D\\isclaimer: See previous chapters.
KingofBeasts Productions Present:
Fate/Zero Hour: A Fate/Zero Multi-Crossover Fanfiction
Chapter 8: Decrescendo
The graveyard outside Kotomine Church.
"So that's what you called us for."
Kotomine Kirei nodded as he, Archer and Assassin gathered around the charred remains of what used to be a human being as it lay lifeless on the ground. As it was rather small, it was determined that the body belonged to that of a child, a boy to be precise.
"Indeed, my son." Risei spoke with a certain sadness in his voice "And like many others, the soul no longer lingers within and has been sucked dry."
"No doubt this was Caster's and his Master's doing." Archer scoffed at what he was seeing. He was angry; not because of the string of victims by the Servant of the Spell's hand, but because of how low he would stoop to attain power. "Such methods only bring shame to demons everywhere, especially lower class trash like him."
"I dunno about that, Archer-kun." Assassin giggled while poked and prodded the body "He seemed to be able to keep up with you back at the pier."
"I merely underestimated him." The Son of Sparda scoffed at what she was implying "A mistake I will not be making again."
"At any rate," Risei cut in before the two Servant could begin bickering "What disturbs me most is that his latest atrocity was conducted right in our doorstep."
"What could this mean?" Kirei asked, confused much like his father was.
"A possibility could be that Caster is taunting us." Archer mused while placing a hand on his chin "If so, that would explain why his latest victim was left near the church, where it would obviously attract the attention of the Overseer."
"It's something I would do." Assassin stated nonchalantly, as if the concept of grotesque murders did not disturb her in the slightest.
"This is something I as Overseer cannot allow." Risei declared with a grim expression before turning to Archer "We should focus our efforts on hunting Caster down like the monster he is!"
The Son of Sparda felt that his Master was in agreement with this course of action. Of course, while he still anticipates the other Masters taking advantage of the situation, he reasoned that keeping an eye out for Caster would be the best course of action in the long run. With nod towards the elder Kotomine, he then turned his attention to the younger one.
"Kirei."
"Yes, Archer?"
"Keep one of Assassin's clones close to the forests as well as the Fuyuki Hyatt while the rest scour the city for Caster." He explained "If her intel is to be believed, then that is where the Masters of Saber and Lancer currently reside. Any words on their movements will prove helpful to us."
"Aye-aye, Archer-kun~!" The blonde lolita-clad girl giggled as the Servant of the Bow turned his heel to leave, dissipating into spirit form while walking.
"If that is all, then we are to adjourn for the night." His disembodied voice spoke as he took his leave.
As he traveled back to Tohsaka Manor, he looked back at tonight's events. While Saber and her Master still stand due to unforeseen circumstances, the fact that the Master of Lancer was severely incapacitated meant that tonight was not a total loss. He even managed to get a firm assessment of Saber and Lancer's fighting strengths, each of them exceeding his expectations.
"Dante would have enjoyed engaging them more than I did." He begrudgingly admitted as he thought of his brash younger twin. While it was a hard choice on who was the stronger Servant, he already determined the better of their respective Masters.
"Emiya Kiritsugu, while not a typical Magus, was resourceful and crafty. He took advantage of Kayneth Archibald's hubris and outmaneuvered his superior opponent before Kirei took advantage of the situation."
It was then he turned his thoughts towards his allies: Tokiomi often acted deliberately and carefully, a trait the Son of Sparda respected. However, he found that his Master was a little too set in his ways.
When it came to Kirei, he chuckled at the irony of a demon working with the Church, an organization known for hunting down his kind. Despite that, he sensed some enjoyment when the priest broke Kayneth's back, a tiny hint of exhilaration when he performed the deed.
Which, he believed, didn't go unnoticed by Assassin, which brings him to his most pressing concern.
"The girl is a loose cannon." He furrowed his brow "Her unpredictability will make her hard to deal with. She also has taken an interest in her Master's growth. Only time can tell how this bodes for us in the long run..."
At any rate, he was going to keep an eye on those two. His life may very well depend on it.
Fuyuki Hyatt, Same Night.
"How is he?"
Lancer had been standing vigil over the bedroom for hours while Sola-Ui utilized whatever healing magecraft she can muster to work on Kayneth's injuries. His bride-to-be, for the most part, had beads of sweat trickling on her forehead due to having worked her Magic Circuits to her limits.
"The worst is over." She sighed as she took a handkerchief to wipe her forehead "The shoulder wound has been closed up. However, while his spine is on the mend, it will take months, if not years, of intensive therapy before he can walk again."
