Chapter 04: In which the Sky sow more chaos...
It was all according to plan, or so Ruler would like to say as the start of their fourth Holy Grail War was spiraling out of control from the knight's nonsensical honor, King of Conqueror's bold proposal and followed by King of Heroes dragging his massive ego to the fray. It was chaos, and Ruler was resigned to put some semblance of order before it escalated to three or four ways brawl. His plan succeeded for most part, and he was proud he had elevated his status as the representative of Holy Grail without a hitch.
Now he had to stay in control even if…
"MONGREEEELL!" Gilgamesh's howl echoed, breaking the silence followed by Berserker incorrigible roar. "▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!"
While the other servants were in shock at another dynamite entry, Ruler didn't even flinch as he made a genial comment for the newcomer. "Ah, it seems we have noteworthy Berserker servant too in war. At least he waits for me to finish my explanation." Ruler made a show to nod sagely, showing unflappable composure even with Berserker lunging at King of Heroes in the background.
He had so much respect for Tsuna now, because if this was how his older cousin had to react when his scientist blew up half of west wing of Vongola's research facility with their experiment, and also the time the Cloud and Mist got into another scuffle that resulted to massive collateral damage. Stay calm and smile like a saint as if everything was under your control. Truly his cousin was a saint, although Shirou worries sometime about Tsuna's mental health. So much smiling couldn't be healthy.
"Is that against the rule?" Rider asked, subtly testing the 'rule' so to speak as he pointed at Berserker.
Ruler didn't even pause to answer in lighthearted tone, "Certainly not, there should be some room for flexibility, especially for servant Berserker."
"Isn't that special treatment?" Rider protested with a grin. "So, is there any special for Rider class?" He prodded again.
Ruler just continued to smile and Rider despite himself felt a little unnerved. "Berserker is a 'mad' servant, please… think about that for a minute." Ruler suggested.
The huge king did so and opened his mouth, "Ooooooh." Of course, the rule was different for the crazies. "I see! That's quite fair indeed!" He beamed at Ruler, "Well, the rules we didn't know exist before aside…"
Ruler kept his benign mask firmly in place while he sweated inside, 'He is still skeptical, he believes me but he is still open to possibility I am a pretender.' As expected of King Iskandar, in this case he was a better politician than Gilgamesh. Then again, the demi-God was a tyrant and no one truly opposed him in his ruling so it was no wonder.
Berserker and Archer had returned to their line of vision. It was a bizarre battle because of sheer number of weapons thrown back and forth. While Archer had an upper hand in number of weapons, Berserker had viciousness and skill.
Rider hummed, "Gilgamesh lives up to his legend with his vast treasures, a shame he just throws them." It was like throwing money, albeit it was all pointy and sharp.
Ruler just smiled, "What else a king would do with his treasures? He is collector not the wielder. *" He said this as a murmur but he was loud enough to be heard by the three heroes. The red clad servant didn't even notice his slip-up, intent in watching the berserk knight and Archer made a show of themselves.
Saber was staring at Ruler in shock, 'Did he realize he just give away a weakness of seemingly invulnerable Archer?' How did he knew it so quickly in the first place? That intuition? Although in a sense it was not 'exactly' a weakness on its own because to exploit it they had to force him to close combat.
"What the hell happened there?!" It was all blur to Waver.
The King of Macedonia grunted, "Can't you see… those weapons Archer throws at Berserker are dodged, some however are caught and thrown back at its owner. What a fighter…"
"... That bastard, is he really a Berserker?"
Rider responded with a howling voice to Lancer's strained murmur. "For someone who has forsaken his reason for madness, he's a remarkably skilled chap."
"Truly incredible…" Ruler breathed out, watching Saber's and Lancer's fight with Hyper Intuition aiding him was amazing but this Berserker too. "He is mad but he didn't fight with single-mindedness. What a warrior to have flawless fighting skill even under the influence of Mad Enhancement."
While Heracles was powerful and agile, his skill was heavily compromised by his madness. This war's berserker however… he lacked raw power of Heracles, his madness was as profound but he had 'finesse' in his movement. How could a mad warrior moves with such refinement? Not to mention his Noble Phantasm, it was nothing but with mere touch he could turn anything to be his. His mind whirled to analyze the mystery.
'Structure unchanged, history updated, wielder records updated. Sword now enchanted, D-rank.' A noble phantasm to take anything as his own? Whatever it was, Berserker's skill was in similar nature as his ability to use any sword.
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!" Berserker stepped on incoming projectile mid-air and jumped to the side, but not forgetting to grab a spear before throwing it back in spinning motion and a sword in another to block the rest.
"How dare you touch my treasure!" Archer hollered. "Do you want to die that badly, you cur!"
Ruler's eyes widened in shock, "He can perform seemingly impossible maneuvers normally requiring complex thought like that… purely on instinct?"
Saber who was standing beside Ruler frowned, wondering if Ruler even realize he was speaking out loud of whatever his 'eyes' discern from Berserker. "That skill…" It couldn't be, right?
