Disclaimer: the usual 'I don't own' stuff.
Chapter 8: Arrival of the Dead Apostle Ancestors
-Morning-
Out of the many ways Noire could think of to wake up someone, being splashed with a bucket of cold water was not one of them.
"Rise and shine you lovebirds!"
Came the boisterous voice of his sometimes too hyperactive Servant.
Wait, lovebirds?
It was only then that he realized the position he is in. Valerie is clinging to his left arm while Xenovia clings on his right arm. What's more is how scantily dressed they are.
"In place of your mother, I will be the one to say that I'm very proud of you. Pfft…"
Noire finally noticed the back of a smartphone being pointed at them and how Sophia had placed a hand on her mouth to prevent herself from bursting out laughing at his expression which is sure to be hilarious for her if the emotion he is currently feeling is of any indication. Well, if Issei or his sister were to see his current expression right now, they would also laugh.
Because Shijou Noire is currently blushing heavily that his face is as red as his Servant's hair.
Luckily or unluckily, Noire felt the two of them stirring and watch as the beauties open their eyes, still holding his arms in their chest like a hug pillow.
"Why is it so cold?"
"Please close the curtain. I can't stand the sun."
The two of them opened their eyes.
Five seconds after, a scream and a loud slap can be heard in the Emiya estate.
Noire slowly eats his breakfast courtesy of Emiya Shirou while rubbing his sore cheek from Valerie's slap. Not even Shirou's marvelous cookind, helped by Saber, could make him feel better.
"I'm sorry Noire. I wouldn't have slapped you if I knew it was you."
Valerie kept apologizing profusely. She had been doing it since she realized that the person she slapped was Noire.
"Ara ara, so it is fine if it was Noire?"
Sophia teased. Again, Valerie and Noire started blushing. The sight is quite strange for Emiya Kiritsugu. Everyone had been told that Valerie is a Dead Apostle so they are all aware that she is a vampire. She has the fangs and red eyes alright. But never in his life had Emiya Kiritsugu saw a Dead Apostle of all things blushes like a schoolgirl.
"I don't see why you have to make a big deal out of it, Valerie. You have nothing to be ashamed of with that body of yours and neither do I. I won't go as far as showing my body to just anyone but it is Noire so there is nothing to be embarrassed about."
Xenovia spoke calmly like the incident just an hour ago never happened. For her, it is no big deal as long as the person is someone she can trust and although she was angry at Noire at first, all the time they spent together sparring and hunting Apostles had made them into a team that could trust each other with their life. Naturally, just showing him her skin is nothing much.
Rin, Illya, and Shirou almost choked on their food while Irisviel, Fiore, and Sophia laugh at the young exorcist saying something so ridiculous with a serious face. Kiritsugu decide that he's had enough and went out to smoke after finishing his breakfast accompanied by Saber. Archer is snickering in a corner together with Rider who finds his Master's lack of common sense funny. Only Berserker and Lancer doesn't show any visible reaction.
"W-w-what are you saying Xenovia?! T-t-that's not a-a-appropriate! Do you have no sense of shame?!"
Valerie slightly stammered as she chastised the exorcist girl. She can sometimes be clueless about what is considered common sense. She's even as bad as a magus with technology. She's so bad that Valerie had to teach her what a toaster is at one time and she look at the piece of technology like it was a gift from God himself.
Just what did the Church taught her anyway?
"I only feel shame if I am defeated by an unworthy opponent!"
Xenovia declared. Valerie really wanted to facepalm. Although she now considers Xenovia a friend, the exorcist can be an idiot sometimes. She's not easily flustered like her childhood friend, Gasper, because she's not the shy type. Actually she doesn't even know much about propriety to know what shame is.
-Valerie pov-
After the embarrassing morning, the Red faction had decided their course of action. For now we will stay on the defensive until we have encountered all enemy Servants. Caster, Archer, and Assassin are keeping watch over the city while the other Servants prepare themselves to respond to any situation. Lancer and Rider had been tasked to guard Rin, Shirou, and Illya while they are at school while Berserker whose Noble Phantasm is suited for defending a territory stay in the Emiya estate. Saber who could not astralize also stayed in the Emiya estate, waiting for the time when he would be needed. He also helps Irisviel in shopping for dinner with Fiore tagging along.
As for me, Noire, and Xenovia, we are currently in the Emiya family dojo with Berserker sitting beside me while we watch Noire and Xenovia sparring. The two of them are using newer black keys further customized by Caster who also utilize them. Caster's item construction skill is ranked as EX so creating keys that can be used against a Servant effectively is not very hard though she said that the keys are heavier than what Noire and Xenovia are used to but still lighter than the standard black keys.
