Chapter 11: Fuyuki War part 2
'He should be done around now.'
Valerie hold up her command seal and focus he prana as she issue a single command. Her command seal began to glow, ready to answer whatever command she issue.
"Come… Berseker!"
Valerie's command seal flashes and breaking the barrier of space Berserker appear, still in combat-worthy condition apart from a few scratches which Valerie took care with healing magecraft.
"Your enemy gave you trouble?"
"As fellow Apostles, you should know how sturdy we are. Do not worry, I can still fight."
"Good. Then you support Rider. Defeat the enemy Rider and then help anyone from our team you come across if you're still in good condition. If not, astralize and rest. I give you permission to use your Noble Phantasm at your discretion."
"Very well."
Receiving his order, Berserker head to where Astolfo is fighting with spear in hand. Meanwhile, Valerie rush to aid Xenovia against Berserker. Although she cannot use Sepiroth Graal's main ability, she at least has the vast magical reserve of Sepiroth Graal at her disposal.
Activating her magic circuit, Valerie began pouring prana into her new rapier. The blade began to be covered in a small torrent of wind. When she finally got close enough, Valerie accelerate the wind's rotation and shoot it from the end of her sword. The attack was unexpected and with Xenovia taking all of Berserker's focus, the wind blast scored a direct hit on Berserker… which only slightly wound him and push him away.
"Tch, another one eh? You're not human."
"Half-Apostle. My name is Valerie Tepes, Master of Berserker of Red."
"Two against one huh. I guess it's time to go all out!"
With Valerie joining the fray, the battle between Servant and Masters began anew.
Coming from both sides, Xenovia and Valerie tried to flank Berserker. The two of them attack at the same time. When Xenovia attack high, Valerie would attack low. With her rapier made by Sophia and covered in a layer of cutting wind, her weapon could harm a Servant… of course, that is if she could hit them.
Berserker took the two of them on with both of his weapons. Twisting and twirling his left spear-like sword to block all of Xenovia's well placed attack. But he didn't have to spend as much effort with Valerie since compared to Xenovia who had been wielding a sword ever since she could wield one, Valerie is a novice in fencing and her threat is only backed up by her power as an Apostle. All her attacks are basically just well-placed thrusts for the hero. Unlike in her fight against Saren where she has the advantage of element and smaller gap between skill in close combat, Berserker is much stronger and their skill can be compared to day and night. Valerie only realize the massive difference between her fight with Saren and the hero when none of her attacks even graze the great warrior.
"Not as skilled as the blue girl but impressive strength… and impressive weapon. The little girl's blade I can understand but shouldn't yours break when it hit mine?"
"This blade was made by Caster using her Noble Phantasm, Forge of Brave. It allows her to create weapons that could match a Noble Phantasm although all smithing process must be done manually which took time. This rapier… is my own Noble Phantasm!"
"Heh, interesting! Then are you worthy of that blade, little Apostle?!"
Berserker swung down his right hand sword with great force. Valerie block the sword with her rapier but the force of Berserker's swing was so great that the ground beneath her cracked and she was brought down on one knee. If she wasn't an Apostle, she would've been squashed under the force of Berserker's strength.
From behind Berserker Xenovia appeared. Her holy sword glowing with power came down on Berserker but was met with the Servant's other weapon. But the distraction was enough for Valerie to take out a gem and throw it at Berserker. The Servant though prove his worth to his name as a great warrior and immediately notice Valerie's action and kicked Valerie's hand before she can fully complete the motion of a throw. Berserker then push Xenovia back with all his strength and the exorcist began to stagger.
But Berserker forgot that he's not fighting just them. From the corner of his eye, he saw one of Sophia's flying blade speeding towards him. With both of his hands occupied and his position where both of his hands fully extended to push down his adversaries and his feet firmly planted to the ground after his kick, Berserker has no way to intercept the blade unless he release one of his sword. Berserker did that. His left hand that has been pushing Valerie down release the grip on his sword and did what should've been impossible without an insane amount of skill, something he possess.
Berserker dodged the blade and kicked Xenovia away and then grabbed the hilt of the flying blade as he did a full turn and throw it at another flying blade. Valerie took this chance to attack Berserker with a flurry of thrusts from her rapier. But the great warrior just dodged all her thrusts easily like he could see them all.
