I do not own Fate/Stay Night nor any other Servants depicted here.
Do Not Go Quietly
Glass crinkled. Dust and debris crunched underfoot. Leather boots stepped through the doorway. Careful eyes looked over the room. Senses peeled and aware, both physical and magical. Wooden items burnt to ash. Plastic warped and charred. Glass pooled into cool, hard puddles. Only the metal skeletons retained their form, even after being burnt and blackened.
"I suppose I feel impressed," mused Caster as she took in everything with her eyes, "Yes... this is quite impressive... no offense of course, erm, Kuzuki."
"... Quite," the stern looking man muttered, "Though, I do not appreciate the burning of the school."
"Yes, yes, I know that," she retorted as she turned to him, "Magic is definitely involved. I can feel it... it is very heavy. Strangely, it doesn't feel like anything I've felt before. There is an... I rarely say this at all, but I do not know how to describe it... and I truly hate not knowing what is going on here..."
She turned around and walked out.
"I suppose I have to send Avenger out to search for the one that did this," she stated as they walked away from the buildings, "So much for keeping this secret. What a useless mediator the War has." And then, she stopped in her tracks, "Well, what do we have here..."
A white haired little girl dressed in purple was standing at the gate of the school. A very familiar girl. Her red eyes were staring straight at them. She curtsied and greeted, "Good evening. My name is Illyasviel von Einzbern."
"Oh? Good evening to you too. It is quite a pleasant surprise," was her reply, outwardly calm but ready to start casting, "I honestly thought nobody else would be around tonight."
"Hmm, and I thought my Onii-chan would be here... that is too bad," the short Master somewhat rambled on. Then, a smile graced her face and she decided, "I suppose you will suffice."
Caster narrowed her eyes; this was starting to get out of her hands. As of right now, her spells are good enough to take out the little girl, but will it be faster than Berserker's attacks? Based of what she saw through Tamin's eyes, there was an equal chance of either of them surviving. That itself was not high enough for her. She had to be sure on the survival of both her and her tether. Is there any way she could get out of this?
Luck was on her side when a sudden spike of power shot up in the district, drawing the attention of her opponent. The girl muttered, "Onii-chan," as she calmly walked towards the source, only pausing to face them and curtsy before going on her way. She watched her walk off, letting loose a breath that she never noticed she held.
"It seems fortune has favored us," stated Souichirou, carefully watching the little Master disappear from view.
"Quite," Caster agreed as the power spike started to drop, "Although, I do wonder why a Servant has issued such a challenge, even if for a second..."
He disappeared in a burst of black dust. The grey dome fell and the five beings were freed from their stasis. Momentarily surprised, they continued walking menacingly towards the house with snarls and growls. Until one of the beings had its eyes darken over like a black cloud overcoming the yellow and white of its eyes. A sudden roar. A shoulder grabbed. A dark blade sliding through another, bursting through the chest. The blackened weapon was then dragged downwards, flesh rending and bones breaking. The eyes then ceased being clouded and the demonic being stood there, surprised that it struck down one of its own. The others roared and charged, swiftly cutting it down with their flailing swords.
Then there were three.
One snarled when it caught sight of something appearing out of the corner of its eyes. Black dust spinning round and reforming into a something. Assassin. With a roar, it leaped at the Servant, who threw out his hand. A sudden gust of wind sent it flying back, causing it to collide with one other behind it. The remaining, charging demon swung its sword, the blade getting parried by the Servant's own. Ignoring its squabbling kin, it hacked and slashed at the thing before it, and yet it's blade was turned away at every swing. It seemed that he had everything covered... until the others surrounded him just as the latest slash was diverted off course. He stood his ground as the fiends circled him.
The first darted forward with a stab. He sent himself to the side, spinning round as he moved to block the attack to his exposed back. He pushed the dark blade to the side to use it as a temporary shield to another sword. Noticing the third running to flank him, he Blinked and let the two before him to collapse forward. He reappeared beside the third; he reversed the grip on his sword as he grabbed the head of the demon and plunged the blade into its neck, dragging his weapon down the side of its chest. A certain kill. He tossed the body to the side and prepared himself to fight off the other two. They had just gotten to their feet when two arrow-like missiles went through their necks. With a great roar, they burst into flames and burned to ashes.
