A/N: NO MORE SNOW AND I'M HAPPY AS A CLAM~!
Also, hungover, but that's another matter considering last night.
I'm going to say it right now, this story LEAPS right of the rails when it comes to following canon. If you thought it was chaotic before with Saber Alter being summoned before, this chapter's really going to jump the proverbial shark. Oh? Don't believe me? Well then, I look forward to reading your startled reviews~!
After all...we know Naruto seldom follows the rules and booooooooy does he just live to break them!
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING related to BlazingAzureCrow. They're a massive inspiration!
HOLY CRAP SO MUCH SUPPORT! Thanks for all the reviews!
Now, onto your questions!
Q: Why is Illya so smitten with Naruto?
A: I explained this last chapter. Rather than end her outright, Naruto spared Illya's life. In doing so, he basically declared that life to have worth. For someone who lived only to die, and knew she would be a sacrifice...well that's enough to get her attention. Thus, she started calling him that blasted nickname, much to his consternation. When he mentioned Creation of All Things, it suddenly occurred to her that she might be able to survive the War after all. For Illya, I think that's a big deal. She just wants to live, ya know?
Q: Isn't COAT kinda energy intensive, though?
A: Once Naruto uses Creation of All Things to make something, it sticks around. It doesn't cost Prana/Chakra to maintain it, only to make it. Making a magical jewel is child's play for him. Creating a body for Illya? More taxing. If he tried GROWING A BLOODY FOREST FROM NOTHING then yes, the strain of that would hurt a lot more. Mind you, he has his own energy reserves, so its a matter of picking and choosing when to use Rin's energy.
He doesn't want to kill her after all.
Q: He shouldn't have a second Reality Marble unless he transforms or something. What's the deal? Shouldn't that be impossible?
A: Naruto's second reality Marble basically turns him into...well. You'll see. There's a reason he won't use it.
Q: Oh, dear god. Naruto's going to summon HER isn't he?! I just know it!
A: Yes, our "Caster" will indeed attempt to summon another Servant in spite of Heaven's Feel. Whether it blows up in his face or not...remains to be seen.
Q: Illya's getting a new body?!
A: What Naruto's doing goes beyond mere repair, yes.
Q: I get the feeling Assassin knows Naruto...
A: Assassin does indeed. Furthermore, Assassin also has his own Master. You'll see who...
Q: Oh dear god, Shirou's summoned Saber Alter. How does she know him?
A: Its implied that this is the one from the Heaven's Feel route. The one that he killed.
Q: Shirou's in for a bad time, isn't he.
A: Ah, but that would be telling!
Q: When do we get to see some deaths?!
A: They're coming, and you might well be surprised.
Q: Berserker seems...slightly sane in this. Nice touch. Is he going to get his mind back?
A: Illya can indeed restore his sanity, to a degree. The question is, will she? If Heracles gets his sanity back...well. Nine Lives hurts like HELL.
Remember, this story is more serious than my other works. There are consequences for every move. For every action, an equal and opposite reaction. There will be pain. There will be sorrow. People will die. But there will also be joy, moments of levity, and so on. If you want something silly and funny as well as drama free, try "Not My Grail."
There, that being said...
Now...
...onto the next chapter of A Ninja's War!
Some unexpected twists take place!
And gee, I wonder who Assassin might be...
This chapter gives a big fucking hint.
*Whistles very innocently...*
"There never was much hope, you know...only a fool's hope."
...I don't think you're a fool, Master."
"That makes one of us."
~"
A Fool's Hope
Caster regarded the circle he'd traced with trepidation.
"Well, shit." he muttered. "Hope I didn't screw anything up...
If he had made even the slightest mistake, this wouldn't be pretty.
He'd spent the last few hours painstakingly adjusting it to his standards, exacting in his measurements. Knowing what would transpire if he failed. If he hadn't been summoned as Caster this time around, he wouldn't have possessed the means to even attempt such a ritual in the first place. Part of him wondered why he was going through with it at all. This was illogical. In theory, it shouldn't be possible for him to summon a Servant at all if the respective classes had already been chosen earlier in the War. He too, was a Servant, after all. A Servant who had ensured his Master would sleep through this. Perhaps that was cowardly of him, to make Rin and Illya sleep for such a long period of time. All so he could work.