"I see." The silver-haired spearwoman let out a deep breath, relieved that her Master had survived the entire ordeal "For that, I am glad."
"It could be worse; his Magic Circuits could've imploded for all we know. Seriously though," Sola-Ui groaned as she took a seat in the table "What was he thinking, charging right into enemy territory the way he did? That idiot."
"Would you like a glass of water, Miss Sola-Ui?"
"I'd like that, thanks."
Lancer walked towards the kitchen to acquire the drinks, then took her seat right beside her Master's wife "Perhaps it was due to that that barb to his bravado you put forth last night, and he wished to prove himself to you."
Of course, Lancer was referring to the aftermath of the first major battle of the Holy Grail War. Kayneth was berating his Servant for being not only being unable to defeat Saber, but for aiding her against the other Servants as well. It was in mid-rant that Sola-Ui interjected, pointing out that Waver Velvet and the Einzbern woman showed more bravery than he did, coming to battle by their Servants' sides while he hid in the shadows. He was obviously stung by her words, but said nothing of it and eased up on Lancer.
That, in turn, led to the events earlier that evening.
"Even so, it was no excuse to do what he did." Sola-Ui huffed as she took a drink.
"Perhaps." Lancer quietly agreed as she took a drink of her own, letting a moment of silence pass between the two women before speaking again "If I may ask..."
"You may." The red-head nodded "You're free to speak anytime with me, Lancer."
"Why do you loathe my Master so?" The question from the graceful Servant disarmed the other woman for a second "He may be a callous, prideful man, but he has not given me any reason to believe that he mistreats you."
"Probably because it would soil his reputation as well as the relations between the Archibalds and Sophia-Ris." Kayneth's betrothed began to explain "Our union is not one of love, but of necessity due to the politics in the Clock Tower. To many, I am just an object, a shiny bauble the rich can show off to their friends. It is a cruel fate, but one I have accepted."
Lancer sat there silently, listening to her Master's wife speak about the nature of their relationship. It was after a brief pause that Odin's Witch began to giggle.
"What's so funny?" Sola-Ui asked, genuinely confused by her reaction.
"Forgive me. It's just that I have been in this exact situation before."
"You have?"
"Indeed." Lancer nodded as she began her own tale "You see, to be a Valkyrie under the service of my father, Demon King Odin, was considered the highest honor by the women of my country. As such, marriage was seen as a fate worse than death. A fate that befell me as well."
"For what offense?" Sola-Ui wondered what sort of crime Lancer committed to have caused her own father to condemn her.
"Defending flesh and blood." The Servant said without any hint of irony "And the man I was betrothed to...I had despised him at first. I, too, felt like an object, some doll he can play with until he got bored. But..."
"But?" Sola-Ui was truly intrigued by Lancer's tale now, having heard enough to pique her interest "What happened?"
"I found that he treated me with nothing but kindness." She spoke with a soft smile, her lips curling upward ever so slightly as her cheeks began redden "I had thought that it was all a formality at first, but as I learned more about my beloved Oswald and the lengths he went to win my hand as well as the warmth in his eyes every time he gazed at me, I began to truly fall in love with him."
"So that is your wish upon the Grail?" Sola-Ui asked her seriously "To be with him again?"
"Aye." Lancer nodded with a smile "I only hope he survived the ordeal that befell our land...as unlikely as it sounds."
"I am glad that you found happiness in your life, Lancer." The other sighed deeply "I wish that was the case for me."
"It is hard, to be bound by the rules of the nobility." The Princess of Ragnanival nodded in understanding "However, I feel that could still make the most of your circumstances."
"What? You mean me and Kayneth? I doubt it." Sola-Ui snorted in disgust "You of all people should know what he's like, Lancer."
"Indeed I do." The Servant of the Lance nodded "However, watching you two...it reminded me of how I used to treat my husband. Give it time, Lady Sola-Ui. While you may never return his feelings, at least see that he is not as heartless as you paint him to be."
"...I'll think about it." Sola-Ui spoke, her expression uncertain, as she glanced at the wall clock "At any rate, it's pretty late. I'll go on right ahead, if you don't mind."
"Very well." Lancer nodded as she watched the red-head retire to her quarters "Good night, milady."
"You too." Sola-Ui returned the gesture before entering her room to rest after a strenuous night.
So the Servant sat alone with her thoughts, thinking of the husband she had left behind.
"Oswald..." she murmured lovingly, her whisper carried by the wind.