Assassin looked to the roof, catching sight of the large black bow Archer was holding. He nodded his thanks after a moments pause. Turning to the fence, he called out to the Servant standing there, "You can stop now. You are drawing too much attention."
"Well, I suppose you're right," Rider admitted as he did as the other Servant asked, "However, I was just helping someone to find their way here."
"And I appreciate the directions," said a short, magenta haired lady who was neatly dressed in a business suit. She had a long container slung over her shoulder. "Good evening," she greeted, "I am Lancer's Master. I come to see the supposed Archer of the previous War."
"You are quite brave to come without your Servant," Assassin stated, his eyes carefully scanning for the missing Servant.
"She... is more concerned about the person who summoned those things earlier," admitted the woman haltingly, embarrassed perhaps, "If she knew I was going to be in danger... she would probably do everything in her power to turn it to her advantage... without my knowledge."
He stared at her, trying to ascertain her truthfulness. Finding no deception, he relented, "You may enter. I do warn you, any sudden moves and you face four Servants alone." With that, he disappeared with a burst of black wisps of faint smoke.
He sat in the front-most pew closest to the pulpit. Pale moonlight filtered through the windows, creating many shadowy places within the church. He had his eyes closed, an image of calmness and peace. Slowly, the front doors creaked open, letting another beam of moonlight to sneak through. The door creaked closed again. Someone or something hesitantly walked down the aisle and sat in the pew opposite to his. Eddie didn't need his eyes to tell him who it was.
"Why are you here? I do not recall the Grail selecting you as a Master, Matou Shinji," said Kirei as he opened his eyes, noting the pale pinks and reds that now illuminated the place. Ever so slowly, he turned his head to see the boy reading the source of the light. A rather wrinkled book. It was a curious thing, yet he did not ask about it as he had yet to receive an answer. And he noticed something odd.
The boy was slowly beginning to grin as he continued to read... assuming he was reading. He then closed the book with a snap and looked to the 'priest' rather strangely. "I can't believe this," he muttered with a spot of giggling, "You are not the priest everyone in town knows. How did you do it? Is he dead?" He then stretched and got up from his seat, "Never mind that. I know what you are. The book... knows... what... you are." He came closer with every word until he came face to face with the 'priest', "I propose an alliance."
The former Assassin pushed the boy away gently, not wanting a face full of spit. He stared at him and asked, "You wish for an alliance? What purpose would it serve?"
"You wish for the War to hurry up, right? And you can't do that with my sister and a few others attempting to persuade the other Masters not to fight," he stated with a grin, "I wish to help you. This way, I get to test out my limits with this new found power... and you get what you want. The Grail."
"Hmph, it is true that they are refusing to continue with the War even after participating," he admitted reluctantly as all this stalling is going against what he was asked to do after all, his current purpose. "However, I am perfectly capable of doing it with my own hands if it comes down to it," he then countered calmly.
"Heh, really? I don't think the others will appreciate that... after I tell them," the boy threatened.
"I care not for your threats, Matou Shinji," he replied, "Whatever action I take will happen regardless of their knowledge of my identity."
"But what about an extra hand? With my help, you can do twice the work. Twice the killing even," the boy pressed further. That fact did make sense to him. He could very well take care of multiple Masters at once. And quite possibly, take on the the four way alliance that formed.
Still, it was very suspicious for that boy to appear out of the blue and to offer a helping hand. It reminded him of Caster's offer of aid. He had better keep a close watch on the boy, lest he become an uncontrollable variant in the process of bringing forth the Grail.
"That last statement made more sense that your earlier words, Matou Shinji," he relented with his words. He got up and held out his hand, "An alliance of that sort will certainly push things in the proper direction. This I can agree to."
"You... will not regret this," declared the boy with a pleased, arrogant grin as he shook the priest's hand.
There was a whole range of reactions to her story. Shirou was quite shocked at what had happened. Luvia and the enforcer, who introduced herself as Bazett, were looking thoughtful. Sakura was looking pale and somewhat sickly, her hands covering her mouth. Rin had her head down, no doubt her hands gripping the hem of her skirt quite tightly. Noel had already expected such reactions. She was quite disturbed herself, as the tale brought back many unpleasant memories about the previous War. Thankfully, she had decided to stop at Caster's end. She'd rather not talk about the priest's betrayal.
