Chapter 5
The Gathering of Heroes
The big announcement by Rider left pretty much everyone with mixed reactions. For the green Saber, he could only give an old chuckle. For the other Rider, she giggled a bit, much to Maiya's confusion considering her almost uninterested and blank expression. Waver's Assassin could only give a small smile. Avenger also gave a small smile as it reminds her of her own friends. Tokiomi's Lancer couldn't help but laugh. The sane Berserker can only sweat drop at this with her weapon. The same goes for the Servants within Rider's vicinity.
Waver: W-What the hell were you thinking announcing yourself like that you idiot!? *Gets flicked to the head*
Rider: Fate has brought us all together in this place to do battle for possession of the Holy Grail. But first, I would like to make a proposition… An offer… WHAT THINK OF YOU YIELDING THE HOLY GRAIL TO ME AND JOINING MY GLORIOUS AND INVINCIBLE ARMY! You would be treated as honorable allies, friends, and brothers in arms! Together we shall share the honor and glory of battle and the joy of world conquest!
Lancer: *Shakes his head* I'm afraid I must decline your offer. As tempting as that offer may be, I can only give the Grail to none but one man, my new avowed lord and Master, and not the likes of you, Rider!
Archer: As he said, very tempting offer Rider. But I am afraid that it is not my place to say what my allegiance is. I have an ideal that tells that I must stick with who I am with at all times.
Caster: Well… A very great speech Rider. I will give you a perfect score for guts and confidence but I must give you a zero for subtlety. Also I can't take you up on your offer on world conquest since I am not really interested.
Saber: Tell me Rider, did you interfere with our battle, rudely, merely to offer that ridiculous laughable plan of yours? This is a grave offense against my honor.
Rider: I am willing to give compensation—
Saber and Lancer: Enough!
Archer and Caster merely laughed.
Saber: And further, I am the rightful king of Britain, and not merely a knight of the realm. I can never lower myself to a mere retainer, even to a mighty king.
Rider: Oh! You are the king of Britain? That is quite a surprise! I would hardly have expected for the King of Knights to be a little girl!
Caster: Aw crap. Rider just had to push her buttons, didn't he now?
Saber: Then would you like a taste of this little girl's blade, King of Conquerors?
Rider: *Sighs* I suppose negotiations have failed. Such a terrible waste. What an awful shame.
Waver: RIDEEEERRRRR!
Through his scope, Kiritsugu was looking at the newcomer Servant. He could only sigh as he wondered how Rider could have ruled the world once. Waver was yelling at his Servant for his stupidity before he was interrupted.
Kayneth: So, you were the one who did it, huh? I've been wondering what twisted madness had invaded your psyche and compelled you to steal my relic. *Scoffs* I never even imagined that you yourself have been planning to enter the Holy Grail War, Waver Velvet. Now I know that you are not experienced in these matters. How would you like me to offer you a private lesson? What it really means to Mages to kill one another? I'll teach you all about the fear and pain involved in such noble endeavors. You should feel honored.
Waver is freaking out as the thought of being in pained struck him hard. He cowered with his head covered and tears flowing from his eyes. Assassin looked from afar to see his Master in great peril. In the short time they knew each other, she sees greatness in him when he mentioned how he entered the Grail War in order to prove to his classmates and teachers that he could become a great Magus through hard work instead of pedigree. She decided to make her presence known to everyone.
A katana stabbed into the ground near the chariot from the sky. Everyone became alerted of it as Assassin freefell from the sky and grabbed the katana before going into a stance.
Assassin: Magus! Do not insult my Master!
Waver: Assassin?
Rider: Well Assassin! I'm glad that you decide to show up and join the party!
Assassin approached Waver and applied a wet cloth on Waver's bruised forehead from where Rider flicked him.
Kayneth: You dare speak to me like that you lowly Servant!?
Assassin: Are you okay Master? *Smiles*
Waver couldn't believe it. Seeing Assassin smile at him when the situation is dire calmed him down. He blushed at the closeness of their faces. He felt a hand on his back as he looked to see Rider smiling at him too.