How I envy Xenovia. I noticed that she had become closer to Noire. She used to barely tolerate him due to 'kidnapping' her to another world but that hostility decrease by time. And now she is so comfortable with him to the point of being comfortable enough to show him her skin like that. Since when did they become so close? But I always had the impression that they would actually get along very well. They are quite similar in many aspects. Both are fighters and are both serious while also being relaxed. They work very well together. Noire would support Xenovia while she became the main fighter. They cover each other's weakness. Xenovia has raw destructive power but focus mainly on single combat while Noire is fast and good at fighting against multiple enemies. To be honest, I am a little jealous.
I like Noire.
At first, I was a little angry like Xenovia for being dragged into this situation but after finding out that he didn't know that it will end up this way and that it was mostly my teacher's fault, I forgave him. He is very kind and he doesn't look down on me like I'm an abomination, a mistake, like how the pureblood vampires look at us half bloods. We are not accepted by pure blood vampires, we are rejected by normal humans. Just like many other halfbreeds, we are considered as nothing.
And even if it was just a mission from his teacher, Noire still saved me and showed me kindness. He is the first one to be like that towards me who is not a halfbreed. Of course there is Master Zelretch but he is not sane. He helped me in my study and even encouraged me. If there are more people like him, people who are strong and kind, the world would've been a better place.
I suspect that Xenovia shares the same feeling like what I have but she probably doesn't understand it.
I watch as Noire match Xenovia's throw with his own. He threw his keys to intercept the keys Xenovia throw and his accuracy is uneering. Noire drew more black keys followed by Xenovia who has inferior speed and they clash, locking blades with each other. Being the physically stronger of the two, Noire was gradually being pushed back until he decided to disengage and stick to long range.
Noire's throwing looks like a dance of blades. His aim is precise and his speed cannot be followed by untrained eyes. This is without either of them using Reinforcement. They look like they enjoy their spar. I have never been able to make Noire enjoy spending time with me because we're just different. It's not fair.
I stand up and silently exit the dojo and then the estate.
I felt somewhat jealous of Xenovia. Noire frequently spend time with her because I know they suit each other. Even if they don't have feelings for each other yet, I know it is only a matter of time. Xenovia is starting to truly enjoy being with Noire.
I began to wander around the city without care. I have never felt like this before and I am confused on what to do. Perhaps some fresh air can help me.
-3rd pov, Night-
It was night when Valerie realized that she'd been walking aimlessly around Fuyuki. Now she's in the outskirt of the city near Tohsaka mansion, alone in an empty roadside that if she goes further would lead her out of Fuyuki.
'I've been wandering quite far.'
Valerie thought as she decided to go back, having walked quite far from the Emiya estate. She was about to trace back her steps when Berserker materialized.
"Master, Archer had informed me that Caster has engaged the enemy Saber in the docks. He also told me to tell you to stay away from Ryuudouji. It appears that the enemy Caster had made a temple there so it is safe to assume that the enemy base is there."
Berserker informed. Valerie immediately remembered that she had passed Ryuudouji on her way sometime before sundown. She was lucky that she wasn't attacked then. She made note to never approach Ryuudouji unless it is for an all out attack, assuming that it is the Blue faction's base with Caster setting up Temple there.
Valerie was about to make her way back when she felt something approaching. It is not just one but two. One is an endless darkness and the other is a feeling that reminds her of fire. Valerie stopped and together with Berserker, she waited. The presence drew closer and now she can hear footsteps approaching her from the other side of the dark road. She recognize what they are from her close experience with their kind.
Two figures step out from the darkness. One is a male with short blond hair and lightly trimmed facial hair dressed regally like most Magi tend to be with black and red being a prominent color. The other is a female with long wavy blonde hair wearing all black dress with hints of gold and red. Valerie has a bad feeling about them. Their crimson eyes glowing in the dark is all that she needs to confirm that they are the same as she is, a Dead Apostle.
"Sister, it appears that we stumbled upon two Apostles here."
"You're right brother. But the taller one, he is vastly more powerful than the shorter one."
"Can it be? This is Fuyuki and don't forget that the Fifth Holy Grail War is underway."
"A Servant."
The two Apostles nodded to each other. The male Apostle then turn to Valerie and addressed her.
"You appear to be a Master in the Holy Grail War. As fellow Apostle, can you let us through? We do not want a conflict with an Apostle commanding a Servant."
"State your business and maybe I'll think about it."
Valerie replied. She is worried alright. She can sense that they are much more powerful than they appear to be. They are on a whole different level to the Apostles she had hunted before as training from Zelretch. She is thankful that Berserker is at least with her. They will have to think twice before attacking her.
"We are here to find a certain individual."
"A certain individual?"
"The son of our most hated enemy. His name is… Shijou Noire."
Valerie immediately froze. Did they just say Noire? Valerie is sure that she heard them right. Valerie then decided her course of action.
"Berserker… destroy them."
"As you wish."
On Valerie's order, a silver and black lance appeared in Berserker's hand. His crimson eyes that shines in the dark like an Apostle's began to show signs of bloodlust. The two Apostles widened their eyes at the sudden change in demeanor. They had expected it though but not this fast.
"Sister!"
"I'll handle this brother."
