This certainly was a thing
My eyes flicked back and forth between the two Jeannes. The one I had formed a temporary contract with growled at her alternative self.
"Who knew," Jeanne Alter started to say, shaking her head in mocking disbelief. "Who knew such a thing could happen?" Jeanne merely glared at her alternate self as the latter began cackling.
"Could someone please pour some water on me? This is so bad, it's awful! I think I am really going to lose it." She threw her head back and released a full-throated laugh before continuing. "It's so funny I could die from laughing!" Behind her, the other four Servants merely watched, saying nothing.
"Take a look Giles! Look at that pathetic girl! What is she? A mouse? A worm?" Suddenly the cruel smirk twisted itself into a grimace as a look of pure disgust shone our way. "Either way, they're all the same! So funny, I can't even muster any sympathy."
"As if you were capable of any," I muttered darkly. Alternative Jeanne continue speaking.
"Ah…truly," the other Jeanne mock-sighed. "A country that could only cling to 'me'…comparing them to mice is an insult to mice. Hey, Giles, don't you think," she began to say, looking over her shoulder, only to stop and frown. "Oh, I see. We didn't bring Giles along."
Jeanne couldn't take it anymore, it seemed. "You…" she said. "Who are you?" She demanded. The other Jeanne stopped her mocking tirade, a serious expression appearing on her face as she looked directly at Jeanne.
"I could ask the same of you," she mused before shrugging. "Right, as a leader, let me answer that. I am Jeanne d'Arc. The saint devoted to France…the other 'me'." Jeanne gaped at the leering Servant.
"What?" She spluttered. "That's nonsense. You are no saint, just as I am not one. However, that is already a thing of the past. Why did you attack this town?" The other Jeanne laughed
"Why, you ask?" She asked, controlling her giggles. "As the same Jeanne d'Arc, I thought you would understand. Are you that stupid now that your alignment has changed? The reason I attacked this town? My, what a foolish question." My, how much this Servant enjoys monologuing.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Evil Jeanne asked, a cruel expression on her face that spoke of enjoyment. "It is for the sole purpose of destroying France. I am, after all, a Servant. Politically, economically, those methods take too long. Is it not better to simply physically crush everything?" For a few moments, none os us spoke. I had expected to hear something of revenge…but this just feels like she is doing it for the hell of it. Like a simple game to pass the time.
"Such foolishness!" Jeanne finally exclaimed, a look of horror and repulsion etched on her features.
"'Such foolishness?'" Evil Jeanne mockingly repeated. "The foolish ones are us, Jeanne d'Arc. Why did you want to save this country? Why did you want to bring salvation to these people? All the while knowing that they are the ones who spit on and betrayed us!" Jeanne Alter shouted, her eyes wide with rage. She took a deep breath, perhaps to calm herself somewhat, perhaps just so she could continue her monologue. Jeeze, I thought that this was the kind of scene for a Saturday morning cartoon!
"I will be fooled no longer. I will be betrayed no longer," Jeanne Alter resumed speaking, her voice even. "I no longer hear the voice of the Lord. The fact that I cannot hear His voice must mean that the Lord no longer blesses this country. Therefore, in accordance to the Lord's grief, I will cut away all the bad seeds at the root. As long as the human race exists, so will my hatred. I will remake this France into a land of dragons and the dead. That's how I shall save this country. By the hands of the new Jeanne d'Arc, reborn through death," she said solemnly, arms spread out to either side as if addressing an adoring crowd. Then she lowers them, smirking at her horrified other self. "I suppose you could never understand. You were always playing the saint. Impossible for a pretty little holy virgin who pretends not to see Hatred and joy and is incapable of human growth!" Jeanne Alter snarled, slamming her foot onto the broken back of a fallen townsfolk. Her words have been directed at only Jeanne, and I had grown tired of this.
I pushed myself forward, startling Ritsuka and Mash, who were unable to stop me in their surprise, and then past Sasaki and Jeanne, glaring at our opponents. Alternative Jeanne barely gazed at me, so I decided to change that.
"Enough with the monologuing!" I shouted, actually managing to stun the apparent 'Dragon Witch'. Her yellow eyes refocused on me with an intensity that I could have done without. I fought the urge to lick my suddenly-dry lips as I felt the temperature around me appear to increase slightly. My mind was cussing me out for my hot-headedness of the previous moment.
"Oh? What's this? A mouse, pretending to be a lion?" She finally asked, mockingly. "Mice should learn their place, or else be scalded by the fire," Jeanne Alter teased menacingly.
