Ark looked around the alley looking for his target. The Mage was currently wearing his armor that he recently repaired. Glancing around the dark area that still burned with bits of fire laying around. He quickly casted his Life Detection spell and spotted Rider hiding behind a wall. Time for some action.
"Come out Medusa, I know you're around here... that's right, you aren't hearing things, I know your true name and will admit, your much more beautiful then the books state, makes me wonder what your eyes look like behind that blindfold." Ark said purposely making his back face the female wanting her too attack first so Ark can get a feel for her speed.
The Mage sighed since it seemed Medusa wasn't going to strike first, or she was taking to long to find a proper opening. Spinning around Ark threw two fireballs towards Rider's location which exploded on contact. The Servant quickly jumped out of cover before the spells hit her location.
Ark summoned a Bound sword and blocked a nail from hitting him. He readjusted his footing and threw a firebolt at Medusa who nimbly dodged the attack and rushed forward. Clicking his tounge Ark readied himself and started clashing with Rider occasionally dodging a few close calls. Leaning his head back as the nail just barely nicked Ark's throat.
"You are surprisingly good with a sword, for a Caster." Rider said but Ark scoffed as he sent forth a wave of fire causing the other servant to jump back and get ready to charge again. Ark however was preparing his next spell.
"I've seen way better swordplay, I'm only at beginner level, I'm more used to defensive tactics with a sword..." Ark then smirked. "But my spells?" The Mage dashed forward his body bursting into flames. "They're on another level!"
Medusa was about to block another attack only for her to jump towards the side and dodge a fireball instead. The Mage was already in front of her, his body glowing a light green and still on fire. Another wave of fire left the male's left hand. Rider tried her best to dodge the spells being sent her way, but Caster was firing these spells off like they were nothing and doing them at such speed that it would make any normal Caster green with jealously.
"Keep your eyes on the prize Medusa!" Ark said sending a powerful lightning bolt towards the pink haired female, sending her flying into a wall. Since she didn't have time to react towards the attack.
Not only that, but Caster already knows her true name and she has yet to figure out his own name. The male looked to be a knight, but was actually a Caster, that can throw off many Servants if they didn't know who the real Saber was.
Medusa tried to figure out who this Caster is, but it's already difficult since she was trying to keep her distance and find the perfect opportunity to strike. Rider hopped on top of a pole and looked down at Caster who looked up at her with a smirk on his face.
"So, how is your 'Master' doing?" Ark asked as he lowered his arms, but kept his guard up. Lightning danced around his fingers showing Medusa that the Mage was definitely ready to knock her off the little perch. "I mean beside him not being your true Master, it must suck not being at your full strength all because he can't provide enough energy for you... sounds like most guys." Rider tensed up slightly since Caster even knows who her Master is... well her new Master that i- "Don't think I don't know who your original Master is." Ark smiled liked some murderer ready to play a game with his victims.
Medusa narrowed her eyes from under her blindfold. This Servant was dangerous not only from his spells, but also his knowledge. "What was her name again?" Ark looking to be thinking about something. "Ah yes, Sakura."
"You leave her out of this." Medusa said this as evenly as she could. "There is no reason to bring her into this." Ark snorts as if he just heard the funniest joke and tried to hold it In.
"Funny, says the person who attacked a whole school in broad daylight with Sakura still inside said school." Ark said sarcastically making Medusa tighten her grip around the nail. "Not only that, but since your so weak, that shit of a Master named Shinji decides that you should attack random people just so you can get stronger, and even after all that, look how weak you still are." The Mage was painfully right. Rider was still weak even after all the humans she killed... she won't lie, being the blue haired boy's Master didn't do anything, but make her weaker. The only advantage she had over most Servants is her speed.
She was obviously going to lose this grail war especially with all the much more powerful Servants... but she wasn't going to go down fighting, especially not to a person like Caster. Ark watched as Rider pulled her weapon up towards her neck making the Mage instantly realize what she was doing.
However she paused when the feeling of her Master using a command seal called to her. She tried to resist it and continue with using her Noble Phantasm, she needed to do this!
"Go, protect your excuses of a Master for a bit longer... his petty little soul can wait." Truthful Ark could have killed Rider right then and there, but he needed her alive. She was the only that can lead him to find Shinji or possibly Sakura. And the moment he spots the male... Ark isn't showing Mercy. And for Sakura? The Mage had three options on what to do to her and none of them were good.
Rider didn't say anything she only lowered her nail and started disappearing from sight. Ark however was surprised when Rider lifted her blind fold slightly allowing the male to see a singular eye, but it was enough to show Rider's true beauty for just a moment.
