Chapter 4
Spearhead and Smokehead
The face-off between the four heroes is filled with intense stares and the killing intent poisoned the atmosphere. Saber and Irisviel felt some kind of swaying force coming from Lancer. They were able to shrug it off.
Saber: You have a charm spell.
Lancer: Apologies. I'm afraid it is a little curse that I was born with. There is nothing that can be done about it. Blame it on my birth or perhaps you prefer the fact that you were born a woman.
Archer: I have to say, that little charming curse really got to the ladies when we were exploring town. Both of us had to enter spirit form just to get away.
Caster: What a troublesome skill.
Saber: Surely you don't actually believe that a pleasant face and a charming swagger will save you from the bite of my blade, spearman.
Lancer: I certainly hope not, it would spoil the fun. I see now the tales of the Saber class' resistance to magic are true. Very well, I prefer not to kill a girl who is throwing herself at me. It would soil my reputation. I am pleased that my first opponent is made from stern stuff.
Saber: Oh? So what you desire is a fair fight? I consider myself fortunate to encounter such a proud and strong hero.
Lancer: Then let us… begin.
Caster: Also, it would be interesting to see a Servant with a high prowess of magic to face a Servant of long-range combat.
Archer: Well… I don't know about that. *Uncoils chain* I happen to have some close-range abilities.
Irisviel merely looked on as the four Servants begin fighting. Between Saber and Lancer, they exchanged blows with a sword and two spears respectively. Between Caster and Archer, Caster uses a shield of magic in order to block Archer's chains from hurting him. Archer then began shooting smoke-related attacks on him which were blocked too. Meanwhile, Kiritsugu and Maiya were looking at the awesome battle, unknown to them that other spectators were checking the battle out too in astonishment. Maiya was ordered to circle around the docks and take a vantage point to survey the battlefield while Kiritsugu would position himself around the west side so that they can hide from the Servants and the crane.
Kiritsugu: Now, let's see what you can do, my adorable king of knights and amnesiac Caster.
As the battle progresses, each Servant in their own battles are analyzing their opponents along with every observer. Saber is wondering which of Lancer's spears is his Noble Phantasm and is wondering what his true identity is. Lancer is having trouble with Saber's invisible sword as a cut was inflicted on his face. Without knowing the true length of the sword, he cannot make judgements in his dodges. Caster is analyzing Archer's Smoke abilities as he saw that he can absorb smoke from any fire and ends up filling his reserves and heals him. He mentally smirks at this as he knows that this ability could be the most… useful to him in combat. Finally, Archer is wondering in his mind as he looks at Caster. He knows that he is from a parallel world according to his modern attire. He could tell that Caster's abilities look to be biological just like his Conduit Gene. Meanwhile, Kiritsugu and Maiya are in position for surveying the field. Kiritsugu is looking everywhere until he sees a figure on top of the warehouse looking over the battle with the heat-detecting scope on his sniper rifle. He switched to a night vision scope to get a good aim at him. After confirming, he decided to notify Maiya.
Kiritsugu: *Speaks into comlink* Maiya! Northeast of Saber, Caster, and Iri. On the roof of that warehouse. It's Lancer and Archer's Master. Can you see him?
Maiya, on her end, was looking over at the warehouse but couldn't get a sign of the enemy Master.
Maiya: Negative. I can't see him from my position.
Kiritsugu: Understood. I'll take him out from here.
A sudden rush of wind was felt by Kiritsugu as he was preparing to shoot the enemy Master. He turned to the source towards the crane with his sniper rifle. When he looked at the unknown enemy with his night vision scope, he saw a familiar black silhouette.
Kiritsugu: Assassin?
Then he heard Maiya gasp.
Kiritsugu: Maiya! What is it?
Maiya: There's a… Servant.
Kiritsugu: Where!?
Maiya: 3 meters from me.
Kiritsugu: Does it show any signs of harm?
Maiya: She doesn't.
Kiritsugu: She?
Maiya: Kiritsugu… This Servant is just a girl. She's only 14.
Kiritsugu was very surprised by this. He was surprised by his own Caster Servant to be young at sixteen years old but the fact that a fourteen year old girl would be summoned is something that is beyond imagination for him.