"Only over my cold, dead body!" Mordred snarled, breaking formation to position herself before me. Jeanne Alter merely rolled her eyes, however, and turned around slightly to look at the four Servants behind her.
"This has gone on long enough, though. Berserker Lancer. Berserker Assassin. Finish off that idiotic country girl. You're getting tired of small prey, aren't you?" Jeanne Alter cooed in a sickeningly sweet tone. "Rejoice then, for they are stronger. Among all the Servants I summoned, your thirst for blood are the strongest. You exist to crush the brave," She said as a man with pale blonde hair and turquoise coloration at the end, wielding a stake-like spear stepped forward, as well as a woman wearing a cruel-looking metal mask. Jeanne Alter waved her hand towards her other self dismissively. "Devour them to you hearts content."
Wait, so the Servants that Jeanne Alter was commanding had been given the Mad Enhancement trait?! The way that the two were eyeing Jeanne hungrily gave me the shivers as they slowly advanced closer, while the fallen Ruler and her other two Servants watched idly.
"Very well," the male Servant said in a deep, rich tone. "Now, I will have your blood," he said, pointing towards the Ruler. The female Servant next to him clucks her tongue in disapproval.
"No so fast, 'my king'. I would like to partake of her flesh and blood, as well as her insides," Berserker Assassin chided Berserker Lancer.
"But not her soul?" Berserker Lancer asked rather skeptically, causing his comrade to cackle dismissively.
"I care not for souls, only the blood of maidens. The blood of those more beautiful than me, can only elevate my beauty!" Berserker Assassin said in an almost breathless, orgasmic manner that caused my body to shudder in revulsion.
"Well, well, well," Mordred muttered under her breath. "Another face from the Greater Grail War."
"You know one of them?" I asked, as Jeanne hurried over to join the Knight of Rebellion. The Saber grunted, tilting her helmet slightly towards the male Servant.
"He was the Lancer of Black, the opposing side. I didn't get a chance to go up against him, however. According to my Master, though, his True Name is Vlad III Tepes. Be glad we're not on Romanian soil," Mordred explained.
"Oh great. So, we have the man most associated with the word 'impalement' with Berserker traits!" I groaned, slapping a hand to my face. "What about Miss Crazy? Has any one here been summoned against her?" Said Servant merely smirked, her orange eyes blazing through the eye-slits of her metal mask. Vlad, however, frowned, clearly unamused by either my statement, Mordred revealing his true name, or (seeing as how our luck is currently shaping up) most likely both.
"Oh, stop pouting over the whole name thing," Berserker Assassin said in a tone of exasperation. "I would rather be remembered by a bad name than not at all. Besides," the Servant said, her tone adopting a sickeningly sweet aspect, "I prefer to be called by my True Name. Dread and despair, faintly spiced with hope. I am Elisabeth Báthory, though I prefer to use Carmilla. Now, give me your maiden blood," the self-proclaimed Carmilla cooed at Jeanne.
"Enough with the banter! Kill them," Jeanne Alter snapped, and the two Servants stopped talking. I looked at Ritsuka, a nervous but determined expression on his face.
"Ritsuka, have your Servants focus on Miss Bloodlust over there. Mine will deal with the Count," I said, and my fellow Master nodded, turning to his Servants.
"Good luck," the Japanese Master said before they dashed towards the Berserker Assassin. I turned to Mordred.
"Kick his ass," I muttered, receiving a soft chuckle as the Saber adjusted her posture.
"Understood, Master!" She said before pushing herself forward, becoming a blur of steel and red. Vlad's eyes widened slightly before he raised his spear, just in time. He grunts as Clarent pushes down on the shaft, Mordred using both her hands.
Vlad's right foot shot out, connecting with Mordred's midriff and sending her skidding backwards a few feet, but otherwise doing nothing besides irritating the Knight of Rebellion. Jeanne and Sasaki stay back for now, but still remain ready to assist the knight. I ignore the fight between Ritsuka's Servants and Carmilla, trusting my friend to hold off the bloody psycho (no pun intended).
Mordred was sent flying back by a shoulder shove from the inspiration for Count Dracula, briefly out of the fight. The Berserker Lancer charged at Jeanne when Sasaki unleashed his Noble Phantasm. Even thought it wasn't the first time I had seen it, as during the previous week the new Servants had agreed to demonstrate their ultimate attacks against simulated Servants, I still found it awe-inspiring to see the trio of blades appear.
Vlad roared in anger as one of the blades managed to nick his shoulder, drawing a thin line of blood, but otherwise causing no significant damage. It did, however, achieve the desired result of distracting the Servant from Mordred's recovery.