And with that Rider vanished from sight. Ark stood there for a few seconds before shaking his head and starts walking away.
"I really hope I don't have the Harem Protagonist Skill." Ark mumbled as he left the alley and looked around for any other Servants that might appear. "Even if I did have that skill at least I'm not denser then a black hole." The Mage finally decided to return home, but paused when he turned a corner. It was Servant with blond hair and red eyes.
The King of Kings decided to take a walk and stumbled apoun the Caster to this new grail war. He frowned when the Mage simply crossed his arms and looked annoyed at the sight of him.
"Fuck, of course my night isn't over yet." Ark mumbled as he watched the old Archer narrow his eyes. Both sides had a stare down before Gil suddenly smirked making Ark lift a eyebrow. Even with his bullshit Magic, Gilgamash was still a very powerful Servants so he had to be careful. And the Archer smirking didn't help at all.
"What is so funny King of Heroes." Ark asked making Gil chuckle allowing the male to feel the ego oozing off Archer's voice. "Must be a good joke if you're laughing about it." Gil suddenly stopped and stared at Caster.
"Just thinking how a mongrel like you are related to my soon to be prize." Ark felt his eye twitch at what the other male said. "To think she has not one, but two sons." Gil started walking towards the younger male who was gritting his teeth I'm annoyance. "And to think she was trying to make you King." Ark wasn't surprised that Gil knew about that. Two can play at that game.
"Whatever, do as you please to her, I could give less of a shit about the King at this point." Ark walked passed a amused looking Gil.
"You say you don't care mongrel, then why is it that I see you trying to save her whenever she is In danger." Ark paused mid-step and listened. "Tell me mongrel what would you do if I want to bed her and make her mine." Ark twitched and narrowed his eye. He pulled the hood part of his armor over his head and stayed silent. "Ah, I can wait to use her body and make her mine, I wish to see that proud women squirm In my very ar-" Gil quickly summoned a sword as Ark appeared right in front of him bound sword nearly inches from the Archer's throat which he barely blocked.
"LIKE HELL YOU ARE!" Ark screamed as he casted a fireball and threw it at their feet. "I'll kill before any of that happens." Gil growled when he noticed his clothing was burning slightly and covered in soot.
"You ruined my clothes Mongrel, die for your true King!" Gil yelled as he opened a bunch of Gate of Babylon. Ark only smirked at getting the so called King of Kings riled up.
"Nope." Ark dashed to the side as a bunch of Noble Phantasm stabbed into where he once stood. Well, it was going to happen eventually so time to see what Archer is all about.
LineBreakLineBreakLineBreak
Gray dragged herself inside Rin's Manor her breath was ragged as sweat soaked her clothes down to the bone. Ark's Summons were ruthless in their training. Not once did she get to rest. The only chances she actually got to relaxe was when the Master was training with the Elemental summons.
Jean made absolutely sure she was OK, making sure that no other summons got close to her. Zack was what kept her cool down the sun beaming down on her face. Finally there was Aether who just made sure the other summons didn't try and drag her away for more training.
Gray was sure of one thing, in under a day, her dodging skills became one of a Master. She did learn a bit of Archery and Swordplay, but that was it, none of the summons could teach her about Casting Spells since most of them were using weapons. The only exception were Jean and Aether, but they didn't know how to help in the Spell department either.
Kit walked beside Gray as she dragged herself through the house. Her stomach growled, but she didn't bother stopping by the kitchen, she was just too tired from Ark's tor- uh Training. She heard footsteps approaching from behind and turned to see Rin glaring down at the floor.
"What's wrong Rin?" Gray asked making the older Master blink and look up to see Caster's Master standing there worn out with bruises and cuts covering her clothes body.
"What's wrong with me? What happened to you?" Rin said looking over the younger Master who huffed slightly as annoyance grew in her eyes. "Don't tell me this is Caster's doing." Rin said with slightly narrowed eyes. Gray however didn't answer, she only smiled. "Why that annoying Servant." The older girl grabbed Gray and dragged her towards the bathroom.
CRASH!
Both Masters stopped and looked towards the front of the House and saw Caster standing there looking very worn out with the door thrown off its hinges. Blood is coming out of different parts of Ark's body leaving a small puddle of blood underneath him. Stumbling inside the house he wobbled over the couch and nearly fell on it, but caught himself just in time.
"Ark!" Gray shouted getting passed Rin and rushing towards the Mage who chuckled at her concern. "What happened, did you get into a fight with a servant, did you kill the Servant?" Gray was firing off many different questions which was hurting Ark's head slightly. He put his whole hand on Gray's face making her quite down.
