Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Fate/stay night is owned by Type-Moon, and Kamen Rider Wizard is owned by Toei and Ishimori Productions
Chapter 6: Aftermath
Rider and Avenger's battle has left the temple and has reached the city. Jumping from building to building with incredible speed, the two Servants exchanged in dealing and dodging blows. Not only does Avenger using her flag as makeshift spear, but she uses her sword as well. Her flaming sword. Thanks to Rider's current contract, she could handle all that Avenger throws at her, but it's only a matter of time before she eventually gets exhausted and allow Avenger to get the better of her.
As the battle ensues, Rider thinks about the peculiar situation that she's in. An eighth Servant is even more surprising than a Servant summoned by another Servant. One who knows about both her and Lancer's Masters, or in her case, former Master. Seeing as how she's already aware of who the rest of the seven Servant's Masters are, she could only think of one person who could've summoned this new enemy.
She doesn't know much about the man named Matou Zouken. All she knows is that he has to be extremely vile to allow all the suffering that Sakura has to endure. Perhaps Shinji's failure and her disappearance drove him to join the War on his own. How he did that when there's already seven Servants, she doesn't know, but either way, the old man has made his move, which makes both him and his Servant her enemy.
Eventually, Rider and Avenger ended up standing face to face on two buildings. Avenger seems to be tired herself. "Damn. I didn't think you would be this formidable. You're much more powerful than I thought. It's a shame Master couldn't make use of you at your full strength."
Well, that confirms her theory. Rider is about to attack once again, when Avenger pulled one last trick and summoned dozens of stakes headed towards her. One by one, Rider destroyed them all, but once she was finished, Avenger was gone.
Ryuudouji Temple
"An eighth Servant?"
Despite having prepared for the War for a while now, Haruto found the first few days of it full of surprises. From having to fight Heracles himself and being a major factor to his defeat, to learning that he's apparently descended from a dragon of all things, now they learn that an eighth Servant called Avenger that has appeared.
"Yes," Rider confirmed. "She proved to be a challenge, but she left unceremoniously. It seems like her main goal was to make her presence known."
"Did you learn anything from her?" asked Caster, and Rider nodded.
"I know who her Master is. My former Master's grandfather, Matou Zouken."
"So, he finally revealed himself," mused Ilya. "I was beginning to think that he won't participate at all."
"She also told me her true name." Everyone took interest at that and Rider continued. "She said her name is Jeanne d'Arc."
"Maji de?" said Haruto in surprise. Jeanne d'Arc. A woman who led the French army during the hundred-year war. Inspiring others, keeping morale high, she's the symbol of hope that Haruto could only dream of becoming.
"There's something strange about her though. She said her class name is Avenger, and I could sense a very intense hatred from her, not something you'd expect from a saint."
"Avenger," Caster mused. "I'm not aware that class exists."
"Never mind an eighth class. How could there even be an eighth Servant?" asked Okita.
"I believe it's because of us," Caster answered, to Okita's surprise. "Technically, you're not a proper Servant. Zouken must have known of that somehow, and took advantage of it by summoning some unknown class in Assassin's place."
"How strong is she, Rider," asked Haruto.
"We're about equal in terms of power, but she most likely has more abilities than the ones that she has shown me."
"Naruhodo ne." Haruto nodded. "If you know her Master, then we could raid his home, right? Surely, Avenger stays there as well."
"We can do that," Caster agreed. "But we'll need to know more about what she is capable of. Can you share everything that you know, Rider?"
The Servant of the mount answered, "his Magecraft employs the use of worm familiars. There are many of them, but easily disposable. Zouken himself is an old man, but I don't want to judge him based on appearance alone."
"Then we'll have to learn more about him more before we make any moves, unless we can defeat Avenger herself, but for now, let's discuss other matters." Caster turned to Okita. "You said Saber also went to the temple?"
Okita nodded. "She didn't make it through the gate though. Looks like Ilya-Chan is right. She barely lasted the fight when she collapsed to the ground."
Caster narrowed her eyes at Okita. "If that's the case, then how was she able to escape."
Okita briefly glanced at Haruto and said, "her Master appeared and shielded her. I couldn't kill him, sorry."
Before Caster can argue, she suddenly looked thoughtful and said, "Wait. He shielded her?"
"Yes, that's what I said. Honestly, I think there's something wrong with that kid?"
Even Haruto can see what's wrong with that. The Master's mana is what anchor the Servant to the World. Even Caster wouldn't have lasted long had Haruto not found her. If the boy were to die, Saber will die as well. What was he thinking?