Church Basement
Kirei: There is activity in the warehouse district in the mouth of the Mion River. It seems that the first battle has finally begun.
In front of Kirei is a magical communication device that he uses to communicate with his Master Tokiomi.
Tokiomi: Not the first battle. To the others, this would be the second battle Kirei.
Kirei: It would appear that Lancer, Archer, Saber, and Caster are the combatants in this battle.
Tokiomi: Can you ascertain their statuses through Assassin's eyes?
Kirei: With ease… Saber's formidable abilities are especially high. Most of her parameters are ranked A or higher on the standard scale.
Tokiomi: I see. It's no wonder they are considered the strongest class. Saber likely presents a greater threat than Lancer, Archer, and Caster. Can you see other Masters?
Kirei: There's only one person besides the Servants who is out in the open invisible to Assassin. She's standing next to Saber and Caster. It's a woman with silver hair.
Tokiomi: That means that Lancer and Archer's Master is wise enough to remain hidden from view and that he is not a novice. He understands the rules of the Holy Grail War. Wait a minute… A silver-haired woman?
Kirei: Yes. Caucasian, silver hair, red eyes. Very unusual. She doesn't seem at all human.
Tokiomi: An Einzbern homunculus? It seems that they created another artificial Master. I thought that the only pawn Jubstacheit had on the board was Kiritsugu Emiya. It would appear I was wrong.
Kirei: So that woman is the Einzbern Master?
Tokiomi: Either way, she is going to be a critical factor throughout the rest of the Grail War. Kirei, keep a close eye on her.
Kirei: Agreed, I shall keep one Assassin on her at all times.
Warehouse District (Kiritsugu's Location)
Maiya: I see Assassin, but I thought he is dead. Why is he here?
Maiya was looking at Assassin through her scope. She is being wary of Rider who is uncomfortably close to her. In her mind, the Servant reminds her of her own past as a child soldier. It sickened her stomach to know that a young child would be a Servant in a bloody war.
Kiritsugu: I knew something had to be up. *Looks at battle* Let's see how it plays out. Continue to observe Assassin and stay wary of Rider. I will watch Lancer and Archer.
Maiya: I will launch an attack on Assassin and then when I have him distracted, you can take out Lancer and Archer's Master.
Kiritsugu: No, Maiya, I don't you to make any moves right now. Besides, Rider is keeping her eye on you and you are not equipped to fight Servants.
Maiya: Understood.
Battle
After some time of battling, the section of the warehouse district they are in showed the signs of damage that the four Servants created.
Lancer: There is no honor in battle without a proper exchange of names but allow me to offer my regards. It's impressive for a woman to fight so hard without even breaking a sweat as she does it.
Archer: I have to say for a Caster, you sure are tough to face one of the three knight classes for this long. Your prowess in your magic is impressive to be quite honest.
Saber: You needn't be so humble, Lancer. Even without my knowing of your name, those words from a master of the spear, do me honor. I gratefully accept them.
Caster: Archer… I have to say that the feeling is mutual. Your use of smoke peaks my interest and I have to say that it is an impressive ability, although I feel as though there's more to you than meets the eye.
Kayneth: *Projects voice* That is enough fun for now, Lancer, Archer.
Irisviel: *Looks around* Lancer's… Master?
Kayneth: Do not allow this battle to go on. Saber is a formidable opponent and Caster is proven to be too. Eliminate them at once. You may use your Noble Phantasms.
As soon as the Master said that, the Einzbern team tensed up in attention.
Lancer: As you command, I will comply.
Archer: Well… This is going to be interesting. Besides, it was getting a little boring anyway.
Lancer then threw his short yellow spear down to the ground. He released the bind wrappings around the long red spear as he prepares to attack. At this point, Saber and Caster had the same thought: "So the red spear is his Noble Phantasm?" At the same time, Archer is gathering up smoke up from nearby fires that he made during the battle.
Lancer: You heard the command, the time has come for us to kill you.
Archer: It was fun while it lasted but I'm afraid this is the end.