As Berserker charge like a raging bull at the two Apostles, the female one of the two step forward. Ring of black flame began to form around her as she called out the name of her greatest thaumaturgy. She had prepared it beforehand in case they have to fight the Servant.
"Dead End…"
The black ring of fire began to expand and both the female Apostle and Berserker vanished. It's Valerie's turn to be surprised. She could still feel her connection with Berserker so Vlad wasn't killed. That can mean only one thing. He was transported somewhere else. From what she knew about the thaumaturgy done by the female Apostle, she came to one conclusion.
"A Reality Marble."
Valerie growled. One of the greatest thaumaturgy known to mankind, it is a miracle that approaches the realm of True Magic.
"It seems that you are in league with the Shijou bastard if your reaction is anything to go by. Come to think of it, this Grail War is done in team format. You must be part of that bastard's team. I know I should've chekcked. Well can't be helped."
The male calmly spoke. His eyes then changed as he drops his gentleman façade. All trace of his previous polite and upstanding self disappeared, replaced by the face of a psychotic vampire who is out for a hunt.
"My name is Saren Burnheart and that was my sister, Eileen Burnheart. We are the Burnheart sibling, number 23 and 24 of the 27 Dead Apostle Ancestors. You're in the way of our hunt and revenge. Now you have to die."
The mad look on Saren Burnheart's face grew as he became more vampiric. Flame began to appear around him and the air grew hotter.
The Inferno, that is his title.
Valerie knew she is no match for a DAA. But still, she can't let him pass. The Apostle is clearly hostile. Then again, very few are not. If she let him pass, he and his sister will no doubt tear Fuyuki apart. Not only Noire will be in danger but so is everyone else. Added with the Holy Grail War, the chaos that will result if they pass will be catastrophic. Fourteen Servants and two DAA, Fuyuki will not survive this time.
"Valerie Tepes, Master of Berserker. I will not let you pass, Saren Burnheart!"
The Sepiroth Graal inside her body glow bright as she prepares herself to fight the DAA. Using the power of her sacred gear, Valerie created a dozen light spears. Light and Fire clashes in the outskirt of Fuyuki. The second battle of the Holy Grail War began in various locations.
I noticed that I'm actually neglecting Valerie here. Xenovia got her time with Noire and now it is Valerie's time to shine. She is till one of the two main heroines after all. I use this chance to develop Valerie a little. I also modify the DAA rankings a little. You know those blank names in the list? I put my two new DAA OCs to fill them and serve as more chaosbringers to the story. I'm also taking a little liberty with the power of Sepiroth Graal since other than modifying a living being, we don't really get much from the LN. This is one of the few powers of Sepiroth Graal in this story. One is to serve as a prana device like what it did during the summoning. This is another. Valerie will be able to utilize all racial power like vampiric powers, demonic powers, and angelic powers. It depends on how much understanding she has of the race. The more she understands, the better she can utilize the racial powers. The angelic power came from Xenovia's explanation and Zelretch completing them as a gift for Valerie. Currently she has vampiric and angelic powers down but as Dead Apostle is much stronger than a DxD vampire, she doesn't bother using DxD vampire powers.
Valerie's feeling is shown here. I look forward to developing it further but I want to focus on the 5th Heaven's Feel for now. I just got a good idea though. I'm going to develop the trio in the Grail War but finalize their romance when they got back to DxD verse and when Noire is learning Kaleidoscope. That means, right after Issei's arc when they got back from Nasuverse.
Now for the Revs.
ForteOfTheBallad98: Issei's Reality Marble is a secret for now along with what it can do. He won't be using it anytime soon anyway. Just look forward to it.
Guest: There is one Arthur Prototype fic that I found and like. It is called Fate Magnus Bellum. Can't remember the author. It's a good one. Anyway, I've been reading A Throne Nobody Wants, a crossover between Fate and Game of Thrones. It gave me the idea of pairing a male Arthur and female Mordred. I could make that work somehow and it could be hilarious. It depends on my skill though which I don't really trust in the matter of humor. As for Caster's stats in reinforcement. She got a full rank up since she is very skilled there. She didn't beat Saber in the Third War using just magecraft after all.
dragonrider66: item construction allows the creation of powerful item. Paracelsus has this skill that allows him to create Philosopher's Stone. As for Issei, I'm still working on some of his powers and reasons for them. I already got his Reality Marble down though so look forward to it.
Wacko12: they are in Nasuverse while Issei is still in DxD verse. Issei will appear after I'm done with the Grail War arc.
.vendicatore: Yes, Kiritsugu is Assassin but not everyone is fucked. This is already a fucked up Grail War anyway with 14 Servants and 2 DAA and what more I have in my mind. And don't forget that it's still not counting Gilgamesh and Momoka who are currently in the background. Even Kiritsugu cannot face all of them.
Next chapter will have all the battles and confrontations occuring throughout Fuyuki so I promise it will be a long chapter. There is Valerie vs Saren, Vlad III vs Eileen, Sophia vs Saber of Blue, and many more.