But it did make him wonder. If it's Caster or Okita who are in Saber's position, would he have done the same?
Actually, considering the abilities, he wouldn't have to think about that. He can easily save them without having to sacrifice himself. The boy doesn't have the same luck as him, it seems.
"Maybe he's just an idiot," said Ilya with a little venom in her voice for some reason. "He did the same for you," she pointed at Haruto, "when you first fought Berserker."
"Well, never mind that," Caster interjected. "At the very least we also know Saber's true name."
"Yeah, but I really thought she was lying for a second there," said Okita. "I still can't believe King Arthur is a woman."
Haruto, Caster, Ilya, and even Rider gave her a dibelieving look. "W-What?" she stammered.
"Anyway, know that we know who she is, we can finally work a plan against her, especially now that she knows where we are." After a moment of silence, Caster asked Okita and Rider, "Are there anything else you would like to tell us."
"Not really, no," said Okita, but Rider thinks about it. "Actually, there is one thing that I almost forgot. When Avenger appeared and Lancer left, she implied that Lancer's Master is the War's overseer."
"What?!" exclaimed the other four in chorus. The overseer was supposed to be a neutral mediator, not an active player on his own.
Caster frowned. "Are you sure she's not lying?"
"I doubt it. Lancer didn't deny anything, and he looked surprised at the fact that she knows. I believe she's telling the truth."
"B-But that's cheating!" cried Okita.
"Honestly, does it even matter?" said Haruto. "We already got an eighth Servant, and a Servant who is the Master of two more. Lots of us are already cheating."
There was silence once again, until Haruto asked, "so, what are we gonna do about them?"
Caster sighed. "Is there anything we can do? I don't think it really matters anymore. We'll just have to treat the priest as another enemy. And we've already encountered his Servant through Rider. We take him out, then the Priest is out as well."
The streets of Fuyuki
Shirou carried Saber from the temple back to their house. Surprisingly, it's not as hard as he thought. Most of her weight comes from her armor. Otherwise, she's pretty light.
"You need a helping hand there?" said a voice. Shirou stopped walking as he realized who it was.
"What are you doing here?" Shirou demanded, glaring at Archer as he materialized in front of him.
"I've been watching Saber, in case she needed back up," Archer answered.
That didn't lighten Shirou's mood any bit. "Then why didn't you appear to help her. We could've used it against Assassin."
"Well, it looks like you were able to handle things," he shrugged. "That reminds me, why?"
"What?"
"Why did you use yourself as a shield. That was pretty stupid, even for you."
Shirou paused and thought about his question. "I don't know," he admitted.
Archer cocked an eyebrow. "You don't know?"
"I-I wasn't thinking, okay?"
Archer sighed. "Well, for future reference, you must know that if you were to die, Saber would disappear as well, making your sacrifice ultimately meaningless. Although, I doubt me telling you this would change anything."
"What does that supposed to mean?"
Archer smirked. "First, you shielded the ring mage, your enemy. Then, you shield your own Servant." His face became serious. "So, tell me? Are you really that stupid? Or perhaps you find some strange sense of relief constantly throwing your life away for others."
"So, what if that's the case? Why do you care?" Shirou snapped.
"I don't," Archer said bluntly. "If anything, you killing yourself would probably be in our best interest. but if you think you sacrificing your life will achieve anything, know that you are very much mistaken."
And with that, Archer disappeared, leaving behind an angry, but thoughtful Shirou.
Fuyuki Church
"Hey Priest!" Lancer yelled. "What the hell was that? If I worked with Rider, we could've defeated that Servant with no problem. Why the hell did you have to call me back?"
Kotomine Kirei, simply said, "She is an unknown and unexpected factor. It is best to proceed with caution."
Lancer glared at him, and Kirei added, "Do not worry. In due time, you might be able to have the chance to fight her, but we must wait for the right time."
With a huff, Lancer disappeared, and Kirei is left alone. This is quite the surprising development. But while Avenger's presence might be a surprise, it is one that Kirei accepts with open arms. After all, she might be able to be used to his advantage.
This is not the first time he had heard of that class, nor is this the first time it appeared in a Holy Grail War. Avenger was also the title used of one Angra Mainyu, the embodiment of all the world's evil that caused the fire of Fuyuki ten years ago, along with giving Kirei a new lease on life, along with a purpose. He was once an empty shell. A man who didn't know what to make of his life, not finding joy in anything that he does. That is, until he was recruited for the War. While Gilgamesh helped him go down that path, it was when he touched the Grail that he truly embraced what it was that he truly desired and made him happy. The suffering of others. He wanted to see their pain. He rejected it for a long time, but when the Grail granted his wish, he was finally forced to confront himself. This is what he wanted.