Rider snapped at his master, "Oi! Boy! Give me his statistic! You can see it, right?" He stopped, Waver was looking at berserker in bewilderment before repeatedly rubbing his eyes. "Boy?"
"I can't see anything!" He cried. "How is that a berserker?!" Waver was so done with this war! King of Knights?! Gilgamesh?! And now mysterious Berserker whose stats he couldn't see at all?!
"Some sort of Noble Phantasm?" Rider deducted quickly.
The white-haired servant wondered as well as he couldn't see Berserker's stats himself, must be another noble phantasm to hide his identities. A pity, but surely this berserk knight had a personal weapon so if only he drew it, Shirou would be able to discern his identity even without Ruler's class skill.
"I am amazed…"
"By berserker's skill?"
"No, Archer has been tolerating Berserker's attack for the last five minutes. So, I can't help but wonder…"
At last Archer landed on the ground, his high perch was torn apart by Berserker. "FOOL! I belong in the heaven and yet you dare to make me tread the ground with you?!" He roared as opening his treasure vault across the sky, and it became almost as bright as the day because of the shine of his treasures.
"Wonder when he will snap." Ruler finished with another sagely nod. "Like that."
The rest of heroes looked at him with bewilderment, Rider was the first who broke it. "Erm, out of curiosity… you don't happen to be Enkidu or anyone from his legend, right? You know an awful lot about his personality."
He resisted his urge to gag, "I am not a genderless clay doll, I assure you… but as Ruler it's necessary for me to know each of participant's nature. Besides, King of Uruk's arrogance and pride is part of his legend as much as his adventure." Mesopotamian Gods made him a rival just to humble him and they failed.
"Touché…" Rider supposed one didn't have to be Gilgamesh's friend to know the guy had ego the size of the world.
"Nothing would be left of you once I am through!"
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!"
Ruler hoped staying still in the sidelines was in character for his persona, because Gilgamesh was throwing another volley of freebie for him to record. He had seen a lot of Gilgamesh's treasure but one or two were bound to be new. He already got two from Lancer, and too bad Iskandar's sword was nothing special as it was forged more to command his army than crossing swords with another.
Tohsaka's residence
"Gilgamesh is serious. He intends to open the 'Gate of Babylon' even more." Kirei reported.
Tōsaka Tokiomi face-palmed at his disciple's report coming from the jeweled communicator. The basement of the Tōsaka mansion had none of the discomfort of the far away storehouse town that had become a battlefield. Kirei, manipulating Assassin, was bringing results. The conditions were perfect.
However, his own servant messed with his calculation, from his class to his EX rank skill of Independent Action, who doesn't rely on the Master, the only way to give him orders were the Command Seals. While he was willing to defer to Gilgamesh even as a Master, the King was too rash with exposing the Gate of Babylon to everyone— and throwing all his strength against the mysterious Berserker, this just can't be overlooked.
He didn't like to be forced using Command Seal before all the other Masters. Not to mention… Servant Ruler was there, and if his order to withdraw was seen as 'negative point' by the 'will of Holy Grail' then-
"Master, your decision?" Kirei urged, his voice hard and Tokiomi now was sure even his taciturn disciple was uneasy with Gilgamesh throwing tantrum.
He inhaled deeply, and assured himself that his conduct to control his servant was correct. Beside, his servant now was fighting with his 'petty pride' in mind like Lord Archibald did towards his student.
Grinding his teeth, Tokiomi stared at the back of his right hand.
"By the power of command seal,
King of Heroes… quell thine anger and withdraw!"
Back in battlefield
Staring at Berserker with a burning hatred, Archer slowly looked away. Anyone else would have thought the King of Heroes was staring at the sky, Ruler however knew what lies in south east of this place. Over there is the hill of the Miyama district and the high class residential area, where Tohsaka mansion was located.
"Do you think a sermon from someone like you could appease a king's anger? You're quite presumptuous, Tokiomi..." Archer was annoyed but his anger had subsided by the power of command seal.
Ruler narrowed his eyes, 'Rin's father has better choice of words it seems in phrasing his command seal.' Most likely the man attached a clause to calm down other than returning.
"... You dodged death by a hair, mad dog." Archer growled at Berserker who had left a nice body print on a container across him. Then he turned towards Ruler, "Servant of balance… what do you think of a master who made a hero to leave a fight undone?"
On second thought while Gilgamesh was willing to forget his resentment for Berserker tonight, he wanted Ruler to inflict some form of punishment for Rin's father for his cheek. "As I told Lancer and his master… The Holy Grail don't mind masters who prioritize their own safety, but personally I find this kind of cowardice distasteful and taking you away from unfinished battle is quite a shame on him. However, I doubt a master who dare to summon a hero beyond him is afraid you will lose."
Archer smirked, "Hooo…"
The King took it as compliment, but to the rest who heard Ruler took it differently. Ruler had just announced that Archer's master had nonexistent control over the hero he summoned.
"I suppose we can excuse a Magus being paranoidly careful King of Heroes, and he war is still a long way…" He inclined his head, "Of course, unless you want me to cancel your master's command?"
Everyone froze at that query, Saber looked at Ruler as if he was insane.