Airport, The Next Morning.
"H-Huh?"
Edgar Silverstein, Head of the Ordinis Sancti Gladius a.k.a the OSG, found himself waking up to small, eerily familiar voice saying his old name. He rubbed his eyes, the fatigue of travelling to a different universe as well as travelling to Japan by plane, was enough to make him doze off for a few seconds.
"It was a good thing I came alone, then." He chuckled to himself "Otherwise, Lyn's snoring would've robbed me of sleep."
He remembered how he got here in the first place: After accepting the mission from the woman who claimed to be his 'sister-in-law', he held a meeting with the members who happened to be in HQ at the time. He told them of the mission, but with this twist: He would be going in alone.
The reactions varied: Lyn wanted to sock him in the face with a thousand Ceros, Maka gasped in shock, Giro dropped his coffee mug while Soul and Stark just remained chill about the entire thing (though they were trying to restrain Lyn). The only one who knew the real score was Stark, who in turn convinced everyone to trust in their leader's judgement, though he too was a little worried that Edgar was being uncharacteristically brash. It took some reassuring that he won't let his personal feelings interfere with the mission.
"Just try not to get too involved, okay?"
Those words lingered in Edgar's head as he stood up from the bench, clad in a black denim jacket, white t-shirt beneath, and blue jeans while carrying a duffel bag on his back as he looked for the person who would be waiting for him. Sure enough...
"Hey. You're Edgar Silverstein, right?"
The silver-haired knight turned to the source of the voice behind him. What he saw was a tall man with brown, slicked back spiky hair. His eyes were hazel brown and he had a goatee that complemented his rough, rugged features. He wore a toothy grin on his face, the kind that hid mischievous intentions. His attire consisted of a dark blue business suit, a red polo underneath as well as a yellow scarf that hung around his neck.
"May I know who is speaking?" The Shadow Knight asked as he eyed the man warily
"Name's Alvin." The man replied while keeping that wolfish grin on his face "Mr. Azal sent me to fetch you and take you to him. I gotta say, I was expecting someone with a title "Shadow Knight" to be more...sinister looking."
"Thanks...I guess." Edgar raised the brow at the man's rather casual demeanor, given his reputation.
"At any rate, let's get this show on the road. If you'll follow me..." Alvin proceeded to lead Edgar through the crowd, skillfully navigating his way through the crowd and eventually out of the airport. What was waiting for them was a jet-black limousine, the kind you see the wealthy drive around in. Upon entering, Edgar managed to glimpse the driver: She was a woman with a statuesque figure and a well-endowed chest. Her pale skin, silver hair and red-eyes gave her an otherworldly aura that the black suit she wore did little to diminish. She turned towards her passengers, measuring Edgar with a steel glance, before turning her eyes back to the road.
"We shall make our way to the Fuyuki Hyatt now." She stated stiffly, her icy demeanor matching her looks "Please remain seated until we reach our destination."
"Don't mind Sel." Alvin chuckled as he reached for a hidden compartment and pulled out some a bottle of scotch "She's quite the looker, but she can be a bit of a stick in the mud."
"And need I remind you not to address me so informally, Mr. Svent." The woman growled "Nor is it proper to drink during work hours!"
So this continued until they had reached the hotel, Edgar wondering in the end just what kind of people worked for the enigmatic Salem Azal.
"I see. So the deal was agreed upon. Thank you, Neji. That will be all."
Salem Azal sighed as he hung up, glancing out the window and admiring the view from his room, which was just below the ten floors Kayneth sealed off as part of his magical defenses. Whether it was intentional or not is left up in the air.
"So I take it another merger is on the way?"
The man turned to see Rachel Alucard standing in a place when she was no where to be seen mere seconds before, smiling that sly smirk of hers.
"Indeed. Mr. Hyuga has really pulled through as a business representative." The ancient being chuckled as he reclined in his chair.
"One of the many lost sheep we have herded from death's grasp." The ex-Observer giggled "I honestly believe we're making a habit out of this as much as the OSG does. Speaking of which, I take it you managed to ask for their help?"
"Indeed, though it was Miss Valentine we should thank. She should be on her way here with Shu and Inori as we speak." He nodded in affirmation "And what of you? How did your meeting with Maxwell go?"
"She was more than willing to lend her aid should the worse occur." Rachel nodded as she took her seat as well "To quote her, 'It is the Lord Maxwell's duty to guard the welfare of man and spirit'."
"Yeah, that does sound like something she'd say."