Lancer: Saber, are you using focused wind mana to keep your blade concealed? *Saber tensed* I see, I wager you have a very good reason to conceal your sword from me. I think the sword reveals your true name.
Saber: How unfortunate for you. I'm afraid you will never know the true name of my blade. I'll finish this before you get the chance.
Lancer: We'll see about that. I will discover whatever it is your hiding. Saber. Let's go Archer!
Archer: Onto the fray we go!
Lancer and Archer dashed forward towards Saber and Caster. Saber went in front to block Lancer's attack while Caster threw a fireball at Archer to keep him back. What they saw was as soon as the red spear struck Saber's sword, part of it was revealed. Lancer got a good look at the sword as Saber couldn't believe that the magical wind around it is coming apart. Lancer threw his attacks towards Saber relentlessly as her sword was struck many times and the appearance became more visible for all to see. Caster would've interfered but Archer was keeping him at bay with constant physical attacks with his chain causing Caster to go on the defensive with his bubble shield. Then Archer himself dashed forward before turning into literal ash. He wrapped the chain around Caster's leg and threw him towards where Saber is at. Caster recovered quickly and stood with his back to Saber as they both stared down at their respective opponents.
Saber: That red spear is chipping away at the invisible air.
Lancer: I figured out the length of your blade now so I needn't be worried about being struck by you anymore.
Archer: That bubble shield won't be much use if you think that you can hide behind it forever.
Caster: Damn! He has yet to reveal his Noble Phantasm and I am starting to run out of tricks. I'm gonna need to pull out another power if I'm going to turn this thing around.
The onslaught kept going as planned for Lancer and Archer, however, Saber and Caster both had their own plan with just the brief eye contact they made.
Saber: He wields a formidable weapon but we have ways to counter it.
Caster: Archer is no joke. He can easily bypass my defense by turning himself into literal ash.
Both enemy Servants rushed towards them. They imagined in their minds of how it will play out as they rush them. Lancer would rush with his spear ready to stab Saber's side while Archer would rush Caster and Ash Dash behind him if he puts up his bubble shield. But what they won't expect is that Lancer's spear would bounce off the Saber's armor. This would leave Lancer wide open along with Archer who is distracted in getting past Caster after using his dash. Saber would then cut down either Lancer or Archer at that point and Caster using his fireball at a close range to the other one, giving them the win.
They proceeded with the plan but Saber's blood was spilt. It fell apart as Caster noticed it and was sent flying towards the metal crates by Archer who struck him with a shockwave created from when he unexpectedly jumped up way up into the sky before freefalling straight to the ground to make an explosion of ash. (Orbital Drop) Irisviel noticed it and healed them so that they can continue. They were confused as to why Saber's armor was pierced. They noticed that the armor wasn't damaged at all. At this point, they know what work is at play.
Saber: So that's it. I know the secret of your spear, Lancer.
Lancer: Oh?
Caster: The red spear… It's function is to cancel out anything powered with magic, am I correct?
Archer: Wow. I didn't notice that. So Saber's armor is powered with magic, huh?
Lancer: Well, if you were counting on it to protect you, you should surrender now Saber.
Archer: That goes for you too Caster. Lancer's spear can pierce that bubble of yours along with all your magic.
Caster: That move you did. Was that your Noble Phantasm?
Archer: Yes… The Orbital Drop. It's an Anti-Army Noble Phantasm that launches me into the air before I drop full speed to the ground and cause an explosion of ash.
Saber: Don't think that simply bypassing our defense capabilities will give you guys the upper hand in this fight.
Saber then took off the magical armor and she is without any armor.
Saber: If I cannot block your blade, I need only kill you before it strikes. Prepare to die, Lancer.
Caster: Then I guess that I am forced to bring out yet another ability from my arsenal.
Lancer: A bold move, you're betting everything on a single strike. You're attempting to overcome the disadvantage of your broken armor with the advantages you gain by abandoning it. Excellent, a courageous decision. I like it, it's audacious and bold. But I'm afraid, in this case, that it is a foolish move Saber.
Archer: Another ability? I wonder what it is. I hope it is something interesting.
Saber: We shall see. You can tell me your opinion again after my next attack.