Archer just smirked, "No need, servant Ruler… as you said… I can finish the mad dog later if I wish. Do a good job in presiding this war, will you?"
"Of course, King of Uruk."
Then he turned to the rest of heroes and two masters, "You mongrels. Cut down the mob next time. I will tolerate no less than a real hero." With this final careless remark, Archer cancelled his materialization. The golden armor lost its materiality and disappeared, leaving only the remains of its glow.
"Hmf! Apparently, Gilgamesh's Master has even more of a hardy character than Archer himself." Rider commented with a bitter smile. "A pity."
Ruler gestured towards Berserker who was still standing in front of them. "Servant Berserker seems ready for another battle if you'd like to continue, King of Conquerors."
The eyes glowing widely in the slit of the helmet first wandered in the empty space, having lost their target... Then, finding a new spoil, they flamed up again.
"Eh… no thanks." Not tonight. "By the way, is it just me or he is looking at us hungrily?"
It was then Ruler realized Berserker was not looking at him or Lancer or Rider or the masters. He was looking at none other than Saber. The female knight noticed a moment latter of the malice filler stare at her person, a chill run down her spine.
"... Ur..." The voice seemed to boil from the ground. Like a spell, like a curse, it was a moan full of malice that hardly resembled human speech.
This was the voice of Berserker, the first time the others heard it. "... Ar... Ur... h!" Like a curse with a human shape, swelling from the murderous intent, the black knight charged at the silver King of Knights.
"Saber!" He didn't think, he hated the way Berserker looked at Saber and the next thing he knew he had come in between Saber and Berserker and blocked the enchanted pole.
Saber was ready to block and shocked to see Ruler was faster. "What are you…"
His twin falchion was trembling under the enchanted pole's pressure, and on the back of his mind he was cursing his own foolishness. He could give himself away! "Servant Berserker… I'd like you to hold back, as Saber has prior engagement with Lancer." He tried to cover his slip up.
"... Ar... Ur... h!" The Berserker was of course not listening, trying to get pass him to get to Saber.
He could foresee Berserker's attack and block effectively, but because of his own cover he had to stay on defensive. "Aah… he is too far gone." At the time like this he was so thankful of his true eye of mind and Vongola blood, or he would have panicked. Experience fighting with Heracles before also helped.
"You... Just who are you?!" Saber cried, coming to his assistance with a wide slah that knock Berserker off of Ruler, so Ruler had time to breathe.
Of course, the black knight ignored Saber's question, but threw the iron pole following his piercing vigor. However, the thrown pole did not hit Saber or Ruler. The two-meter iron pole was split down the middle, courtesy of Lancer's Gae Dearg.
Lancer had his back towards Saber and Ruler. "Please stop your pranks now, Berserker! As Ruler said, Saber has a previous engagement with me... If you keep up this nonsense and interrupt the battle between us, I won't stay quiet."
"Lancer..." Although this was a fight to the death, Saber was immensely touched by Lancer's words.
While Ruler was still in trance after the fight. 'That was close…'
Lancer's master naturally disagreed, "What are you doing, Lancer? This is a good chance to defeat Saber."
"The fight with Saber is a battle that I, Diarmuid ua Duibhne, gambled my honor on!" He yelled loudly at the empty sky. "I'll first let you see how I will kill that mad dog. Therefore, my lord! This duel between Saber and I..."
"No."
Ruler saw it fit to interfere, "Master of Lancer… so you see it fit to step of a knight's honor?"
"Servant Ruler." The man spat and Ruler was sure this Magus had turned his resentment from Waver to him now. "I command my servant to kill Saber as she is our enemy in this war, surely this follows the rule of Holy Grail War."
This man was not going to listen, he felt scorned tonight and he wanted a single victory simply to appease his wounded ego. "Yes… it's your right to eliminate your rivals in this war, Master of Lancer… but once again tread carefully with your conduct as a master who have to prove himself worthy of Holy Grail."
Silence reigned the air before words that sounded like it was spoken with gritted teeth echoed, "Lancer, assist Berserker in killing Saber. I order you by my Command Seal!"
Ruler's eyes went cold, "So… you're firm in your decision."
"Ruler…" Saber called, eyes never leaving anguished face of Lancer who had no choice but obey. "Take Irisviel away." She hissed at his ally in low voice, as both Lancer and Berserker were closing in. Ruler was not a heroic spirit, there was no way he could match these two.
"Irisviel! No matter what happens, you must – " Saber was unsure why Ruler was unmoved, but if the two of them were killed here, at least!
"No!" She was not going to leave them, Irisviel shook her head decisively. She did not expect Saber to sacrifice herself in even the smallest of ways. "Rest assured Saber. Believe in your Master."
'Kiritsugu is here?'
Irisviel's faith was not misplaced as both Kiritsugu and Maiya had moved to eliminate both Lancer's master and assassin simultaneously. He was already counting down to protect both Irisviel and Saber.
Six-
Five-
Four-
Three
Two
One-
His fingers were about to pull the trigger, however… someone else had another plan, namely Ruler and Rider. The latter cancelled his plan to run over Berserker when the first pulled a weapon out of nowhere and sensed the danger, Lancer did too and stopped.
