"Talking"

'Thinking'

"Mental link"

"Noble Phantasms"

POV

Chapter 12: Lost and Found

Unknown POV (Unknown location)

"Well...I appear to have attracted the attention of a rather unusual guest? Although perhaps I should have foreseen this meeting, given the sudden arrival of...unknown variables."

"You are aware."

"There is very little in this world that escapes my sight or knowledge."

"The world that the new Spirits come from. You will tell me about it."

"Oh?...What is it that compels you to learn of it? Is it the promise of newfound wisdom?...No, such things would be beneath your notice I suspect...perhaps it is strategy? Learn of your new foes...but then again. I doubt knowing them would make little difference to you...in that case...Ah...childlike curiosity."

"You are rather bold to belittle me so."

"You misunderstand my meaning...for ones such as us who have been forced to watch...the arrival of the new is often...intriguing...it awakens the old flame of learning."

"Hmph. Such things are beneath my notice. Whether or not they are new is irrelevant to me."

"Perhaps...perhaps not. You are walking down the path to destroy the order of this world...the path of a True Monarch..."

"What do you speak of?"

"Oh...young demon who hides in flesh...there are but two paths that those with power may follow...inherit the order of the world or destroy it...your grand plan moves you through one path."

"…"

"Of course...the Last Master of humanity holds the potential to be a True Monarch...their desire to prevent you has forced them down the second path."

"This is irrelevant."

"Not quite as irrelevant as you would believe...however we have diverged...To understand humanity from the realm of the undead...you would need to understand history."

"Very well."

"Before the first Lords walked the land...the world was consumed in an everlasting fog…"

Chaldea Group POV

"How are they?" Ritsuka asked as he walked up to Jeanne and Ash treating Lancer and Siegfried.

"Warmth is a useful healing pyromancy..."Ash began then stood up and crossed his arms "However Lancer spoke truth...the wound will not heal." he sent a glance over to Jeanne who was also frowning over Siegfried "In addition...the dragon slayer has been cursed."

Ritsuka frowned and looked over to Jeanne "Is it treatable?"

Jeanne shook her head "If I were at full strength then perhaps I could...however as it stands…" she trailed off and sent an apologetic look towards the Master.

Ritsuka sighed and rubbed his forehead "Damn...do we have any options?"

"We'd need another Saint to help us remove multiple curses...as it stands its a miracle he's even alive."

Roman flashed up next to the group "We have a chance I suppose."

"Hm?" Ritsuka turned to him "What do you mean?"

"He means that if the Dragon Witch was summoned, then it is more than likely that the Counterforce summoned a Saint to combat her." Olga interjected while stood behind him "It means that if you hope to deal with this Singularity, we'll need to find another Saint before he dies."

"Director…" Ritsuka turned to her and smiled "How are you feeling?"

"This is no time for personal concerns." Olga frowned "We are in the middle of a mission...However if you must know I am...coping." she sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose "Where is the Saber Servant who was summoned?"

"Here." Ash walked up next to Ritsuka "You are looking considerably better than last I saw you."

"Yes...I…" She coughed and looked away. "I'm told I have you to thank for my...survival."

"Your thanks are unnecessary, Sorcerer Olga." Ash shook his head "It was truthfully not my intention to save you in such a fashion…"

"Yes I was told about your bastardised version of the third magic." She scowled slightly "How capable are the Magi from your world?"

"It would depend upon the Sorcerer and their chosen field." Ash crossed his arms "I would be a poor source of information for such things."

"I suppose." Olga sighed "Regardless, Master Candidate 48." Ritsuka stood to attention "Romani has explained the situation to me. As it stands with most of the candidates...indisposed...you are our sole Master. Therefore I expect you to act accordingly and not rush into conflict with Divine Spirits!" Ritsuka winced, Olga cleared her throat "Your objective is to find the second Saint summoned here. I leave it to you." the transmission cut off.

"Well she seems fine." Lancer coughed out from behind them "Does seem to be lettin' something like dying keeping her from tanning your ass kid."

"Yeah…" Ritsuka awkwardly chuckled and scratched the back of his head "How are you doing?"

