AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 14 The Berserk Hero of the Lake
Naofumi watches Saber of the Heroes Partisan or Date Masamune fight off Heroic Knight Lancelot. "Date Masamune, the Legendary Samurai of the Sengoku Period of Japan and the Head of the Date Clan." He stated,
"Date Masamune? As in the Legendary Warrior who was a great Strategist who fought against the Toyotomi Clan?" Raphtalia asked, receiving the information from the Divine Spirit within her. "Wait, that's Saber of the Hero Partisan is?"
Castoria looks over to Raphtalia, hearing her speak. "Your Divine Spirit must be settling in within you," The Fairy of Paradise said before looking to the side and laughing. "I may not know much about Japan or Proper Human History Heroes. But I can tell that Saber is a powerful Heroic Spirit."
Filo raised her hand, not knowing about her master's World History. "Um, can you explain to Filo? Filo still doesn't get what's the big deal with Saber-san." The blonde-Girl commented, wanting to understand.
The indigo-haired Princess agree with the Filolial, "I agree with, can you elaborate on Saber's History in your World?" Melty asked the Chaldeans and Naofumi.
"Date Masamune is rather famous in Iwatani, mine, and Aniki's Country. He's just a few famous Warriors during the Waring Period of Japan known as the Sengoku Period." Ritsuka explains who Date Masamune is to both Melty and Filo.
"He lead the Date Clan against many other Clans, the most famous Battle was against the Toyotomi Clan." Ritsuka continued his explanation to the two. "He's known to their Enemies as the One-Eyed Dragon,"
Melty and Filo's eyes widen at how famous of a Warrior the Training Sargent of the Heroes Partisan was in Ritsuka and Naofumi's World. "Wow, I didn't know that Saber- I mean Masamune-chan was that famous!" Filo exclaims, "You and master must be really excited to meet him!"
Ritsuka chuckles, looking at the Filolial next to him. "For me, I'm used to meeting others from mine and Iwatani's History, Filo." The black-haired Magus said to Filo.
The Second Princess nodded, "No wonder his training regimen is rigorous and effective against Barbarians in Faubrey." Melty commented, seeing the training herself.
Naofumi looks over to Ritsuka, curious about something since he's a History fanatic. "Speaking of the Date Masamune and the Sengoku Period. I've heard that Yukimura Sanada of the Sanada Clan and him have a rivalry." He said, hearing many depictions from books and Anime about it. "Is it true?"
Da Vinci shook his head, answering for her master. "No, that was just rumors based on the heat of War." The Caster explains to the Shielder. "Truth be told, they never met on the Battlefield, but they did hear about each other wishing to fight in Battle."
"Huh, so they never met before…that's an eye opener," Naofumi commented, looking at Chaldea's Technical Head. "Here all this time I thought they have a rivalry," He said,
"Well, considering that Yukimura Sanada is on the Enemy's side, it's best to assume that he was Summoned to deal with him," Ritsuka explains to the Shield Hero.
The black-haired Hero turns to Ritsuka, hearing another Hero from the Sengoku Period here as well. "Wait really? So Yukimura Sanada's here too, then-" Naofumi stops talking, hearing a loud clash.
They all turn back to the Battle, where Masamune and Heroic Knight Lancelot was getting more intense by the second.
Date Masamune vs Heroic Knight Lancelot
Masamune leaps back, dodging the thrust from Heroic Knight Lancelot's Arondight,
"Now that's it! For an idiot who's acting like his dick is out, you got an impressive Spearmen-ship." The Saber said, twisting his body around and grabbing the Spear with his Blades,
Heroic Knight Lancelot tries to tug his Arondight, but it didn't budge.
"Got ya," The green-haired Servant smirks, pushing up the Spear before kicking him in the abdomen with a strong kick.
Heroic Knight Lancelot stumbles back, "AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!" The Altered Hero roars at the Counter Force Servant, not even thinking twice about attacking him.