"Is there any way to remove this curse?" the Irish enforcer asked.
"Unfortunately, it has yet to be seen if it can be removed at all," Luvia spoke up, "Nor is there any indication whether there is a curse in the first place." Noting the glare the Tohsaka was giving her, she explained, "I still have my doubts. Hearing this story does not give any proof that there is a curse in the first place. After all, it could just be a dying man's bluff."
"Because, if there was no curse, don't you think Kiritsugu Emiya would have used it in the first place?" asked Noel, halting the growing altercation in its tracks, "Instead, he ordered Saber to destroy it." Before anyone could protest, "Plus, why would he ask Saber to destroy if he didn't find out it was cursed? Most likely, the Grail had already chosen him as the winner and he saw first hand the effects of Caster's curse."
"And how would you know that he had already won?" fired back the blonde magus.
"Because Waver told me that he saw Berserker and Rider die on the bridge," she told the surprised crowd, "And I can only assume that Emiya Senior had already taken out... Assassin's Master before he met up with me and Saber."
"Wait... Waver? As in, Waver Velvet? Lord El-Melloi the Second?" sputtered out Rin with wide eyes.
"... Yes?"
"... Rin-senpai? I don't think this is the time to plan out the future..." Sakura chided with some reluctance.
"I quite agree," added Luvia with a smile, "How would you know if you survive this War or not? It could be that you might die tonight."
"If you don't quit it, I'll make sure you wont, you blonde ditz," the twin tailed magus retorted heatedly.
"Interesting... I shall contact my superior and request contact with him tomorrow morning," declared Bazett, ignoring the brewing argument, "Should your story hold true, I suppose I shall lend you my assistance."
"I have a question of my own," spoke up the Edelfelt, "How is it that the same Saber was summoned twice in a row? And how do we know it's the same Saber?"
"Previously, I was summoned by his father," Saber spoke up to reply, "I can only assume he used a catalyst connected to me since our way of doing things... clashed... is all I can say, as I rather not speak ill of the dead." Looking to the only boy in the room, she continued, "My summoning by Shirou was purely accidental. However, it is possible that his father may have hidden the catalyst somewhere in his..."
With that, Shirou shook his head and said, "No... I've used the st-I mean, the workshop many times and I do not remember anything odd or stuff that stood out. Nothing at all that looked even remotely like a catalyst of some sort."
"...I have no other explanation," admitted the Servant.
The boy crossed his arms in front as he leaned back against the chair. Then, he asked, "What was my father like?"
"Do you mean during the War? Or..." queried Saber, but was interrupted by Bazett.
"Kiritsugu Emiya. A freelancer who operated under the title 'Magus Killer'. Known Spellcaster," stated the enforcer, as if reciting from a text, "Well known for using modern weaponry to accomplish his means. While he is greatly... 'disliked'... at the Association, nobody would argue against his effectiveness. Was unable to be found until ten years ago, when there was word of him representing the Einzberns at this War. After that, he went missing again. Presumed to have died in the War."
"He... killed people?" the red head muttered as he stared at the Irishwoman, "Wh-"
"As far as I know, he turned in many bounties that involved Sealing Designates as well as any magus that threatened to reveal magecraft to the world through their careless actions," she said further, sending him into silence.
Rin groaned and muttered, "Great. I had the Magus Killer living under my nose the whole time and I never even noticed... and I can see why Emiya turned out to be a terrible magus."
"I see... this explains his behavior," stated Saber, "Still, I have seen how he interacted with his child before we came to Fuyuki. It was as if he only opened his heart to her."
"Illya... it seems I have a lot of catching up to do," said Shirou, now taken to staring at the table. Sakura and Luvia had nothing to say, but instead looked at him worriedly.
"Erm, who is Illya?" asked Noel, feeling that she was missing something.
"Ah, about that..." started Rin, coming out of her moroseness and proceeding to explain what had taken place the night they went to the church. The former Servant couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"This... could be a problem," she admitted with a frown after hearing what happened, "Right now... I don't see how we can stop her from targeting him. She sounds determined to see him dead." After a breath, she announced, "This is a lot to take in right now. Maybe we should continue next time?"
