Author's Note: First off, some of the dialogue for this chapter is straight from the Fate Zero dub. A single quote is amended from the Apocrypha sub. Credit where it's due. Second, Tristan's Interlude in Fate Grand Order mentions the Killer Rabbit and comments on Gawain, Lancelot, and Mordred struggling with it after it decapitated Bors. Tristan claimed to have embellished the story, leaving me some leeway in how to tell it, but the 'vorpal bunny' is canon to Fate. I just included the Grenade and turned the bunny into Fou. Oh, and I was a bit nicer to Bors.
SentinalSlice: Make using the Holy Hand Grenade have a count of 1-2-5 and explode as a Broken Phantasm? From a comedy perspective, I like this idea. From a practical perspective, I'm more inclined to say that this exact thing is unlikely. A Broken Phantasm overloads and destroys itself by exploding, which one could argue is what the Holy Hand Grenade is doing anyway.
I'm not opposed to doing something with 1-2-5, something that justifies the Book of Armaments' warning against it so heavily, but I don't think this specific idea would work without more details. Whatever it is, Artoria being more literate than Monty Python's King Arthur means she likely never discovered whatever consequence this function would have. Mordred? Possibly if she stole it and tried to use it at some point in her rebellion while being illiterate. As such, it could exist. I think I'll put up this response with Chapter 8 and ask the community to review or PM me ideas. Maybe something interesting will come up or inspire me!
Blaze2121: Shirou is able to trace weapons from memories given to him by others (Jeweled Sword and Caliburn). I'd say he could trace Clarent right now due to Artoria's memories. He can trace things more perfectly if he sees them with his own upgraded eyes, though.
It's too soon for Shirou to manifest his Reality Marble. It's there but hasn't developed enough yet. That's why its appearance is unstable when I show it. Merlin intentionally destabilized it so it could re-grow stronger than before.
Chapter 08: Daughter of Treachery
November 14, 1994
Clock Tower, London, Britannia
318 hours to Zero
Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, Lord of the Department of Mineralogy in the Clock Tower, was angry. No, he was furious. He had previously called upon the Department of Archaeology's Lord Meluastea to locate and secure the Catalyst he wanted. The cost? A written favor from the El-Melloi family to be called in by Lord Meluastea at a time of his choosing. Were it one of the more politically active departments of the Clock Tower, he would have declined this price outright. Even as it was, he dreaded just what would be asked for later. It was likely going to be a demand for support to protect the Archaeology Department from other forces in the Clock Tower if more infighting took place. He could have avoided the issue simply by asking Sola-Ui's father for a Catalyst, the other lord's Department of Spiritual Evocation's Summoning Department certainly having collected enough of them, but he wanted to prove to his future father-in-law that he could stand on his own.
This was not what made him angry. No, it was that with all the cost he'd incurred to secure the artifact, it was stolen from under his nose at the eleventh hour by one of his students! He knew it had to be Waver Velvet. The brat had just been humbled in class over that stupid thesis of his and then skipped out on class after the theft. He apparently informed the other faculty that he was going to Japan. The only question left was where the cowardly brat found the nerve!
Kayneth was now in dire want of a good Catalyst and was even considering going to the other Departments to see what they had available at the risk of more expense, but the Clock Tower had been contacted unexpectedly by someone from Gwynedd in western Britannia. It was someone who wanted to lend support to a Master in the War and had a ready Catalyst. Intrigued, he had set up a meeting.
"Lord El-Melloi," one of his staff called from outside the door to his office in the Clock Tower. "Your three-o'-clock is here."
"Show them in," Kayneth responded, pushing down his anger and allowing his noble bearing to take hold. By the time a man in a black cloak entered the room with an aged case in his hands, Kayneth had regained his poise and stood to greet his guest. "Welcome to the Mineralogy Department. I am Lord Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald. May I offer you some refreshments?" Kayneth asked his guest, gesturing to a wine decanter and several clean glasses. This offer was extended more to show his wealth and status than for the sake of actual kindness. The opulent design of the office was also geared toward this end, but this did not seem to impress his guest.
"Thank you, but no. This matter is one of Honor, King, and Country. I do not frown on your partaking, however." The man responded sternly. Kayneth realized that this was more than just business and gestured for his guest to have a seat. Upon securing a light proportion of the red liquid for himself, the lord had a seat at his desk opposite his guest.
"So, your request is an interesting one. You wish me to do battle with the Catalyst you provide. Might I know why and what you expect of me?" It was not an unreasonable question. Kayneth wanted to know just why this man sought to aid him and to ensure there weren't any unpleasant strings attached.