Would Rin view this as a betrayal? Naruto hoped not.
This was, after all, for her sake as much as his.
It would be so easy to attempt the ritual.
He had more than enough power.
And they needed another ally.
His battle with Berserker had proven a revelation of sorts; for all the power he carried in this form, he was very much a glass cannon when it came to the stronger Servants. A solid hit from someone like Saber might very break him if he was caught unprepared. The great giant might be their ally for now, but who was to say things wouldn't turn? The grounds of Illya's abode were rich with energy. He couldn't think of a better place to try a dangerous ritual...beyond that forsaken temple. And his senses told him there was most certainly a Servant residing there. No. It was now or never.
A thorn of doubt held him back.
The idea of having someone beholden to him grew appalling the more he dwelled on it; even in his current state, he had no desire to shackle another being to him against his will. That aside, he had no idea what he might summon. In theory it should be Assassin, the last remaining Servant in the war. Or it might be another Caster. The thought made him shudder. He had access to materials he never would've thought of using, his power was at its utmost limits, swelled by Rin's prana. Indeed, creating a new body for Illya had barely impacted his reserves at all. Dispelling a handful of his reconnaissance clones had been more than enough to top him off again. By rights, he should be able to break the rules at least once without the system coming down on him. Regardless of who-or what-he summoned another ally in this war would be invaluable.
Yet something made him hesitate.
"Do I dare...?"
The silence of night gave no answers. Indeed, it almost seemed to mock him for his indecision. Why was he hesitating? Morals aside, he'd done this for a noble purpose. For Rin. For victory. If it failed, then it failed. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain. If by some chance whatever he summoned rebelled, or couldn't be controlled, then he would accept responsibility and slay them. That was his duty as a summoner, after all. A single attempt, one final effort. All or nothing. It would be over in an instant.
So why hadn't he moved?
Because he was afraid. As much as he loathed to admit it, he feared failure. The promise of a wish-a chance to reset his fate-was too promising to ignore. Yet from what he'd seen, the competition was just too stiff for him to abide by his own strength. Perhaps had he been summoned as Rider or Assassin, Caster would've held more confidence in his chances. The Throne had given him enough information for him to realize the severity of the task ahead, and the enormity of what he faced. There was no need to falter.
His eyebrow twitched.
"Ah, fuck it!"
Leveling his staff at the circle, he channeled as much energy as he dared. Too much, and he risked blowing his own arm off. Too little and the summoning wouldn't take or worse, he'd end up with a sub par ally. He lacked any sot of catalyst to aid him in this; thus, this. Immediately the inscriptions pulsed, burning an eerie blue. Azure light lit the grove, casting him in cerulean relief. Slowly, carefully, Caster began a chant, imbuing the words with sound and power. Even a faux or demi servant would do. Something. Anything to help them reach the goal. Perhaps if he was lucky, he'd pull someone from his era...though he doubted his chances. No, he needed to call a front line fighter, somewhere of unquestionable skill and loyalty, or even devotion-
With a sharp click, he drove his weapon into the ground.
"ARISE!"
Remarkably something answered.
Cold light briefly blazed night into day.
Frost licked at his feet, seeking to sap his strength.
Pain burned across his hand, informing him he'd succeeded...
...not in the way he'd expected. No. Not in the least. This was...new.
"Oh, fuck me." he groaned at the sight of them. "Who in the blue hell are you?"
On bent knee, the newcomer rose for him.
She was beautiful to say the least; the eye of any other beholder would've been smitten on the spot. Even Caster had to steel himself somewhat, lest he be enraptured by the sight of her. In presence alone she proved all but impossible to read. As if he were staring at a blank sheet of ice that reflected naught but his own image.
This was...unexpected.