"You have more power than the other girl but your skill pales in comparison."
Berserker commented. When Valerie made her last thrust aimed at his forehead, Berserker only tilted his head to avoid the blade and even grabbed it with his right hand as he had dropped both of his weapons. Not even caring that the rapier's blade could cut through his skin, Berserker instead pull the rapier along with its wielder towards him and kneed the apostle right in her stomach. If she were a normal human, Valerie's body would've been obliterated.
Berserker did not stop just there and release his grip on Valerie's weapon as he send a powerful punch which connect to Valerie's face, sending the apostle through a concrete wall of a nearby building.
Of course, Berserker did not forget about Xenovia whom he considered to be the more dangerous of the two. She has more skill which she shows when she had managed to get close enough to attack when Berserker had been busy incapacitating Valerie. Berserker did a 180 degrees turn and throw a very quick punch at where Xenovia is.
Xenovia though had anticipated that and managed to avoid his powerful punch which would've obliterated her by ducking under it and was about to slash Berserker with Durandal when Berserker pivoted and kicked her with his left leg that she fortunately manage to block using the flat of her blade but it sent Xenovia skidding for a few meters before stopping and she drop to one knee, using Durandal as support. Her breathing became harder as fatigue finally caught up to the exorcist.
"As expected of a legendary hero. You're very powerful."
"You too little girl. If only you were born earlier. That skill for someone so young can only come either from pure talent or great dedication. I figure that you're the second from how hard you were fighting."
Xenovia had never felt talented. If there is anything she possess that resembles a talent that is her ability to wield Durandal, the sole source of her pride and worth as a warrior. That is why she try hard to be worthy of her sword. And here in this Holy Grail War she can find out if she is worthy or not. By exchanging blades with heroes of old age, those whose skill are legendary, those whose name are as well known as their weapon.
Receiving a compliment from someone like Berserker, at least Xenovia could feel a little pride from it even if she is about to die. She's reaching her limit. But she will not die now, not like this, on the ground giving up when she still has power left to fight. No, she no longer desire to win,
"The Grail War is not a game Xenovia. It is a death match between Magi fighting using both their magecraft and cunning. Some would play fair and some would play dirty. And then there is the Servants. You must not be so arrogant to think that you can fight against legendary heroes who have transcended humanity."
Ciel's words rang in her head. Xenovia let out a weak smile as she chuckled at her own predicament. What was she thinking anyway? Ciel was right, she had perhaps been arrogant. But now is not the time to think of such things. It is time to fight.
"It seems that I cannot win. I can accept that. But… I will not accept being cut down here!"
Using her will and what's left of her strength, Xenovia stood up. She can still fight, but not for long. Even so, she has to fight or die. Holding Durandal with both her hands, the exorcist renew her stance with the blade of the holy sword pointed towards the hero.
Somewhere in France, a rusted old sword in Rocamadour began to glow with power.
"I see… well then warrior, try to survive!"
As Xenovia's resolve hardens, Durandal began to give out a much stronger light until it finally covers the sword in a thin layer of light. The sword became lighter in Xenovia's hand as she felt her power rise.
'Durandal… I will not disappoint you.'
"Hoo, it seems that your sword is starting to truly accept you. Let's see how you fare now."
Berserker is fast, very fast… But Xenovia is more agile with her smaller build. And with her getting used to Berserker's speed and her own natural instinct coupled with Durandal becoming lighter, Xenovia can now keep up with Berserker's movement.
As the hero retrieved one of his weapons, the more sword-like one, both of them continue their battle. Xenovia try her best to avoid Berserker's sword as she stay out of its range and circling around the hero with her mobility. She knew she cannot stand another hit from the hero.
"Pressure blast!"
Suddenly, a blast of compressed air hit Berserker. Although it did nothing, this made Berserker aware that the other combatant had recovered. Valerie with her left hand extended towards Berserker walk out of the rubble which are the remains of the wall she crashed into. Her face very bruised and blood dripping from her mouth from organ damage due to Berserker's kick. Although she's very durable, she's not as tough as full Apostles and her recovery time is much slower.
"I'm not out yet. Burst!"