Berserker did not stop, he only had eyes for Saber.
Vongola's strict tradition when it comes to succession meant only one heir was allowed to went through their trial of inheritance, however in special situation the incumbent heir could allow their relative to take the trial in special case. Whether to increase the power of their family or to prepare 'extra' heir so to speak.
This allowed the relative the heir gave special privilege to gain two gifts if they passed, the first was Vongola's crest that could be likened to magic core that act as second source of mana that connected them to their Origin, the sky. Which normally allow them to surpass their current capacity, usually in form of increasing purity of their flame. The second was a weapon that embodied their person. Usually the Vongola who went through the trial had a weapon crafted to suit their need, and the trial will use said tool as base.
Emiya Shirou went through his trial holding nothing as he had never did for his whole life and service as counter guardian. His weapon was his imagination, and so the trial gave him dream, and image of seven swords he was instructed to forge by his own hand. It was his Noble Phantasm, the embodiment of his rebirth as Vongola.
And the name is…
"Celtisette: TEMPESTA!"
And flame as red as blood bloomed like a flower of death and disintegrating everything it touched. Rider barely could get away from its reach and his chariot still pushed all the way to the destroyed containers, but the distance was enough to keep his balance. Lancer was slightly unluckier, getting thrown to the side but managed to stop with planting his spears to the ground but his back was slammed not so gently to the side of Rider's chariot.
Berserker in the other hand received said attack at point black and thrown all the way to the other side, through a container. The mad servant was still alive but in bad condition if he crawling out of the hole was anything to go by.
Rider whistled, "It seems Ruler snapped."
Lancer nodded in agreement, a moment before Ruler attacked the dark-skinned man locked eyes with him and that was the only warning Lancer got. "What did he do?" That was not pure prana, said attack had left a small crater and it was not impressive however… the container in radius five meters from Ruler was crumbling like it was made of sand.
The servant of balance dismissed the sword he summoned before anyone could get a good look at it, his posture screamed of anger. "It seems I have been severely underestimated in my qualification to do my job…" He said coolly, his voice bear no previous warmth. "It's laughable that I, Ruler is assumed powerless to enforce the will of Holy Grail with force."
Ruler was not the only one who was angry, "Ruler! You overstepped your bound if you help a participant! You have no right to stop my servant to kill Saber!"
The dark-skinned servant turned and Lancer paled when he realized Ruler was looking at direction where his master was hiding. Ruler knew all along where Kayneth was, and his master now realized that too. "I didn't stop Lancer from his attempt to attack Saber…" He pointed at Berserker. "This servant in the other hand, he is totally out of control! After Archer withdrew he acted on his personal purpose against Saber and endanger his master… it's the will of Holy Grail that if Berserker will win this war, he won't leave his Master dead as it would defeat the purpose of partnership between master and servant." Ruler finished before stepping backward so he was right behind Saber and subtly not far from his real master.
"Now then, if you desire to eliminate Saber… by all means." He threw his arms to the air in surrender. "I will not stop an honorable battle between Saber and Lancer,however I will not allow interference from Berserker, especially against his master's wish."
The servant of madness growled, while his master who was in pain at last regained some semblance of control to use his command seal to order withdrawal. Kariya was grateful Ruler stopped his servant, he almost got killed. Thankfully he didn't need to use his seal, as the recumbent Berserker stretched out his leg weakly in an attempt to stand, but he had suffered a heavy damage and unable to continue He removed his physical form and resumed his spiritual form, and ran away in that fashion.
Rider drove his chariot to Ruler's side and gave a strong pat on the back that almost send Ruler hurling. "Well, Ruler! My respect for you is doubled by your noble act as a servant! Indeed you're worthy to preside this holy war!" Ruler restrained himself from cursing, Rider didn't hold back his strength. "Master of Lancer!" Rider turned to the same direction as Ruler. "Although I do not know where you are hiding to overlook us, but you disgraced a battle between knights with despicable means... not fitting for a magus's opponent."
He inhaled deeply, "Even though Ruler said Lancer is free to continue his battle with Saber, I disagree… " His voice lowered threateningly. "You have humiliated him enough for tonight! If you still insist in humiliating him further, then I will join Saber and the two of us will defeat your Servant, how is that?" He turned to Ruler. "Do you approve?"
Ruler inclined his head, "I have a better idea actually…" He said as he stepped towards one particular direction, Lancer blocked his way. "Would you like me to remove your contract with your current master so you can find a better one?"
Lancer almost stumbled at that, "No! I have sworn on my honor to serve him!"
" – Retreat, Lancer. That is enough for tonight." Barked the scorned master.
Lancer heaved a sigh of relief but still looking at Ruler warily. "Many thanks, King of Conquerors… and Ruler." He added unsurely.
Rider gave a satisfied smile. "That's nothing. The beauty of the battlefield is the show of affection." Lancer once again expressed gratitude towards Rider with his gaze, then he nodded towards Saber. An unspoken promise to continue their duel at another time.