Caster: You won't be remembering this.
At that moment, Lancer slipped on the ground. Saber then unleashed Strike Air to dash towards Lancer. Caster's good eye glowed yellow while looking at Archer. Archer only stared in confusion at Caster as Caster himself fell to the ground unconscious. Archer could then see only darkness. Back to Lancer, he threw up something from the ground as it is revealed to be the yellow spear he discarded earlier as its bindings are being unwrapped. Lancer had a smirk on his face as he grabs it and prepares to strike. Saber saw that this is Noble Phantasm too and turned her body to avoid a fatal blow. What happened is that both Servants cut each other's arms but Saber's cut hit a tendon so she couldn't move her hand as she rolled on the ground. Caster woke back up and saw the event that transpired. Archer woke up with confusion.
Fuyuki Bridge
Rider: This is extremely bad.
Waver: W-What is?
Rider: Lancer and Archer has begun their ultimate attack. They intend to end the battle here.
Waver: Wouldn't that be a lot better for us?
Rider: *Stomps the metal and Waver cowers* You idiot! What are you talking about? I wanted to sit back and watch until we saw a few more Masters fight but at this rate, Saber and Caster may just fall and then it would be too late.
Waver: Too late for what? I mean the plan was to attack until they fight a few more battles and weakened each other.
Rider: I have to admit that I hoped that at least one other Servant would've been sent out and answer Lancer and Archer's challenge because of course it would be much faster to fight them all together than to seek them out one by one.
Waver: You want to fight them together?
Rider: Indeed. Rarely does one have the extraordinary chance to exchange blows with great heroes from another time and to fight as many as twelve of them since we have Assassin with us, I'd hate to miss out on a single one. Just observe Saber, Caster, Archer, and Lancer, all four of them are strong valiant warriors whom I would face in an all-out battle. I cannot allow a single one of them to die.
Waver: But isn't that the whole point!? The Grail War's objective is to kill one another, isn't it!?
Rider: *Flicks his forehead* To win but never to destroy, to subjugate but never to humiliate, that is truly a good and honorable conquest. *Unsheathes sword and summons Gordius Wheel* Now we will watch no longer! We shall join the fray boy! Let us go!
Waver: You stupid idiot! What you're doing is totally insane!
Rider: If you really don't approve, then why don't you just stay here and observe? Call back Assassin if you want.
Waver: No I'll go! Just take me with you dammit!
Rider: Excellent! That is mine and Assassin's Master! *Laughs*
Warehouse District
With blood dripping from Saber and Lancer, they both checked their wounds. Caster and Archer walked towards their respective partners to check up on them.
Caster: Saber! Are you okay?
Saber: They cut a tendon, I couldn't move my thumb.
Lancer: Good counter. You aren't going to make this easy for me are you? But I like your indomitable spirit.
Archer: You okay Lancer? You took a bad cut there.
Lancer: I'll be fine, but what about you? What happened back there, you didn't even help.
Archer: I don't know myself, everything went black for me for a few seconds.
Caster smirked when he heard this. Saber merely looked at Caster's smile and was going to ask him.
Kayneth: Stop talking to each other and get working you fools! Finish them! What are you waiting for?
Lancer's wound healed.
Lancer: My Master, much appreciated.
Saber: Irisviel, I require healing.
Irisviel: I have, I've already done it. I did it. The healing worked, I'm certain of it. Saber you should already be fully healed. I don't understand!
Lancer: It was very sharp of you to figure out that my Gae Dearg could penetrate any armor. But… It was foolish of you to abandon it. *Kicks up yellow spear* Had you not done so, my Gae Buidhe would not have gotten you.
Saber: I see, you wield a cursed spear which leaves devastating wounds that could never heal. I should have realized it sooner. A red spear that destroys magic, a cursed yellow spear, and beneath the right eye, a mole that enchants women. First of the knights of Fianna, Diarmuid of the Love Spot. Never did I think I would have the honor of facing you in battle.
