Disclaimer: I don't own any Type-Moon or Nasuverse related stuff.
A/N: And the third night comes to a close. Hope you all enjoy.
Shadows Abound
The Magus Killer was pulled along by the woman who had come to rescue him. Maiya Hisau was careful to support Kiritsugu Emiya as they quickly hurried through the forest with the man's right arm wrapped around her shoulders while his broken left one hung against his side. Kiritsugu felt more relieved with each step they took, putting greater distance between themselves and the man who could've killed him but had decided not to. Although, Kirei was actually…
"Did Archer contact you?" Kiritsugu asked Maiya, shoving his new thoughts concerning the priest to the back of his mind. Right now, he had to focus on their escape.
"Yes. He confirmed Assassin's survival as well." Maiya replied as they ran.
"I see."
Kiritsugu had expected something like that since Archer hadn't personally came to his aid, but Kiritsugu tensed as his eyes scanned the dark trees of the trees that surrounded them. He and Maiya moved at a swift pace, and they weren't too far into the forest to begin with. A couple minutes of running and they should've been able to reach the streets. But now Kiritsugu knew Assassin was still a threat. The Servant of the Shadows was still alive somehow, lurking in the shadows. And now that he knew of Kirei's interest, of his obsession with the man known as Kiritsugu Emiya…
Kiritsugu's eyes widened when he saw a chalky white mask smiling at them from between the trees. A dark blur flew in their direction. In a synchronized movement that only the Magus Killer and his personal assistant could pull off, moving in rhythm that is only capable for those who have trained and learned from each other, Kiritsugu and Maiya separated and dodged the dagger that had been thrown at them with a speed that made it seem like the weapon had been a bullet fired from a gun. Even with their perfect movement, had the dagger been meant to kill them, it would have. Kirei didn't want to kill Kiritsugu, and the Magus Killer knew that. So that meant Assassin would not kill him either. The Servant would try to cripple him at most, but-
Several more white masks suddenly emerged from the shadows around them, shocking both Kiritsugu and Maiya.
"More than one?" Kiritsugu muttered, eyes wide in shock.
The masks seemed to smile at the two humans, as if mocking their feeble attempts to flee and spoke as one.
"You will not escape."
The air around them distorted as several dark blurs were hurled in their direction. Kiritsugu and Maiya didn't break their pace though and kept running forward. Kiritsugu's body tensed the moment his feet lifted off the ground. Would they be stopped here, or would they be allowed to take another step…?
Red covered Kiritsugu's vision for a moment as a figure swept in front of them. He heard the sound of iron striking iron as the daggers were reflected. Kiritsugu and Maiya ran past Archer. The Servant followed after his Master and his assistant as he covered their retreat.
"Were you aware that there were multiple Assassins?" Kiritsugu asked Maiya as they stuck close together. So long as they didn't separate, Archer would have a smaller area that he needed to cover.
"You did not say there was more than one Assassin." Maiya answered though she spoke as if she was addressing Archer.
"When I told you 'Assassins alive', I meant Assassins as in plural." Archer replied as he swung his swords to deflect more daggers. "You didn't pick up on that?"
Even in this situation, Kiritsugu rolled his eyes at his Servant's attitude. He glanced back at the red knight, watching the Servant of the Bow swing his swords to block the daggers that the Assassins tried to sink into their backs. Swords. How could an Archer use swords? Not only that, but he could tell that the black and white blades were of Chinese origin. Kiritsugu wondered if the swords played a part in the Heroic Spirit's legend.
The sound of Archer warding off the Assassins' daggers echoed in Kiritsugu's ears, reminding him that now was not the time to be debating the identity of his Servant. They had to focus on their escape. They maintained their running speed, even as Kiritsugu's arm throbbed. He could ignore it. They were almost out of the forest now, so just a little longer and if Archer maintained his guard-
Kiritsugu's eyes shifted to the side as a shadow's movement caught his attention. He found a white mask staring back at him from a few meters away, keeping pace with their speed so they were practically side by side. The man glanced to Maiya who was running with him on his right side, noticing the second Assassin running along their right side, boxing them in. Kiritsugu cursed to himself. Archer could effectively cover their backs, but he couldn't deflect the daggers that were thrown in the direction he wasn't guarding from! Kiritsugu watched the Assassin closest to him on his left side raise its arm up…!
A white blur that wasn't another Assassin's mask shot past him, lodging itself in the shadow's chest and dropping the Servant to the ground. With the speed they were running at Kiritsugu barely had a moment to recognize it was the white sword Archer had been holding that had been thrown and imbedded into the Assassin's chest. His head snapped to the right just in time to see Archer's thrown black sword spin through the air and cut a large gash in the neck of the Assassin on their right side. The mask cried out and fell to the ground. The two threats had been eliminated, but now Archer was left without weapons to block the hail of daggers. Or at least, that's what Kiritsugu thought. The sounds of metal deflecting metal continued, and Kiritsugu spared another glance backward to see what Archer was guarding them with now. He was surprised and confused to see the weapons he thought the Servant had discarded were back in his hands, still being swung around and keeping the Darks from piercing their flesh and bone. How and when had he gotten them back…?
Kiritsugu once again turned his back on his Servant when the sound of metal striking metal stopped and darkness around them shifted, and suddenly he saw dozens of white masks floating around them from all directions between the trees and atop their branches. Kiritsugu's mind froze for a moment in complete disbelief, astounded that there was this many Assassins. How could Kirei's Servant split itself apart like this? Kiritsugu could think of no other explanation other than that it was some kind of Noble Phantasm. Suddenly he could see the dark bodies behind the white masks, even as they blended into the darkness around them. Kiritsugu watched as each and every shadow raised its arm, several knives appearing between their fingers. Archer could not guard from every direction with just his two swords. It was impossible. For a moment, Kiritsugu's pace slowed as he gave himself up to the superior killers that had caged them within a wall of smiling white masks.
The silence within the cage was broken by the sound of flesh being ripped and pierced. Kiritsugu had enough time to register that Archer had thrown his swords again and killed another Assassin and resume running before his Servant's voice shouted to him.
"Keep moving!"
And suddenly, the cage of white masks was broken down by numerous beautiful black and white swords thrown in every direction.
"Holy sword user…"
It was obvious to Caster as he beheld the radiance that shined from Saber's sword. The gales that had hidden the sword and though the light made it hard to make out the sword's features, Caster could vaguely grasp its design. It was all he needed though to discern the Servant's identity and to realize exactly who it was he was facing.
The King of Knights raised his sword which began to radiate and shine with energy before the Servant dashed forward, swinging his sword towards the mass of abominations Caster had called forth which rushed to meet the silver knight.