"First, I did fight a servant, no I wasn't able to kill them, they did however get a few good hits off me." Ark said before lowering his arm. "If anything, you look much worse, how was my training?" Casted asked making his Master scowl at him only causing the male to smirk in amusement.
"I'm sure you already know my answer." Gray said dryly. She turned away only for an armored hand to land on her head. Not a second later a familiar golden glow happened and the young Master felt a whole lot better, she even felt energized slightly as if she didn't go through a whole day of training. "Alright, you're forgiven."
"Great, if you need me, I'll be in your room fixing my armor." Ark said before walking away since he also healed himself of his injuries. The Masters watched Caster leave before looking at each other. Another crash was heard inside the house, but this time they ignored it.
"So Caster is training you?" Rin said with a bit of caution. Gray nodded and walked over to the kitchen. "What is the training like?"
"You don't want to know." Gray mumbled as she got herself something small to eat since Ark didn't look like he wanted to cook right now. "But if you really want to know, he doesn't really train me, he prefers throwing me into battle and just makes me learn as It goes on." The Master shivered as she remembered dodging arrows frantically trying her hardest to dodge them all.
"Oh." Rin said slightly confused by what Gray meant, but didn't push it any further. She decided to help Gray with dinner since she looks to be starving and so was she. Archer popped up and pitched in since he was getting bored from sitting I'm spiritual form.
Meanwhile Ark crossed his arms as he looked at the makeshift enchanting table. It didn't take much to create. All it needed was a bit of chalk that was infused with Magicka and there you have it, one crappy makeshift enchanting table.
Ark placed a ton of different Soul gems on it and a couple of jewelry that he may or may not have taken from Rin. Caster was absolutely sure she wouldn't cause they were allies now after all.
He looked at the first item. It was a simple silver ring, nothing special about it yet. He placed the ring in the middle of the enchanting table then a normal soul gem. He closed his eyes and started channeling a bit of Magicka towards the item.
Ark had the enchantment he wants within his head, all he has to do know is direct it towards the ring. The Magicka consumption grew larger by the second and the Mage was beginning to feel the strain. After a few more seconds the Apprentice snapped his eyes open and slammed his palms down on the table.
He realized the ring he was trying to enchant was now floating and glowing slightly, 2 seconds later it fell and roughly landed on the table. Ark started at the ring for a few seconds and gently picked it up. The feeling of Magicka surrounded the ring allowing Ark to understand that he completed the first step to enchanting now to make sure it was the correct enchantment.
The Mage already took off his armor and was already in his casual clothes. He slipped on the ring and instantly the feeling of his prana reserves increasing, thankfully it wasn't painful by an means.
Taking the ring off his finger, Ark shook his head. That wasn't the enchantment he wanted, but this ring can definitely be useful for any Master or Servant that needs the extra Prana reserves.
Tossing the ring into his satchel, Ark placed a simple gold necklace onto the table this time. Next was a much stronger Soul shard. Rolling his shoulders the Mage put his hands out and started channeling Magicka into the item. He decided to keep his eyed open for this one and see the effects himself.
"Strength." Ark mumbled as he increased the Magicka consumption. The necklace and soul shard started to glow and float in the air. Never taking his eyes off the items Ark watched as the soul shard shattered and floated over to the necklace. It started to swirl around the accessories and after a few seconds it stopped.
The shards disappeared without a trace and the necklace lowered itself back down onto the table. Ark let out a sigh and lowered his arms. He stumbled back realizing how drained he felt. This version of enchanting was much different from Skyrim, this version of enchanting required both a soul shard and the person Magicka, but the upside is, it did make the enchantments stronger based on how potent users Magicka is.
Shaking his head, Ark walked towards the table and picked up the necklace. He looked it over feeling the same Magicka residue over it. Grazing his finger over the necklace he nodded his head.
Putting on the necklace Ark actually got a bit excited when he not only felt his Magicka reserves increasing, but felt that his Spells were much stronger then before. He looked at the item and the soul shard. He took some notes and put everything away. The Mage wanted to enchant some more, but knew he doesn't have a lot of time before Gray shows up.
After cleaning up Ark sat down on the bed and stretched his arms slightly. He needed to figure out a game plan on this grail war. The Mage had many options now especially after becoming allies with Rin. Narrowing his eyes Ark looked out the window and slowly started coming up with a plan.
First, he needs to take out Berserker, and he can't do it alone. Hercules is already immune to most of his attacks so he needs to find other solutions... his army of summons can probably knock off a few lives if they are careful.