Rider: Magus who is speaking right now! Do I understand correctly that you believe that you were to be mine and possibly Assassin's Master rather than this boy we are sworn to serve?! That whole idea is absurd, laughable! Only one brave enough to ride into the battlefield standing at my side could ever hope to be my Master!
Assassin: And someone who believed that great change can happen deserves to be my Master!
Rider: A coward who lacks sufficient courage to show himself is nowhere close to being worthy of me! *Laughs*
Assassin: A man who looks down upon others and is willing to kill even his own students brings me sickness to my stomach! *Points her katana at Kayneth* I will have the pleasure to eliminating you from the War.
Kayneth is at his boiling point as Rider and Assassin humiliated him all in order to protect Waver.
Assassin: Feeling better Master?
Waver: Thank you so much Assassin, Rider! *Cries a bit*
Rider: *Looks at them and smiles* Of course! There are also others. They're out there skulking in the darkness, watching us!
Saber: What are you talking about Rider?
Caster: Saber, you should let the man explain.
Rider: *Thumbs up* Thank you for the input Caster. Saber, Caster, Lancer, and Archer, the skills and bravery you've shown were impressive, your duel was magnificent! Surely the sound of your blades and power and the fury of your battle called other Heroic Spirits here to bear witness and gain knowledge from your encounter. HEROIC SPIRITS, BORNE AGAIN FROM THE HOLY GRAIL, GATHER HERE NOW! THOSE TOO COWARDLY TO SHOW THEMSELVES HERE NOW TONIGHT WILL DRAW THE VISCIOUS SCORN OF ISKANDAR, KING OF CONQUERORS!
Meanwhile, Tokiomi is hearing this and knew that this going to lead to something bad. So did Kirei as they know that a certain Servant won't take kindly to Rider's message. Everyone sensed another presence as a golden materialization is visible to them.
Waver: Oh no… It's him!
Kayneth: One of the Servants that defeated Assassin?
The golden being materialized on top of the light pole
Archer: So… Two lesser beings dare to name themselves kings even in my royal presence.
Rider: I fail to see where the problems lie Servant for I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors known through all the lands in the world.
Archer: What nonsense, you're deluding yourself, I am the one true of the world. All others are mongrels, pretenders to the name.
Rider: If you are that insistent of your claim then why not name yourself, no true king should be troubled by something as simple as giving his name to those he wishes to challenge.
Archer: So… You would question me, you filthy mongrel. Me!? The one true king!? If you cannot now discern my identity, in the presence of my magnificent glory, then your ignorance blindness will ensure your doom!
Archer then decided to bring out his Noble Phantasm The Gate of Babylon. Two weapons emerged from golden portals behind the Servant. Everyone witnessed this and analyzed it immediately in hopes of finding a weakness or somehow find a hint as to what his identity is.
Rider: I see, so that is how he defeated Assassin.
Kiritsugu: *Looks through scope* So that's his Noble Phantasm.
Archer was ready to fire until…
Voice: Come on Archer, don't be like that.
Everyone looked up at another light pole to find that it is the blue Lancer that was with Archer the night that Assassin was supposedly defeated.
Archer: You dare interrupt my judgement Lancer!?
Lancer: Yes, I do dare Goldie. I'm just here to remind you that our Master does not want us to be here tonight.
Archer: So you are telling me that I should let these mongrels bark out claims of being king when I should be the one true king!?
Lancer: *Rubs his hair* Again with this? I just can't believe that we are partners in this war. *Looks at other Servants* I apologize for my partner here. He just has a massive stick up his ass.
At this point, every hero from a parallel world couldn't help but laugh except for Waver's Assassin.
Archer: Lancer! You dare humiliate me!? *He nods* Well then, once I deal with these mongrels, I will be sure that you are next!
Archer returned to his firing stance. This time for sure but…
Kariya: Kill them all Berserkers.
Out of a burst of darkness, Kariya's Mad Berserker materialized into physical form with a roar. Everyone knew right off the bat that this is the Berserker class.
Lancer: So King of Conquerors, are you planning to ask him to join too?
Rider: Perhaps not, he doesn't seem terribly interested in civilized negotiations of any kind. They there boy, how powerful of a Servant is this monster?