The light shined and tore away the darkness in front of it, destroying each and every monstrous creature in front of him. Saber's brilliant sword cut through the mass of tentacles that swarmed the Servant. No matter how many there were, Saber could not be overwhelmed. With every sweep of his sword Saber advanced a step forward, getting closer to the true monster that needed to be put down.
Caster for his part was torn somewhere between awe in the face of Saber's power and worry that his creatures weren't doing much to impede the Servant like they had Berserker. While Prelati's Spellbook gave him access to an unlimited supply of prana and allowed him to summon as many Horrors as possible, the stronger spells that might've been capable of stopping Saber, took time to prepare. Plus, he could only summon so many creatures at once. Caster hurriedly flipped through the pages of the spellbook, looking for a spell that would help him subdue Saber.
"Caster!"
The grotesque man's eyes widened when he noticed that the Servant of the Sword was suddenly upon him. The man jumped backwards and his Horrors leaped forward, forcing Saber pull back in order to take all of them out in one sweep. From a safer distance, Caster grounded his teeth together as his creatures were destroyed. It hadn't mattered to him when Berserker tore their bodies apart and split their flesh since he could summon even more creatures from their remains, effectively multiplying their numbers. However, if their bodies were completely disintegrated there was nothing to spawn from and their numbers actually began to decrease. Saber's sword swallowed up each creature it touched in a burst of light and left nothing behind.
"Damn! Damn…! Damn you!" Caster hissed, tearing at his hair as he watched his creatures continue to be decimated.
At this rate, Saber would reach him and he would be killed. Caster knew that. But the thought of retreating when he had nothing to bring back, to end this night with his endeavors fruitless… he couldn't stand it! And to leave this warrior alone… what if another Servant snuffed out that light before Caster could harness and corrupt it for his own purposes? He couldn't imagine a Servant of Saber's caliber falling to any of the other Servants he'd seen thus far… but there was always a possibility! Such energy would be more than enough to fuel his beast!
Caster growled under his breath as Saber drew close once again. Unfortunately, and despite his feelings on the matter, he'd have to retreat this night. But he would come back with more Horrors next time. He had only prepared a small force for the night's errand, but next time he'd produce a wave that would overwhelm and swallow the brilliant Servant before him. Thinking of what his patience and preparation would bring him, Caster smiled.
"Ah, I hate to leave our battle unfinished, but I really must be going." Caster called out to Saber. "I have much to do, you see. Rest assured though, for I will be better prepared for our next encounter, King of Knights. I will take that powerful light, taint it, and use it so that the beast will grow!"
"Beast…?" Saber muttered, wondering what the insane Servant was going on about.
"Farewell, Saber! Wait in despair until next time we meet!"
"Caster!" Saber shouted. Caliburn shined and Saber swung the blade forward. You will not escape!"
The light from Saber's sword was released, lancing through the Horrors that guarded Caster. Even if it was successful in destroying the familiars, the attack wasn't fast enough to vanquish Caster.
Caster's book glowed and the man disappeared in a mist of blood. Saber's attack destroyed the area the Servant had been standing in a moment later.
Saber gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, angry that he had failed in eliminating Caster and that he had let the Servant escape. He had not only disappointed himself, but both his Master and Noburu-san who were counting on him. Thinking of the latter, who had told Saber of his plan to help the children escape before they separated so Saber could take out Caster, the King of Knights decided he should probably go catch up with the man. While the man was capable, to fight Caster's monstrosities in great numbers was a battle Noburu would likely lose. He only hoped that not too many of Caster's familiars had followed after the children.
Saber swung his sword backward, destroying the Horrors that tried to attack him. They still acted, even if their master had left. It didn't matter. Now with Caster gone, Saber didn't have to worry about any more of them showing up.
He'd destroy all of them. Then he would help save those children.
Kariya was grateful to the man who decided to lend his aid. The magus who had appeared out of nowhere and saved him and the children from the horde of monsters gave Kariya hope. Of course, the Matou also had his suspicions about Noburu suddenly showing up at the right place at the right time like he had. It wouldn't be out of the question for him to be one of the Masters taking part in the Holy Grail War. A Master who he'd have to kill at some point…
…But Kariya resisted the impulse to order his blade worms to cut the man to ribbons. He needed Noburu's help in order to get the children to safety. They needed to avoid the familiars before they were caught. They had established a sort of hit and run approach, where Kariya would stall the monsters with his flying parasites and Noburu would destroy the bodies of the creatures by using more of those feathers of his. This was how they managed to keep the monsters from catching them and cut down their numbers at the same time. Several more monsters had appeared from the roofs and alleyways, but they were dealt with and kept from getting the drop on their group thanks to the duo's teamwork.
Now, there were only about a five monsters left and there were no longer any extras lying in wait for them. At least they hoped so. They were almost out of the abandoned area and into more public streets. Noburu had already said that he had notified the police about finding some of the children that had gone missing, so once they found them the children would be safe!
Although that would only be true if the monsters were eliminated. Both Kariya and Noburu knew that the beasts would continue to follow after them unless they were stopped. Unfortunately, Noburu had run out of feathers and confessed that he didn't have anything else on hand to deal with the monsters, never once thinking that he would stumble upon what he had tonight and was ill-prepared to deal with the situation.
That's why Kariya had told Noburu to move on while he stayed behind. He had separated from the group and beckoned the remaining monsters toward him so that the magus could escape with the children.
In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best idea. After all, Kariya had only managed to draw three of them along with him while the last two had continued after Noburu and the children.
Kariya's breathing was harsh and ragged as he ran through the dark streets. He could hear the wet, gurgling screeches and cries from the demons slithering after him. He had used many Blade Worms to help Noburu take out the many other creatures that had been among their number before, and it had taken quite a toll on his body. Those worms evolved using his prana, and the regular Crest Worms already had a significant drain on his body. To continuously use up his energy to morph the Crest worms into Blade Worms, many of which had been smashed and killed by the creatures, to continue to use them would be…
The man let out a groaning hiss of pain as more Blade Worms tore holes in his flesh, flying through the air and adhering to the commands Kariya had forced on them.
Cut. Devour. Kill.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Kariya's swarm of worms managed to rend one of the demons and take it out but the other two swatted or crushed them with their swinging tentacles. The worms weren't as fast as they normally were and some were misshapen with their wings barely half formed and their teeth blunt to the point where they couldn't cut anything. It was evidence of Kariya's waning energy that he was producing such weak Blade Worms.
"Gah… ha… grk…!"
Kariya choked and stumbled, crashing down onto the pavement and scraping his face against the gravel. The sleeves of his jacket were soaked with the blood from the tears in his skin that wouldn't close up. Even as he suffered, the worms still feasted on what little strength he had left. Less energy he had, the more frenzy their feeding was as they tried to convert nerves, tissue, muscle and bone into prana. It only weakened him further, and his continued deterioration ironically encouraged the worms to feed faster.