Masamune smirks, seeing that the Heroic Knight is more Animal than a Cardinal Hero/Heroic Knight of the Roundtable. "Heh, so you're counting on brute strength then Heroic Knight Lancelot?" He retaliates against Lancelot's charge by charging at the Knight.
"This Spear shall punish all that is good…" The golden tip began to glow a light hue,
Heroic Knight Lancelot ran like a beast and leaps into the air. His Arondight Spear glowed a faint light. "The Lake shall be drenched in my Enemy's blood." Heroic Knight Lancelot steps forward, holding his Spear while slowly picking up speed.
"Vulgate Arondight!" The Arondight Lance in Heroic Knight Lancelot's hands,
"A Noble Phantasm? Really?" Masamune grins, swiftly dodging the faint lighted Spear. He flips on his hands, kicking under his chin, causing the Heroic Knight to stumble back.
Masamune looks at the Chaldeans and Shield Hero Party, opening a path for them. "Now's your chance! I have Heroic Knight Lancelot hold off here," The Saber said to the group, "Get to the Carriage,"
"What about you, Masamune?" Ritsuka asked, seeing that his Brother is stronger when he's in this state.
The Head of the Date Clan pushed back Heroic Knight Lancelot, turning his head back to the master of Chaldea. "Don't worry about me, master of Chaldea, no I should call you master now." He said, deciding to form an official Contract with him.
Ritsuka saw his Command Seals glow, indicating that the Temporary Contract. "Ngh, alright, we'll be waiting for your return." The Magus said before Arthur spoke.
"Everyone let's go! We only have a small opening," The King of Knight said, leading everyone and his master down the Mountain.
Heroic Knight Lancelot claws the ground, his visor glowed as he saw his Brother and Naofumi leave the Mountainside. "RRRIIITTTTTSSSSSUUUUUUKKKKKAAAAAAA!" The Berserk Lancer roars, about to rush at him.
However, Masamune intercepted Heroic Knight Lancelot. He held his Katana at him, gaining his attention. "Nope, I'm not going to let you get to them." The green-haired Servant smirks,
The Lancer growls, gripping his Arondight and glaring through his visor. "Now, show me what you got!" Masamune leaps forward, attacking first.
Ritsuka ran down the path, only to turn around, looking back at the Mountaintop. "Fujimaru-kun," He turns to Da Vinci, hearing her call his name.
"Are you thinking of turning around and helping out Masamune?" The Technical Head asked her master, raising her eyebrow.
"H-How did-"
"Come now, Fujimaru-kun. How long have I known you," The brunette Caster asked before continuing, "You're a Person who won't leave anyone behind, even if they are buying us time to escape." She stated,
The black-haired Magus nodded, "I should've expected you would sense something bothering me." Ritsuka gave a small laugh before frowning and looking back at the Mountaintop. "You're right, I just don't feel right letting Masamune handle Aniki alone."
"Then don't, let's go back and get him," Naofumi said, catching Ritsuka and Da Vinci off guard.
"Iwatani," Ritsuka said, looking at the Shield Hero.
Naofumi looks over to the Mountaintop, "If you don't like sacrificing others then go and help them." The black-haired Hero looks back at Ritsuka, "I never actually like using others like that, circumstances force me to do so."
The Shielder continued to speak, "If there's a chance to save someone then we should take it." Naofumi said, showing a side of him he rarely shows.
Seeing that Naofumi was all for going back for Date Masamune, Ritsuka has already decided what to do. He turns to Arthur and Galahad, "Shielder, Saber, Arturia, take care of Mordred and the others. We'll be right back," He said before Arthur said something.
"Master, I shall accompany you in this mission," Arthur stated, wanting to be there for his master in this difficult time.
Raphtalia steps forward too, wanting to help as well. "I want to help too, if you don't mind." The new Pseudo-Servant stated, "If you don't mind, that is."
Ritsuka looks at Naofumi, seeing his approval of Raphtalia's request.
Naofumi scratches the back of his head, ultimately agreeing to Raphtalia's request. "Alright, since you ask, Raphtalia. Just be careful." The black-haired Hero said, allowing her to come.