After Lancer confirmed this, he turned into spiritual form and disappeared. The sound of the waves smashing against the cliff and the bustle of faraway streets crept back into the night sky. Lancer's Master must have released the barrier cast in the neighboring area, connecting the silent battlefield back to the world.
Saber gazed at the last rival standing on the battlefield, Rider, with complicated feelings. However, it was Rider who broke the silence. "Oi, Ruler… is that true you can break servant-master's contract?"
Irisviel swallowed, 'Grandfather didn't tell me Ruler could do that, or is it his power as Child of Sky?'
Ruler merely looked at Rider's master, "Your master... he is out like a light."
Rider picked up the limp and unconscious Waver, sighing exasperatedly. "Boy… This one needs to learn how to be unwavering."
"You have no mercy for your master." Ruler pointed out. "The poor boy tried his best I'd say, much better than Lancer's. You should be thankful he stole your catalysis." Ruler nodded with a sigh, "I can't see you dissatisfied of your current master in spite of your complain, so why do you ask?"
"I can't ask?" He asked back.
Ruler shrugged, "I'd rather keeping all 'threats' I could hang upon the Masters to myself as much as possible, because the war is meant to reveal their true nature. The grail didn't need them to behave falsely, as it sees through one's nature."
The king of conquerors hummed at that, "That's enlightening lesson about this war, and I suppose it's for the sake of Holy Grail itself you keep your secret." Then he shook his bridle, "Then, King of Knights, Ruler! We're going to part ways for now. The next time we meet, I'll incite all of my hot blood to fight you!"
"Rider… your master is still out of cold." Ruler reminded the King as it was extremely jealous for the boy at this state to ride the chariot.
Rider sighed and placed his Master into his own arms, then tightened the reins of his two divine bulls. The bulls brayed, emitted thunder, and beamed rays of lightning from their hooves as they soared into the sky.
"Farewell!"
A moment later...
Ruler stretched his senses one more time, and relieved to find that even Assassin had left and no sign of familiars either. He pulled down his hood and visor, "That's quite an ordeal…"
"Hm?" He blinked and greeted by the sight of Irisviel and Saber he was standing in between looking at him in bewilderment. "Is there something…" Then Ruler realized his eyes and face were wet, the sky was clear… his eyes shed tears. "Ah?"
Irisviel stammered, "Ruler, why did you cry?" She asked as she gently wiped the tears on her servant's face. He sighed tiredly recalling what happened when he was in close proximity of Berserker, and then he felt his mind was hit by a ball of emotion.
Alienation, ridicule, hatred… regret.
"It's Berserker… my Hyper Intuition picked up his feelings when we crossed our blades." He inhaled deeply. "That servant, I think… he is mad with grief and regret. He is torturing himself with madness, lowering himself from the knight he used to be to the lowest of the low."
Saber's expression was unreadable, "Why did you think so? He…"
"From his armor, and his skill it was obvious he was a knight."
The king of knight froze. "He was… a knight." She echoed, "Yes, I can believe that but why would a knight…"
Ruler looked at her in the eye and Saber flinched, but her jade like eyes were locked with Ruler's. "You know why… the more honorable and courageous a knight is, when he fell from grace… his descent would be without mercy not from anyone but himself." He hissed.
Saber as the King of Knights would know that better than anyone.
"He won't cry… he can't cry even though his grief is great." His breathing slowed down. "And my Hyper Intuition picked it up and make me cry for him." He clicked his tongue. "Such a troublesome blood trait I have…"
"Does this happen to everyone from your family?" Irisviel asked curiously.
Ruler groaned, "Unfortunately… depends on our control, and I am the worse at it." He complained. "It's embarrassing."
Irisviel giggled at his offended look. "It's not embarrassing… in fact, now I am sure the story of your family as cruel Magus-hater is untrue. You guys are kind people who can cry for those who can't like Berserker…"
"…The world don't treat kindness kindly, Master…" He said in wistful voice, recalling his struggle in his quest to save people and his cousin's pain to change the world. "And Saber, I am sorry."
Saber snapped out of her thought, "What for?"
"I have been short with you about Berserker." Ruler explained, "I didn't have to tell you that… no, it's something I shouldn't throw at your face like that. I have terrible control when my intuition pick strong emotion like his, but it's still no excuse to snap at you."
The king of knight shook her head, "No, it's alright."
if anything…
irisviel cleared her throat, she didn't know what's with her two servants but she had a feeling she had to break this ice. "I almost forgot... Thank you, Saber! Ruler! My life was saved because of you two."
"I fight in the frontline only to protect you behind my back, Irisviel."
"It's my pleasure to be your shield, Master."
Irisviel once again felt it with a pang; Saber's strength, courage, and gentleness. More than a dozen years younger than herself, the stature of a girl who is yet to be a woman – Such a delicate figure, such slender wrists, but she is a true knight, a hero. And there's her own servant, Kiritsugu could rely on him more than her. He had exceeded their expectation tonight and held his ground well, and as his master she was sorely lacking.
"The war had only begun, Master..." Ruler told her.