For the next ten years, he dedicated his time preparing for the next war, hoping to reenact the "miracle" that he caused. He managed to find, amusing ways to provide mana for Gilgamesh. He was able to arrange for himself to gain another Servant in the form of Lancer, with the help of a good friend. While at the moment, he is simply an observer, he intends to join the stage sooner or later, to make sure that Angra Mainyu is reborn, and to bring the path that would lead to the most destruction.
There had been a few unexpected turn of events, such as the Master of Assassin who never consulted him, but most surprising of all is the son of Emiya Kiritsugu. The man whom he thought of to be not unlike him, but he had been wrong. They couldn't have been much different. His son, however…
He was empty, just like him. But he derived his joy elsewhere. To help others? To become a Hero of Justice? It was a childish and foolish concept, but Kirei understands him, more than anyone else ever would. To become a hero is the only way he could become happy, such as hurting others does the same for Kirei. This is fate, Kirei knew it. Emiya Shirou is his equal. One who he intends to fight, just as he did his father all those years ago.
And now there is this new Avenger. Jeanne d'Arc. The woman who was betrayed by the people that she protected and was burned as a witch. Jeanne d'Arc has now become a spirit of vengeance it seems. Kirei knows little about her, but if he plays this right, then Avenger could be used to further his scheme. If he is right about her, then maybe she would join him. Who knows? They might even share similar goals.
The Next Day, Emiya Household
As Matou Sakura helped Shirou make breakfast, she couldn't help but think of the young woman waiting at the dining table. She doesn't know what to make of her, especially with her just barging unannounced to Shirou's life. Fujimura-Sensei believed their explanation that she was acquaintance of Shirou's father, but Sakura knew better.
As the heir of one of the three families, she knows about the Holy Grail. She was even supposed to fight in it. But because of her reluctance along with her older brother's insistence, Shinji ended up joining in her place. She didn't mind, as the War would've just added more to her already miserable life, though Rider was kind to her.
In the meantime, she continued going to Shirou's home as she did for the past few years. During those times, she believed she was just a normal boy. But then she realized that there are command seals manifesting on his hand, which could only mean that he has been chosen to fight in a war where he could get killed.
She didn't want to believe it. It was just a bruise, she told herself. There was nothing to worry about.
And then a girl named Saber showed up out of nowhere. This couldn't be a coincidence.
Shirou is a Master. His life is constantly in danger now.
If there's anything that eases her mind even a little bit, is that she wouldn't have to fight him, and Shinji has been taken out too a few days ago, as she found out the hard way. Though there's still Tohsaka. Now, she could only hope that Saber would protect her beloved Sempai.
That was the last thought that she had before she blacked out.
Later That Day
After Sakura's sudden fever early in the morning, Shirou wanted to skip school and stay with her, but Taiga convinced him that he should go, leaving Saber to watch over the poor girl.
Sakura has yet to wake up yet. If this keeps up, she might have to stay for the night, and Saber will have to postpone her plans of training Shirou in sword fighting to better his capabilities in battle, something that they've agreed upon after his insistence of protecting her last night.
Saber heard the doorbell rang and she rushed to see who it was. There she found a young blue haired boy wearing the same uniform that Shirou has, so he's presumably from his school.
His annoyed expression quickly morphed into fear the moment his eyes locked on Saber's face.
"I-It's you!" he stammered, then he stammered some more, trying to find something to say before instead deciding to run off.
Saber stood there confused, not sure what exactly just happened. Eventually, she just shrugged and returned back inside.
Unbeknownst to Saber or Shinji, Rider watched as Shinji tried, and fail, to get Sakura back. She has been watching Sakura from afar, making sure that she will be safe, and the Emiya boy's residence seem perfect. She's happy there. But it looks like Shinji won't give up without a fight.
She could dispose of Shinji now, but doing so by day would be risky, and she'll now have a harder time entering the Matou household. Her best bet is to wait for when her allies decide to attack their place. That would give her the chance to execute the boy.
Until then, she could only hope Emiya and her Servant will be able to take care of Sakura for her.
A/N: Sorry I'm late. I was busy with… everything
There's a Kamen Rider Jeanne now. Nice
Well, that's over with. Not sure when the next update will be, though I do have an idea how the next chapter wiil go now, but I have to focus on my other fic. Ciao!