Waver: I don't know! I can't really tell!
Rider: What do you mean boy? Are you not a Master chosen by the Holy Grail? You're supposed to be able to sense their strengths and weaknesses.
Waver: I can't tell anything. That black thing is definitely a Servant but I can't read its status or anything else!
Assassin: The unknown is dangerous. Without proper analysis of his abilities, we can't make battle against them.
Irisviel: It appears that you will be fighting another difficult enemy.
Saber: Yes so it seems, that spirit has some curse or other ability. It fully conceals everything about him.
Caster: That's only one of the problems, right now, there are about eight other Servants present.
Saber: Eight other Servants? I only see seven.
Caster: Here comes one right now!
The Blue Lancer was distracted by the Mad Berserker's appearance to not notice the sane Berserker appearing behind him ready to swing her scythe. He noticed at the last minute and barely blocked most of the impact of her scythe. Berserker then jumped back after noticing her attack was blocked. She landed next to the Mad Berserker.
Lancer: Who is that?
Archer: I don't know but I can tell that she's no joke.
Sane Berserker: *Bows in respect* I am one of the two Berserkers in this Holy Grail War. It is nice to meet you all!
Saber: She still retains her sanity!?
Caster: It shouldn't be possible but I guess even the impossible can be achieved.
Rider: For someone who should have lost all sanity and reason, she's actually rather nimble. I should ask her to join me.
Blue Lancer: I have to say, that was a good move in taking advantage of the distraction made by your partner. But I will be more prepared next time.
Blue Lancer showed off immense strength as he threw his Noble Phantasm, Glaive of a Thunder Beast, at such high speeds towards the Sane Berserker. Berserker knew that he won't be able to dodge in time so she would have no choice but to turn to another option.
Sane Berserker: Let's go Soul Resonance!
The words spoken were heard as though there were two people speaking. Her body was surrounded with a blue aura and the blade of her scythe became the shape of a crescent moon. She then swung the scythe towards the incoming spear.
Sane Berserker: Witch Hunter!
The blast of energy from the scythe knocked the spear back like a leaf to a storm. It was knocked back towards the Blue Lancer who caught it just time before it could hit him.
Lancer: Interesting. What a great move she did.
The golden Archer looked to see Berserker looking at him.
Archer: Who gave you permission to look upon me, you rabid dog? May your death provide me some modicum of entertainment, mongrel.
Archer then turned the golden portals towards the Mad Berserker and fired. It went by so fast as the impact of the two weapons created a small explosion with the ground. Everyone thought that he was taken out but they noticed the smile on the other Berserker's face.
Sane Berserker: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
As the smoke clears, they saw the Mad Berserker unscathed and holding the sword that Archer fired on him.
Lancer: My god, is that really Berserker!?
Archer: That guy is tougher than Augustine.
Rider: For a madman completely devoid of a soul or conscience, he's just as nimble as the other Berserker.
Waver looked on with confusion.
Akame: It's rather simple Master. He ducked underneath the sword flying at him first and snatched it out of the air and used it knock the second spear out of the air. This Berserker is a skilled combatant in using weapons.
Archer: You dare lay your filthy hands on my precious treasures. You must long for a painful death, cur!
Many more weapons appeared out of golden portals as everyone stared in shock and awe at the display. He was about to fire more but heard the sound of a cane. Everyone turned to the source. They were shocked to see a little green alien walking in to the battle with a cane to support him.
Green Saber: To meet you all, it is a pleasure. *Old chuckle* Servant Saber, I am.
They all looked at the newly named Saber Servant.
Archer: Why does this war have so many mongrels that would dare interrupt me!? I will be sure that you are to be dispatched immediately for your impudence in interrupting me you little menace!
Green Saber: Size does not matter, young one.
Archer fired two swords at the Green Saber. Everyone thought it is all over for him but then the Servant held his hand out to the swords and some mysterious force stops them to everyone's shock. The weapons turned around and was fired back at Archer who had to jump up as the light pole he is on is destroyed. However it left a cut on his face.
Female Rider: Uh oh.
Blue Lancer: He's done it now.