Kayneth's guest, a green-eyed man with a gray beard, pondered his words for a moment before speaking. "I am from a village that houses descendants of King Gawain Pendragon, and we are entrusted with various items that survived the Fall of Camelot." That grabbed Kayneth's attention as the man continued. The hooded man avoided mentioning some of the more shady things that the group had planned, but the filtered version of the truth would do. "Very recently, the Einzbern family visited our village. Not only did they abscond with a girl named Gray, but also an ancient Mystic Code called Add that was in her possession."
Understanding crossed Kayneth's face as he realized why the Einzberns would do such a thing. "They stole a Catalyst."
The hooded man nodded. "Yes. One that is guaranteed to summon King Artoria Pendragon. Our ancestor, King Gawain, would turn over in his grave if we allowed men to control the Once and Future King in their blood sport. We would not dare to dishonor the other Knights of the Round Table in such things, either...save for one who we have no trouble allocating for the task. It will be their penance for previous misdeeds."
Placing the case on the desk before Kayneth, the guest opened it to reveal a shattered helmet with horns. It had been painstakingly reassembled. "Sir Mordred betrayed our King to the point where they struck each other down at Camlann Hill. We can provide this helm as Mordred's Catalyst. Work to bring Gray and her Mystic Code back to us, and we will lend you our support."
When presented with the prospect of commanding who was arguably the strongest Knight of the Round Table aside from Artoria herself, Kayneth was very interested. Still, there was one problem to consider... "Tempting, but you should know that a weapon that maimed or killed a Servant in life is very effective against them in death. While Mordred's Clarent would be effective against the King because of this fact, the reverse is also quite true. Should the King be summoned with her Lance and Mordred not have some sort of supplemental defense, this may yet fail."
Kayneth recalled that the group claimed to have multiple relics and decided to use the truth in an attempt to negotiate something to sweeten the deal and improve his chances. Just as he had hoped, the man in the hood entered deep thought before responding. "I believe we can provide something that will help with that..."
November 15, 1994
Archibald Estate, London, Britannia
309 hours to Zero
Midnight had come. In the basement of the ancient Archibald home, both Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald and his fiancée Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri stood next to each other in front of an altered magic circle. It was modified so that the two could share the burden of Master.
"So one of you will provide the energy to the Servant from the rear, while the other bears the Command Seals and is able to battle without strain on their prana reserves? Using your fiancée in a dangerous situation is a move I would frown upon unless she shares your resolve, but at least you are willing to take to the battlefield yourself, Lord El-Melloi." The cloaked old man gave some mild praise as he set Mordred's broken helmet into position. He made sure to move away from the circle, intent on avoiding being drawn any further into this ritual than he had to be.
Sola-Ui grumbled slightly with her arms crossed. "Don't tell me I became your fiancée just so you could use me as a prana battery." The angry pout the redhead gave was a bit manipulative, existing just so Kayneth would squirm a little and know that he was asking for something significant from her.
"Of course not, Sola-Ui! I want you by my side and contributing to my victory. Why not let your name be written beside mine in history?" Kayneth was a bit cautious at times to the point of over-preparedness, but he also had an urge to test his strength in combat due to a prideful and slightly sadistic personality. The man had wanted for nothing in life and was somewhat spoiled, but he did love his fiancée and consider their arranged marriage fortuitous. Sadly, this meant that the less interested Sola-Ui had him wrapped around her finger.
"Are you sure about that? You aren't trying to simply use me?" Sola-Ui asked, eying the man warily.
"Sola-Ui...listen to me. I want to win the Grail for the sake of the victory and fame itself. If I let you have my wish when we win, will that convince you that you are more than just a battery to me?" Kayneth's question surprised Sola-Ui. Kayneth was the sort to simply desire the adventure rather than caring about the prize. That was the only reason the Grail chose him when he already had everything.
"...It would," Sola-Ui said with a smile.
Kayneth smiled back. "Then that is how it will be. Now, let us summon our Servant." His hand went to Sola-Ui's as part of the amended ritual, though he had hoped it would come off as romantic. With the catalyst in place, the two began to speak in unison.
Elements of Silver and Iron. Foundation of Stone and the Archduke of Pacts.
The ancestor is my great master El-Melloi.
A wall for descending wind. Close the four cardinal gates.
Come forth from the crown and follow the three-forked road leading from the Kingdom.
Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Let each be turned over five times, simply breaking asunder the fulfilled time.
Behold, my will creates your body and your sword my destiny!
If you heed the Grail's call and obey my will and reason, then answer me!
I hereby swear that I shall be all the good in the World and that I shall defeat all the evil in the World.
From the Seventh Heaven, clad in three great words of power,
Come forth now, Guardian of the Scales!
Sola-Ui felt a burning on the back of her hand, under her fiancée's own, but no mark appeared. Kayneth alone took that burden. Still, both were connected to their Servant as light filled the room. When it faded, they became aware of a Knight in red and white-gray armor. The helmet they wore was the same as the one used as a catalyst, merely unmarred by damage. Then, before the eyes of the group, the helmet started to retract piece-by-piece onto the armor itself. To the pair's surprise, the face of a blonde girl with green eyes was revealed. She then held her sword before her with the tip plunged into the stone at her feet before speaking boldly.