"...I have a hole in my chest that won't heal. Talking ain't great and moving is a bitch…" Lancer deadpanned, then sent a small look over to Ash "Your pal did a number on me."

Ash sighed "Yes...he would...I had not expected to see him here…"

"Another friend of yours?" Jeanne looked at him with sympathy, Ash thought for a moment then shook his head.

"I would not consider us friends...however I did trust him a great deal during my travels through the Ringed City." He looked away. "There was simply no attempt from either of us to make merry."

"So…" Ritsuka began "Who is he?"

"It would be best that all are present for this...I would likely have to explain it again."

"Right." Ritsuka nodded.

"So?" Romani began "What can you tell us about the Berserker you encountered?"

"His name is Gael." Ash began "He is what would be called a 'Slave Kinght'"

"A Slave Knight?" Siegward tilted his head in confusion "I have never heard of such a thing."

"Neither had I until I met Gael...and it is with good reason we had never heard of them." Ash sighed "They haven't existed since the death of Gwyn."

Siegward stilled "That...that would make him…"

"Indeed…"

"What?" Astolfo frowned as he looked between the two undead "What would that make him?"

"Possibly hundreds of thousands of years old." A majority of the group's eyes went wide as the implication "Gael is...or rather was the last Slave Knight in existence."

"So…" Romani coughed "What's a Slave Knight?"

"Exactly what it sounds like." Ash crossed his arms "Gael told me that the Slave Knights were all taken by force into the role. Typically gutter rats or orphans and were trained to be soldiers."

"Did they not have soldiers of their own?" Jeanne frowned, "Surely conscripts would make for poor fighters."

"If their intention had been to make worthy soldiers then that point would hold truth to it. However that is not what the Slave Knights were for. The Forming of Gwyn's kingdom after the defeat of the everlasting dragons was not a fast process. Many drakes remained and there were those who attempted rebellions against the Gods. This led to many battles. The Slave knights would be thrown into the most hopeless ones."

"Why?"

"Soften up the enemy so that the Silver Knights could follow in their wake and do the actual fighting." Ash shrugged "Their deaths were in the thousands but it mattered not to Gwyn. The Slave Knights were simple fodder. What better soldier is there than one who can never truly die?"

"...Then…" Mash began "Gael-san…"

"He survived until the end of the world. Where all other slave Knights had long since become hollows. Truthfully we are fortunate that he is a Berserker rather than sane. I would have no doubts that alone he could prove a foe of the same calibre of the Nameless King."

"What are his capabilities?" Olga interjected, a serious look on her face "How powerful is he?"

"In his current form?" Ash sighed "His strength is...unfortunately high as I'm sure you are all aware. He is skilled and has access to Miracles long since forgotten." he sent a look over to Jeanne "Saint Jeanne already experienced his most commonly used."

"These disks…" She frowned "They cut through my Magic Resistance…"

"They are miracles of the old Lords." Ash replied "'Way of the White Corona' they are called, used by very few within the Church of Miracles."

Jeanne sighed "That would explain it...my Magic Resistance isn't capable of coping against Sacraments of the Church...If what you say is true then these 'Miracles' work along a similar principle."

"Most likely." Ash nodded "His cape, as I'm sure Cu and Saint Jeanne can attest to, is also a weapon. His blade, as we have discovered, is cursed and he has a very long life of techniques to call upon. As a Berserker he would likely be working on muscle memory…"

"His muscle memory is bullshit." Lancer coughed out "Guy fought like he wasn't batshit crazy."

"Quite so." Ash nodded "Distance is also no true obstacle to him. He performed short ranged summoning when we fought."

"Huh?" Romani blinked "Short ranged what?"

"Oh yes...you'd call it something else." Ash frowned "Instant movement from one spot to another."

"Teleport...he can teleport!" Romani gaped "This….that….that's high class Magecraft!"

"It is only short range, and he rarely used it." Ash pointed out "And we have all seen his crossbow."

"What's his Noble Phantasm?" Olga asked, her brows furrowed. Ash looked to her and shook his head.

"That…" Ash raised a finger to reply then paused "That would be considerably harder to answer...I have my guesses but nothing solid."