Gold Archer: You fool. You dare to ruin the face of a true king!? I, who belongs among the heavens, yet you would have tread along the ground! Your impudence has guaranteed your death! Mongrels, when I'm through with you, nothing will remain of your corpses!
Meanwhile, Tokiomi and Kirei see the battle is taking a drastic turn as Archer is opening up more portals.
Tokiomi: Gilgamesh is serious.
Kirei: He plans to open the Gate of Babylon even further.
Tokiomi: Repeatedly exposing his Noble Phantasm for all the others to see. How very rash of him.
Kirei: Your decision, my Master?
Tokiomi: I have no choice. After I have Gilgamesh leave, I will have Lancer to take on the Green Saber. You will send Rider in to the battle to face the Sane Berserker.
Kirei: Understood my Master.
Tokiomi: *Archer's Command Seals glow* With the power of my Command Seal, King of Heroes, quell thine anger and withdraw!
Archer: *Felt the Command* You dare to order a king to withdraw? To leave the fight undone? You have much nerve Tokiomi. *Banishes Gate of Babylon and weapons*
Lancer saw this and smirked at Archer.
Lancer: So the Master had to use a Command Seal in order to stop Gilgamesh. A bold move Master Tokiomi.
Archer: You were fortunate mad dog, green menace. You mongrels, by our next meeting, see that you culled your numbers. Only a true hero is worthy to look up on by glorious presence. *Dematerializes*
Rider: It would seem that Archer and the Blue Lancer's Master has far less fortitude than Archer has.
Blue Lancer: I wouldn't say that about my Master though. It's the fact about Archer's arrogance. I would like to apologize for that though.
Rider: There's no need actually. Say, aren't you going to go?
Blue Lancer: No, it would seem my Master needs me to be here for some reason.
Meanwhile with Rider who is being under close watch my Maiya, an Assassin discreetly sent a message to Rider.
Assassin: Rider, Master Kirei orders you to fight the sane Berserker. You need not to kill her but to gather information on her abilities.
Rider: I will do as ordered Assassin.
Rider then took the ready and her boots changed forms. Maiya caught this and noted it in her mind. The new boots are designed to look like a Pegasus. Rider flew into the air and into the battlefield. Her landing is heard by everyone. Everyone looked to see yet another young girl appear.
Rider: I am the Servant Rider, I challenge you Berserker.
Maka: She is only our age.
Soul: I feel as though the Grail thinks it's cool to summon young children into this. Not cool at all. Get ready Maka, this is going to get ugly.
Irisviel: Caster, Berserker, Archer, Assassin, Lancer, and Rider… So many people so young are summoned as heroes. What kind of heroes were they in life?
Saber: This is getting ridiculous.
Caster: I don't know what's worse, another Servant entering, or the fact that this girl is nonchalant in this situation.
Lancer: So many enemies around us…
Archer: I don't know what to do, I hope the Master doesn't do anything stupid.
Tokiomi: Lancer, fight with the Green Saber to survey his abilities and skills until I order you to stop.
Lancer: I guess that means I'm up. Green Saber, my Master requests me to challenge you.
Green Saber: *Old Chuckle* Accept your challenge, I will. *Takes out lightsaber*
Sane Berserker: Challenge Accepted, Rider.
Each Servant faced their own opponent with great caution.
In the battle between the Sane Berserker and Rider, they basically exchanged blows to each, yet Rider is taking the upper hand. Rider is showing great amounts of strength in the fight as she once held an entire crate above her head to throw it at Berserker. Her boots were noted in the spectator's minds as they changed into a Pegasus theme, which increased her speed somehow and given her the power of flight. Berserker decided to use Soul Resonance again but Rider got a punch in to her stomach.
In the battle between the Green Saber and the Blue Lancer, it is pretty much even between the two. The former's speed is unlike anything the Servants have seen before as his quick strikes kept his opponent on the defense. The latter's great strength proves as a crucial factor in this fight which evens out with Saber's speed.