"Agreed. I shall take my leave then," concurred Bazett as everyone got up from their seats.
"Bazett, if you wish, you can stop by here in the morning," suggested the former Servant, "I can help you contact Waver directly."
"... That would be helpful. I accept," the enforcer replied before leaving.
"I hoped we could have found an answer by now," a disappointed Rin told Noel at the door after the rest had gone outside.
"Me too... I think... I should at least get all of you back safe and sound," the former Servant decided, "You know, just in case Berserker and Illya appears."
"I... I'd appreciate that a lot," Rin replied with a smile, "Even though our Servant's had recovered somewhat, I don't know if it's enough to fight Berserker on even ground. I swear that his power is totally unfair."
The meeting was quite... interesting. The probability of Noel MacKenzie lying to her was lowered considerably due to the fact that the story itself was quite believable. Plus, if she could somehow make contact with Lord El-Melloi and get him to verify her story... then Miss MacKenzie truly is...
There is a hidden power around that one.
Bazett froze in her steps. "...I take it you failed to find that summoner," she finally said.
How astute you are.
"Well... what do you think of her story?" she asked as she continued on her way.
If what she says is true, then your world has been doomed from the very start.
"I fail to see how a book that was... made... ten years ago would 'doom' our world," she replied, "Granted the materials are of suspect nature..."
You know not how the corruption of Chaos twists the bearer's mind into an abomination. It is used as a means to an end to plunge entire worlds into oblivion.
"You are way too cryptic. How in the world am I supposed to understand..."
You do not 'understand' Chaos, Mon-Keigh. Its influence and its roots must be completely eradicated to save your world, and destroying that book is the key to it. Not even I would damn your world to Chaos.
"Another thing, I have a name. It is Bazett," she grumbled.
I would use it 'if' you have any actions that are noteworthy. So far, you have none.
The enforcer scowled at what she saw as an insult. She received similar scathing remarks from all the magi at the Clocktower. These kinds of things were no different from that. But having constantly getting looked down upon, by her Servant no less, really irked her. They were supposed to work together to win. How were they going to win if the Servant was of doing her own thing? It was times like this that she wished she summoned Cú Chulainn instead.
"I shouldn't waste any more time on this," she muttered, "Too damn cold. A warm bed would be welcome right now, I believe... There is much to do in the morning..."
"I know she offered to accompany us back to Shirou's house, but why is she riding with us?" Luvia grumbled under her breath. The limousine was not that long or roomy, so with Noel's addition to the passengers, it was a little cramped. What annoyed her was that she wasn't able to sit near the one she liked. Instead, she was pushed up against the Tohsaka magus; both of them were trying their best not to get too close, but with their seating positions, they were without much luck.
"I suppose you'd like to face Berserker without extra back-up," her supposed rival half whispered, half retorted to her.
"She could follow us by running over the rooftops, you know?" the Edelfelt fired back.
"Oh? Why run when you conveniently provided transport for us?" was the reply.
"This is for our use only, you fool," she muttered.
"Just grin and bear with it. Aren't you already used to doing it?" Rin sneered in a hush.
"Why you..." she growled.
Sakura sighed, looking quite tired. Noel gave an understanding smile and nudged the violet haired girl, "They are always like that?"
The girl nodded. "Away from prying eyes, they are. It's been like this since Edelfelt transferred here a year ago," she explained, looking on as the two girls in question sat there glaring at each other, "N... Rin-senpai would either be complaining about her or be prideful for one upping her. Even though I don't mind it, I often wish we went back to the time before Edelfelt was here."
"Sorry to hear that," the former Servant stated kindly, noting the behavior of the other two passengers. Shirou and Saber seemed to be deep in thought; one with eyes closed and crossed arms, the other staring out of the window as if to keep a watchful eye. "That said, a little friendly competition never truly hurt anyone," she added, moving her point of view back to the glaring... well, they stopped glaring, going back to huffing and not speaking to each other.
Then her eyes went wide. It passed by, only a few seconds long, but she saw it. Saber as well.