"Well...what's your best guess?"

"When I fought him he would throw projectiles at me, which would then call down bolts of lightning." Ash shrugged "It is entirely possible that is his Noble Phantasm."

"How large is the affected area?"

"Not terribly large." Ash nodded his head, then looked around "Likely to that nearest tree in a general radius." He pointed to the tree around fifteen metres from them "Quite easily avoidable unless you become trapped."

"I see." Ritsuka nodded, then sighed "First its Gods and Dragons and now its near immortal zombies…" he looked up at Ash and blinked in realisation "No offence."

Ash waved him off "This is the general layout of Lothric. All we are missing are the abominations which walk the streets and it'll be home."

"...Your home sucks." Cu scowled. Ash and Siegward nodded.

Ritsuka chuckled, "Regardless, we have a large area to cover...it would be quicker if we split into two groups."

"Not to put myself down, Master." Cu deadpanned at him through a pained look "But I'm not exactly in the best condition to be in a search party."

"You are not quite without hope yet, Lancer." Jeanne turned to him with a thoughtful look "While treating your wounds I noticed something. While your wound is cursed, it may be reversible."

"Oh?" Cu now looked very interested, Ritsuka blinked in surprise at her.

"You can cure Lancer, Jeanne-san?" Mash asked in a hopeful tone, only for it to turn despondent when the Ruler servant shook her head.

"As I am now, no. I suspect even if I were not weakened it may prove too great for me…" She sighed and crossed her arms "However, like Siegfried. If we were to have the aid of another Saint in regards to his wounds, we may yet undo the curse."

"Forget I said anything then." Lancer coughed "Either we find some Saint in the middle of nowhere or we chase down Berserker into the middle of their lair." he gave a bloodied smirk "Now, I like a good fight as much as the next Celt...but that would be suicide for me." he looked around and frowned slightly "And probably all of you as well...no offence."

"Nah…" Astolfo sniffed "It's fine...we'd all pretty much die if we ran right into the evil Jeanne. They have a dragon, a God and apparently someone's kickass grandpa." he stated with a wide grin, his smile remaining at the odd looks he received from everyone else present.

"Right…" Ritsuka drew the group's attention back to him "Jeanne. You, Siegward, Marie and Sasaki will lead one search party. Everyone else will join myself and Mash in the second search party." he turned back to the screen with Romani and Olga "Do you have any suggestions on where to head, Director?"

The woman blinked before furrowing her brows "From what you have discovered, France as a country is in ruin...however our records of the time period show that there are two population centres west of you which would likely still be standing. The city of Thiers" the screen split and showed them a line heading to the City, estimating it to be eighty miles from them "and the Commune of Montluçon." the screen changed again to show the commune being nearly twice the distance from them. "If you split up and start heading in those directions, you may encounter the Servants you need."

Ritsuka nodded "We'll get on that, Director." the woman nodded and the screen turned off, Ritsuka turned to the assembled groups "We'll take Siegfried and Lancer. We'll be slower but Theirs is closer to us than the commune." he tuned to Jeanne's group "You have no restrictions on how fast to get there. Once you arrive, search for any sign of Servants. They'll probably stand out."

Jeanne nodded "Right." then turned to her group "Lets go." the servants nodded, then rose to their feet and followed her as she sprinted off in the direction of the commune.

Master Search Party (One Hour Later)

"Master." Ash called out from up ahead, Astolfo set Ritsuka down then the Master jogged up to the front of the group "I have eyes on the city."

"How does it look?" Ritsuka asked as he came up next to the Servant.

"It is still intact." Ash nodded back to him "No sign of damages or even a siege." he pointed over to the front gate "Seems they are preparing themselves though." Ritsuka squinted his eyes and saw nearly a dozen soldiers preparing battlements to protect the gate.

He nodded "At least we know the city is still occupied." He looked over his shoulder and saw Mozart approaching.

"Theirs…" The Caster servant nodded his head and smiled "Its famous for its knives you know."

"What of Jeannes group?" Ritsuka called back to Mash, the pink haired girl frowned slightly.