"Thank you, Naofumi-sama," Raphtalia smiles brightly, happy that her master allowed her to accompany them.
"Tch, I hate that I can't help you guys." Mordred clicked her tongue, still feeling weak from the sudden Attack from Heroic Knight Lancelot.
Galahad held onto the Knight of Treachery, supporting her. "We'll meet up back with Bedivere and Pavel," The Shielder said,
Castoria nodded, starting to heal Mordred's wounds. "Good luck, master, Onii-san." The Lostbelt Servant said the group watches them go and retrieve the Saber of the Heroes Partisan.
Back on top of the Mountain, near the entrance of the Ruins. Masamune huffs, wiping the blood dripping from his mouth.
Wounds were everywhere around his body from Heroic Knight Lancelot, "Heh, it's been a while since I got wounds like this." Masamune chuckles, looking at the Lancer Pseudo-Servant.
Heroic Knight Lancelot was worse than Masamune, with his duel Sword Wielding. He was covered with gashes and blood. "Heh, are you sure that you're a Lancer and not a Berserker?" The Saber huffs, making light of the Battle.
The Lancer huffs, his red visor glowing, still able to fight. "AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHH!" Heroic Knight Lancelot roars angered by the Date Clan still standing.
He dashed forward, twirling his Arondight, and thrust his Spear at Masamune. "Heh,"
Masamune gave a light chuckle, raising his two Blades at the Enemy, anticipating having the finishing blow.
However, Heroic Knight Lancelot changed his direction, slashing at the Saber Servant.
"GAH!" Heroic Knight Lancelot slashed him on the side, gaining a deep gash on his side.
Masamune drops to the ground from the sneak attack from the Lancer. "A sneak attack, from the Knights of the Roundtable?" He chuckles, backing up from the Heroic Knight of the Three Heroes Roundtable. "What a cowardly move, but I shouldn't expect from someone who does not know Chivalry."
Heroic Knight Lancelot growls, approaching the Counter Force Servant. "GGGGRRR…" The Berserk Lancer approaches Masamune, raising his Arondight Spear at the Saber, about to strike him down.
The green-haired Saber closes his eyes, accepting his Fate when someone shouted. "Da Vinci! Now!"
"You got it, Fujimaru-kun!" A gauntlet propelled toward the Enemy, pushing the Heroic Knight back to the wall.
"AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!" Heroic Knight Lancelot roared, being propelled back from killing the Heroic Spirit.
The gauntlet uppercut under the Lancer's chin, flying back to Da Vinci's hand.
Masamune looks to where the gauntlet originates from. "W-What are you guys doing here?" He asked the Chaldeans, seeing them coming back for him.
"We're here to get you, Masamune!" Ritsuka said, standing beside Da Vinci as Naofumi, Arthur, and Raphtalia joined up with them.
"Heh, when Arturia was right. You Chaldeans don't leave others behind, even if they sacrifice themselves." The green-haired Saber commented, relaxing a bit to gain his strength.
Naofumi saw the Saber Servant taking a rest, now seeing the wound on his abdomen. "Fujimaru, Masamune has a pretty deep wound on his side." The Shielder pointed out the wound.
Ritsuka nodded, acknowledging what Naofumi said. "Right, but right now we got Aniki to worry about." He looks over to Da Vinci, knowing she can do something about Masamune.
"Da Vinci,"
The Caster started to make her way to the Saber, understanding what she had to do. "I know, I know, though Healing isn't my forte, but I'll do my best." Da Vinci said,
The rubble moved before them, prompting Ritsuka and the others to look forward. They all saw Heroic Knight Lancelot standing, growling at the newcomers.
Ritsuka's face saddened at the state of his Brother, "Aniki…" Still shaken by the Berserk form he's taken.
"Master," Arthur sensed that Ritsuka was still uneased about facing his Brother.
However, Naofumi caught on before him. "Fujimaru, if you're still not ready in facing Motoyasu-no, he's Heroic Knight Lancelot now." He corrected himself, putting his Shield forward. "Then I'll face him for you."