"I am Mordred, the one and true heir of my father, Arthur Pendragon! So I ask of you," she said with a feral grin, "which of you is my Master?"
With that, Kayneth smiled and removed his hand from that of Sola-Ui. "I am Lord Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald and am your Master in terms of Command Seals and combat direction. This is my fiancée, Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri. She is your Master in terms of providing you energy. We've arranged this so that I may fight at full strength without concern for my own prana supply. As such, you will defend us both."
Mordred raised an eyebrow and gave a smirk. "Hoh? Gaming the system, huh? You won't hear me complain about it, Master." The armor vanished from her body, leaving her dressed in odd red clothing unfit for the modern era. Looking over to a nearby wall, she saw Prydwen leaning up against it. Blinking, she walked over and inspected the shield.
"Yes, you're being provided with that, too. Support from Gawain's descendants to help you in your secondary goal." Kayneth said, only for Mordred to give him the stink eye.
"They're supporting me? Don't they know I struck Gawain down?" Mordred asked with suspicion.
"No, he survived Camlann." The hooded figure said. This drew Mordred's attention. "Moreover, he blamed himself for not letting Sir Lancelot participate in the battle. In time, he forgave you and assumed his role as King of the Britons since you and your father were gone."
Mordred clenched her fist in anger. "You mean to tell me that goody-goody Knight that couldn't cook for shit actually became King? What the hell? If you think his line's going to boss me around, you've got another think coming!"
Kayneth spoke sternly to the unruly Servant. "The only additional orders you're being given by them are to fight your father in the War and recover the girl and Mystic Code used to summon her."
Mordred twitched and looked to her Master. There was a glint in her eye and an edge to her smile that Kayneth both liked and feared. It spoke of mania that could turn lethal at a moment's notice. "Hoooh? Father will be there? Tell me more, Master..."
November 21, 1994
Fuyuki City Harbor, Japan
154 hours and 12 minutes to Zero
"Mordred," Lancer Artoria Pendragon's voice responded levelly from under her helmet. "While I had expected one of my Knights to stand against me, it is perhaps for the best that it is you. You are at the very least fighting me of your own will." Lancer Artoria had expected Lancelot just as Kiritsugu had, but this was perhaps just as cruel for other reasons. From both of their perspectives, they had only just fought against each other at Camlann. Lancer Artoria would have to settle for the knowledge that none of her other Knights were made to suffer choosing between their King and their Master. The elder of the two fighters held Rhongomyniad in its sword form, its beauty making that of Clarent's sealed state pale in comparison.
Irisviel stood back, saying nothing. She had already informed Lancer Artoria that she could serve as support to heal her. There was no need to advertise it to the enemy. She also watched for Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald or his fiancée in case they chose to attack her while the Servants fought. Hopefully, Kiritsugu and Maiya were in position. A Bounded Field that was likely Kayneth's work had just gone up around the area.
The Knight of Treachery noted that this Servant was taller than her father, but their voice and the feel of the energy from their weapon were unmistakable. "Tch. You're taller. Your legend must be so strong that it changed your form. I guess I'll just have to cut you back down to size!" Mordred rushed forward, compelling Lancer Artoria to do the same. Their weapons clashed, flashes of brilliant white and gray manifesting between the pair and the sound of steel-on-steel ringing out repeatedly into the night. Both were armed by a weapon that was lethally effective against the other, pavement cracking and cratering around their feet whenever they blocked a strong blow with their blades. Irisviel watched the display with eyes beyond human limitations, noting Lancer Artoria's movements to be more fluid than Mordred's. It was a battle of efficiency versus raw aggression with neither lacking in skill, though Mordred did not seem accustomed to using a shield.
When a strike from Rhongomyniad was deflected by Prydwen, Artoria's own shield that Mordred carried into battle against her, Lancer Artoria commented with veiled irritation. "Even now you steal and use that which is not your own against me? I will warn you now, Mordred. Prydwen is not able to protect you from Rhongomyniad's full strength." Though only Artoria and Merlin knew the Lance's true nature among the whole of Camelot's court, Mordred remembered just how easily it had impaled her torso. The weapon had slammed through her durable armor as if it were brittle old leather, both on entry and exit. She knew her father wasn't lying about the Lance's effectiveness.
"Hey, it was Gawain's descendants that gave it to me this time!" Mordred notably said 'this time', implying that she'd stolen the shield before. A slash from Clarent missed Lancer Artoria and tore into a nearby shipping container. This compromised its structural integrity, causing another container that was on top of it to crash to the ground. "They didn't want you in this War and gave it to me to fight you with. Now quit pretending to be a Saber and fight me seriously!" Mordred taunted with a smirk.