"She says they were ambushed by monsters halfway there, it will take them some time to get to Montluçon."

"Between the two of you, I don't know whether you're lucky or unlucky." Roman flashed into existence next to them, a slightly worried expression on his face "Montluçon, from what I could scan on Jeannes end, appears to be beginning to evacuate. I've detected Servant signatures there, but I can't tell how many there are just yet."

"What about on our end?" Ritsuka asked with a concerned expression, Roman bit his lip then looked over at his instruments.

"You've got...two Servant signatures within Thiers right now." He smiled slightly "Although, considering the city is still standing, I'd say that right now they're probably friendly."

Seconds after he said that, a pillar of fire shot up from the centre of the city, they group could hear the sounds of screaming from the city and the soldiers at the front gate began scrambling to get their weapons.

Ash turned his head and looked at the Doctor, the man sweat dropped as he stared into the helmet.

"Quite so…" Ash dryly remarked, then turned to Ritsuka "I shall assume we are planning to engage the Servants?"

He received a nod, Astolfo ran up to the front "Come one guys!" the pink haired boy cheered "Lets save the city and receive the lavish praises of the women!"

"…" He received off looks from the entire group, save Lancer who blinked a few times then chuckled.

"Damn...I think he's onto something." The Lancer Servant received a thumbs up from the pink haired Rider.

"Come on." Ritsuka shook his head "We've got a town to save."

Jeanne Search Party (Same time)

Jeannes group approached the front of the commune, the outer walls had seen repeated signs of damage to it, enough to shoot a pang of guilt through Jeannes heart at what her counterpart had done.

As if reading her mind, Siegward placed a comforting hand on her shoulder "You overthink things, Lady Jeanne." she turned to the onion shaped helmet "You are not responsible for this havoc."

"I know…" Jeanne nodded, her frown never leaving her face "But...even though she's not me...I know she's not me...I can't help but feel responsible for all this…"

"Your face shouldn't be dirtied with such an ugly expression." Sasaki spoke as he walked past them, he looked over his shoulder and threw a small smile her way "A flower such as yourself is much prettier to look at when it is blooming." Jeanne gaped and blushed while Marie giggled and patted Sasaki on the back.

"He understands." She had a small, yet exceedingly bright, smile on her face as she looked a Jeanne "He's right, you shouldn't blame yourself for this...even is she isn't you...try to see things from her perspective." her smile turned slightly more sympathetic "Even if you don't feel betrayed, she does…perhaps you should try to accept that she sees things differently from you…"

Jeanne shook her head "I just can't...whether or not she's me...I just can't accept that she feels that way…"

Marie shook her head and walked along with Sasaki. Siegward gave her a small pat on the shoulder before he joined them, Jeanne remaining still for a few moments before sighing and pulling her hood over her head. Hiding her face.

"What news of Master?" Sasaki asked Jeanne as she joined them in their walk to the city "I believe you spoke prior to our arrival here?"

Jeanne nodded, slightly thankful for the change in topic "He said that they had just arrived at Theirs." she frowned slightly "It seems that they have encountered Servants."

"Oh?" Siegward turned to her and tilted his helmet "Friends or foes?"

"They aren't sure yet." The woman sighed "It appears that there is some commotion occurring in Theirs. They are currently investigating it."

"Well…" Siegward nodded his head "I'm sure that Master and Ash can handle i-" he abruptly stopped and his helmet remained focused dead ahead of them. His sudden pause caused the others to stop as well and send him concerned glances "I can't believe it…" he whispered under his breath.

"Sir Siegward?" Jeanne gave him a look of worry "Is something wrong?"

The Onion knight said nothing, save raising a single arm and pointing ahead of them, the group followed his gaze.

In the centre of the French Soldiers organising the evacuation stood a rather out of place knight, garbed in dark steel armour with two winged horns rising from the top of his helmet with a blood red cape fluttering from his back, was a rather tall knight. He could be seen directing the soldiers to different posts.

"I…" Jeanne paused, "I don't recognise that armour…" she furrowed her brow "He is clearly a Servant...yet…"

"A Silver Knight…" Siegward mumbled "A living Silver Knight…"

"Sir Siegward?" Jeanne sent him a look of confusion "You recognise them?"