He wouldn't mind sending Archer or Saber after the Greek God, they might even be able to do some damage as well.
That also left the Masters... Ark had to really think, should he kill them when they lose their Servants? He might have to if they try and attack Gray... he was definitely killing a certain blue haired Master.
Next was Sakura... there was many routes Ark could take on dealing with her and the worm inside her. It kind of made the Mage grimace at the thought of how much pain that girl had to go through. It would probably be better if he just killed her, end her torment and allow her to rest in peace.
Ark leaned forward and closed his eyes. This is what it must feel like being a Master, constantly think of many different possibilities and trying to find the best outcome that will work in their favor. The Mage never liked thinking this way it kind of hurt his head thinking this much.
Maybe there is a way to save Sakura from the Crest worm, he already knew a ton of spells, the Mage might know one that could help her. Ark went over his whole arsenal of spells trying to think of what could help her. Unfortunately the Mage couldn't find a spell that could possibly save the girls life even with his bullshit Magic.
Let out a sigh Ark as he summoned Clarent and looked at the sword for a second.
"What would you say about this Mordred?" Ark asked jokingly as he looked up at the ceiling. "You would probably say something along the lines of: I don't care, if I can't hit it, then it doesn't concern me." Ark mocked Mordred's voice then shook his head and was about to put the sword away.
"Hey! I don't sound like that!" An angry familiar voice shouted in the Mage's ear.
"Gah!" Ark shouted as he fell out of bed and hit the ground with a thud. "The fuck! Who's there!" The Mage looked around frantically as a bit of hope filled his eyes. A transparent image appeared in front of him.
"It's me you idiot." Mordred said smirking slightly as she stared at the Mage which the male was trying to process, but failing horribly. Ark shut his mouth and slowly pushed himself off the floor. He walked passed his sister who looked a bit confused. She was kind of expecting a different reaction.
She followed her brother who stood in front of a wall for a second before he pulled his head back making the Female realize what he was about to do and just watched as he slammed his head against the wall before turning towards her.
Ark stared while Mordred stared back. The Mage was kind of glad he wasn't going crazy and was very intrigued on how Mordred was here. The Apprentice's eyes lit up since he just reminded himself who was in front of him.
"Mordred!" Ark lunged towards the Knight who was surprised by the sudden movement. She quickly braced for impact only for Ark to pass right through her and crash into the wood floor. The Knight of Trechery turned around and looked at the Mage who was confused for a second. "Oh." Ark sighed as he got off the floor and turned towards his sister.
"Nice one." Mordred said shaking her head before crossing her arms and walking over to the only bed and sitting down on it which didn't compress under her weight. "So where are we?" Mordred asked looking around the room her eyes lingering on the enchantment table a few seconds longer.
"We're in a room." Ark said smirking at the way suddenly glared at him. "My Master's room to be exact." Now Mordred looked intrigued by this. "Yep, you heard right, I was summoned for a grail war." Ark said making Mordred sigh as the Mage set Clarent on his lap.
"Ya, I figured as much after watching your ass get handed to you by Berserker and your weird summon." Mordred said smirking slightly before growling. "And that sword play was fucking awful, especially with my sword." The female shook her head and glared at Ark who didn't really focus on her angry sister which she realized. "Did my sword sever you well after Camelot?" The male jumped slightly nearly nicking himself against the blade.
"What do you think, you watched me get slapped around, I'm pretty sure that gives you a great picture." Ark said sarcastically, Mordred snorts before crossing her arms.
"Ya, what gives? I thought you would try to train more with my sword." Ark actually grimaced as the memory of him trying to swing the sword properly, but failing horribly.
"I did Mordred, I really did try... I just couldn't use your sword, it didn't feel right to use especially after... what happened." Mordred sighed and had the urge to knock some sense into her brother. "I know what you're thinking, no need to say it." The Mage said lowering his head as his grip around Clarent tightened.
"Did you miss me that badly?" Mordred said a bit curiously. Ark didn't respond, this was a side of him only Mordred got to see, nobody else since the Male hid it behind a mask of a cocky Mage. "Look Ark." Mordred said sternly turning into the big sister for once. "You need to get over my death, you're being ridiculous about it." The Mage chuckled slightly.
"Would you say the same about me?" Mordred opened her mouth, but Ark beat her too it. "What if our roles were swapped and I was the one dying in your arms?" The young female didn't answer as her mind started to paint the scenario before her. The kingdom of Camelot burning down and Mordred walking towards the throne room planning to dethrone King Arthur and take the crown for herself.