Lancer Artoria's helmet hid any expression on her face as she rushed forward to slash Rhongomyniad against Clarent. Blades met and sparked, the two conversing while struggling for dominance. "Horse and lance are not suitable for this battlefield or enemy, Mordred. Why limit myself to the constraints of my class when it is improper to do so?" The response to Mordred's banter was truthful without being a boast, but Artoria's words also carried with them a clear undertone. 'I'm strong enough for my summoned class to be nigh-irrelevant. Tread carefully.'
While this all went on, Kiritsugu stayed concealed and found Kayneth through his gun's infrared scope. He then confirmed the target's identity through the night vision scope to be certain. The man was standing on the roof of a warehouse just as he had before, overseeing the battle. However, Kiritsugu did not intend to shoot the man. Not only would his Mystic Code make a 'one shot, one kill' doctrine impossible to employ unless Kiritsugu somehow transformed an Origin Bullet into a Rifle Round, something he should not try out in battle without prior experimentation, but the Archibald family would make things very difficult for his own if Kayneth's death were traced to him needlessly. No, Kiritsugu instead sent a communication over his radio. "Bullet One to Hidden Arrow. Target One is present. Proceed with your mission."
Fuyuki City Rooftops
154 hours and 9 minutes to Zero
"Hidden Arrow to Bullet One. Acknowledged." EMIYA responded quietly over the radio while holding Carnwennan in one hand. He looked to the Fuyuki City Hyatt Hotel from the rooftop of the empty and under-construction skyscraper immediately adjacent. The ex-Archer's reinforced eyes, which entered the realm of Clairvoyance and influenced the development of Shirou's own Mystic Eyes, spied Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald's fiancée within one of the rooms reading a magazine. She had no idea what was coming. He had already mapped out the building, taking note of which floors Kayneth's Workshop were on. This had to be executed perfectly.
Leaping from one rooftop to the other, EMIYA exhaled and began to focus. Gilgamesh was out prowling for a battle tonight so Artoria was kept at the Tohsaka Mansion with Shirou. She was not in combat and EMIYA could thus draw prana from their common source without as much concern. Making sure to stand in the very center of the roof, EMIYA began his Aria.
"I am the bone of my sword." Blue waves of energy emerged from EMIYA, even failing to be hidden by Carnwennan. "Steel is my body and fire is my blood."
"I have created over a thousand blades." Sola-Ui felt a surge of prana building as EMIYA spoke. She stood and looked upward toward the roof in concern. "Unknown to Death, Nor known to Life."
"Have withstood pain to create many weapons." The energy continued to build, the blue glow encompassing the rooftop. "Yet, those hands will never hold anything."
Sola-Ui's eyes widened in horror as she felt a massive amount of prana being shaped. Something about this feeling screamed that Spiritual Evocation was involved, but she never managed to conclude the thought before EMIYA finished his Aria. "So as I pray, Unlimited Blade Works."
The rooftop appeared to shatter, flames arising from the cracks. This was repeated in twenty-four layers of Bounded Fields as the weight of EMIYA's Reality Marble was carefully expanded to encompass the whole of the Workshop below and no further. Bounded Fields and pathways to other Textures overloaded and collapsed under the weight of what was being forced upon reality, tearing apart the Workshop itself as its presence was forcefully overturned by something far greater. Then, for several moments, all Sola-Ui knew was a blinding white light.
After a few moments, the light faded. Sola-Ui looked around herself in confusion, perceiving that which was nonsensical. Dry, lifeless ground with swords sticking out of it extended for as far as the eye could see. Smoke tainted the air and massive gears rotated in the sky. One particular sword nearby caught Sola-Ui's eye.
Clarent. Mordred's Noble Phantasm.
"W...What is this?" Sola-Ui asked in awe. However, something inside her knew. The High Thaumaturgy she felt being cast above her on the roof had carried with it aspects of the Spiritual Evocation that her family had studied for generations. It did not summon a creature or a Servant, however. It summoned forth a World from the caster's soul by way of Bounded Field manipulation. This was the forbidden Magecraft that was a mere step away from True Magic. A Reality Marble.
The beasts, wraiths, and other summoned creatures that had been defending Kayneth's labyrinthine Workshop were here as well, looking for an enemy that was invisible to them. With Carnwennan, EMIYA could not be seen. What could be seen were the numerous blades which appeared in the air from nothing and, before Sola-Ui could even beg for her life, descended upon the horde like so many drops of rain. She flinched and closed her eyes as the sound of explosions and the crashing of blades filled the air.