Shouting under her helmet, Mordred lunged forward again. Clarent swung in a blur of steel, sparks erupting whenever the Berserker Lancer blocked the attacks with his own weapon. I remain rooted to the spot, my eyes glued to the near-dancing figures as they tried to land a critical blow.
A kick from Mordred was deflected with a spear shaft. A lunge was ducked under as Mordred tried to throw a punch, trying to use the brawling aspect of her fighting style I had discovered her fondness for, and that which also made her a terrifying opponent to be against in battle.
A roar has me looking skywards, however, and I notice a trio of wyverns swooping down. If Jeanne Alter really was the one commanding these foul beasts, then they must have come here as a distraction. "Sasaki, Jeanne! Wyverns diving, 1 o'clock high! Take them down!"
"Hai."
"Yes Master!"
My other two Servants adjusted their position to deal with the winged beasts as quickly as possible. Seeing nothing immediately indicating a higher threat than the average wyvern we've encountered thus far, I don't expect that it would take too long. In the meantime, I have the utmost confidence that Mordred could and would hold her own against Vlad, even with the latter having the Berserker trait.
And of course, I still had my Command Spells if needed. Turning back to look at my Servant, however, reveals that might not be necessary, or at least, not yet.
With a feral-sounding roar, Mordred swung Clarent, finally breaking through Vlad's guard. The long metal blade sliced through the clothing, and a slightly geyser of blood erupted diagonally from the Berserker Lancer's chest. Unfortunately, the wound wasn't fatal, but it was still enough to cause her foe to curse loudly before jumping back. His right hand clutched his spear, while his left pressed against the chest wounded, eyes burning with anger and loathing at my Servant.
"Nice work, Mordred," I called out to her, and she merely grunted in acknowledgement, her eyes focused on her now-injured opponent. I spare a glance to check on the rest of the party, making sure that they were doing well as well.
Jeanne stabs her flagpole downwards into the chest of a wounded wyvern, silencing the shriek of pain that it had been releasing. Meanwhile, Carmilla had just leapt backwards to avoid a beam of magical energy shot by a floating Medea, only to be rushed from the side by Mash. Unable to dodge in time, the Berserker Assassin was sent skirting backwards, wiping a drop of blood from the corner of her mouth with distaste, glaring at the Demi-Servant.
"Group back up," I barked, continuing to take charge over the situation. Ritsuka rushes to stand next to me, eye glinting in concern for his own Servants. That in turn gives way to relief at seeing that only Chulainn has any sort of injuries, and even then, the claw marks over his right arm should heal within the next few hours.
"What's the plan?" Ritsuka asked me in a low tone. I bit my lip in thought, mind whirling. The normal thoughts of anxiety and self-doubt have been kept silent, perhaps because of the recent teamwork, or perhaps because there has been no time for it to set in yet.
"We're still outnumbered in a way. There are three fresh Servants over there, and I'm willing to bet my next paycheck that the other two share the Berserker trait. We have no idea about their Noble Phantasms, or if there are more of them hiding in Spirit Form," I observed, gritting my teeth. Fortunately, it appears that the two vampires were more interested in bickering over their unexpected defeats.
"You right there, the young lady with the purple hair." Carmilla's voice prevented any further thoughts or discussion on escape as the Berserker Assassin and the Berserker Lancer stared at Mash. "You smell horrible," she hissed. "A girl of such tender years, yet so battle-hardened. How contradictory. Who are you?"
It wasn't Mash who answered, but Jeanne Alter. "A Demi-Servant," she said, a thoughtful expression on her face as she regarded Mash. "An anomaly, a cross between a human and a Servant. I see now that I made a mistake. You two," her eyes flicked over at the two vampires, a critical and severe countenance being shown, "are crueler than the others, but that's why you're both so playful. Let the remaining three deal with them."
Vlad stared indignantly at the fallen Ruler. "Wait, Carmilla and I can still fight! The saint's blood belongs to us," he protested. "As if I would allow mere executioners who know nothing of the radiance of blood, the grandeur or blood, take…" his nauseating tirade was cut off.
"Shut up," Jeanne Alter said. "Know your place, Vlad III. No matter how much authority you may have had in life, you're all equals as Servants." The Berserker Lancer's jaw clicked shut, though he glared at Jeanne Alter as she continued speaking. "You wanted so badly to drain that fool of her blood that you held back. Regardless of if you meant to or not, you haven't learned a thing." She slammed the butt of her weapon against the cobblestone road, causing chips of rock to fly as she broke one of the stones.
"I hate people like that," she seethed, Vlad now wilting under her gaze. "Stay out of it this time. Understand?" Vlad nodded once, and fell behind with Carmilla.