"Indeed…" He nodded "I myself have never seen one...but the stories and pictures spoke truth…"

Before she could question him further, the Knight abruptly turned and faced them. The group paused, slightly tensing as the Knight held them in his gaze before turning back to the soldier he was speaking to and gesturing for them to leave. The soldier ran off, the Silver Knight turned back to the group and marched up to them, however at no point did he bother to arm himself as he approached.

"Well Met." He nodded to them when he was close enough "I am Arkon. Former Captain of the Silver Knights of Anor Londo...You may also refer to me as Saber. However, as I suspect we are allies against a common foe, you may use my name."

"Rather presumptuous." Sasaki spoke, however his tone was neither accusatory nor sinister, merely curious "How do you know we are allies?"

Arkon merely pointed at Siegward "You travel with a Knight of Catarina. Even one summoned by the witch-'' Jeanne flinched slightly "-and poisoned with insanity would still kill themselves before aiding her." he turned his gaze back to the group "You also arrived without a Wyverns entourage."

Sasaki nodded and hummed "I suppose that makes enough sense."

"What's going on there?" Jeannes communicator flashed to life, Olga's face appeared "We're picking up a small reading of divinity, similar to Rider, where you are, Ruler."

"How curious." Arkon hummed, then looked at the woman "Some form of communication?" he shook his head "I suppose it matters not. The 'Divinity' you speak of is myself."

"...Eh?" Olga blinked then shot him a look of surprise "You...you're a descendant of the Gods?"

"Descendant?" Arkon let out a dry chuckle "Nothing so grand...I am merely a lowly guard of Anor Londo."

"If I may, Lady Olga." Siegward interjected, the woman turned to him "The city of Anor Londo was populated by Lords...or you would call them Gods perhaps." he pointed at Arkon "He is a minor Lord."

Olga went wide eyed "So he's a God!?"

"Of course not." Arkon snapped, Olga flinched slightly "There is nothing Godly about myself or my fellow Silver Knights. Being of the same Race as the Gods does not give me the right to refer to myself as such. I would prefer it if you extended the same courtesy." the knight returned his gaze back to the group "Speculation of my being aside, I must ask what brings you here?"

"We seek a Saint." Marie asked "Have you seen one?"

Arkon turned to her and tilted his head "...Perhaps…" he said after a few moments, his hand flexing slightly "For what purpose?"

"We need his aid to remove curses placed upon one of our companions." Jeanne replied to him, Arkon's gaze fell on her. The tall Knight slowly advanced on her, he leant down slightly to look her in the eyes.

"Is that so…" He returned to his full height "I will lead you to Sir Georgios." Jeanne let out a sigh "However...attacks are becoming more frequent, the evacuation of this city takes priority." he turned away from them "I cannot promise our immediate aid while the city remains in danger."

"Of course." Jeanne nodded, she went to speak again when Arkon suddenly turned back to Olga.

"Woman." Olga blinked in surprise at being addressed "You said that my 'divinity' was similar to a Rider class Servant you encountered?"

"Yes." She nodded "They fought him in Lyon. He rides upon a dragon apparently." Arkon stilled, his fist clenching.

"...Did you receive a name?" Olga shook her head "No...apparently all records of him were wiped ou-" she wasn't able to stop before Arkon snarled and kicked a nearby wagon. Shattering it and sending pieces of wood flying everywhere. The nearby soldiers paused and stared in surprise at the Knight.

He let out a deep breath before fixing the soldiers with a heated gaze "Return to your posts!" he shouted, the soldiers started before scurrying off and continuing with their preparation. The knight turned back to the group "Come with me." he spoke, his voice a lot harder than it had been moments ago "We will meet with Sir Georgios." his tone shifted and became far darker "Then you will tell me everything you know about this 'Rider' servant."

Master Search Party

"This…" Ash began, then frowned behind his helmet "This is not what I was expecting."

"Me neither…" Mozart winced, his face morphing into a pained frown "This noise is...rather hideous."