Death never came. Upon opening her eyes, Sola-Ui perceived that all of the defenders that she and Kayneth had spent so much time calling forth were destroyed and dissipating into ambient prana. Only she remained. Then, almost as soon as it appeared, the Reality Marble vanished. Sola-Ui was back in her penthouse suite as if nothing had happened, but unable to feel the numerous Bounded Fields set up to protect and appraise her and Kayneth on their territory. What she did feel was a source of prana behind the door and in the hallway beyond as EMIYA dropped Carnwennan's protection. It was an Archer-class Servant, given what a Master's ability to read stats conveyed to her.
Horrified, the woman dared not breathe. The unseen Servant outside could easily kill her if it desired. For an eternity that spanned only a few seconds, Sola-Ui waited for her end once more. Her executor scoffed. Then she heard footsteps as he turned and walked away. EMIYA entered the remnants of the Workshop to destroy or steal what few assets weren't already taken out with his display. Though he had spared the woman out of mercy due to the needless brutality of what had happened to her in the other timeline, Sola-Ui felt like it was for a different reason.
She slid down against the wall and began to cry, feeling as though she only lived because she wasn't even worth killing.
Fuyuki City Harbor, Warehouse Area
154 hours and 3 minutes to Zero
Mordred and Lancer Artoria continued their battle. The concrete ground was cratered and scarred while nearby shipping containers were dented, broken, and collapsed. Neither of the master swordswomen would yield or give ground, so taking the time needed to attempt their stronger Noble Phantasms would be deadly. Mordred's frustration was mounting. Only by using her Mana Burst liberally had she been able to keep up with her father. Her father's parameters were really this high? Mordred felt the typical dichotomy of pride and anger toward her father's strength.
To her credit, she made no move to attack Irisviel. No, ending the fight prematurely would not do. She wanted to defeat her father with her own strength. Sparks flew as Clarent and Rhongomyniad's sword form continued to clash. Mordred stared into her father's helmet and her eyes widened. Through the eye slit, Lancer Artoria's eyes were clearly glowing yellow. "What the-?" Mordred uttered before Lancer Artoria took advantage of the distraction.
Applying Mana Burst at that moment to boost her speed and strength, Artoria slammed Rhongomyniad into Clarent...and the crack of metal briefly preceded the shattering of the stolen blade. Rhongomyniad kept moving, cleaving through Mordred's right shoulder and cleanly severing her arm. A swift follow-up kick drove Mordred into a shipping container with a strained cry. "Gaaaahh!" The crash made the sudden amputee spit up blood as Lancer Artoria stood and noted Kiritsugu's plan to have been a sound one.
Add was not superior to Rhongomyniad as a weapon, but there was one ability the Mystic Code had that the Lance lacked. This was the ability to absorb prana from enemies and their attacks. By including Add within the pommel of the sword form of Rhongomyniad, this ability was conferred unto the Lance and also made Lancer Artoria's eyes glow yellow when used. Servants and their weapons were prana given form, meaning that Add could be a profoundly effective anti-Servant weapon and energy recovery system. Every clash with Clarent in this battle had weakened and chipped the blade by draining a bit of its energy on contact. It had eventually gotten pitted and fragile without Mordred's notice.
The remains of Clarent and the armor on the ground dematerialized into motes of light that were promptly drawn to and absorbed by the Mystic Code serving as the Lance's pommel. Artoria had felt conflicted about using Add in such a manner, but preventing a wish on the corrupted Grail took priority over her own feelings. Besides, Mordred was using her own stolen weapons against her. Was denying her their use or making them fail in combat not her right as the proper owner? Memories of Caliburn breaking, because she herself broke the rules of chivalry, came to the front of Lancer Artoria's mind.
"You fought well, Mordred," Artoria stated, giving credit where it was due. No cruelty, no taunting. The woman looked to her bleeding daughter and resolved to finish it quickly, preparing a Mana Burst to drive the shining blade into Mordred's heart.
Disarmed both figuratively and literally, on top of being partially drained of prana, all Mordred could do was lift her remaining arm to protect herself with Prydwen and wait for the end to come. At that moment, lightning burst forth from the sky onto the area between Mordred and Lancer Artoria. The roar of bulls was heard as the Gordius Wheel descended from the sky. Somehow, the mighty cry of its rider overpowered even these mighty sounds.
The Gordius Wheel landed in the middle of the battlefield, separating Lancer Artoria and the wounded Mordred. The rider stood and stretched out his arms boldly, taking in everyone's attention. "Both of you, hold! For like you, I too am a King!" He looked around at those present as if he expected to hear praise or recognition but showed no sign of displeasure when none came. Instead, he continued to speak. "I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors! In this battle for the Holy Grail, I am of the Rider class of Servants!" Smiling without regret, the man cast aside all concepts of subtlety and anonymity.