Radiant and gorgeous mythril armor shone like glittering diamonds on the woman's well-endowed figure. Cradled in her hands, a towering lance loomed. It should've been impossible to wield, and yet for her, it was held aloft as though it weighed no more than a twig. Pale hair the color of snow framed her face, reflecting eyes like harsh chips of ice. Long lashes fluttered open and shut, then open again, unable to meet meet his gaze for more than a mere moment. Those amethyst eyes seemed drenched by the night itself, cold and frozen. Stained by the night, twisted in madness.
And yet she seemed frail.
Composed of little more than glass.
As though a harsh word would shatter her.
A hesitant, weak smile graced her lips as she met his gaze.
...Brynhildr." she spoke softly, her words little more than a whisper; one his ears strained to catch. "My class is...Lancer. Please do not be kind to me...Master."
Naruto swallowed thickly.
'How the hell did I manage to summon a Lancer? I already fought one! So how is she here?!' the pale beauty standing prone before him provided no answers, only more confusion. 'I thought screwing with the Grail would land me something different, but this is...eh, screw it. Guess I should be happy I didn't die.'
"Alright," Naruto groaned, palming his face. "I guess you've answered my question. But what are you?"
The pale woman tilted her head.
...Valkyrie."
"Aaaaaaand you've gone and added more questions."
Risking a glance at his hand, Caster sighed.
Seemed fate had a sense of humor.
The symbols formed a lance.
Three parts, together.
'Well...shit.'
Turning his gaze to his new ally, Naruto carefully schooled his face into a calm mask and rose to his full height. Wouldn't do for him to appear flustered after all. He had no way of knowing if this "ally" would betray him or not. Jeez, all this worrying was going to make him paranoid! Did Rin have to deal with this on a daily basis...? No, no, he had more important matters to attend.
Pivoting on one heel, he extended his hand, exposing his Command Seals.
"I need your help."
This was the test.
A simple one at that.
If she tried to chop his hand off, he'd kill her on the spot.
Before his eyes, the self-proclaimed Valkyrie straightened just so. His keen eyes didn't miss the motion. As if a switch had been flipped deep inside of her, so too did Lancer's body shift. Almost imperceptibly, a movement so minuscule-so tiny-that most would have missed it outright. Not him. In a heartbeat she had readied herself for combat without the slightest hesitation; though against him or someone else, he knew not. Regardless, his opinion of this soft-spoken girl rose a bit more in that moment. Brynhildr...ah, the Throne supplied the rest. He'd really summoned someone troublesome...
"...what are your orders, Master? Where is the enemy?"
Caster's jaw nearly dropped open.
"Eh? Oi! Wait, just like that?"
The valkyrie nodded slowly her head.
"You summoned me." as he looked on, her gauntleted fingers curled around her weapon, "Therefore I shall follow your orders. But...do not be kind to me-
-because you'll end up trying to kill me." the whiskered warrior finished with a frown. "Yeah, fuck that. I'm not going to treat you like a tool no matter how kindly you ask me to. A Servant isn't a weapon to be pointed at one's enemy then thrown aside when they've exhausted their usefulness. You're a person. Don't forget that."
Brynhildr stiffened at his response.
"I...B-But then I will-
"Kill me, right?"
A mute nod was her sole assent.
Naruto sighed.
'Jeez, she's broken...
...then again, I suppose am too.'
Somewhat rattled by the reminder of his own flaws, Caster turned to depart, intent upon returning to the mansion before its occupants rose to find him gone. Even now he could feel Rin stirring; the effect of the spells he'd cast were wearing thin. She'd be up soon, and she would want answers. Demand, most likely. So would Illya. The latter was likely going to want to flaunt her new body, which would likely provoke Tohsaka in turn. And he was dragging an "illegal" servant into middle of it all. Ah, troublesome! He really did have an energetic little Master. Speaking of which...
After a moment's consider he paused, favoring Brynhildr with a glance.
"Try to kill me as many times as you like. I'll survive."
The Valkyrie favored his back with a wan smile.
"My, how terrifying...Master."
(...Scene Break...)
"How long was I out?!"