"Have I died and gone to Hell?" Lancer muttered, then looked to the sky "Teacher...I'm sorry I couldn't kill you...if you let me out of here I promise I'll try my hardest."

"You guys are overreacting." Ritsuka sighed "It's not that bad." another ball of fire flew past and impacted a nearby building.

"You little serpent bitch!" The pink haired girl wearing a dress with horns atop her head snarled "You're just a bulldozer, aren't you?"

"My, my…" The teal haired girl in a Kimono chuckled slightly as her eyes narrowed "That's quite the mouth you have on you...it is certainly uncultured...I suppose that is to be expected from a ruffian like yourself."

"Oh boy…" Astolfo chuckled nervously "I've seen plenty of these before…"

"R-R-Ruffian!" The Pink haired girl shouted back in outrage "I don't want to hear about culture from a creepy little stalker like you!"

"I'm not a stalker." The teal haired girl replied immediately, her mouth turning into a frown "I, Kiyohime, am a devoted bodyguard who acts like a spy." she smirked "Certainly better than a little gecko with a blood fetish Elizabeth."

Elizabeth's face became bright red with anger at the jab "You, you, you, you! I'm going to kill you!" she twirled a spear around and levelled it at Kiyohime. Rituska and Mash blinked as they saw her weapon.

"Senpai…" Mash's face scrunched up in confusion "Is that…"

"I...I think so…" Ritsuka slumped his shoulders and sighed "Its a microphone…"

"You won't kill me." Kiyohime remarked, then flashed her fan open, the tips beginning to smoke slightly "Because I'll kill you."

"I've had enough of this." Mozart cringed and marched in-between the two of them "Enough, the pair of you!" The pair froze and sent the musician equal looks of confusion and irritation "What you are doing here is sacrilege against all of voice and sound!"

"Are either of them saints?" Ritsuka asked in a hopeful tone, although it was clear to even himself that it was a fool's hope.

"S-saints!?" Mozart whirled on him with a look of horror "I most certainly think not! Religions would tumble into the dirt if either of them were made Saints!"

"Either way…" Mash mumbled to herself before marching up to join Mozart "The pair of you stop!"

"Eh?/What?" Kiyohime and Elizabeth replied at the same time.

"I'm busy right now." Kiyohime spoke in a dull tone, not even looking at Mash "Come back the day before yesterday."

"Hmph." Elizabeth grunted and gave a dark smirk "You won't be busy for a while...at least until the next Holy Grail War."

"Tch." Kiyohime clicked her tongue "Frilled neck lizard."

"Japanese Rat snake."

"Mexican bearded lizard."

"Sharp nosed viper!"

Ash sniffed slightly as the two continued to exchange insults with each other. He looked over to where Siegfried and Lancer were sitting against a nearby building while Astolfo stared at the arguing Servants with a somewhat amused expression. The pink haired boy looked over and sent a wry grin at Ash "First cat fight?"

"Is that what this is called?" He titled his head, then hummed when Astolfo nodded an affirmative "In that case...yes."

The two fell back into a comfortable silence, eventually Ash spoke again "Should we… do something?"

"Oh no." Astolfo shut him down instantly "In these cases, the worst thing you can do is-" he was cut off when Ritsuka shouted at the pair.

"Both of you, knock it off!" Astolfo sighed and palmed his face.

"...That." He was proven right when the two Servants suddenly turned their ire onto their group. The pair seemed to come to some sort of agreement before they both assumed combat stances.

"Ummm...Saber, Rider...little help?" Ritsuka awkwardly chuckled as he backed off slightly.

"Very well." Ash shrugged, then rested his sword on his shoulder as he marched forwards, Rider jogging up next to him.

"Just...don't kill them."

Ash sent a small look his way before shaking his head "I see…" he turned back to the pair of girls "That may be slightly more...challenging then."

AN: We meet up with Arkon and we also see his brief reaction to the Nameless King.

Also I have noticed that I am going a little heavy on Sabers right now…

Problem is that a lot of the Dark Souls characters use swords and such…

However, I do plan on the next summoning back at Chaldea bringing a Caster and a Shielder…

Exciting.