The Master who had descended in the chariot with him was Waver Velvet, whose mouth was open and his eyes wide in mortified shock. Irisviel remembered this from last time around and simply smiled in amusement. Kayneth quickly took advantage of the distraction and used a Command Seal to restore Mordred's missing arm and sword. He also gave her what energy he could.
"W-what the hell are you thinking announcing yourself that way, you idiot!" Waver exclaimed, grabbing Iskandar's cape. A single finger flick forced Waver to let go of his Servant's clothes. "Owww..." He groaned, nursing the 'injury'. Iskandar looked disappointed in the boy for a moment before re resumed speaking.
"Fate has brought us all together in this place to do battle for the possession of the Holy Grail. But first, I wish to make a proposition. An offer. What think you of yielding the Holy Grail to me and joining my glorious and invincible army? You would be treated as honored allies, friends, and brothers-in-arms!" Iskandar smacked his fists together in excitement at the prospect, only adding to the power of his oratory. "Together we shall share in the glory of battle and the joy of world conquest!" Iskandar waited for a response to his offer, but it fell on deaf ears.
Lancer Artoria was not pleased. "Tell me, Rider. Do you come here to interfere with our battle, rudely, to offer that ridiculous and laughable plan of yours? This is a grave offense against my honor. Especially since you make that offer already knowing me to be a King." Irisviel watched as events played out in a manner which was similar to the last time around, but just different enough to have their own flavor.
"Same here! If I rebelled against my own father to become King, why would I throw that away to serve you?" Mordred called out, able to hold her sword once more.
"We could discuss compensation-" Iskandar stated before being interrupted by both.
"Enough!"/"Shut up!" Lancer Artoria and Mordred emphatically stated at the same time. This tense standoff was interrupted by the gentle laughter of Irisviel.
"Hoh? It seems the lady has found a cause in me to laugh." Iskandar noted while grinning. He observed Irisviel to be exotic and attractive with a charming laugh. A laugh which she attempted to stifle.
"My apologies. Though you interfered and denied us victory by allowing Saber to recover, I cannot help but find this whole scene somehow amusing. No offense is intended, of course. I see no need to be anything less than civil." Irisviel curtsied in introduction. "I am Irisviel von Einzbern, Master of Lancer. I believe the man hiding up there on the warehouse roof to be Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, Lord of the Clock Tower's Department of Mineralogy and Master of Saber."
"W-What?" Waver practically whimpered.
A figure standing on top of the roof in the shadows sighed and stepped forward, glaring at Irisviel. "You do know that your revealing my name means that I will be reporting your and Lancer's identity to the others."
Irisviel simply smiled back kindly. "I am an Einzbern homunculus who will be assumed to be part of this War regardless. Rider and his Master have heard enough to determine the identity of our Servants, as has anyone else watching this battle. Secrecy is no longer sustainable." Kayneth scowled slightly as he realized that their Servants' True Names were no longer secrets. It didn't seem to bother the Einzbern in the least.
Oh well, he was about to step forward anyway. Kayneth looked to a terrified Waver and decided to get his pound of flesh elsewhere. "As for you, I have to wonder what madness compelled you to steal my relic and join the War. Temporary insanity? Or is it your misguided belief that effort can overpower lineage...Waver...Velvet?" He made sure to clearly state the panicking boy's name in hopes of making sure the Einzberns and anyone else watching knew who this particular target was. "Now I know that you're not experienced in these matters, so how would you like me to offer you a private lesson? What it really means for Mages to kill one another?" Waver's grip on Iskandar's cape fell away as he realized his teacher was his enemy. "I'll teach you all about the fear and pain involved in such noble endeavors. You should feel honored." The sadism dripped from Kayneth's words as Waver found his head in his hands, fighting back tears.
Iskandar's hand went to Waver's back in a supportive motion, in spite of the fact that the latter was outed as a thief. Waver's eyes met Iskandar's and saw no judgment. After all, in Iskandar's mind, theft was just the term the conquered used to justify their losses! "Mage who is speaking now! Do I understand correctly that you believe you were to be my Master, rather than this boy I am sworn to serve? That whole idea is absurd and laughable! Only one brave enough to openly ride onto the battlefield standing by my side could ever hope to be my Master. A coward who lacks sufficient courage to show himself of his own accord is nowhere close to being worthy of me!" With this, Iskandar laughed heartily. Mordred couldn't help but smile at the comment. Maybe this guy was alright after all.
"Of course, there are also others! They're out there skulking in the darkness watching us! With such a furious battle, surely the sound of your blades called other Heroic Spirits here to bear witness and glean knowledge from your encounter. Heroic Spirits! Born again through the Holy Grail! Gather here and now! Those too craven and cowardly to show themselves here tonight will draw the vicious scorn of Iskandar, King of Conquerors!"