"Wha-"
The ground under Berserker exploded. Valerie was lucky that Berserker was standing right over the gem he kicked from her hand earlier. It became an impromptu trap which she managed to sprung. She had hoped that it was enough to take down Berserker.
But it was not to be as Berserker had managed to defend himself from the brunt of the explosion by positioning himself to facing the gem and putting both his arms in front of him. He was thrown several feet into the air but he was otherwise barely hurt except for the light burn marks on his hands.
"Not yet!"
The duo did not end there. Once Berserker is in the air, Xenovia leapt and with her sword in one hand using gravity to increase the power of her swing, the exorcist swung down her sword midair with all the strength she has.
"Feel the power of Durandal!"
"Hrunting!"
Calling his weapon's true name, the black sword that was left on the ground flew to Berserker's hand and began to glow with ominous burning aura. Berserker raise his sword to meet the blue sword as the holy sword clashes with the demonic sword. The release of two Noble Phantasms created an explosion which throws both Xenovia and Berserker and sent them flying to the ground. Although Berserker crashes hard, Xenovia was caught by a woman who had just arrived.
"She's heavily wounded, Master."
"I will take care of Xenovia. Lancer, take care of the enemy Berserker."
"Yes, mistress."
A woman whose beauty is comparable to the night sky itself. A beauty that transcends mortal although marred with everlasting sorrow. That is a fitting description of Lancer as she summon her large blue spear and walk towards Berserker who had just recovered.
"Hero…"
"Lancer of Red."
There is something wrong in the head with Lancer. Berserker of Blue instinctively knew it when she called him Hero. This is one woman nobody should freely flirt with. Her eyes reflected a certain amount of madness. It is hidden underneath her breathtaking beauty but it is there. The woman is at least partially mad and he knew it.
"Careful Lancer! He is Beowulf, the slayer of Grendel!"
Valerie warned from the sidelines. She had recovered enough but she won't be jumping into the fight when it's a Servant vs Servant. She barely survived earlier and she's not feeling suicidal right now.
"Beowulf, slayer of Grendel. One of Vikings' greatest Hero. A worthy opponent indeed."
At one moment, Lancer was standing almost thirty meters away. And the next instant she's right in front of the now revealed Beowulf, thrusting with her lance. The hero almost didn't follow the woman's speed but it was only for a split second. The slayer of Grendel used Hrunting to block Lancer's thrust which alerted him to how dangerous the woman is as he was pushed backward by the force of her attack as flames gather around her body.
'Strong!'
The strength behind Lancer's attack is enough to make him flinch. In the course of the Grail War, this is his first time facing an enemy Servant in battle. He had engaged in a light spar with his fellow Blue Servants though but so far he always claim superiority in brute strength.
Until now
As one of the four Servants powered by Sephiroth Graal, Lancer's stats are more than impressive. Her original parameter are already impressive enough but with the boost from Valerie's Grail, Lancer became a true powerhouse both physically and in arcane.
"…"
"…"
The two Servants stare at each other intently, waiting for either of them to make a move.
But the battle never commence when Berserker felt his connection with his Master was severed. The suddenness of the disconnection surprise him and he knows that the situation is bad. There is only one thing that came to mind when this happen.
His Master is dead.
"Berserker! Retreat back to Ryuudouji! Our Master had been killed."
Archer who suddenly appear beside him sporting numerous wounds and burns informed. Berserker clicked his tongue and carefully eyed Lancer of Red.
"If you wish to retreat then do so now."
"Tch, right when we finally got to the good part. Still, I thank you for letting us go."
Both Berserker and Archer of Blue astralize. With their presence gone, Lancer dismiss her spear. The Red faction members began to gather as the battle ended. The first to arrive are Noire and Caster followed by Rin and Archer and then Berserker and Rider with the last being Emiya Kiritsugu, Assassin.
Rider and Berserker doesn't look very good as there are numerous cuts on their body but thankfully no fatal wounds. Noire and Caster looks fine apart from Noire looking extremely tired and barely standing with one arm draped over Caster's shoulder. Rin looks fine although a little tired but Archer's right arm is bloodied and it doesn't look like he'll be using it anytime soon. Kiritsugu is the only one perfectly fine with not even a speck of dust on his clothes.
"So everyone here is alive and accounted for?"