Both turned to see that Alvin and Sel had just entered with their awaited guest, the former a little surprised at what Rachel said. "Anyway," the brunette piped in "We brought Edgar Silverstein, just like you asked."
"Thank you. You two may go now." Both bodyguards nodded before taking their leave, exiting the room and leaving the three to speak among themselves. It was just as they were about to exit when another entered their midst.
"Ah, you have returned." The man chuckled as he acknowledged the newcomer: He was a male twenty-years of age, with long, blue hair tied in a pony-tail, blue eyes and features that, Edgar would later note, gave him a boyish look. He wore a black trenchcoat and a white polo underneath that fit his slender frame, black pants, and a pair of silver headphones around his neck. He had a short sword slung on his back as well as what resembled a silver handgun holstered on his waist. In his left hand was a bag containing a DVD with the title "Phoenix Ranger Featherman Victory".
"I take it your mission succeeded, Mr. Arisato?"
"Yes." Salem's question was met with a nod before the man answered "If I may take my leave?"
He nodded as "Mr. Arisato" left as quickly as he came, causing Edgar to quip "You certainly surround yourself with strange company, Mr. Azal."
"Not as colorful as the one you keep, I'm sure." Salem answered with a small laugh "But that is not why you've come here alone, is it?"
"Nothing of that sort." The former Shadow Knight nodded as the discussion went straight to the point "So, you've decided to ask for my aid in minimizing the damage for your universe's Holy Grail War?"
"Indeed." Rachel answered promptly "While the aftermath is a necessary evil that must occur to destroy that tainted cup once and for all, we would like to at least minimize the casualties and have some degree of damage control. As an agent of the Kaleidoscope as well as one who has had to deal with this, you of all people should be capable to do what is necessary, though I imagine it will be hard for you considering that one of the participants is-"
"You can stop right there." Edgar interrupted with a rather annoyed expression "As I've stated to his secretary, who I still have trouble believing that she's my sister-in-law, as well as to my subordinates that I will do what must be done, even if it will be painful. However," He then turned his glance towards Salem Azal, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly "If we are to be honest...I have trouble trusting you as well, Mr. Azal."
"What on earth do you mean?"
"Kindly cut the crap. I can trust Alucard's words, but not yours." Rachel watched as Edgar's right eye began glowing an ominous dull red "I know who you are. The OSG has files that documented your role in the saga of the Soul Swords. You manipulated and lied to people, each of them with hopes and dreams. And worst of all, you gave life to the Azure Knight, all because you wanted to die. So tell me, why should I trust you, Salem Azal...no, Zasalamel?"
For a moment, no one moved. Rachel feared that it would end horribly on the part of both parties. It was a few tense seconds before Salem Azal took a deep breath.
"It is because of what happened to those swords that I have decided to turn over a new leaf." The man once known as Zasalamel explained "It is because of my obsession with them that it would lead to the suffering of one of the greatest heroes I've known, and for her children to die needlessly."
Rachel and Edgar sat there as they listened to him speak of a past he regretted, of sins he wished to be cleaned of "And so now I live in this eternal penance, aided by Miss Alucard as we travel the multiverse to grant a second chance to those you deserve it, not much unlike your own group. So now, you've heard my piece. If you wish to bring me to justice, then do so after we have saved as many as we can from the upcoming tragedy."
"...As long as you are working to make amends, then you have no quarrel with me." A collective sigh of relief was breathed as Edgar calmed down and offered his hand "Consider my help yours for the rest of this operation."
"Splendid." Salem chuckled as he shook on it, the partnership between the two established "We will meet later in the evening. Feel free to interact with any of my people until then."
Edgar nodded before standing up and taking his leave to explore this somehow-different Fuyuki. Once he had done so, Rachel sighed as a portal opened behind her, an elderly butler in an olive green suit and a silver mane tied in a ponytail emerged.
"Kindly prepare your best brew, Valkenhayn. We could all use a good cup after such a tumultuous event."
"At once, milady."
Unknown
In the darkest depths of Fuyuki City, Caster's body experienced a surge of energy as he fed off the mana of his latest victims, their terror giving their souls a rather interesting flavour.
"Hey, mister!" The Betrayer turned to see his Master, Uryuu Ryuunosuke, ambling up to him in delight while his purple blazer was stained with blood from working on his latest 'art project' "Are we gonna go out again tonight?"
To this, Caster merely flashed him a nasty grin.
"Yes we are, Master. Yes, we are."
End Chapter 8
Omake Time: Void Fail!