Jeanne Alter proceeded forward, flanked by a female Servant with a staff topped with a silver cross and purple hair to her right. To the fallen Ruler's left was an androgynous-looking Servant dressed like a French musketeer of the last decades of the Kingdom of France, wielding a thin rapier.
Overhead, another dozen or so wyverns had been summoned, with more undoubtedly on their way to join in. The odds had gone from bad to worse. I racked my brain, trying to figure out what to do when my temporary Servant spoke up.
"Master, leave me behind. I will buy you time to escape," Jeanne insisted, leaving unsaid the fact that by doing so she would sacrifice herself. The idea of using someone else in such a way ignites a burning sensation in my stomach. My blood felt like it was starting to boil in anger. Next to me I could hear Mash and Roman talking in frantic and panicked tones, but I ignored the words, my eyes locked onto the pleading Ruler.
"Damn it, Jeanne!" I snarled angrily. "I said that I'm not leaving anyone behind to die, and an Aronson does not make empty promises! Mordred, you ready for round two?"
Before the prideful Servant could respond however, she stiffened as we heard the sound of something whistling through the air. A moment later, and peculiar object landed between the two groups, drawing all eyes and attention to it. I blink my eyes rapidly, not quiet believing that which I was seeing.
"What the…" Jeanne Alter asked in a rather startled tone, eyes narrowing in on the object between us. "A glass rose?"
"It's not elegant," a voice said as a pair of footsteps was heard. "Neither is this city, or that combat style. Quite frankly, I don't like your philosophy or principles either. You're so beautiful, yet you shroud yourself in blood and hatred." The voice sounded young and feminine, and was getting closer. The words seemed to be aimed at Jeanne Alter, who appeared to be becoming even more aggravated. "Whether it is for good or evil, shouldn't a person try to be freer?"
"Another Servant?" Ritsuka whispered towards me.
"Most likely," I whispered back. The question was, were they here to help, or were they going to turn this into a sort of Mexican standoff. Then the owner of the voice, and presumably the glass rose, appeared.
It was a young-looking girl, with pale white skin. Her bright, light blue eyes gleaming. Her hair was long and white, pure as snow, and she seemed to have an aura of royalty about her. She wore a red dress of sorts, complete with one of the most unusual headwear I have seen, real or imaginary. It vaguely reminded me of both a mushroom and a character from a certain platform game involving plumbers. If she wasn't a Servant, then she certainly had bravery somewhere inside her.
"Yes, that's right. I'm so happy," she nearly gushed. "This is what it means to announce oneself as a hero of justice!" Her mirth faded as she focused on Jeanne Alter, a sad expression tinged with pity showing. "I know who you are. I also know how powerful and terrifying you are. Truth be told, I must confess that I've never trembled in fear before anyone else. Despite that, however, if you intend on destroying this nation, then I shall face you even if I have to tear apart my dress. You may be asking why, and the answer is…" The Servant paused momentarily, displaying a love of theatrics perhaps. Berserker Saber, however, appears to have already known who she was, their jaw dropped slightly.
"You are…" They began to say, but not finish, perhaps unable or unwilling to utter another world. The girl gave the enemy Saber a small, soft smile.
"Oh my. So, you know my True Name? We've met before, haven't me, my splendid knight?" For the love of all that is holy, can we stop it with the word games?! Jeanne Alter shared my sentiment, it seems, for the fallen Ruler looked at the surprised Servant.
"Saber," she said in a stern tone. "Who is this pest?" However, her subordinate didn't respond, causing the Dragon Witch to glare menacingly. "Answer me," she said in a warning manner.
"I can tell who she is, even with the murderous rage that is burning in my heart. Her beauty is as unmistakable now as it was in life. She is the Flower of Versailles. She is Marie Antoinette," the enhanced Servant finally answered, gaze still focused on the apparent former Queen. Said Servant released a soft giggle, her eyes twinkling in mirth once more.
"That's right!" Marie Antoinette confirmed with a wide grin. "Thank you for saying my name, splendid knight!" The joy on her face was toned down, a hint of steel appearing in both her eyes and voice. "And as long as that name exists, I will play my role, no matter how foolish it might be."
Old A/N: , the question(s) of the day! First: Out of the Servants in the original storyline for the First Singularity, which one was your absolute favorite? If you have multiple, then pick your top three Second question: what are your thoughts about Marie's outfit? As always, I look forward to your answers. Hope you enjoyed the story, and please let me know what you think, whether it is feedback or just simply parts you enjoyed! Thanks again for all the amazing support for this story so far, and I will see you in chapter 12!