Kiritsugu asked as he scan the whole Red faction member present in this battle.
"Apart from some minor scratches we're mostly fine."
"The enemy Rider proves to be a very tenacious fellow but both I and Rider managed to slay him."
Astolfo and Vlad reported.
"Prana… depleted… all else… fine…"
Noire managed to speak before falling unconscious due to his reserve being depleted and mental fatigue.
"Xenovia is suffered numerous broken bones and internal bleeding. She'll live for now but…"
"I'll heal her."
Caster give the unconscious Noire to Astolfo and ask Fiore to lay Xenovia on the ground to perform first aid. She'll heal her fully when they get back.
Valerie look at Xenovia's unconscious form with worry. Unlike her, Xenovia is a normal human without regenerative power. Although she didn't suffer any direct hit from Berserker, she had been forcing herself at the last moment, possibly straining the limit of her body. Plus she definitely felt the result of the clash between Durandal and Hrunting and at such close range, she's lucky that she's even alive.
"I've closed her internal injuries. It's a miracle she's still alive. Any longer and she would been dead."
Valerie felt relief washes through her when she heard that Xenovia will survive. Her attention then went to Noire. She will need to tell everyone about the Burnheart sibling targeting him. But not now. All of them are tired and what they need now is a good rest.
"Good. Now let's go back before the enemy decides to come back and attack us. Caster and Assassin of Blue are still unaccounted for."
"Wait, Kiritsugu-san, who killed the enemy Masters?"
Valerie asked, honestly curious to who put an end to the seemingly long fight.
"I did. The three enemy Masters are too occupied with avoiding Caster's blades that they didn't notice me before it's too late."
"Ohh."
As expected of the Magus Killer. He is truly the greatest modern-day assassin.
"Enforcer Mcremitz managed to escape along with Lancer but we have dealt a substantial blow to the Blue faction. For now we will rest."
Agreeing with the idea of rest, the Red team began their walk back to the Emiya estate.
Another night ended in the fifth Heaven's Feel… and it will be the last night Fuyuki kept its illusion of peace. Little did they know that the War is just starting and it will only get worse.
This is not the end of the first major battle of the Fifth War. Next chapter will have the rest of Caster & Noire vs Archer of Blue and a little Archer of Red and Rin vs Lancer of Blue and Bazzet. Berserker and Rider of Red vs Rider of Blue will be skipped along with Kiritsugu assassinating the enemy Masters. Otherwise it will take too long. There is also Arthur vs Mordred so the first big battle won't end in this chapter, not yet. Maybe next chapter.
Also, the main enemy of this arc will be revealed soon. And Ciel will enter Fuyuki soon. I've closed the vote for adding Ciel to Noire's harem and the answer is yes! More things to do. Ohh and I'll switch to Issei's first arc after I'm done with Arthur vs Mordred. The Grail War had been going on for too long.
And as for the three characters I stole. One is from Ikusa Megami series of eroge by Eushully and she will be paired with Issei. She'll be introduced in Issei's first story arc which will be in 2 chapters. The second one is from Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei and she will be paired with Noire. She will appear right after the Holy Grail War in Noire's second arc. As for the third, she came from Madan no Ou to Vanadis and will be paired with Sieg. You know, the Homunculus Dragon one who is paired with Jeanne. I already a list of pairing for him and it will be hillarious. Sadly, I don't know when he will appear. Probably after the legendary Kokabiel arc of DxD and around the Peace Treaty arc.
Now for the revs.
Jedgement of the Arbiter: I don't know what I was thinking when I brought all these people into the Grail War. At least I've killed off the minor characters... right after introducing them... without giving them any lines except for Lisa Argent. I'm quite cruel.
Thunder Dragon: Sieg will appear and I already have his powers down, sorry. I promise to make it interesting and allow him to stand on the same level as Noire and Issei at full power. Which means something equal to a Sorcerer of True Magic.
dragonrider66: Not really one night but I'm starting to hope that I could finish it quick. As for your Vanadis guess... Elen is a big no along with Ludmila. Just wait for it.
Okay, since I'm totally tired after making this one, I only have one thing left to say. Follow and review. The more follow I get, the more prana I have. I will need it to activate my Noble Phantasm.