The hidden meaning of his words was clear to her, she still had a chance. "Right!"
Ruler was busy cheering his master up and missed the look Saber sent him, a mix of gratitude and apology. She was grateful he told him about Berserker's feeling underneath all that rage and madness. She was also ashamed, she was the king of Knight she didn't understand the heart of a knight without being told.
'I really don't understand the heart of my people...'
Saber was about to spiral down the depressing memory when she felt a solid hit to her head, "Aww!" She yelped in shock.
Ruler was in front of her, holding a bamboo sword he got out of nowhere. She was about to ask where he got it and why he hit her when a smile spread on his handsome face complete with sparkles. "Ruler?" Was this an illusion or a trick of light or magic?
"Saber…" The dark skinner servant took a deep breath, and Saber braced herself. "How did you keep your gender a secret for over TEN years, and yet! You can't keep your name secret last more than ONE night?!"
That was what she was hit for?! Saber thought in disbelief. "Well… since I am fighting Lancer I don't think-" She could avoid clashing her sword with his Gae Dearg and win.
"Lancer is fine!" Diarmuid would keep it to himself because he was naïve and chivalrous. "What I can't accept is you throwing your title just because Rider annoyed you!" Saber flinched at that. "Even Gilgamesh did a better job at it, I can't believe it! That egoistic King of Heroes hold out his name from Rider longer than you! And it's because I give his name away as freebie to compensate your carelessness!"
Saber stopped at that, "Wait! You revealed his true name because I did first?!"
"Yes, our adorable king of knights. I did." Ruler deadpanned.
The female knight couldn't believe her ears, did he just call her…
Irisviel watched their banter back and forth, her head whipped to right and left. Her eyes shining with fascination. Where was her camera again? She bought one this afternoon, right?
"Thanks to you! We all are throwing subtlety out of the window!"
"Have you forgotten that, it's RIDER who interrupted my battle shamelessly and shouted his name to the world?! Or your hair that's whiter than an old man is not just for show?" She was raising her voice now, it was a comical sight a man that was much taller than her had to bend low to argue face to face with Saber.
He raised an eyebrow at her, "My memory is fine, and Rider revealing himself is none of our business! I won't even care if he starts a parade in Fuyuki!" People would just think he was a clown or a crazy foreigner.
"Do you enjoy his antics that much?!"
Click!
Saber and Ruler turned to the side and blinked when camera Irisviel was holding flashed again. "Hum… not too bad for taking a photo at night." She was fortunate Ruler explained how to use it when they bought it, and this time she didn't forget to uncover the lens and which button to push!
The two servants were about to protest about photo taking when once again they were interrupted by Irisviel's ringing phone. The homunculus fumbled with her phone before Ruler helped her to pick the call, and pressed it to Irisviel's ear.
"Hello, dear? Ah yes, we're alright!" She paused, "You want Ruler to come with you, oh okay!" Then the line ended and Irisviel beamed at her servant. "Kiritsugu need you to go to him, Ruler!"
The servant of balance sighed.
"Are you tired?"
"A little but I have plenty of energy left to work… but master, can you please next time ask your husband what he wants from me first?"
"…Well…" She was unsure she wanted to know or whether Kiritsugu would tell her.
He sighed again, seeing through her concern. "Never mind Master… I will just go see your husband." Then he turned to Saber who was still glaring with stubbornness in her eyes. "Do me a favor and make sure you two go straight to Einzbern's castle."
Where did he got the idea, they would go on detour?! Both of them had enough of chaos for tonight!
"And I won't even care if you have to run over someone to make sure of that." With that parting words, Ruler disappeared in a burst of golden flame.
Saber blinked at that, "Did Ruler just suggest hit and run?" And why?
Fuyuki Church
"…Master Kirei."
Kirei tensed. A shadow silently came up, next to him. Someone, a woman wearing a skull mask and garbed entirely in black; the female Assassin who was responsible for reconnaissance near the storage street.
"… What is it?"
"Reporting. I have located something strange outside of the church."
Assassin handed the corpse of a bat. Though the head has been twisted and broken, it was slightly warm – suggesting it hasn't died for too long. "A familiar?"
"Yes. Though it is outside the bounded field, but it is obvious that it was placed there to monitor the church."
Kirei stared at the body of small animal some more, his eyes drawn at the wireless CCD miniature camera. On its leg. There was no solid evidence but in this war, there was only 'one' Magus that lacked pride and would resort to using technology like this.
His deception had been discovered by none other than Magus Killer.
Meanwhile…
If Saber had any doubt that Ruler had a good intuition and perhaps a clairvoyance like Merlin, it had disappeared along with the air that knocked out of her lungs by the way Irisviel drove the silver beast. In which the silver beast was better known as Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe. The flowing, elegant, streamlined body with a scent of antiquity resembled a noble lady, while the roaring of the Inline-6 SOHC engine was like that of a fierce beast's. And behind the steering wheel of the classic sedan recklessly going beyond 100 kilometers per hour was the very ecstatic Irisviel von Einzbern.
"Hey hey, this goes pretty fast, doesn't it?" Irisviel, who held the steering wheel and whose face was beyond euphoric, said.