And there she saw it, King Arthur stabbing Ark with her spear before tossing his limp body towards her. She imagined her rushing towards the Mage and holding him close. She tried not to, but she saw herself cradling Ark, nearly in tears, but tried her hardest to show it. She would see Ark smiling up at her with bloody teeth before he hands her his sword and telling her to run away, cause all he cares about is her and her safety.
Then the feeling of him no longer breathing or moving as he stared up at her with dull green eyes, but the smile was still plastered onto his face.
Mordred felt her eyes get watery as the Knight was quick to realize that she too would probably get very emotional if her own brother died before her very eyes.
"Ok, you make a fair point." Mordred mumbled as she looked away trying not to show the tears building up in her eyes.
Ark stared at Clarent then at Mordred, this was obviously the first time this happened if the Mage knew that he could do this, he would be doing it more often. "I'm guessing by the look in your eyes you figured out how I'm ableto appear." Ark shrugged.
"Kind of, so here is my theory, since you are connected to the sword and I'm also connected to it since you gave me it, I believe that I'm able to call apoun you spiritual allowing us to talk like this." Ark said while Mordred raised.
"Um..." Ark rolled his eyes and knew he needed to dumb it down slightly, cause even to him it sounded stupid.
"In other words, I can call apoun you spiritually when the sword is close by me, if I'm to far away, you'll go back to where you came from." Ark said making Mordred nod her head slightly showing that she was somewhat getting it. "And it has to be In its physical form to work."
"Then keep it summoned and place it on your back, I want to see how you handle this grail war, plus I was sitting in this never ending void bored out of my mind, it has gotten to the point where I started repeating your recipes inside my head." Mordred said making Ark chuckle at her before nodding his head.
"That's fine by me, after figuring this out, I was going to do it anyways and keep you around more." Ark said leaning the sword against the wall while Mordred crossed her arms. "What? I'm telling the truth."
"I know you are, so who is your Master?" Ark smirked and pointed at the door making the Knight turn and see a girl walk into the room dead tired. "What the fuck!" Mordred shouted, but Gray didn't acknowledge her proving Ark's suspicion that nobody could see his sister except for him. "Why does this brat kind of look like father?" The female Knight looked at Ark who shrugged.
"Don't ask me, apparently she is Father's descendent." Ark said towards his sister telepathically since he didn't need Gray questioning on why he was talking to himself. Mordred looked intrigued and walked around Gray who was currently crawling into bed.
"Really? I didn't think Father would have a descendent, make me think we have one ourselves." Mordred said turning towards Ark who shook his head.
"Doubt that, anyways that's my master, a cute little thing to be honest." Ark said walking up to the bed and petting Gray on the head making her look up at him and smile which the Mage returned.
Mordred grunts as she stood beside Ark and looked down at Gray who looked ready to fall asleep at any moment. She glared slightly at the master before silently growling to herself and leaned against the wall.
Ark joined her after confirming Gray fell asleep. So the siblings sat side by side staring at the wall ahead of them. Both didn't know what to say or how to start a conversation.
"You look older." Mordred said bluntly making Ark snort before leaning his head back against the wall.
"I died at the age of twenty, so I'm two years older then you." Ark said with a cheeky smile. Mordred rolled her eyes and unconsciously tried to bump his shoulder only for it to pass through him.
"Damn, wish I can interact with you." Mordred said closing her eyes and leaning against the wall. "After being In that endless void for so long, I just want to hug you and probably kick you in the crotch." Ark blinked and looked at Mordred who didn't say a word after that.
Ark looked at Clarent the at Mordred. He reached out and grabbed the sword. Which shined slightly on contact. The Mage looked at the sword then at his sister. Then a idea struck him, he looked at his hand which had a familiar black and purple vortex within it.
"Maybe if I try." Ark looked at the sword them at his Conjuring spell. "If this works, I'm going to fucking lose it, not only that, this will change the course of the grail war."
"What are you thinking of Ark?" Mordred asked feeling her brother getting excited for some reason. He was probably trying to come up with some diabolical plan or maybe another delicious recipe... that she couldn't eat making her mood sour slightly.
"A way to make you solid again." The Mage said catching the Knight's attention and getting off the wall. "Want to hear my idea?"
"Ark if you can find a way to make me solid again, I will help you win this grail war." Ark smirked at that and chuckled. "What? What's so funny?" Mordred asked slightly angry.
"Father is also in this grail war." Mordred's brain came to a screeching halt as she quickly processed her brother's words. After a few seconds her mouth finally started to work again.
"WHAT!" Oh Ark was going to enjoy this very much. He could already see the interaction between 'Father' and 'Son' this was truly going to be one interesting grail war.