The creatures were almost upon him. He had no more strength. He was going to be torn to shreds by those monsters. His limbs would be ripped from his body and devoured by those demons. He was going to die… he was…
…No.
No.
NO!
Kariya pushed himself to his feet as he refused that thought. Die? Him? He couldn't! He wouldn't! Not now! What kind of person was he if he were to lie down and die now after he had made a promise to Sakura? He promised her that she would see her family again. He had promised her that he'd reunite her with Aoi and Rin. He promised that she wouldn't have to suffer anymore.
He promised!
So even if he tore his body apart… even if he was hurting… even though he was in pain…!
He wouldn't die until he saw Sakura smiling again…!
Kariya's body tensed as he gave his worms ordered his worms to feed. Thousands of teeth nibbled and bit into him underneath his flesh, converting the devoured bits of his body into energy he could use. He forced every bit of prana that was produced into the Crest Worms that crawled and slithered underneath his arms. He rolled back his sleeves, hissing as the cold air prickled his still bleeding wounds and gave the command.
"Go!"
This was not the small swarm he had produced many times before. Hives worth of Blade Worms burst forth from Kariya's arms, ripping a scream from his lips. It was a scream made in anger and pain… but also determination. A large cloud of the flying parasites swarmed overhead before descending on the two remaining Horrors, tearing into the creatures that hissed and screeched as the numerous parasites tore into their bodies like a school of piranhas.
Kariya stood in place, watching the worms devour the two monsters until there was nothing left. Literally nothing was left of the beasts. Every bit of slimy flesh had been cut apart and eaten. The deed done and all the prana in their bodies used up, all the Blade Worms fell to the ground and dried up into nothing. Kariya felt relief for a moment before the overwhelming pain set in.
Kariya staggered as his body cried out. It felt like his innards had been lit on fire and his muscles had been slashed to nothing. Each movement brought him unimaginable pain.
"Dammit… I… not now…!" Kariya gasped as he leaned against a wall nearby for support.
The worms, no matter how much they had helped him in that moment, were always fated to be a plague. Hot blood dripped down his arms, raining on the ground and staining his flesh. There was a stinging sensation behind his eyes that was driving Kariya insane and as he felt the worms move and scuttle from within him he could swear that he could feel them biting and ripping at his organs. It was too much. It was just too much…!
Even still, Kariya pressed onward. He had to make sure those kids were safe. There were still two left. He had to make sure… he had to see them safe and smiling once more after all he'd done to save them…!
Kariya took two painful steps, stopping under a lamppost before a dark hand pressed over his mouth and his eyes went wide as he felt something sharp sink into his back.
"What a vain struggle. How can you win this War if you can't even win against your own body?" A deep voice chuckled in Kariya's ear.
A glob of blood was coughed up, splattering the assailant's hand even as he withdrew. Kariya fell to his knees, slowly glancing back to see who had assaulted him and came face to face with a smiling white mask. A dark arm held up a black dagger stained with Kariya's blood.
"Be grateful that I have shown you mercy. You will suffer no longer." The mask spoke. "Die in the shadows and fade away into nothing. For someone like you, there was never any other outcome."
The Assassin that had taken joy in watching Kariya's struggle against Caster's Horrors and himself from start to finish faded into the darkness of the alleys that surrounded them as the Master he had stabbed fell to the ground.
As he bled out from the wound in his back and as the worms continued to feast on him, Kariya only wished he could scream his outrage at the world. But he could only choke on the blood gathering in his mouth and gurgle pathetically as he lay dying on the cold streets.
"Not now…" Kariya thought as his vision distorted and darkness began to creep up on him. "Please, not now…"
He promised. He promised. He promised. He promised. He promised. He pro-
Unbelievable…!
Even as he and Maiya ran, Kiritsugu was in awe of the spectacle. The masks of the Assassins darted in and out of the trees around them, trying to escape from the storm they had been swept up in and at the same time trying to attack from within it. One Assassin stopped moving for a moment to do just that, raising a dagger and winding back to throw it…!
A white sword dug into the Assassin's shoulder a black sword slashed through the Servant's side, slaying the assailant before it had a chance to attack.
Kiritsugu glanced back for a moment, witnessing another pair of the same swords appear in Archer's hands before they were thrown at the Assassins that moved around them. Kiritsugu turned his head forward and kept his eyes ahead, continuing to run as the barrier of flying swords kept the Assassins at bay. It really was just that. Kiritsugu had been correct in thinking that Archer couldn't defend from attacks that came from every direction. However, his Servant was capable of attacking in every direction thanks to his magecraft.
Projection.
Dozens of the same pair of black and white swords were hurled from Archer's hands and spun through the air, warding off the Assassins and even knocking thrown daggers off course. Any Assassin that stopped moving for even a moment was impaled. Kiritsugu had never imagined that Projection could be used like this. Archer had turned it into a practical method of attack, projecting the same pair of swords over and over again and throwing them to match the number of daggers thrown and exceed the number of Assassin throwing them. Not only that, but the beautiful swords had their own ability, since even as they continuously missed their targets many of the swords would return and reunite with their opposite partner in Archer's hands before the Servant let them fly again. The swords had an attraction to each other that ultimately ended up with them returning to Archer, almost like they were in an orbit. Archer would project the swords, throw them at Assassins trying to attack them, project another pair or catch a returning one to block the daggers that had been successfully thrown by the more quick and agile Assassins before throwing them again. Projection of this level was something Kiritsugu had never seen before.
It made him all the more curious about who his Servant was.
Archer smirked to himself as the masks moved about. Their movements were easy to track, the white skulls sticking out like bright lights in the darkness to his keen eyes. It also helped that their attacks were sharp and direct, making it even easier for him to see the course of their attack. He could block the thrown daggers and keep all of them from attacking at once by forcing them to dodge and move around by continuously hurling his swords at them. Projecting Kanshou and Bakuya, his two primary swords, was just a reflex for him. He had prana to spare thanks to his Master and his Master's wife, and thusly he could create as many of the pair of swords as he wanted.
He hoped Kiritsugu was surprised and impressed.
Archer's eyes darted to the right as four daggers were thrown in Maiya's direction, trying to pierce the woman's skull.
"Easy."