At this demand, golden motes of light started to coalesce atop a light pole well above any of the others. This was clearly to cement the newcomer's station above the others in rank. The Einzbern team already knew who this was and Irisviel gave Gilgamesh a nod of acknowledgment on his arrival. "So, three lesser beings dare to call themselves Kings, even in my Royal Presence."
Iskandar noted Gilgamesh's comment and scratched his cheek calmly. "I fail to see where the problem lies, sir. For I am Iskandar, the legendary King of Conquerors known through all the lands of the World."
"What nonsense," Gilgamesh responded. "You are deluding yourself. I am the one true King of the World. All others are mongrels, pretenders to the name." This was not said in anger, but as if it were a simple fact.
Iskandar extended an arm toward Gilgamesh as he responded. "If you're that insistent of your claim, then why not name yourself? No true King should be troubled by something as simple as giving his name to those he wishes to challenge!"
"So, you would question me, you filthy mongrel?" The light on which Gilgamesh stood was flickering in his growing anger before he rose his heel and stepped on it from above to smash it. "Me, the one true King? Even the second Saber knew me on sight! If you cannot now discern my identity in the presence of my magnificent glory, then your ignorant blindness will serve to seal your doom!" Gilgamesh opened the Gate of Babylon and, appearing like ripples on a pond's surface, two glowing golden distortions manifested in the air with the blade of a weapon emerging from each. Lancer Artoria moved, covering Irisviel, even as Gilgamesh took aim at Rider with his weapons.
"You're so damn full of yourself!" The voice of a loud tomboy called out. Gilgamesh's eyes immediately moved over to Mordred, who had recovered sufficiently enough to fight if need be. The cost of a Command Seal was rather high, but she didn't care. The Knight of Treachery was ticked. "First; tall, dark, and loud barges in on my fight. Now, you show up condemning anything but yourself that claims to be a King! I'm getting tired of you clowns getting in the way! Lancer and I are fighting! Everyone else, get the hell out of my way!"
Silence reigned. Irisviel stared before stepping back from the imminent carnage. Waver blinked. Gilgamesh glowered like he was about to burst into flame. Finally, the King of Heroes spoke. "You mongrel girl...no, you are a homunculus. You are even lower than a mongrel! Does a mere doll speak to me in such a manner? Know your place and crawl upon the ground!" The sword and spear aimed at Iskandar shifted their angle and launched at Mordred like missiles, but the girl was already moving. She managed to deflect them both, one with a regenerated Clarent and the other with Prydwen. The deflected blades explosively pulverized the ground and a shipping container respectively, only adding to the destruction.
With a glare, she stared up at Gilgamesh. Clarent's guard shifted its geometry, crimson lightning rushing along its blade. "Calling me a girl or calling me a doll...either would get your ass kicked. But both? You're dead, Goldie!" Both Mordred and Gilgamesh prepared their Noble Phantasms, neither content to tolerate the other's existence any longer. Gilgamesh fired more of his treasures forward while Mordred stood her ground and swung her blade...a blade lit by the hatred for her father turned into an innate power.
"Clarent Bloooood Arthuurrrrr!" With a cry of rage, Mordred swung her sword down and an arc of crimson light dozens of feet high raced forward to destroy anything in its path. Various weapons were knocked clear, exploding all around the harbor. Even Kiritsugu and Maiya were forced to take cover. Gilgamesh had to leap to the side and onto the ground as the light pole he stood on was vaporized. The crimson attack rushed out into the sea beyond, thankfully not harming the city proper.
Gilgamesh was not pleased in the least. "Fool! I belong among the heavens, yet you would have me trod upon the ground?" His eyes were pinpricks of rage as he widened the Gate of Babylon, preparing to bring many of his treasures into the fight to exterminate Mordred.
In the original timeline, Tokiomi would use a command seal to reign in Archer. However, this World's Tokiomi had been told he had lost his life to Kirei. Even if Kirei and Tokiomi both actively wanted to avoid that fate, the Magus could not afford to risk offending Gilgamesh into permitting that to happen. At least the harbor was empty of innocent people...
"Your rage and verdict are just, my King. I only ask that you spare the Einzbern Master and Servant. We are still in need of them." Tokiomi sent to Gilgamesh over their link, knowing that covertly allying with the pair may still be necessary. Gilgamesh did not respond.
"Saber! By my Command Seal, return us to Sola-Ui at once!" Kayneth called out, forcing Mordred to abort her planned attack to launch herself up to Kayneth. As the Prototype Noble Phantasms from the Gate of Babylon tracked her and fired, she reached Kayneth...only for the pair to vanish from sight just before the explosions from Gilgamesh's attack tore through the warehouse roof. It was as if dawn had risen upon Fuyuki City at eight in the evening. When the dust cleared, it was revealed that Iskandar had gotten his young Master clear just in time. Lancer Artoria had also turned Rhongomyniad into a prana-absorbing shield with Add's support, protecting both her and Irisviel from the blast.