Rin's shout reverberated through the empty halls of the the Einzbern mansion with sound and aplomb; an indignant shout as horrified as it was outraged. Any sane fool would have cowered before it, Servant or magus alike. Even the Queen herself would have been given pause by Tohsaka's rage. Not Caster. The surly servant took her anger in stride, letting it wash over him like water off a duck's back. Somehow, that only served to stoke the flames of Tohsaka's confusion all the more. It had become abundantly clear that her body had sorely needed the rest; she hadn't expected to fall asleep in the morning and wake when it was night again! Ugh, this was going to play havoc with her internal clock!
Putthing that aside, why had she allowed herself to sleep this late in the first place?!
In the meager hours she'd allowed herself to sleep, her Servant had been busy. Very busy indeed!
What were those ice burns on his arms!?
Why did he look so banged up?!
Just what had she missed?!
Honestly, it made Rin want to give Caster a good hard shake. She'd drifted off for a few hours, trusting him to have the situation well in hand by the time she returned. After all, he'd just beaten Berserker within an inch of his life-lives?-while emerging relatively unscathed. Then when she'd came back, he looked like...this! Of course he had some explaining to do! She knew that face; he was hiding something from her, she just knew it! Even now she found herself forced to keep pace with him as he relentlessly marched ahead of her, leading her through the warren of corridors comprising the mansion.
And then there was...this woman!
Aqua orbs flicked over her shoulder, regarding the enigmatic woman who Naruto affectionately addressed as "his" Lancer.
Brynhildr scarcely met her gaze before averting her own.
"I'm sorry...
Sorry for what?!
At first she'd refused to believe it; the idea that a Servant-even one of Caster's caliber-summoning another was unheard of. You'd have to be ridiculously powerful and broken-or both-and be willing to risk catastrophe just by interacting with the grail. Let alone manipulating it remotely from a distance! But the seals on his hand were all too genuine to be dismissed. Somehow, someway, Uzumaki Naruto had managed to spit in the face of the Grail war and emerge relatively unscathed, judging by his cheery demeanor. Which meant "she" by definition, now had another Servant under her command. It was almost too good be true!
"God, just how broken are you!?"
"Not so loud, Master." Naruto yawned, palming his face. "I'm kinda sleepy after all this. Still, I'm glad to see you're so lively after I put you under."
"Put me-?! So it was you?!"
"It was for your own good, I assure you." Caster soothed, patting her head in passing. "Don't be like that. I learned something good while you were out."
Now it was Tohsaka's turn to flinch.
"Such as...?"
Caster shrugged.
"Nothing important...save that the Holy Grail requires the sacrifice of seven servants to function." despite his accusation, he never missed a stride. "Maybe you should have mentioned that, earlier." He didn't even look at her as he spoke, further allowing the sheer enormity of his words sink in. "Honestly, it makes a man wonder if you're planning to stab him in the back...
Rin froze.
"I didn't know."
In truth, she didn't.
That part of her education had been conveniently absent; neither her father or that damn priest had deigned to mention it to her. Oh. A terrifying realization stole over her. If Naruto was sacrificed to the Grail, he wouldn't be able to get his wish. If he couldn't receive his long-cherished desire, then what reason did he have to serve her? Wait. Wait, wait, wait! Her mind kicked into overdrive when she saw him raise his hand. Was he going to kill her? He'd sworn his staff to her service but this clearly constituted as a betrayal of his trust. Did that render the contract void? If so, could she stop him in time? She still had three Command Seals, but her Servant had proven he was wickedly quick on the draw-
His hand descended...
"Eh?"
...and ruffled her hair.
"Hmmph." he grunted. "I'll take your word for it, then."
"You...you're not angry?"
"Don't worry, Master." the innocence of his smile rattled her more than his fury ever could. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I'm sure I can figure out a work around."
"Hmmph!" puffing her cheeks, the Tohsaka heiress averted her gaze, "And here I thought you weren't going to give me preferential treatment."
Naruto laughed.
"Why not? You've always been my goddess, haven't you? I like ya!"
Ding!
Critical hit!
Rin nearly tripped.
Her lower lip trembled.
Hands balled into fists at her side.