Archer deflected them with a returning Kanshou before the black sword was thrown again, forcing the Assassin that had thrown the daggers to retreat. Its partner Bakuya was also thrown in the opposite direction, and Archer projected another pair of swords to block more daggers. There really was nothing more useful than two swords that were like magnets and naturally attracted to each other. Especially at a time like this. Archer would throw Bakuya in one direction and Kanshou would be thrown in another. As he, Kiritsugu and Maiya ran through the forest the swords, if they missed their target and didn't get stopped by the trees that surrounded them, would come together again in front of Archer and he would catch them. It was like tossing something in front of him so he wouldn't have to carry it and picking it up when he reached it. He was using them more like they were boomerangs than swords at the moment. The swords that he threw behind him or ones that didn't return were easily replaced using Projection. In this way, Archer could continuously attack and keep the Assassins scattered and on the defensive and keep moving forward at the same time.
However, as they approached the edge of the forest Archer knew they would lose the benefit of the trees' protection. While he couldn't hit the Assassins that darted between the trees like they were mounted shields, it also kept the Assassins from attacking freely since they could only attack from the spaces between the trees. Spaces that Archer threw his swords at whenever he saw a white mask lingering between them for too long. If they made it into an open area, it would be easier for both Servants to land a hit. And Archer wasn't sure if he could cover both Kiritsugu and Maiya from all the Assassins if they were out in an open area.
"Emiya Kiritsugu!"
Archer's eyes widened when he heard the voice from behind him. He glanced backwards to see the priest that had defeated Kiritsugu chasing after them at an alarmingly fast pace. His sudden appearance also caught the attention of Kiritsugu and Maiya, the former also surprised by the priest's tenacity while the latter frowned in dissatisfaction.
"It appears he wasn't injured enough to keep himself from chasing after us." Maiya noted.
Kiritsugu didn't reply to Maiya's comment. He stared at Kirei over his shoulder, amazed that the man seemed to run at a speed greater than their own without any magic. He truly was a frightening person with limits beyond that of normal humans. But Kirei's astonishing stamina and abilities wasn't what Kiritsugu focused on upon seeing the man. What stood out most was the desperation in the priest's eyes and movements. He was confused, Kiritsugu noticed. He could see it. The man had been confused by the questions Kiritsugu had asked earlier and the lack of answers the Magus Killer had provided in response to the priest's own questions. He wanted to know the reason for Kiritsugu's questions and hear the answers hadn't had a chance to give. And while the appearance of Assassin's Master was worrying, to see Kirei's face contorted by such desperation and worry…
…Kiritsugu couldn't help it as his lips twitched upward in a small smile.
Still, the man was gaining on him and they couldn't effectively counterattack with the Assassins swarming around them. Kiritsugu glanced at Maiya, watching her draw her glock and palm a grenade when Archer suddenly stopped.
Kiritsugu noticed the smirk on his Servant's face just before the white haired man threw his last pair of swords. A bow appeared in the man's hands and he notched a sword to it faster than even Kirei and the Assassins could move.
Unlike Kiritsugu and Maiya, who were worried about Kirei's appearance, Archer saw it as the perfect opportunity.
"You wouldn't let your Master die, would you Assassin?"
Archer let his Broken Phantasm fly.
Suddenly, the mass of white masks retreated and swept backwards toward their Master, whose eyes widened as the arrow shot towards him. Kiritsugu and Maiya watched as the bodies of numerous Assassins blanketed Kirei before they were consumed by the blast from the Broken Phantasm as it detonated upon striking the mass of bodies.
Waver stared into nothing as he lied against the tree in the quiet forest. Just a few inches away lying in the blood stained dirt and grass was the corpse of his professor. His teacher. The person he had killed. The boy raised his head up a bit as his gaze refocused on the body.
Waver stared.
Hollow, lifeless eyes on a face that had an expression of horror and fear etched into it stared back at him.
He shivered and drew his legs close to his body as if trying to escape from the body in front of him. Waver faced twisted in revulsion again as he felt his stomach lurch. He spat out the bile that had gathered in his throat, glad he hadn't thrown up again.
After all, he'd already disgraced himself enough. He didn't want to add to his shame anymore…
Waver sat in place unmoving for a few more minutes, letting the silence of the forest blanket him. A few chuckles would escape his lips every so often. Bits of the laughter would turn into sobs. One thought kept echoing in his mind.
You killed him.
I killed him.
Waver Velvet killed Kayneth Archibald.
Waver rocked himself back and forth as his small cries and shivers wracked his frame. How could this have happened? He didn't mean to do it. What would this mean for him? Why did this have to happen? How did he end up killing his own teacher?
He would've killed you.
Waver knew that. He knew that… but…!
You killed him. He can mock you no longer. You should be happy.
As much as he hated to admit it, Waver did feel some happiness deep within himself. No matter how much he tried to ignore or repress the feeling, whenever he looked upon Kayneth's corpse he felt a little elation and pride in himself for murdering the man who had mocked him and showed him so much contempt during the time he had known him. Those feelings were quickly snuffed out by the horror, guilt and disgust that followed.
For what reason did this happen? For what reason did Kayneth have to go as far as trying to kill his own student? For reason did Waver have to go as far as killing his own teacher?
"This is a war."
Waver spoke that bit aloud, and as he said so, he turned his head to the side to glance down at the instrument that had aided him in killing his teacher. The gun sat next to him in the same place he had dropped it when it had slipped out of his nerveless fingers after the shock of what he had done set in. Waver had never seen a real one before. He had read about them in books or stories where characters used them but magi had no need for such tools. They were hindrances. Technology in general perverted magecraft and any magus who thought otherwise was a disgrace amongst his peers.
Yet, he had used such a tool to kill his superior in thaumatology. For such a small look thing, it had killed his teacher, a strong and respectable magus, quite effectively. And all it took was a squeezing of a trigger. No magic circle or aria. There were no formulas involved or prana wasted. Waver only remembered the simple impulse that hadmoved his finger.
It was simple, cold, and effective.
And scary.
Waver leaned his body towards it, slowly reaching his hand over to touch it. His hand hovered over it for a moment, as if he was afraid the thing was going to come to life somehow and bite him. Eventually, his hand felt down and touched the grip and forearm of the gun. It was worn but firm, and Waver couldn't help but think it reminded him of the hilt of a dagger or knife. His fingers grazed the cool steel of the hammer of the gun and Waver flinched a bit when one of his fingers brushed against the trigger.
The trigger he had pulled to kill Kayneth.
Almost in a trance, Waver numbly lifted the gun off the ground. It was heavier than he imagined. He worked it between his hands a little before his fingers wrapped around the grip. His index finger rested against the trigger…
"Master."
Waver jumped and squeezed the trigger in surprise.
A dull click echoed through the forest following the familiar voice that had spoken to him.
The boy glanced upwards with wide eyes to see his Servant's perfect face peering down at him and Rider's larger form standing next to it. Master and Servant stared at each other for a long moment before Lancer smiled its usual unnaturally serene smile at him.
"So you actually killed him."