Even though he fought his damndest, Ouma Shu was having difficulty against the more experienced Maka Albarn. It was of course, for good reason; even with Inori's Void, he found it hard to keep up with the Meister of Death's unpredictable movements. If anything, it was a testament to just how formidable that girl really is.
"Want to rest for now? You look pretty beaten up." Maka asked as Shu slowly stood to his feet, leaning on the Void sword for support while she twirled Soul around casually. In the side, Inori had a worried expression, obviously concerned for Shu's safety
"...Just one more round." The former King of the Void grinned, an idea forming in his head.
"Alright, then." She shrugged as she dashed towards him, raising her weapon for the match deciding blow. However, Shu managed to anticipate it and swung upward to parry the scythe, leaving Maka wide open.
"Now's my chance!" The brunette eagerly pounced on the opportunity as his Hand of the King glowed brightly and thrust it to use his opponent's Void, aperson's heart given form, against her.
At least, that would have been the plan. Unfortunately, the body Aozaki-san supplied him to replace his crippled one was still a little buggy.
As a result, he ended up groping Maka Albarn's developing chest. All four present (even and especially Soul) had their eyes widened in shock at this development. A few seconds later...
Scarlette Valentine, having finished meeting Edgar, entered the training room to find a knocked out Shu, a blushing and enraged Maka, Soul trying to calm her down and Inori looking on impassively before turning to acknowledge her superior.
"It bugged out again, didn't it?"
She was answered with a nod.
End Omake
A/N: That was fast!
Selvaria: Told you that you wouldn't be seeing the last of me.
Yeah, yeah we know. Anyways, welcome to another chapter of Fate/Zero Hour! Having come off the heels of the last action-packed chapter, this one's slowed down considerably. Here, we get to meet the rest of Salem's motley crew, each of them from various media (bonus points if you recognize any of them!), and learn of his motives. Also, Caster has begun to move! What will this mean next chapter?
Illidan: It just means that I will be awesome. That is all.
Nui: Says the guy who got cockblocked by his brother!
Illidan: *goes into demon form and chases after a giggling-like-mad Nui* GET BACK HERE!
...Anyways, that's all that needs to be said for now. Kindly leave a review once you're done reading. Oh, and here's Caster's stat sheet. Okay, I gotta get outta here before- AGH!
*gets caught by a stray felfire blast aimed at Nui*
Selvaria: It seems I will have to finish this. Next time on Fate/Zero Hour: The Big Little Adventure!
Servant: Caster
True Identity: Illidan Stormrage
Title: The Betrayer, Lord of Outland
Master: Uryuu Ryuunosuke
Alignment: Chaotic Evil*
Strength - B+
Endurance - B
Agility - C+
Mana - C
Luck: E
Noble Phantasm - B+
Class Skills
Item Creation - A
It was with his knowledge of magic that Caster, after gathering seven vials of water from the old Well of Eternity, he managed to create one of his own.
Territory Creation - A+
As a mage of great renown, Caster can tap into the leylines of an area and establish his Territory there.
Personal Skills
Demonic Defender of the State - A
It is said that it took the aid of twenty-five Adventurers, each of them equivalent to a Heroic Spirit, for Maiev and Akama to defeat Caster within the halls of the Black Temple, his sanctum
High-Speed Divine Words - A+
Even before he began hungering for demonic power, Caster was said to be a master of the arcane arts, at par with some of the greatest mages of Azeroth due to 10,000 years of worth of knowledge. His knowledge only increased further once he dabbled in the demonic arts.
Mystic Eyes - C
A 'gift' granted by Sargeras himself, Caster's eyes were burned out and replaced with orbs mystic fire that grant him the ability to see all forms of magic that he hides with a blindfold. As it can detect all forms of magic, it also grants Caster the skill 'Presence Detection' of the same rank.
Noble Phantasms
Warglaives of Azzinoth: The Demon's Arms – Anti-Unit/Anti-Army - B
Twin weapons that once belonged to demon general of the same name Caster had slain. They can join into one weapon or be wielded as two. In addition to that, he can augment them with felfire and morph them into 'The Flames of Azzinoth', spectres made of fire that obey Caster's bidding.
Skull of Gul'Dan: The Source of My Power - A
This artifact is what changed Caster into the demonic being he is today. Upon bidding, he can call upon it's power once more, turning him into a full demon. If activated, it raises all parameters by one rank and grants him "Monstrous Strength"
*It says 'Chaotic Good' on the WoW Wiki, but as of his actions in Burning Crusade, I'll have to disagree.