"Get down!"she yelled as she pushed her Master to the floor, her armor materializing in a bright flash. Glass broke and metal crashed into each other as a jagged blade glanced against her gauntlet, catching the metal frame of the limousine's windowed door. Luvia and Rin reacted a little slower, throwing themselves off their seats when the second blade came through the roof, impaling the leather between them. Sakura immediately formed a small dome of shadow around herself; it happened almost instinctively. The moving vehicle sagged behind as a great weight landed on the boot of the limousine.
"Bolverk!"
Noel immediately started shooting the window frames, destroying the thin structures in one shot. Then, it took just a few more shots to wreck part of the roof, cutting loose the damaged piece of steel and letting momentum slam it into the attacking Servant. Quickly getting up, she peeked over the broken glass of the back window to see Berserker tossing aside the remains of the roof. A little figure then ran to him and jumped on his shoulder. The figure shouted something and the Servant started running after them. As the other Masters rose up to take stock of the situation, Noel slid open the window in the partition.
"Servant attack?" asked Rider as he turned the limousine past an intersection before pulling the brakes.
"Yes. We need to get them to safety," she said as she slid the window shut. "Everyone, time to go. All of you have to get to somewhere safe," she ordered them, "They will be here any minute now. I'll hold them off as long as I can."
"What!? No, let us help!" protested Shirou.
"Shirou," spoke up Saber as she shook her head, "We are still not powerful enough to defeat Berserker. We have to withdraw."
"Keep your head with you, kid," Rider told him. Turning to the former Servant, "You don't mind any help, do you? This was my role in the 'Avoid Berserker' plan anyway." He received a nod as a reply.
"Sakura, can you make your own way back? Illya still doesn't know you're Assassin's Master and I'd like to keep it that way," asked Rin as she hurriedly got out of the limousine.
"Ah, don't worry. I'll be safe," she reassured as she crossed her arms over her chest. A dark shadow rose up to engulf her and then slowly sink into the earth.
"You two can go ahead. I'll stay with Rider," announced Luvia as she sat down in the passenger seat.
"One less person to worry about then," quipped Rin as she dragged the protesting boy with her, almost causing him to lose his balance.
"Just... keep your head down," Noel told her, feeling the shaking of the ground slowly increasing. Eventually, the Servant burst around the corner, his footing turning over the asphalt as it made shallow grooves in the road when he hastily stopped his charge. A little girl dressed in purple hopped off his shoulder and curtsied.
"Good evening. My name is Illyasviel von Einzbern," she greeted.
"Illyasviel... that name is similar to..." Noel muttered... and her eyes widened. White hair. Red eyes. Ten years ago, she met a similar person with those features. "You... did you know... someone named Irisviel?" Rider looked enquiringly at her, but she paid no heed to it.
She could see the girl stiffen. "How do you know that name?" she almost shouted.
"Ten years ago... I met her ten years ago during this very same War," the former Servant informed her.
If Illya had a reaction to her words, she couldn't tell. Then, she said, "... my quarrel isn't with you. Yes, I have many questions for you, but right now, I want to see my Onii-chan."
"I can't let you do that, Illyasviel," Noel told her as she got into her fight stance. Rider, taking her cue, got into a rough boxing stance.
"Then don't blame me for what I'm about to do," the Einzbern announced, "Berserker. Kill them."
The Servant of Madness drew out his swords and leaped towards them with a roar.
"Hey! Alright! Alright!" relented Shirou, "I wont run back to help them. Let go off my arm."
"Hmph. I find it hard to believe you after that stunt you pulled last night," the twin tailed magus retorted, letting go as he requested, "Even so, they should be fine. They are just delaying and running away from Berserker."
"I agree," spoke up Saber, "Berserker's rage empowers him the longer he is in battle. As long as they keep the battle short and then retreat, they should be safe."
"A wise choice."
Everyone spun around.
"Assassin!?" Saber shouted in disbelief, immediately gripping her invisible sword, "How do you still live!?" The other two widened their eyes in surprise.
"Very astute, Saber," stated the dark, shadowy figure before them, "As to how I still live? A secret."
"Wait! This is the Assassin from the previous War?" Rin exclaimed in disbelief.
"Master, Rin, retreat. Now," the Servant of the Sword ordered as she went in front of them, "I will hold Assassin off as long as I can."
The dark Servant let off a chuckle. "It seems you have gained a sense of humor, Saber," it stated, "As I recall, you were having great difficulty fending me off ten years ago."