Saber nervously gave Ruler's master a stiff nod and a smile. "In-Indeed, unexpectedly, this is...some rather... skillful... driving..." Now Saber had a new reason to dislike Kiritsugu, for taking Ruler away on mission. While she had an argument with Ruler just a while ago she really wished he was here, while he spoiled Irisviel rotten there was no way Ruler would let this dangerous stunt pass.
"Right? I had special training, even though it may not look like it." Her special training apparently didn't include how to be a safe driver, "Among all the toys Kiritsugu brought to the Einsbern castle, I favor this one the most. I was always just running circles in the castle grounds, and today is the first time for me to drive in such a wide space. It's wonderful!"
"A toy, huh..." Saber sweated at Iri's remark.
There won't be any objections to call something like a skateboard or bicycle a toy. But for a machine with a speed of over 100 kilometers per hour on a winding road in the middle of the night… People would never call this vehicle as toys, in Iri's hand it was a thrill ride at best and death machine at worst.
Another reason to hate Kiritsugu aside from taking Ruler -who was the voice of reason to Irisviel- was the car had been prepared by the Magus Killer. For over half a month, this car had been parked in the hotel's underground parking lot. Surely Kiritsugu knew his wife's driving skill and love for the toy, and yet the man failed teaching Irisviel how to drive safely.
"Hmm. Wait a minute, Irisviel. Haven't you been driving on the right side until just a moment ago?" It was only by sheer disciplined self-control Saber managed to keep her dignity.
"Ah, that's right." Irisviel laughed as she moved the car with a jerk to the correct side of the road.
"...Do we still have a long way to go to reach the Einsbern castle in this land?" Saber hoped the answer was no, they were almost there. Because at this rate it would be a miracle to get to the castle safely.
"I heard it will only take one hour to reach by car. When we get close, we should be able to see it..."
Saber did not stop wishing for this dangerous journey to be over, even if only a second sooner. They were fortunate that no cars were coming towards them on the midnight highway. However with the way Irisviel was driving, this winding road was in no way safe. While she possessed extraordinary reflexes and strength, and can immediately carry Irisviel outside the car to escape if danger presents… the legendary sports car worth ten million yen would then be reduced to an unrecognizable pile of scrap iron.
As a King of Britain who had went through painful lecture from Sir Kay to be frugal with money because of their economic crisis in wartime, Saber didn't have a heart to let Iri's toy to waste away like that. And Ruler would make fun of her if this toy crashed under her watch.
"...Wouldn't it have been better to hire a chauffeur?" She suggested. And safer for us all.
"Of course not. That would be borin- no!" Saber didn't miss her pause, "That would be too dangerous. After all, once we enter Fuyuki city, we can be attacked by other Masters at any time. You're the one who doesn't want to see innocent people being dragged into this, Saber."
"That is true..." How did Ruler talk Irisviel out of anything again? "But Irisviel, perhaps you can go slower… Ruler told you to be always careful, right?" A small swat on her pride relying on Ruler, but she conceded Irisviel listened to her servant more. "There's no rush to get to the castle."
Irisviel hummed, "Well… Ruler did say that, what's the most important is to get back to our base!" Namely the Einzbern Castle.
Saber's relief that Irisviel was slowing down didn't last long, and her talking to Irisviel and distraction cost her several things. One, she was late to notice the dark slumping figure in the middle of the road. Two, while she had time to warn Irisviel to stop the car she didn't have any to slam her foot on the brake like her 'Riding Skill' told her to do. At least not enough time to stop the car before the car hit the servant who was stupid enough to stand in the middle of the road with joyful expression on his face.
While Caster of fourth war was a servant, it had to be noted he was not a 'true' caster. He could pass as a Saber in his sane years, but his years of debauchery cost him. So, he had an overall low stats and his caster status meant he was naturally vulnerable to physical attack, and in this case… Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe speeding over 100 kilometers per hour frontal attack.
CKIIT! SLAM!
The force of collision and Saber's timely brake send the car spinning twice, before it stopped. The car's position now had the front light shining upon Caster who had landed on his stomach, with his head facing opposite direction from the car.
"Did we just run over a servant?" Saber asked to no one in particular.
Irisviel heaved a sigh of relief that Saber confirmed it was a servant and not a human. "Maa! Ruler says we can run over someone as long as we get to the castle! And he isn't human, so it's okay, right?"
"Erm."
"Shall we run over him one more time?" Irisviel suggested. "The castle is over there anyway." The homunculus pointed at the direction Caster blocked.
Ruler didn't jinx them, did he? "I am sure Ruler mean it as a figure of speech." She said reasonably.
Hopefully that was what he had in mind, but she would never know with Ruler. The man had a sharp mind but also a mischievous streak that reminded Saber a little of Merlin. No, actually he strongly reminded her of Merlin since he spun a tale of his background so masterfully, even Saber who knew the truth almost believed it for a moment.
Her distracted mind cost her once more, when Iri decided the course of action on the face of Caster in ostrich like pose. "So here we go!" And the silver haired lady once again drove his favorite toy to run over Caster.