It was clear from the lack of corpses or blood that Gilgamesh's intended targets had gotten away. "He dares order his Servant to withdraw after such an insult? Tch..."
The Gate of Babylon was closed, the treasures already deployed vanishing back into it. No longer did Gilgamesh feel like dealing with these people. "You Mongrels! By our next meeting, see that you've culled your numbers. Only a true hero is worthy to look upon my glorious presence." With that, Gilgamesh departed from the group and faded into motes of light.
"It would seem that Saber's Master has far less fortitude and is far less courageous than she is," Iskandar observed with a grin. "I like the tongue on that girl. Boy, we should find you a woman like that! You would have to grow strong merely to survive! HAHAHAHAHA!"
Waver gave a groan while Lancer Artoria looked to Iskandar sternly. "I must know. What was your purpose in coming here? King of Conquerors?"
Iskandar smiled, holding a hand to his chin. "Well, honestly? I try not to think too hard about such things. Lancer, first settle matters with your child in battle. Then I shall face the victor of your contest. Be it you or Saber. My apologies for interfering in your quarrel of succession." With a grin, he regarded the helmeted Lancer happily. "Well, King of Knights! Farewell for the moment. It was a pleasure, and I certainly hope to enjoy our next meeting as much as I did this one!"
Iskandar looked down to Waver in his chariot. "Hey boy...don't you have anything...nice to say to the lady?" Waver, however, wasn't unconscious as he had been in the main timeline. He was simply unsure.
"M-My apologies King Artoria, for interfering in your battle! Thank you for protecting Britannia even after your death...or...exile, the lore isn't quite clear on that." Indeed, Waver was a Briton and knew full well of their Once and Future King. Being unable to see Artoria's face was certainly not helping the matter. "Though...I must ask. Why do you sound just like the second Saber we met while hunting Caster? Do you have another child in this War?"
Lancer Artoria noted how readily she was compared to her other self even with the helmet on. Of course, her refined speech was not something common to the women of this era. "I feel that such a thing is not my secret to tell. Should her identity be revealed, it shall be in her own time or by circumstance rather than by my tongue."
Confirmation of a connection, but not of what kind. Waver didn't want to impose too much on Lancer Artoria and let it go. "Well, she gave us a telephone number. She keeps a portable phone and we're supposed to call her if we find Caster so she can help us fight him. Should I...give her number to you? Do you use telephones?"
Irisviel happily clapped her hands together once at the suggestion. "Yes, that is an excellent idea! And we can exchange numbers as well! We don't have a problem coordinating with you or her to defeat Caster." The homunculus smiled, commenting before Lancer Artoria could say that they had already obtained Saber's number. They weren't supposed to have met Tokiomi to obtain it, and this was a good excuse to secure it in the eyes of the others. Besides, the boy didn't seem like a normal Magus. Kiritsugu had said that Iskandar's Master had replaced Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald as a Clock Tower Lord at some point and was highly regarded as an educator. Keeping in contact with him was a good idea as well. There was also the simple fact that Irisviel was honestly excited at the prospect of having someone new to talk to. Waver didn't seem like a bad person. "And perhaps you can tell me what the Clock Tower is like! I have never been to Britannia!"
While Waver was stuck entertaining an excitable woman, Lancer Artoria looked upon something she didn't expect to see. Mordred's old severed arm remained on the ground where it fell. Its armor and sword had been absorbed into Add as prana, but the limb and blood had not. But if Mordred's body wasn't purely prana in nature, that meant...
Fuyuki City Hyatt Hotel, Penthouse Suite
153 hours and 53 minutes to Zero
Crying. That was the sound Kayneth and Mordred first heard when they returned to the penthouse by way of the Command Seal. Sola-Ui was on slumped the floor with her back against a wall. Tears ran down her face in a mix of horror from her experience and relief at still being alive.
"Sola-Ui! What happened?" Kayneth asked in surprise as he hurriedly approached her and knelt down to her side. In response, Sola-Ui lunged forward and embraced him in her terror. It was not an embrace of love, but rather clinging to someone familiar for safety as if her life depended on it.
"R-Reality Marble..." Sola-Ui sobbed, Kayneth's eyes widening. "Swords. Swords were everywhere, Kayneth! The familiars were all drawn in with me and swords rained down from the sky! It was over in seconds! The Bounded Fields and portals were wiped out just from the spiritual pressure! When it was done, Archer stood outside the door...scoffed...and walked away. I...I wasn't even worth killing, Kayneth!" She resumed sobbing and clinging to her fiancée while Mordred looked on. Master and Servant both came to a mutual and reasonable misunderstanding from the information provided. An urge to resolve the matter filled both.
"So he stopped off here before he fought me, huh? That golden bastard is gonna pay for this..." Mordred growled in anger.