She said nothing, but gripped her sword even tighter.
"If you think you can best me now... let us put it to the test," it continued as it gestured with its hand.
Saber leaped back as a shadow snake burst out from the ground. She charged forward, lopping off the snake's head as she made a beeline to the opposing Servant. With a yell, she stabbed it in the stomach. Much to her surprise, it simply burst into dust. Her senses screaming a warning, she spun around to catch sight of Assassin rising up behind the two unaware Masters.
"Shirou! Rin!"
Both sets of eyes widened and the Master's spun around. It made to attack them, but glided backwards as Archer materialized and aimed his slashes at the chest.
"We seem to getting an increasing number of enemies, Master," he stated sarcastically as he took a relaxed stance, "I sincerely hope you can decrease their numbers soon."
"What!? During the War, that's your job! Do I need to use another Command on you?" Rin retorted with a huff.
"Hmph, regardless, I'll take over from here," the Servant of the Bow stated as he turned his head to glance at them, "Saber, guard my Master well, or we will have words."
"Huh, you too? I suppose it's no use then," his Master muttered. Turning to Shirou, she said, "Emiya-kun, we better leave now."
"But..."
"No, we have to go," she interrupted, "This is the same situation as Berserker. Go... or do I need to drag you there? Perhaps Saber could have a turn doing it."
He frowned. "I don't like it... but..." he grumbled but ran with her anyway, Saber following after them.
"Amusing," said Assassin as Archer turned back to him, "No matter. I suppose I shall kill you instead."
"I do not intend to die tonight," the Counter Guardian declared as he suddenly charged forward, black and white angled behind him.
The shadowy Servant chuckled as it brought its hands up, ever ready.
Commentary:-
Here I am! Rocking like a hurricane! Welcome back, readers! Here is a new chapter! Many new things! Investigations! Information! Cloak and dagger! A new alliance as been made. An unholy alliance. Indeed, Shinji is moving up in life ever since he got that book. Still, when he finds out the cumulative cost of using the book... I do not know if he will live to regret it. Aaaaaand, Berserker is back! Illya is very, very intent on finding her 'beloved' Onii-chan. Nothing shall stand in her way. Well... almost nothing...
Anyway, we have one more stat sheet to present. Any guesses!?
Servant - Berserker
Identity - Kratos
Game - God of War series
Strength - A
Endurance - A
Agility - A
Mana - C
Luck - D
Noble Phantasm - A
Skills
Mad Enhancement(Rage of Sparta) - EX, Madness is not instantaneous, but slowly builds up as long as he is in combat. Upon reaching complete Mad Enhancement, can only use Blade of Olympus and Divinity is restored to rank A. At start of combat, begins at Mad Enhancement rank E.
Battle Continuation - A
Divinity - E (A), due to his hate for the gods.
Eternal Arms Mastership - A, Even before being acknowledged as the replacement God of War, Berserker was extremely competent with all forms of weapons. When he became the God of War, his skills were increased even more so.
Magic Resistance - D~B, dependant on the level of Rage.
Noble Phantasm
Blades of Exile, Chained Fury - A (EX), Anti-Unit Type, Anti-Army Type. Chained blades wielded by Berserker during his massacre of the gods of Olympus. Grants abilities Rage of Sparta and Army of Sparta. If facing an enemy who possesses the skill Divinity at any rank, becomes EX.
Army of Sparta, Fallen Brothers of War - B, Anti-Unit Type, Anti-Army Type, Self. Summons the spirits of deceased Spartan soldiers to form a protective phalanx around him for a few seconds. When time is up, the Exiled Spartans will then thrust their spears right before breaking formation and disappearing.
Armlet of the Golden Fleece, All Will be Returned - B, Anti-Unit Type. Able to reflect/redirect any projectile or melee attack. Less effective to attacks of equal or higher rank.
Blade of Olympus, Take From Them Everything - EX, Anti-Unit Type. The most powerful weapon in the world, equal to that of Zeus' Master Bolt. So powerful that it could slay gods. Can only be used when Mad Enhancement is completely active.
There we go. All stat sheets presented. Now, please read and review, would you kindly?
Never gets old, saying that little line.