"Wait! Iris-"
SLAM! "GAAAH!" Caster let out a high-pitched scream when the car rammed his backside and his head was slammed against the side of the road.
"Did you see that, Saber?!" Irisviel's ruby like eyes were shining with glee. "I beat Caster! I run him over like Ruler said!" Her husband and servant would be so proud!
"IRISVIEL!"
Ruler was a terrible influence, Saber decided.
Please Review!
If Shirou heard Saber... "That's definitely not my fault, beside it's for a good cause."
*On occasion EMIYA did slip up with his words, sometimes he just didn't care. While as said in UBW, Gilgamesh is no wielder… he is NOT a slouch either. He just doesn't have any mastery of wielding ANY of his treasures. Note that forcing him to a close combat is HARD and he has Enkidu, so yeah… it's a weakness but not easily exploited.
No one asked yet but I think you would want a STATS of Ruler.
Servant: Ruler, the servant of balance
True Identity: EMIYA Shirou
Master: Irisviel von Einzbern
Alignment: True Neutral
Strength: C
Endurance: B
Agility: B
Mana: A
Luck: E~A+
Due to his Vongola blood, the world would either screw him over or love him to death. He would get into the worst situation and have enough luck to get out of it somehow.
Class skills: As Ruler, the one who protect the concept of Holy Grail War.
True Name Discernment
Status information such as the true identity, Skill and Parameters is automatically revealed when he directly encounters Servant. However Servants with hiding capacity depends on his luck level to bypass this. However because of his status as incarnation, all blades will reveal the name of its owner to him by a glance.
God's Resolution
is the highest privilege for the Ruler class skill to use Command Spells, which are normally only usable by Masters, to command the Servants. Normally Ruler-class would possess two Command Spells for each Servants that participated in the Holy Grail War. However due to Ruler Emiya's summoning is an interference from outside source, this authority is greatly reduced. But if the servant in question is more inclined to follow his command, it can override the original master's.
Magic Resistance: C to general Thaumaturgy but A+ for Illusion and hypnosis Thaumaturgy
Cancel spells with a chant below two verses. Cannot defend against magecraft on the level of High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals. He gets a level up of this skill due to his current master, Irisviel. However due to his 'sky' nature, he naturally has poor resistance because Magic is violation against the rule of the world they abide to. However, as the Sky he is also invulnerable against magic that deceive senses and hypnosis, making him suitable for Ruler class that couldn't be influenced by any side.
Personal skills
Clairvoyance: D + Vongola Blood : B+
Originally is a visual ability that is also called 'Eagle Eye'. This is generally a must-have ability of the Archer class. It is also frequently used during scouting. Emiya achieve this through reinforcement on his eyes. However due to his Vongola blood this skill is enhanced, thus enabling limited precognition of target's movement.
Eye of the Mind (true): B
is a heightened capacity for observation, refined through training, discipline and experience. A danger-avoidance ability that utilities the intelligence collected up to the current time as the basis
Vongola's Blood, Hyper Intuition : Rank Unknown
The blood trait passed down through the generations of Vongola family. It determines the eligibility of a person in order to be able to succeed the Vongola, and was described as the "power that could see through all" or the "Eyes of the Sky that Envelopes All."
Overlapping with both Clairvoyance and Eye of Mind (true) to an extent, but this extraordinary perception is one of divine trait left to Vongola family from their divine ancestor. A connection to the ROOT that allows them to perceive the world beyond human's capability, including heightened sense of danger, and God like intuition that even allows them to point at hidden enemy base on feeling alone.
Note: the extent of this blood trait's blessing varies for each individuals. However if Sawada Tsunayoshi's Hyper Intuition is ranked it would A-EX
Magecraft: C-
While Vongola possess magic circuit and later a core that grant them massive boost of mana, due to their nature as Sky they have poor affinity for magic. In fact, it can be said that Emiya Shirou is the most talented Magus ever born in Vongola line. Ironically so…
Noble Phantasm
Unlimited Blade Works: E~A++
"Universe of Endless Blades" the reality marble that serves as noble phantasm of Emiya Shirou, his one true specialization of magecraft, as he is the incarnation of sword. At first it was believed to be result of someone whose life was saved by a sword, actually merged and lived with a sword, and acted as a sword all of his life.
The true reason however, the world represents his birth-origin as incarnation of Sky that become polluted/distorted by the cursed fire of Fuyuki grail, which is why the sky of his world is filled with smoke and fire. His current self was the result of rebirth by Avalon, the ever distant of Utopia and make himself to a sword to be in harmony with the influence of the scabbard.
(CeltiSette) I Prescelti Sette Frammenti (Sword of Seven Chosen Fragments) : C~B
A customized sword that become chosen weapon of Emiya Shirou of Vongola family, given to him through trial of inheritance. The embodiment of his rebirth as Vongola and serve as his Noble Phantasm. Each swords represent weather phenomena, due to his 'polluted' sky he can't take guardians like Tsuna, so the sword become his guardians to stabilize his sky.
note: If there's any other suggestion to shorten the name I am all ears.