 1:
"You are a rather interesting person Master. Despite going through so much with me you continue to persist in having me by your side. Perhaps you should take a moment to consider your sanity?"
Bond 2:
"Do you understand now what it means to command a War God of my calibre now Master? I require much more attention than most due to my power and the need to refine it so do try and consider your sanity."
Bond 3:
"You would still persist even though you've seen my darker side? Very well then Master if you truly insist on involving yourself with me despite knowing such things then you had best steel your resolve for I shall no longer hold myself back for your sake."
Bond 4:
"Why do I act this way? Are you frightened now Master or are you genuinely curious? Very well I shall answer you however you may not like it. Back during the war I told you about I was forced to unite the War Castes under my own banner however this involved me needing to subjugate the various War God candidates beneath their banners. Some of these candidates were nothing more than mere children and although they did yield I would not and could not stop until I had eradicated any potential threat to my rule and so ..."
Bond 5:
"I am Eliza, Goddess Of War and Ruler of the War Class. Once upon a time I was nothing but a ruthless machine who desired nothing more than to forge Terminus a path to victory against the Devil hordes. I killed my competitors, my critics, my foes, my allies and even my superiors in order to ensure I could run War as I saw fit. I was the strongest War God seen in countless millennia and yet in the end it was ultimately my love for mortals that led to my death."
"What do you mean?"
"I had softened since I raised Elise, moulding her into the perfect successor. I twisted and warped the girl from what she once looked like into an almost carbon copy of myself, purging her own identity from her in order to suit my own needs and yet it produced within me the unexpected emotion of parental love. When I granted her the position of War God over all those beneath me I had assumed my past deeds would keep the War Castes and their upper echelons silent ... but that was my own foolishness."
"Because Elise died."
"And yet I continued on serving by Natsu's side as he had also lost Seilah in that very same battle, the two of us becoming closer than ever before so when the heathenish Crimson Moon was poised to end his life my body did not even think twice as it moved to save his own."
"But how is that a bad thing? Because of you Natsu got to live on and make all this possible Eliza?"
"I never said it was a bad thing dear Fujimaru however it is an important lesson you must learn."
"Lesson?"
"Love can make even those who one can perceive as little more than machines act in ways that defy all known reason and logic. My love for Elise led to her death yet my love for Natsu saved his life from her clutches. Of course there is so much more behind my tale however that is not for you nor anyone save for those who were close to me to know."
"Eliza ..."
"That being said however I must thank you Fujimaru Ritsuka for allowing me this chance to truly atone for my earlier years by fighting for mortal kind in a much more active role. Do not listen to the words of Solomon and his ilk for you truly are the greatest Master humanity could have possibly chosen for this dreary task."
"E-Eliza, where are you going!?"
"I grow tired of this conversation. Trips down memory lane are seldom beneficial for one's own mental wellbeing therefore I believe some time in the simulator shall do me some good. You are of course welcome to join me if you like?"
"O-of course!"
"Very well then, let us do our best to continue to grow together ... Master."
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!