As they fought, the King of Knights, Saber, turned towards the mad Berserker who is staring at her. After a brief moment, the mad Berserker screamed out in anger as tendrils emerged from his back. Everyone's attention turned to Berserker as he rushes towards Saber while picking up a pole to attack her. Everyone took notice of the changes on the pole when Saber blocked it. It is now corroded with a red and black color. Assassin and Rider deduced that the Mad Berserker has an ability which allows anything it touches to become a Noble Phantasm. Meanwhile, Saber noticed that her left hand isn't responding well and is now affecting her performance. The sane Berserker sees the rage in her fellow Servant and worries about their Master who is suffering from the consumption of mana.
Sane Berserker: Berserker stop!
She was about to rush and subdue her partner but Rider prevented her from going any further.
For now, everything is looking grim for Kiritsugu and his team. In a split second, the mad Berserker had Saber beat with the pole on the verge of hitting her head. But then a flash of red cut the pole and it revealed to be Lancer.
Lancer: That's quite enough messing around, Berserker. You see, Saber has a prior engagement. If you insist on interfering with that obligation, you'll have to face me.
Archer: I'll be honest, it would be very sad if you had taken out Saber there. It wouldn't be fair for Lancer as I do have a prior engagement with Caster here. I mean, I want a good fight, Lancer wants a good fight. Our Master would probably force us to gang up.
Caster: I didn't know that you had chivalry.
Archer: Well it ain't dead yet Caster.
Saber: Lancer…
Kayneth: What are you doing Lancer, Archer? This is your chance to take out Saber and Caster out of play.
Archer: Oh come on man! It doesn't have to be this way.
Lancer: Our Master! I, Diarmuid, will defeat Saber. And Archer will do the same with Caster! I swear upon my honor! If you insist us to kill them here and now, then let us defeat that mad dog Berserker. Please our Master, let it be so.
Kayneth: With my Command Seals, I order you, Lancer, Archer…
Lancer: My Lord!
Archer: Don't you dare!
Kayneth: You are to help Berserker kill Saber and Caster now!
A brief silence occurred as Lancer and Archer turned towards Saber and Caster. Then they struck their weapons at them. Saber and Caster jumped back barely in time. They look at them to see the effects of the Command Seals take them over. Lancer, Archer, and Berserker stand side by side to each other as they prepare to attack.
Rider on the other side sent a crushing kick to the sane Berserker's abdomen sending her to right beside them. The blue Lancer gained the upper hand in his fight and sent the Green Saber to them too.
Caster: Are you two okay!?
Sane Berserker: I'll be fine. *Looks at the Mad Berserker* Damn it! Berserker, what are you doing? We are on the same side!
Green Saber: Hear you, he does not. Madness clouds his judgement.
Caster: This is bad. They not only beat us by numbers, but their skills far exceed our own.
Saber: Irisviel, listen, you must leave this place as quickly as possible.
Caster: She's right Irisviel, these Servants aren't to be taken lightly with.
Irisviel: It's all right Saber, Caster, please believe in your Master! I know he can still turn this into a victory!
Saber and Caster heard that and realized that their Master Kiritsugu is nearby.
Kiritsugu had to make a quick decision. Kiritsugu would fire at Kayneth while Maiya would shoot at the concealed Assassin with suppressive fire only. Time seemed to slow down for everyone as the five enemy Servants attack the four Servants who are outmatched at the moment in numbers and skill.
At the last second, a bright light shined the battlefield and between the two groups of Servants. The light blinded everyone but a clang of metal can be heard. As the light faded, a wondrous sight and a miracle can be seen. The Avenger Class Servant has arrived and is locking swords with the Blue Lancer.
Blue Lancer: Now who would you be little girl?
Avenger: You may call me Avenger.
Blue Lancer: Avenger?
Avenger then jumped back and everyone took a look at her weapon. Her weapon is literally a key with silver teeth and handle, a gold yellow guard, and a keychain.
Saber: Is that a sword or a key?
The sane Berserker used Soul Perception to see her soul to see a bright light that blocks her from seeing her soul completely.
Green Saber: A miracle.
Caster: Looks like luck is on our side tonight.
Rider: You may be of a different and mysterious class but that won't change anything.
Kayneth: Lancer, Archer, kill that brat and proceed with your order!