"Iwatani," Ritsuka said before speaking. "No, he's still my Brother. It's my responsibility to take care of him if he goes astray." The Magus from the Stars explains his duty to someone whose close must fall to him to take care of them.
"AAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!" Heroic Knight Lancelot caught a glimpse of Ritsuka and went after him.
The Heroic Knight brought his Arondight, aiming for Ritsuka. He was this close when Naofumi stepped in, he held his Shield to block the strike.
"Righteous Wall of Arms!" Naofumi cried out, activating his Servant's Skill to deflect Heroic Knight Lancelot's attack. "HA!" He pushed him back.
"I will not hurt your very own Brother, Motoyasu!" Naofumi said, going into a defense position to protect his Alley. "Saber, I'll defend Fujimaru, you can handle Motoyasu?" He asked the King of Knights.
Arthur nodded, materializing invisible Excalibur, and charged for the one who took Lancelot's name. "I'm fully aware, keep master safe for me, Sir Naofumi!" The Saber slashes his Sword at Heroic Knight Lancelot,
However Heroic Knight Lancelot dodges the attack from Excalibur, leaping over the King and landing a foot away from him and continuing his way to Ritsuka.
"Damnit, Sir Naofumi, master!" Arthur warns the two, seeing he'll get there before he can stop him.
Naofumi held his Shield, suddenly feeling a boost in his defenses. His green eyes turn to Ritsuka, seeing him holding his hand out. "Fujimaru, what are you-"
"I told you; Aniki is my responsibility and I'll do whatever I can to defeat him!" Ritsuka stated, glaring at the Lancer, thrusting his Arondight Spear into the Shield.
Naofumi pushed back Heroic Knight Lancelot away, he sighs seeing Ritsuka won't back down. "If you're going to be stubborn, then I won't get in your way." He gave a light chuckle, allowing his Ally.
Ritsuka nodded, standing with Naofumi. "Let's defeat my Brother, Iwatani!" He stated, receiving a nod from him.
Heroic Knight Lancelot saw Ritsuka standing with Naofumi, his eyes glowed red seeing an illusion.
"Aniki, I found a new Aniki. You don't see my views, so why do I need to be concerned with someone like you? The Illusion of Ritsuka spoke, angering the blonde Knight.
"Ha, now that Ritsuka disowns you, I'm going to teach him all sorts of things." The Illusion of Naofumi spoke with a wicked grin at the Heroic Knight.
"N-Nao…fumi…how…dare…y-you…" Heroic Knight Lancelot growls, still under the influence by the Saber of Melromarc's curse.
"AAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!" The Berserk Lancer roars, and his Arondight Spear's dark aura grew larger and thicker. He leaps forward, twirling his Spear, aiming it straight for the Shield Hero.
Naofumi held his Shield, protecting him and Ritsuka however, a flash of light stopped his Attack.
Both black-haired Men turn around, seeing Raphtalia holding her new Katana in a slashing position. "R-Raphtalia?" Naofumi's eyes widen at the auburn just do.
Raphtalia lowered her new Sword, her eyes glaring at Heroic Knight Lancelot, taking a significant amount of damage both from Masamune's Blades, Da Vinci's interventions, Naofumi's protection, and finally Raphtalia's Attack weakened him to a point.
"Saber-san, I have procured an opening!" Raphtalia stated, calling for the King of Knights' aid.
This prompted Arthur to take the opportunity to strike. "On it!" The King dashed forward, he dismisses the Air covering the Holy Sword, revealing the Golden Light.
Heroic Knight Lancelot got up, growling at the Chaldeans. His visor glowed red, seeing the Saber running at him. "AAAAA-AH!?" His eyes widen, stepping back and seeing the light of Excalibur.
"HA!" Arthur slashed upward, releasing the light at his master's Brother Figure.
The Golden Light blasted through Heroic Knight Lancelot, cleansing the Dark Aura surrounding him. "AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!" Motoyasu cried in pain, his voice no longer distorted, he was blasted back to a tree still being bombarded by the Golden Light.