There was no inflection in Lancer's tone. It was spoken like a statement, but Waver wondered if his Servant had asked it as a question. Waver's head hurt as he thought about it. He looked away and gave a slow nod.
"Yeah…"
Waver gulped.
"I killed him…"
Lancer stared at its Master, gauging the boy's expression and watching how his body moved. A number of comments and statements to that swarmed in its mind, but Lancer didn't voice any of them. It only continued to smile and nodded in response to Waver's quiet affirmation regarding his kill.
"I see." Lancer turned to Rider. "Do you have anything to say about this?"
"I have much to say about it, though nothing of significance regarding my late Master." Rider grinned in response as he turned away from inspecting the body of his dead Master. He smiled at Waver who narrowed his eyes and frowned at the king in response. "I give you my praise, Waver! The student has succeeded in besting the teacher!"
Waver scoffed in response to Rider's words. The King of Conquerors stared at Waver, glancing from the boy to the corpse before folding his arms in front of him. He gauged the boy's response to his compliments and found it lacking. Rider recognized that look on his face. He remembered seeing it on a number of his younger soldiers' faces after taking part in their first conquests with him.
"Tell me, boy… was this your first time killing someone?"
Waver flinched at the man's words but eventually nodded to answer the question. Rider sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"Ah… I thought you were brave before but perhaps I mistook bravery for foolishness? To think a child would enter a war like this without knowing what such a conquest would entail…"
Waver glared up at Rider. What did he know anyway? Waver kept himself from voicing such thoughts aloud as Rider focused on him once again. The man crossed his arms, a contemplative look crossing his features for a moment.
Suddenly, the King of Conquerors shouted.
"Be proud, boy!"
Waver jumped as King Iskander's voice boomed in his ears. He gazed fearfully up at Rider as the man spoke down to him.
"What is this pathetic display before me? Waver Velvet, you should take pride in such victory! You have conquered an enemy, and for that you should rejoice! Can you not feel joy in succeeding in your first conquest of this war?"
"W-Who would feel joy from this?" Waver shouted back in frustration. "Get this through your head, you big oaf! I'm no conqueror like you! I-I didn't mean to kill my teacher!"
"This is war, Master. You realize this, don't you?"
Waver swallowed his words when Lancer spoke to him. The Servant gazed deep into its Master's eyes.
"War involving killing people. Battle involves defeating your enemy. Facing your opponent means humbling them and taking their life for your own. Even if it wasn't your teacher, had it been another Master, wouldn't it have ended the same way? To win a war, to dominate those who stand beneath you and prove your superiority over them, lives must be taken."
Waver shivered at Lancer's words. The Holy Grail War. War was the key word in that sentence. So why didn't he realize its meaning until tonight…?
"Why did you kill him?" Lancer suddenly asked.
For the life of him, Waver couldn't answer that question. Or rather, he didn't want to. Any reason for taking his teacher's life sounded petty and stupid in his mind. He did because he had been made fun of? Who would kill over something so trivial? Perhaps to get his teacher's respect? Of course, he couldn't respect him very well if he was dead! Or maybe it was just to survive. Waver thought that to be a pathetic reason.
"Ah, and there lies the root of the problem…" Rider spoke up, causing Waver to look at him. "When I asked you what you intended to do with the Grail should you acquire it, you gave no answer. Now I see why. You have no answer to give because you don't know why you're participating in this War to begin with."
"That's…" Waver want to deny it, but he knew he was right. "I have a reason…"
Even still, he kept talking back and spouting foolishness.
"…I just forgot why I joined, is all…"
He just sounded more and more pathetic the more he spoke.
Waver didn't react as Rider placed his hand on the boy's head. The Servant kneeled down so that he could look the boy in the eyes. The young magus hesitantly met the man's gaze.
"Waver, you are both foolish and brave for deciding to participate in this conquest. However, I guarantee you that if you don't know your reason for taking part in this war your life will be lost fighting in it." Rider said solemnly.
"…Thanks for the words of encouragement." Waver replied bitterly.
"Ha! See, it's that attitude that makes me believe your actions are more than just mere foolishness. You have fire in your eyes, boy. Drive. I can see it. You just need direction." Rider grinned. "Whatever reason you had before but have forgotten now, the fact of the matter is that you've entered in this War and it is your responsibility to see this conquest through to the end. I know that in doing so you will find your reason for participating in the Holy Grail War, and that knowledge, your reason, will help you grow. Of this I can assure you."
Waver sniffed and rubbed his eyes with his hand. Rider was loud and boisterous, but the Servant's words… helped him somewhat. Rider lifted his hand from Waver's head and stepped back, picking up Kayneth's corpse and flinging it over his shoulder.
"Well, I best be off. I'll be taking my former Master's body with me as well."
As Waver watched Rider pick up Kayneth, his mind clicked as something registered with him. The boy sprang to his feet and pointing at Rider accusingly.
"H-Hey! Wait a minute! Kayneth was your Master!"
"Hm…? Well, of course he was." Rider agreed with a perplexed look on his face.
"I thought you were aware of that." Lancer added, also puzzled by its Master's statement.
"No, that's not what I mean! I'm saying if he's dead, then shouldn't Rider have already disappeared since Kayneth's no longer providing him with prana?"
"Oh, that. Well, I have enough prana alone to last me a while." Rider said dismissively. He grinned as another thought occurred to him. "Of course, another reason for my continued existence might also be due to the unique contract established between myself and my former Master."
"Huh? You're not making any sense!"
"Don't worry too much about it, Waver. You should be glad that I'm sticking around for a little while longer!" Rider laughed. He drew his sword and swung it forward, summoning his chariot and quickly mounting it. "Until next time!"
"Until next time, King of Conquerors." Lancer smiled. "Thank you for gifting me with an enjoyable battle."
"The pleasure was all mine, Lancer! I hope that we may continue it in the future!" Rider grinned. "Farewell!"
And with that, Rider snapped the reigns of his Gordius Wheel and the oxen took off into the night sky, brushing the tops of the trees before disappearing into the night. Waver stared after him, watching the trail of sparks gutter out as the chariot disappeared from view.
"You'll find your reason."
Waver glanced towards Lancer as it spoke up. The Servant turned and smiled at him.
"I'm sure you had your reasons or an objective in mind when you summoned me. It may have been what pushed you in the beginning, but it wasn't your true reason for taking part in the War, which is why it was so easily forgotten. Or perhaps why you don't want to remember it."
"Y-Yeah…" Waver nodded dumbly in response to that. Lancer's words were oddly comforting, and Waver couldn't help but feel that the Servant understood him somehow.
"You see, while I'm sure it shook you up you've benefitted from this battle. You've become aware of your lack of reason, which will allow you to seek one for yourself." Lancer smiled. "And I'm still curious about why you summoned me and joined the War, so I'll lend you my assistance."