All five Servants didn't think twice as they rushed the Avenger Servant. Then out of nowhere, every single Servant suddenly has their vision shot for a second. It placed them all out of focus as Avenger rushed forward and hit every one of them. Berserker was sent tumbling on the ground, the Blue Lancer flew into a crate, Rider, was sent flying but recovered gracefully, and Archer and Lancer leapt away to avoid a hit.
Kiritsugu: What was that?
Rider: Huh. This Servant is quite a tough one isn't he? And that Avenger Servant is quite a nimble one.
The first Rider used his chariot to get a closer look. The sane Berserker went up to check on him. She had a sigh of relief knowing that he is okay as he dematerialized.
Assassin: It would seem as though your Master thinks that your partner has had enough tonight, sane Berserker.
Sane Berserker: It would seem that way.
Blue Lancer: Hey Rider, I don't like my odds with these guys around.
Rider: Agreed. *To the other Servants* We have seen what we want tonight. Goodbye…
Both Rider and the Blue Lancer dematerialized and head back to their Masters.
Rider: I didn't even get the chance to ask them to join me. Eh… They would've said no anyway. Anyways, Master of Lancer and Archer, I know not from whence you are watching, but do sully a battle between knights with your petty tricks. Have Lancer and Archer withdraw. If you insist to humiliating them further, then Assassin and I will join Saber, Caster, Green Saber, Avenger, and the sane Berserker against them. Without the support of the other Servants fighting alongside them, then it will be ensured that the seven of us will annihilate them. What will it be?
Kayneth is not happy about this.
Kayneth: Fine. Withdraw, Lancer, Archer. That's enough for tonight.
Lancer: My thanks, King of Conquerors, Assassin.
Archer: I have to thank you too.
Rider: It was nothing. The flowers of a battlefield must bloom.
Assassin: All battles must be finished accordingly.
Saber and Caster looked at Lancer and Archer and gave them a nod as they dematerialized.
Saber: Tell me, what was your purpose in coming here, King of Conquerors?
Rider: Well honestly, I try not to think too hard on these kinds of things. Saber and Caster, first settle things with Archer and Lancer in battle. And then, Assassin and I will face the victors, be it you two or them.
Assassin: Either way, it will be a pleasure to fighting either of you in battle.
Caster: I see, then I look forward to it too.
Rider: Before I go, Berserker, Avenger, Saber would you two like to join me in my army?
Berserker: *Shakes her head* I'm afraid I will have to decline Rider. I am sworn to my own Master and will stay by his side for the war.
Avenger: *chuckles* Sorry but no.
Green Saber: *chuckles* Decline, I must.
Rider: Heh. Well it was worth a shot. Avenger, would you please let us see your face?
Avenger: My face? Why would you want to see my face?
Rider: In battle, I remember the faces of my enemies. I want to at least remember your face as so I can remember it forever.
Avenger proceeded to do so. She is revealed to be a fourteen year old girl with blue eyes and black hair that goes down to her neck. Everyone was surprised that another Servant is summoned at a such a young age.
Rider: One surprise after another. Well, everyone, goodbye for the moment, it was a pleasure and I sincerely hope to enjoy our next meeting as much as I did this one. Hey boy, don't you have anything nice to say to the nice ladies and gentlemen?
Assassin looked down to see Waver in a shocked state.
Assassin: It looks as though Master fainted from shock.
Rider: I really do wish he would man up a little. Oh well. Fare thee well!
With a last smile, Rider and Assassin took off on the chariot back to their base. Now it leaves Saber, Caster, Green Saber, Berserker, and Avenger.
Berserker: Anyway *Bows* I would like to apologize for my partner's behavior. I didn't know what happened back there and I need to check in with my Master.
Saber: Think nothing of it Berserker.
Caster: War is unpredictable and Berserker's actions are an example of that.
Green Saber: To fight with you all, I will enjoy.
Berserker: Well who know? We might even join forces before this is over.
Saber: What about you Avenger?
Avenger: Well… I don't know really but I want to see how this war can go from here. But I would love to fight alongside you all.
Berserker: Well… I guess I should go. Later! *Dematerializes*
Green Saber: Go, I must. *Uses his cane to walk away* May the Force be with you all, Saber, Caster, Avenger. May we meet again in the future.