Lancer: Such is a sublime pleasure of the Holy Grail War but it's I, to have the distinct honor here. No hero summoned in the service by the Holy Grail could ever mistake that golden blade. To face the legendary King of Knights in battle and land even a single glancing blow. It's extraordinary, I must not be too bad. Now that we have exchanged names, we can conduct our battle honorably as knights should. Or does this displease you after losing usage of an arm?
Saber then put her armor back on as she held her sword to the enemy Servants with Caster ready with a smirk on his face showing great confidence. There is a hidden message behind that smirk which everyone could tell that he is up to something.
Saber: You jest, it is humiliating that you would show much concern over such a scratch.
Lancer: *Stance* Prepare yourself Saber. This time you're mine!
Saber: Only if I fail to deliver the first decisive strike Lancer.
Archer: Get ready Caster! I don't know what that was but you're going down!
Caster: I'd like to see you try. *Smug grin is visible*
A thunder bolt struck in the space between the four Servants as a chariot, driven by Rider landed on that space on the ground. Every spectator looked at Rider as he held his arms out as if welcoming something.
Rider: All of you, sheathe your weapons for you're in the presence of a king! I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors, in this battle for the Holy Grail, I am of the Rider Class of Servants.
Everyone is looking on at shock of the sudden appearance and announcement of Rider.
Thanks for waiting. As I promised, I am giving two stats. HEre are Akame and Delsin's stats
Servant: Assassin
Master: Waver Velvet
Identity: Akame
Series: Akame ga Kill
Sex: Female
Strength: A
Endurance: A
Agility: B+
Mana: D
Luck: B (Just for funsies)
Noble Phantasm: B+
Class Skills
Presence Concealment
A: Akame has the ability to hide herself from enemies and will only be detected by the Presence Detection Skill
Personal Skills
Instinct
A: Akame's instincts in battle are what are known to be great fights. Her instincts allow her to fight and predict her enemy's movements. This complements with Eye of the Mind.
Eye of the Mind (True)
A: She is able to analyze all abilities when she witnesses them.
Battle Continuation
A: As an Assassin of great conviction and endurance, she will continue on into her battle and complete her duty at all costs.
Noble Phantasm
One-Cut Kill Murasame: (Anti-Unit: B+) The deadly Imperial Arms that will kill her enemies with one cut. When she cuts her enemies, it will send a cursed poison and it will spread to the heart and kills them.
Demon Mode: (Self: A+) In order to activate this, Akame must cut herself with Murasame and enter her Demon Mode. Her base stats will got up one rank and any stats at A will go to A+.
Servant: Archer
Master: Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald
Identity: Delsin Rowe
Series: Infamous Second Son
Sex: Male
Strength: B
Endurance: B
Agility: C
Mana: A
Luck: B (Just for funsies)
Class Skill
Independent Action: The ability to continue on in the world without a contract.
C: Delsin can last long for about one or two days without a mana source.
Magic Resistance
B: Delsin can tolerate magic that is ranked equal or lower than Magic Resistance.
Personal Skills
Power Sponge
A+: Delsin's main ability as he can copy the powers of others by touching their hands. The only exception is that he must develop it if he wants to get stronger. Also, he can use one power at a time. If he wants to change, he must find a source of that power.
Smoke Manipulation
A: Delsin is a Master of the Smoke Powers, even better than Hank Daughtry when he received it.
Neon
A: Delsin is a Master of the Neon Powers, even better than Fetch when she received it.
Video
A: Delsin is a Master of the Video Powers, even better than Eugene when he received it.
Concrete
B: Delsin is a Master of the Concrete Powers, only slightly better than Augustine when she received it.
Rapid Healing
A: If given moments of reprieve, Delsin's wounds will heal quickly.
Noble Phantasm
Orbital Drop: (Anti-Army: A) Delsin dematerializes into three balls of smoke which propell upwards. Upon reaching a specific height, Delsin rematerializes and rapidly falls down, exploding into smoke and embers upon contact with the surface.
Radiant Sweep: (Anti-Army: A) he concentrates neon energy into himself and then bursts, shooting beams in all directions, producing a massive explosion.
Hellfire Swarm: (Anti-Army: A) he summons both angels and demons, from the game Heaven's Hellfire, to swoop down and carpet bombing enemies.