"Thanks…"
"Mm. Be grateful. I normally wouldn't bother with a child like you but I'm in a good mood after having such a wonderful battle." Lancer said serenely. "Plus, you were able to defeat Kayneth when I assumed you would fail. For that, you've peaked my interest. I suppose Rider was not wrong for saying there is more to you than just your foolishness."
Waver would have been angry by his Servant's disparaging comments but he was too tired to retort at the moment. He just wanted to go back to the Mackenzie house and rest.
Waver hissed in pain when he felt his left hand throb in pain. He glanced down at it and was surprised to find that his wrist was swollen. Had he bent it by accident during one of the times Kayneth knocked him off his feet with his magic? No, that wasn't it…
The magus bent down to the ground and gingerly picked up the gun that rested against the base of the tree. With its weight and power it had probably been the kickback from firing the thing that had injured his wrist. He had never handled a gun before so it was no surprise for him to sustain an injury like this, though Waver was a little surprised that he hadn't noticed the pain until now.
…It was probably because he had been too caught up in his thoughts and what he had done to register the pain.
Waver stared at the gun that had killed Kayneth and kept him from being killed by Kayneth for a long moment before tucking it in his jacket. He felt an odd sense of comfort as it rested against his side and he jogged over to Lancer, cradling his wrist so he wouldn't agitate it. He'd fix it up when they got back to the house.
"Ready to go?" Lancer asked.
"Yeah… let's get out of here." Waver nodded. As they started to walk through the forest, Waver turned towards Lancer. "So… who won your battle?"
"We didn't finish. Once Rider felt Kayneth sustain injury through his connection from the Master and Servant link we stopped fighting. He died before we could make it to you."
"I see…"
"Ah, but it was a wonderful battle. Rider is a strong, formidable opponent who tried to kill me with everything he had." Lancer smiled. "It has been a long time since I felt such a rush of excitement. It was a truly enjoyable time."
"…Sounds like I missed out." Waver commented dryly.
"You really did. Although I hope to pick up where we left off, I…"
Lancer trailed off, pausing as it let out a few coughs. Waver paused, giving his Servant a confused look as Lancer coughed.
"Lancer… is something wrong?"
"Not at all." Lancer smiled, rubbing its chest a little. "I'm glad I was provided with such an enjoyable battle. Even if no other can match it… I will remember the joy I felt when I fought the King of Conquerors."
Waver nodded slowly in response, a little worried about what Lancer was saying but deciding not to voice his questions when the Servant was smiling so happily.
As his hand pressed against the gun that was hidden under his shirt, all that mattered to Waver right now was getting back home and letting this night end.
Noburu let out a deep sigh, running his hands through his dark hair as the lights from the police cars flashed around him. It had been a close call. The magus he had helped had failed to draw all of the creatures to him and since he had no more means to attack, Noburu knew that even two of the creatures would be enough to tear him and the kids apart. The children had been running out of energy, Saber was off fighting the source of the threat, and as the monsters closed in Noburu had lost hope.
An enthusiastic shout and a bolt of lightning that fried the bodies of the two abominations into nothing saved him and the children from grisly fate and not minutes later the police had arrived.
There had been questions. Many, many questions by the police that Noburu was forced to only give answers that were half-truths because the Holy Grail War needed to be kept a secret. The policeman that had questioned him had been skeptical of the accounts he gave, having stumbled upon the kidnapped children and rescued them in an abandoned area of the city and how the kids' clothes were all wet with blood. Noburu stumbled over the details of where he found them and couldn't give an accurate description of the kidnapper since he hadn't seen the man in person. Near the end of the questioning, Noburu was beginning to worry that the man suspected something of him.
Noburu's gaze peered over to the man with golden hair who was smiling brightly at the rescued children who had finally stopped crying while the mothers and fathers of the rescued sobbed their thanks. Berserker's boisterous behavior and attitude had barreled over any questions the police had for him and after unsuccessfully trying to get some information from the man, the police had given up questioning him after the children and parents insisted that the man was not at fault. It all ended with the police warning that they'd be coming back for questions if they decided they needed more information.
"Jokes on them though." Noburu thought to himself, a trifle smug. "I don't own a cellphone!"
If he said it aloud, there might have been those who might've pitied him for how naïve and proud it would have sounded.
"Noburu-san."
Noburu jumped a bit when he heard Saber's voice behind him. He turned his head and smiled at the Servant, noting that his armor was gone and that the king was donned in the casual clothes Noburu had lent him. Saber smiled at the children that had been reunited with their families.
"I am relieved."
"Mm." Noburu nodded, agreeing with his daughter's Servant. "I'm glad we caught wind of this when we did. If Manaka-chan hadn't warned me like she did we might not have saved them."
Noburu felt proud knowing that his prudence in setting up those magic circles around the city had come in handy.
"Unfortunately, Caster still draws breath." Saber muttered regretfully, angry that the insane Servant had gotten away. "If he's left alone to do as he pleases…"
"We'll focus our efforts on eliminating him first." Noburu promised Saber. "His deeds are unforgiveable. If he and his Master are behind the kidnappings I've heard about then they're jeopardizing the Holy Grail War. They're drawing too much attention to themselves, and if the people of Fuyuki catch wind of what's really going on…"
"Whatcha guys takin' about?"
Noburu was interrupted by the loud voice of the Servant that had saved him tonight. Quickly composing himself, the Sajyou head gave Berserker a smile.
"Thank you for your help, Berserker." Noburu said, giving the man a small bow. "If you hadn't showed up when you did…"
"You would've been dead."
Noburu and Saber were nonplussed by Berserker's rude response, who only continued to grin at them.
"But seriously, I gotta… thank you guys too." Berserker said, turning away in embarrassment. He rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably as he spoke. He was never good at thanking people. "Saber came a good time and if he hadn't taken care of the demons for me I might not have arrived in time to save the kids. As awesome as I am alone, help is nice once in a while…"
Noburu chuckled a little at that, amused by how awkward Berserker sounded. He was certainly different than what he expected the Berserker class to be. Saber stepped forward, smiling at Berserker who turned towards the knight.
"I had my doubts working together with you, but it all turned out for the best. We managed to save those children, and for that I am glad."
"Yeah…" Berserker's smile dimmed a little as the Servant turned his gaze downward. "But… there were a lot of kids we didn't save…"
Berserker turned back toward the happy families. The children were smiling happily again, and Berserker smiled wistfully as he watched one mother cover her son's face with kisses, relieved that he was back in her arms. Such happiness from being together again. It wasa bright scene in a dark night.
He wasn't completely satisfied with how things had turned out, but Berserker was happy.