Ritsuka flinched, not wanting to see the Person whom he looks up to get hurt. Soon Arthur ceased his Attack, letting the Spear Hero fall to the ground.
"Aniki…" The Magus frowns, releasing a sigh of relief and seeing the black armor he wore disappear. His clothes he wore before, assuming that the Berserk side of his Brother. "I-Is he-"
"No, he's still under the Curse the Cardinal Weapons possess," Raphtalia said, informing the group of Motoyasu's state. "There are two ways the Heroic Knights to be free from the Curse. One is to make them aware of their Sins to the People or to defeat the one who cast the Curse."
Naofumi could only think of the only Person who was close enough to the Three Heroes Roundtable. "Saber of Melromarc. He's probably the one responsible for the Curse." The Shielder said. "The Anomaly King you guys keep talking about."
"It's most likely him," Arthur said, his eyes drawn over to Motoyasu, still unconscious from his Attack. "So, what about Heroic Knight Lancelot? Do we take him with us?"
Everyone turns to Ritsuka, waiting for his opinion. As much as he wanted to bring Motoyasu with them, Ritsuka knew that bringing Motoyasu would be a hindrance now that they have two injured Servants with them.
Ritsuka turns to Arthur, "Saber, can you leave Aniki leaning his back on that tree?" He points to the tree next to Motoyasu, "I want to at least give him some form of respect before we leave." The Magus asked his Servant.
"Of course master," Arthur walks over to Motoyasu, picking him up and leaning him against the tree. His eyes lowered, feeling pity for his master for fighting the Person he looks up to.
The King of Knights stands above the Heroic Knight, looking down at him. "If you're listening, Heroic Knight Lancelot, then listen well," Arthur spoke, speaking in a serious tone. "Instead of following what the Princess and King of Melromarc, You should start listening to the Person you call a Brother and open your eyes."
"Saber, it's time to go." Da Vinci called out to the King of Knights,
"Yes, Naofumi-sama and Ritsuka-dono have left down the Mountain," Raphtalia informed the blonde Saber where their masters are.
Arthur turns around, seeing Naofumi and Ritsuka have already left with Date Masamune's arms over their shoulders. Only Raphtalia and Da Vinci stayed behind, waiting for him to join them.
The Saber nodded, looking back at Motoyasu ready to awake at any moment. "Right, let's get out of here," Arthur said, joining the Servants in heading down the Mountain.
Heading down the Mountain, both Ritsuka and Naofumi carried Date Masamune over their shoulders. "You two should really have left me to handle Heroic Knight Lancelot. I would've found some way to escape and my way back to you guys."
"Sorry, Masamune but that doesn't sit right with me," Ritsuka stated, carefully walking down the steep path.
Naofumi nodded, "I'm just making sure Fujimaru doesn't kill himself in rescuing you." The Shielder said, not ready to admit that he wants to rescue him too.
"Of course, you would," The green-haired Servant chuckles, accepting the situation. "Well, thank you two," Masamune commented,
The three soon arrived where Mordred and Motoyasu fought, Ritsuka turn his head catching something that has Mordred written all over it.
"HEY! It's Heroic Knight Lancelot's Brother!" A member of the Heroic Knight Lancelot Party exclaims,
Myne turns her head, hearing what her fellow Party member said. "F-Fujimaru -sama!" The Bitch smiles, putting on her usual fake persona. "I-It's me, Heroic Knight Aid Guinevere! Can you help us out, please?" She asked.
The three stopped, seeing the Party tied against a large boulder with vines. "Motoyasu's Party? Pfft…HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Naofumi blinks before laughing at the situation they found themselves in.
"W-We were attacked by a ruthless barbarian and were mocked by him when we awoke!" The red-haired Bitch said, trying to coax him to release the bindings. She shed crocodile tears, acting all innocently. "P-Please, F-Fujimaru -sama, s-since you are a nice Person like Heroic Knight Lancelot said you are, can you free us?"