Avenger: Wait! Can I go with you?
Green Saber: Why seek me young Avenger?
Avenger: It just gets lonely and I need wisdom. Would you allow me?
Green Saber: Let us go.
Avenger walked with the Green Saber before looking back and waves a goodbye to Saber and Caster.
Caster: You know Saber, I would really hate to kill the other Servants. Most of them seem nice to me.
Saber: I know… But I know it is inevitable.
Irisviel: Saber! Your left arm!
Saber: Yes, it was a painful blow, it is as Rider says, if I fail to deal with Lancer first and undo the curse on this wound, it will damage my chances against the other Servants.
Irisviel: *Holds her left hand and Caster's right* Thank you Saber, Caster, I survived thanks to you two.
Caster: It is no problem Irisviel. But we should be thanking you.
Saber: The reason we could focus on the battlefield before us was because we had you stand behind us.
Irisviel: Saber, Caster…
Saber: The battle has only begun.
Caster: This meeting shows many powerful adversaries in the wake of the war.
Saber: Not one of them is a conventional enemy.
Irisviel: So this is the Holy Grail War.
In the Darkness
Kariya: *laughs maniacally* That Archer turned and ran like a cowardly rat from both of my Berserkers. I also got to embarrass that stupid, arrogant ass. Tokiomi, how I wish to see the look on your face.
Kariya was laughing before he fell over to his knees and vomited blood along with some of his worms. Due to the huge consumption of mana from the mad Berserker's attacks along with his sane counterpart's use of her Soul Resonance Noble Phantasm placed great strain on his body.
Berserker: Master! *pats his back* Are you okay?
Kariya: I am fine Maka. That damn Berserker broke free of my control and started Saber for some reason.
Soul: We need to do something about him. If this happens more often, you know what would happen right?
Kariya: I know. I never really expected in commanding two Servants at the same. It is straining as it is. Although, I have to be thankful for your Anti-Demon Wavelength skill to getting rid of the Mad Enhancement in you or I would have died by now. Anyway, what do you think of the other Servants?
Berserker: Well Saber, Caster, the Green Saber, Avenger, Assassin, and Rider don't seem too bad. They seem keen on the idea of working together. The Green Saber is very wise in his words. Assassin and Rider are very likeable and are quick to defend others. As for Avenger, she's a mystery though.
Kariya: What do you mean by that?
Soul: Maka is saying that when she used Soul Perception to look at Avenger, she only saw a bright light that wouldn't allow her to see her soul.
Kariya: I also had the same problem. I tried to look at her stats but I believe that cloak she wears is preventing me from doing so.
Soul: Moving on, the Rider that we faced is very powerful. Her power is enormous and can easily dispatch of us. The first Lancer and Archer seem like okay people but I didn't like the sound of their Master. The Blue Lancer seems like a potential ally but his arrogant partner Archer would shatter that plan. All in all, the Sabers, Caster, Assassin, Rider, and Avenger would be our best chance of an alliance.
Kariya would have to agree, he originally planned to defeat the other Servants with both Berserkers alone but the majority of the other Servants shattered that plan to pieces. Saber is skilled with a sword and can go toe to toe with opponents that are superior to her on the power scale. She hasn't revealed her Noble Phantasm yet which is a factor to keep in mind later. Caster is another story, he is skilled in close-range combat with his magic. Something is telling Kariya that there is more to Caster than meets the eye other than his rather young age. An alliance with those two would be the best course of action.
More prime candidates would be Rider, Assassin, Green Saber, and Avenger. Rider and Assassin are very quick to defending their Master as Berserker would say. However Rider's 'alliance' is actually less of one and more of a proposition to join him in exchange for the Grail in his case. Assassin is a loyal Servant to her Master. Kariya could see the pain in her stoic expression and could tell that she has seen a lot in her life. The Green Saber is seen as a wise elder in everyone's eyes and his speed and skills with a sword is something to look out for. Avenger saved his Servant and dispatched his other easily. Kariya wonders how someone so young can be so powerful. He could understand Maka's situation but wondered what Avenger was like in life.