"Say, why don't we pick up from where we left off last night?" Berserker asked, giving Saber a challenging grin. "I had a pretty good time and I didn't get to finish 'cause of my Master's sickness. Whadaya say?"
"Sickness?" Noburu muttered questioningly to himself. Berserker's Master had demonstrated very… peculiar magecraft involving those insect familiars that seemed to be produced from his body. If the man's magecraft was that taxing…
"I'll have to decline. It wouldn't feel right fighting after tonight and I must finish my battle with Lancer before accepting your challenge." Saber replied. "However, in the future when we are both at our best and after my first battle has finished, we will fight for the Holy Grail. Can you wait until then, Berserker?
"Tch. Spoilsport."
"Ah, Berserker, what of your Master?" Noburu asked. "Should you really be sticking around here?"
"My Master? He's-"
Berserker paused as he felt something tug in the back of his mind. It was sudden and sharp, coming from his connection with his Master. This uncomfortable feeling…
"Oh no…"
His Master was in trouble!
Without even giving a goodbye Berserker took off down the streets, returning to the abandoned complex and alleyways to search for his Master. Noburu grasped Saber's shoulder as the Servant stepped forward.
"No."
"But…"
"We've done enough for one night. We only got involved to save the children, not to aid another Master and Servant." Noburu stated cooly. "This is War, Saber. There can only be one winner. The other Masters and Servants must be eliminated, by our hand or another's."
"I understand." Saber sighed.
Noburu smiled a bit. "I'll admit though, if your first instinct was to lend them aid your chivalry is to be admired."
"I have my honor as I knight and as a king."
"I know, but rest assured, you'll have your fight with Berserker. If he hasn't disappeared already I'm sure his Master is just fine." Noburu said. "Besides, to handle a Servant like that Berserker's Master must be quite a tenacious man, don't you agree?"
The two humans broke out of the forest with the Servant of the Bow close behind. Kiritsugu followed after Maiya, spotting their car little ways away. They ran quickly, reaching the car in a matter of seconds. Kiritsugu opened the door to the passenger's seat with his good arm and took his seat. He blinked when he heard Maiya open the door to the backseat and get in. Why hadn't she taken the driver's seat?
"Kiritsugu! Maiya! I'm so glad you two are safe!"
Kiritsugu's head whipped to the side and his eyes went wide when he saw his wife at the wheel. She gave him a warm smile but it faltered when she noticed he was cradling his arm.
"Oh! Did you hurt your arm? Here, let me…" Iri raised her arm to heal him but Kiritsugu caught her hand in his, stopping her for a moment.
"Iri… why are you here?"
"Oh, um…" Irisviel turned away from him, looking a little guilty as she confessed. "I insisted that Maiya bring me along. I know you told me to stay at the castle before you left but I couldn't just wait and do nothing until you returned…"
Kiritsugu gave a helpless sigh at that. While Kiritsugu was glad to see her and always felt more relieved when she was within arm's reach so that he could protect her, being out here with them also put her at risk. What if Assassin had-
Irisviel gasped suddenly, putting the brakes on Kiritsugu's train of thought as her eyes widened in alarm.
"A Servant is approaching!"
From the rear view mirror, Kiritsugu saw several shadows jump out from the trees some distance behind them and turn their masks in their direction. Maiya loaded her glock and rolled down the window, shooting at the Assassins with her gun in an attempt to ward them off. It was no use. Thinking quickly and knowing they had to get away as fast as possible, Kiritsugu released Irisviel's hand and told her only one thing to do.
"Iri! Drive!"
The homunculus obliged. She slammed her foot on the gas and everyone in the car was pushed back in their seats as the vehicle took off.
The car bounced a bit as something landed on the roof, two heavy thumps alerting the passengers to the person's presence. Kiritsugu opened the glove compartment of the car and took out a revolver he'd stored in there, cocking the hammer before leaning out the window and aiming in at upwards.
"Wow, Master. I probably dented the roof a little with my landing but that doesn't mean you have to go pointing guns at me."
Kiritsugu didn't respond to Archer's comment as his Servant rode on the car's roof, lowering the gun and looking back at their pursuers. About a dozen Assassins were trailing after them, keeping pace with the car but not catching up to them. Archer still had his bow out, projecting one sword after another and firing them at the Assassins. Kiritsugu and Maiya fired shots their guns at the Assassins, but ducked back inside the car when a couple knives brushed by them a little too close for comfort.
Archer clicked his tongue in annoyance as the Assassins continued to dodge his arrows. He couldn't get a good bead on them thanks to Irisviel's fast but mediocre driving skills. Though the benefit of her constant swerving and veering was that the Assassins' knives had yet to hit the tires of the car. It was a good thing the streets were deserted…
"Fine. If one arrow at a time doesn't work…"
Archer's bow disappeared and he kept his balance on the car as it sped along the road. He raised his arm and began the process.
"Complete Trace… Standby!"
He projected dozens of swords in the air around him. Archer swept his arm forward, and the Assassins noticed too late what he was about to do.
Archer gave the command.
"Fire!"
The swords all shot forward, striking the street behind them and raining on the Assassins in a furious hail of steel and iron. Not one of the Assassins was quick enough to dodge the assault, and each dark body was impaled and skewered by Archer's swords. Their bodies fell down onto the ruined and destroyed pavement, and Archer was able to catch the Servants' bodies fade away into nothing just as they drove out of sight. Archer kneeled down on one knee and kept himself perched on the hood, scanning the area and remaining vigilant just in case any more Assassins decided to show up. After driving for a few minutes Archer relaxed, tapping just above Kiritsugu's window to get his attention.
"Hey. I think we're clear for now."
Kiritsugu nodded at that.
"Iri, you can pull over for a bit."
Archer was nearly thrown off the roof by how suddenly Irisviel pushed on the brakes. The car came to a halt on the deserted road, allowing the passengers a chance to relax. Kiritsugu sighed and leaned back in his seat, the tension finally leaving his body as the ordeal ended. He winced a little when he felt Irisviel's hands on his shoulder, though relaxed as she cast a healing spell on him and the sharp pain in his shoulder was reduced to a dull throb. It wouldn't take too much to heal up once they bandaged it up properly and with Irisviel's healing spells Kiritsugu was sure he'd be back in shape for tomorrow.
Kiritsugu turned his head to the right when he heard Archer jump off the roof and land beside his window. Archer smirked at him and folded his arms across his chest as he leaned against the car.
"I'll admit it. That priest was a lot more trouble than I thought. Assassin was just as troublesome." The Servant said. "Guess you were right to be cautious."
He shrugged his shoulders once before turning to give Kiritsugu an inquiring look. Kiritsugu returned his gaze with his ever present expressionless visage.