Ritsuka sighs, hearing the same tune all over like when they first met and at the Border Wall. "Considering that Saber was the one who held Aniki back. It's obvious she tied you to the boulder to keep you three from interfering when we escape." He stated,
Myne's face contorted for a second before speaking, "B-But I'm innocent here and-"
"Shut up, I've met your kind before," Ritsuka said, glaring at the First Princess with cold eyes. "Aniki is up the Mountain unconscious, if it were simple, then I would probably take him with us back to our Base. But things didn't align well with that plan." The Magus said, seeing the true facial expression Myne gave.
"Why you Son of a-"
"Bitch? Well, the only Bitch here is you, so I wouldn't start talking." Ritsuka said calmly, hearing the snickering from both Masamune and Naofumi.
Soon enough Da Vinci, Raphtalia, and Arthur caught up with them, ready to leave. "Huh? Isn't that the First Princess of Melromarc?" Da Vinci asked, taking a good look at her.
"That's correct Da Vinci-san, that's Malty Q. Melromarc, First Princess of Melromarc," Raphtalia confirms what the Caster suspects.
"I see, with her face she's making now I can tell she doesn't have any slick of beauty at all." The brunette Caster commented,
"How dare you! When I get out of here, I'll make you eat your words!" Myne turns to Ritsuka, struggling to get free from the vines. "Heroic Knight Lancelot will defeat you, Chaldeans. No, the entire Three Heroes Roundtable will defeat you!"
Myne smirks, going on with what Melromarc has planned. "Even though you may find a Piece of the Spear of Light. There are still a few more pieces left, the other Heroic Knights will find them and will use them to defeat you Villainous Chaldeans!" She exclaims,
Naofumi stop snickering, looking at Ritsuka whose face was hidden under his bangs. "Fujimaru, don't listen to her." The Pseudo-Servant said, "She's just saying those things to get under you-"
"I know," Ritsuka smiles, now seeing everyone has caught up. "Okay, let's head back everyone." He turns to Heroic Knight Aid Guinevere, "Just letting you know, Aniki will wake up soon. He'll be able to help you three since you already wrapped your slimy fingers around him."
Myne continued to shout and scream like the Bitch she was, watching the Chaldeans and Shield Hero Party leave them.
Back in Melromarc, Saber of Melromarc observes the failed incursion that Heroic Knight Lancelot and his Party were sent to do. "Tch, I should've sent Heroic Knight Tristan instead of Lancelot. He has no connections to the master of Chaldea and is ruthless in his goal to defeat Baobhan Sith."
"He wouldn't think twice in harming the master of Chaldea." The pale blonde Saber said before walking away from the monitors. He walks to the map room, where Melromarc's landscape was presented with many details. "Now that Chaldea has two Pieces of that cursed Spear and one more is still out there, it'll be a matter of time before they'll meet with that Filoial to restore it."
Saber of Melromarc growls before Yukimura has entered the map room. "Saber, I'm back from my scouting mission." The Pseudo-Servant announced to the Anomaly King.
Yukimura saw the displeased expression the Grand Servant has. He sighs, walking over to him. "Assuming based on your expression, the Chaldeans manage to defeat Lancelot and retrieve the Piece." He said.
"Yes," Saber of Melromarc said, turning to the Guardian of his master. "Now, have you found it, Yukimura?" He asked, eager to know the report he brought.
"Like I said, I found the shrine, but I doubt that anything is there since the Proper Gods of Human History have abandoned this World-"
Saber of Melromarc chuckles, crossing his arms. "Oh, he's there. As long as there's a Paradise around then it will remain as its last Guardian." He turns to the Monitors, seeing a certain Princess at the Mountain. "The Horn Deity that caused major trouble for Chaldea in the Lostbelts."
"Still, I doubt he'll be any help to us. He won't respond to-" Yukimura saw Saber looking at the Monitor with the two Princesses of Melromarc. "Really? Those two?"
"Surprisingly, with a little digging, it turns out the Descendants of Melromarc have close ties with a certain Priestess like the one he had in the Lostbelts," Saber said, eyeing the Princesses of Melromarc. "Oh, how Fate can be cruel."
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.