A tide of conflicting emotions chased each other across her face and despite her best efforts, Rin felt herself begin to blush. A slow, determined flush inexorably crawled up her neck, burning in her cheeks, searing her ears before finally working its way to her forehead. No, no, no! Not allowed! Not at all! This wasn't fair! Not even remotely! Her frazzled thoughts scattered to the winds, refusing to compose themselves despite her best efforts to marshal them in a scathing retort. Indeed, Tohsaka was forced on the defensive by the blond's casual remark. What was he thinking, saying that?!"
In a fit of pique her hand shot out, snatching at his sleeve.
Naruto paused, a note of confusion leaving him.
Even then, Rin refused to release him.
"That's not fair...you can't just...
Caster frowned slightly.
"Can't just...?"
"Aha!" a loud, determined voice interrupted their moment. "There you are, Onii-chan! Why'd you put me to sleep?!"
Irritated, Rin rounded on the newcomer with a growl...
...only for her words to trail off into a squeak.
"Eh?! Illya?! Why do you look like...?!"
Naruto palmed his face.
"Such misfortune!"
(...Meanwhile, on the Outskirts of the Einzbern Estate...)
Assassin laughed.
A great whooping cackle tore out of him as he flailed about on the ground like a madman. Sandals kicking wildly in the air, he clutched at his side, to no avail.
"Oh, this is just too much!"
Truly, the sight laid before him was simply too much to bear. A great roaring guffaw ripped through the early morning as the once-dead man doubled over and clutched at his aching sides. Broad shoulders trembled and he fought to restrain himself; only to fail spectacularly as a fresh fit of mirth unexpectedly seized him. His laughter sent several birds shrieking into the air, cawing furiously at being woken from their slumber. He cared not a wit for their plight. Indeed one might say their anger made him cackle all the more. He was entirely too pleased to even notice.
This.
This made him glad to be alive again.
This was just too much. That darn kid! He never ceased to amaze him. When had he become such a ladies man?!
Truly he had a reason to be merry for the first time in...well, a very long time. Putting his second chance at life aside, he'd been rather worried about the kid. No, not worried. He didn't worry. Call it...curiosity. After all, he hadn't seen him in ages. So he'd watched. And he'd waited. And he saw. He hadn't been disappointed. He was doing just fine.
How fortunate he'd been to receive such an understanding master...
...pity he had to kill them both.
A/N: We get more action next chapter!
Yes, I just did that!
And I'm probably going to catch some flak over it, but screw it.
So let's explain, for those who don't understand:
It stands to reason that Naruto could repair the damage done to Illya's body and extend her life. His Mark possesses incredible power, after all. Toss in the Rinnegan and its quite doable. Yes, I am aware that Illya was meant to be the host of the grail. Well, that'll just have to be passed on to someone else. And I know just who it'll be.
I think we can all agree on who that is, neh?
Wonder what this might cause...
On another note, there will be alliances in this story of course. Expect the unexpected! I aim to take this story down a different route than most, but the question is which? Hmm. We'll bump into ol' Shirou next chapter, and there'll be a clash of ideologies between him and Naruto for obvious reasons. As well as a few more surprises. I feel I should also state that Shirou DOES summon Saber by this point, albeit offscreen.
I won't name the other Servants, ah, for the night is dark and full of spoilers...
Expect chaos and incredible battles to ensue!
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the good ol' potential previews!
They're rough atm, so don't think too much of them!
Please bear in mind that they're just POTENTIAL outcomes.
Nothing's solid yet, so as always there's plenty of room for change. No flak please~!
They're just scenarios that COULD happen.
There are a lot for a REASON, ya know.
Tell me which ones you like!
Enjoy~!
We've also got a few deaths coming up soon!
(Previews)
"DIE, RULER!"
Kotomine chuckled darkly.
"Its sad, isn't it?"
Naruto bristled.
"What is?"
"That you'll never have what you desire."
A blazing red eye reappeared over his shoulder.
...oi. You wanna run that by me again, shitty priest?"
"Harder, Master~!"
Naruto sighed in annoyance.
"Oi, I'm just unblocking your pressure points. Crazy woman...
...I delayed you. That's enough for me."
Gilgamesh twitched.
"Then die, dog!"
Assassin raised his gaze.
Beheld the storm of blades.
And laughed in the face of his death.
R&R~!
=D