"Still, he didn't kill you. And he chased after us like that…" Archer trailed off for a bit before speaking again. "But was this night productive? Was it all worth it? Do you understand Kotomine Kirei a bit more now?"
Kiritsugu turned away from Archer as he thought about that.
"Kotomine Kirei…"
Kiritsugu thought about the man, what he knew about him, their brief battle, their conversation and the questions that were asked, and their escape. He doubted Archer's arrow had killed him if there had been Assassins to chase after them, so that meant he was still a threat. Still…
Thinking about him now, Kiritsugu… didn't feel fear.
It was strange. Before, just thinking about the man's name had always caused ice to pool in his stomach. His body tensed with fear and worry just from imagining coming face to face with the man. He was aware of Kirei's formidable skills and talents and knew if there was any one man capable of killing him, it would be the former executor. The senseless way he lived and how he acted scared Kiritsugu.
His inability to understand Kirei had made Kiritsugu fear him like no other.
But now…?
…Had Kiritsugu overreacted? Had he needlessly capitalized his fears without knowing it? He wouldn't go as far to say that he overestimated Kirei. The man was still dangerous, evidenced by how quickly he had beaten him. Kiritsugu also noted bitterly that the man had caused him to lose his Contender, quite possibly his strongest weapon and the only tool that could utilize his Mystic Code. He would still be cautious. He would still be careful if he ever encountered Kirei again. But fear him?
The fear was gone.
Why was that? Was it because Kiritsugu felt some assurance because Kirei had not killed him? Was it because he had learned more about the man and his goals during their conversation?
…Was it because Kiritsugu had seen how rattled Kirei had gotten when he asked about his wife and daughter even if the priest didn't notice the distress such questions caused for him?
Or maybe it was because… maybe…
…Emiya Kiritsugu now understood the man known as Kotomine Kirei somewhat?
He was no longer scared of Kirei. Kiritsugu felt no different about him than he did about any of the other Masters in the War.
Although…
Perhaps…
…He was a little more… curious about Kotomine Kirei than he had been before.
Archer's eyebrows went up a little when he noticed the edges of Kiritsugu's mouth turn up slightly.
"I should have never listened to you and pursued Kirei like you suggested."
Archer frowned. He opened his mouth to retort but Kiritsugu wasn't finished.
"But…" The Magus Killer continued, giving Archer pause. "…Despite everything that happened, I think I benefitted from this."
Indeed, he gained more than he would've thought. Plus, he'd been able to see the abilities of his Servant firsthand, and realized that even if he was no King Arthur he had summoned a dependable and formidable Heroic Spirit. He had kept Maiya and himself safe from the numerous Assassins that had chased after them and for that Kiritsugu was grateful. It's why Kiritsugu found the words slip past his lips without necessarily thinking about them first.
"…Good work, Archer."
Archer's eyes widened a bit at the sudden compliment while Kiritsugu registered what he just said. The Magus Killer's expression went blank and his lips were flattened in a straight line once again, wondering why he had let a comment like that slip. He didn't want to humanize or get close with Archer. The Servant was just a tool to help him accomplish his wish. So why had he said something like that?
Archer stared at Kiritsugu for a long moment before a small smirk made its way to his lips.
"No problem, Master."
As she watched the two, Irisviel smiled happily now that Kiritsugu and Archer seemed to be getting along. She fastened her seatbelt, berating herself mentally for forgetting to fasten it before she had taken off, and gripped the wheel as she smiled at them.
"Shall we head back to the castle then?" Irisviel asked.
"Let's do that." Kiritsugu nodded.
"Okay!"
Irisviel was just about to turn the key before a hand was suddenly in front of her face. She turned to the side to see Maiya standing just outside her window with her hand out.
"The keys, milady."
"Eh…?"
Archer chuckled to himself as he got in the backseat, amused by Irisviel's disappointment that Kiritsugu's assistant was confiscating her keys.
He was also glad that he had finally gotten praise from the cold machine of a man known as Emiya Kiritsugu.
"Master! Master!"
Berserker followed the impulse that the connection with his Master gave him. It acted like radar and he knew he was getting closer to his Master's location. But he could also feel that he was getting weaker. As he rounded a corner, an inert form sprawled out under a flickering lamppost caught Berserker's attention. Berserker smiled in relief and headed towards the body.
"Master! There you are!"
Though as he approached, Berserker's relief turned into dread upon seeing the pool of blood beneath his Master's body.
"Shit!" Berserker cussed as he rushed over and kneeled down, lifting his Master's body up.
It was insane how light he was and he didn't think it was possible for someone to be that pale or for their face to look that sunken. It looked like the life had literally been sucked out of the man.
"Oh no… this is not good…" Berserker panicked. He could feel the life fading from his Master's body and he have anything that could heal him! What was he going to do?
"Honestly… can my son really be this pitiful?"
Berserker's head whipped around, trying to find the source of the voice that had spoken to him. His eyes feel upon a decrepit old man who slowly emerged from the shadows of the alley behind him. Berserker recognized him as the wrinkly old geezer who had been in that dark room with his Master after he had been summoned. The man stepped forward, tapping his cane on the ground a few times and shook his head as he looked down at Kariya's body.
"You're barely into the War and you've already become like this? You can't do anything without me, can you?" Zouken chuckled to himself. "What a useless son…"
Berserker frowned at the old man as he turned to face the Servant. The old vampire gestured to Berserker before turning his back on him and walking down the street.
"Servant, pick him up and follow me. If we don't make it back to my home soon I can't help him. It would truly be a pity if he were to die from the gifts I gave him rather than in battle, wouldn't you agree?"
Honestly, Berserker would rather do anything but follow the old creep. It wasn't just his appearance that unnerved Berserker but he just gave off this sinister vibe of corruption that made even the childish Servant uncomfortable. He reminded him of the demons he had fought during his life.
Berserker glanced down at Kariya. Still… even if his Master would probably hate being brought back to that house he said he hated and even if Berserker had his own doubts about the old man, if left alone Kariya would die. The old man could help, and Berserker didn't want to be eliminated just because his Master's sickness got the better of him.
"Are you coming or not?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming!" Berserker snapped as he gingerly picked up his Master and hurried after the old fossil.
Berserker blanched when he noticed the ugly worms crawling around on the ground as they walked. Had they always been there…?
A/N: Third night end. I'll touch up any errors later.
I don't have much to say right now. Been having a couple issues with my computer lately so I'm a little frustrated right now. It'll make me very happy and improve my mood immensely if you guy could give me some feedback on how things are shaping up. Let me hear your thoughts and speculations please, because they encourage me and help make the story better. Look forward to the next update and I thank you all for reading. Have a good one.
Kiiam