As for the other Servants, he wasn't so sure about. It's obvious that the gold Archer and the Blue Lancer aren't ones that he would team with due to them being Tokiomi's Servants. However, he did notice that the Blue Lancer likes to poke fun with Archer. That personality of his could indicate that he's willing for an alliance if he wasn't Tokiomi's Servant. As for the other Lancer and Archer duo, they both show honor on the battlefield but as Soul said, his Master wouldn't be someone to trust due to the fact that he used Command Seals to force them to fight. The female Rider that attacked Berserker is someone that would submissively take orders. But Kariya can tell that she is friendly girl under that uninterested expression.
Kariya: Do you think that you could take her on?
Berserker: Don't worry. We have a little something that could work on her. But I'm worried about you. I was very sure that using Witch Hunter alone could trigger the worms to have that kind of reaction. I don't know if you could survive the full power of the technique, let alone having the mad Berserker assist us.
Kariya is truly touched by their concern for his own well-being. He knows that it is inevitable for them to use their trump card.
Kariya: Don't worry about me, either of you. Do what you have to do to win, I'll survive.
Soul: There is one more thing.
Berserker: What is that?
Soul: The second Caster Servant hasn't appeared yet.
Kariya: That's right. That Green Saber should've had a partner for a Caster Servant.
Berserker: There's the strange case of that Saber. Along with their souls, I can also see the mana distribution. The Green Saber didn't have one, which means that he currently doesn't have a Master.
Kariya: What kind of a Master summoned him anyway?
Soul: Whoever it is, there must be a reason for that.
The three went on to head back to their alley of a home and plan their next move.
Church Basement
In the Church's basement, Rider returned and reported her findings of the sane Berserker's strength to her Master Kirei. Kirei was intrigued by the findings. They then felt the presence of one of the faces of Assassin.
Assassin: Begging your pardon Master Kirei. Master, I've come to report something of interest outside the church. *Presents bat*
Kirei: A familiar?
Assassin: Yes, it was outside the barrier, but it was clearly sent here for the purpose of monitoring the church.
Upon further examination, Kirei noticed a small camera on the bat familiar's leg.
Kirei: A familiar with a camera? Usage of technology is considered a taboo among Magi. The only person that ever uses such things is… Kiritsugu Emiya.
Meanwhile in the sewers of Fuyuki City, a one-armed Uryuu Ryuunosuke, who is pissed at the Green Saber for cutting off his arm, was watching the battle at the docks through a magical orb that Caster made. He was very excited at all the battles and was hoping that he and Caster can participate. However, Caster noticed one person in the battle that took his interests and his emotions out of control. He claimed that this person is someone who was forsaken by God. He thought of this as a miracle. The orb then created an image to show that it is Kiritsugu's Saber.
Outside the Church
Avenger and the Green Saber finally arrived in their destination.
Avenger: Um… Aren't we supposed to be forbidden from being here?
Saber: Urgent, it is. A danger, my former Master is. *Holds a cloth holding his Command Seals.*
Servant: Lancer
Master: Tokiomi Tohsaka
Identity: Hak
Series: Akatsuki no Yona
Sex: Male
Strength: A
Endurance: A
Agility: B
Mana: D
Luck: C
Noble Phantasm: A
Class Skill
Magic Resistance
A: Any type of magic that is under the level of True Magic cannot affect or damage Hak.
Personal Skills
Martial Skill:
A: Hak's skills with the Chinese Guandao polearm are the best in the country. His speed and strength allow him to deal powerful blows, even sweeping aside a large area of fog with one swift strike. Aside from his mastery with a glaive, he is also good in swordsmanship and archery.
Immense Strength:
A: He is noted to have unusual strength by numerous people, including the four dragon warriors. Even without his weapon, he can deal strong blows with his fists.
Battle Continuation
B: As a Bodyguard for his love, Yona, he can keep fighting until the end, even while injured and on the verge of death.
Noble Phantasm
Glaive of the Thunder Beast: (Anti-Unit: A) The Chinese Guandao polearm that Hak is known of using in his time. Along with his Immense Strength skill, he can throw the Glaive in insane speeds and strike his opponent from afar.