Chapter Twenty
Mason makes his way through the makeshift base of the military/resistance in an abandoned factory. Though calling this place a base is generous. If he were to compare it to anything, he would say that the human resistance from the Terminator movie from America had better living conditions. While he had that thought, he made a note to watch the sequel sometime in the future, if they are successful in stopping the cult. People huddle together for warmth, everyone hasn't seen a bath in a while, and what weapons they do have look to be whatever they manage to find. Even with Raiga's connection to the black market and Yuko's military position, Japan's bans on guns for the public makes it difficult to arm everyone.
It makes Mason grateful that his adopted father was the infamous Magus Killer and allowed him access to all of Kiritsugu's weapons. Two of which he is carrying with him are the modified Thompson Arms Contender and a Steyr Aug A1. He also has equips a blaster pistol, grenades, and of course his first very own lightsaber. Sadly his favored Calico M950 was destroyed in his fight against Skorr at the Einzbern Castle. Caster had taken everyone's command code suits of each Master and adjusted them to suit the battles each would be facing. His suit still has black robes but now features reddish bronze plating looking much like Revan's old armor along with the crest of Revan branded on the shoulder plates. HK is the reason for that as the droid had many files on both its old Master and combat wear of the Jedi/Sith of the Old Republic in times of war.
"Mason!" Shirou calls out to his brother as he makes his way to him. His suit hasn't changed much appearance wise, but with enchanted Kevlar woven into it to make it much more bullet resistant given that he has to fight their father. "It's about time you got here, the briefing is about to begin."
"Sorry about that," Mason apologizes and they both then make their way towards the others. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine, weirdly enough. It was rough at first, but Caster's insane magical ability managed to force the crest to accept me as the next inheritor and assured me that if I ever wanted to pass it to any of my future children then it would have no trouble accepting them without her help. However I think the weirdest part about having it is knowing spells I previously didn't learn along with Dad's Reality Marble." Shirou explains as he rubs his lower back where it was implanted.
"Why does it sound like there's a catch you haven't mentioned?" Mason asks.
The redhead sighs, "The catch is all the knowledge I have obtained from fighting Archer and getting this crest is almost useless as I normally don't have the mana reserves to use them while also providing mana to Saber as well."
"Yeah that is a fairly big case and problem," He agrees. They take a couple more steps before something Shirou says catches Mason's attention. "Wait, what do you mean 'normally'?" Shirou's face turns as red as his hair and looks away. Mason grabs his brother's face and turns it to him. "Dear brother of mine, what did you do?"
The blushing redhead coughs before replying. "Rin suggested to Saber and I that we should do a mana transfer."
Mason narrows his eyes, "You and Saber fucking isn't something new and not a thing that would make you this embarrassed. What. Did. You. DO?"
Shirou furrows his brows, "I told you, Rin suggested to Saber and I that we should do a mana transfer."
The two brothers stare at each other before Mason's eyes widen in realization. "No… Fucking… Way… You mean the three of you…" The silent response tells him all he needs. He lets go of Shirou's face and kneels. "I am unworthy to stand next to a god."
"Oh, cut the bullshit." The 'God' then kicks the humble peasant to the ground and walks off.
Mason laughs silently as he gets up and rushes to his brother's side. "So, are you and Rin..?"
Shirou sighs, "No. She had said clearly many times that it was merely platonic and was only used because we need all the help we can afford. That and she said she wanted to experience the ritual first hand as she had only read about it."
"I'm having a hard time believing it was merely platonic," Mason tells him. "I might not know Rin as well as you, but I've observed enough of her to know she may try to hide it, though she tends to wear her emotions on her sleeve."
"It was platonic, Mason. Get it through your head." The redhead demands.
"Are you sure? If you play your cards right, you could end up with a harem and be an EX-rank egore protagonist."
"I'm barely finding my foot with just one," Shirou admits. "Any more is just asking for trouble." Mason goes to say more, but they reach the meeting which kills the topic. Around a table are each Masters, Saber, HK, Raiga, Yuko, and a few other military, gang members, and civilians. The other Servants stay in spiritual form. Rin's suit now has a layer of shielding against magic. Caster didn't stop there as she also made Illya a suit that functions much the same as Rin's. Hers takes the appearance of some white and light purple Russian clothing. Sakura was offered one, but she denied wanting one, instead wishing to use her Dark form.
Yuko looks over at the two, "Good, you're here. Now we can start."
"Why are the two teenagers here a reason we couldn't have already started? Along with that, why is there a little girl here as well?" A JSDF officer asks as he points to Illya, who pouts at being age mistaken.
Mason answers by igniting his lightsaber and holding it to his throat. A couple of other JSDF move to point their guns at him, but find their weapons ripped out of their hands by an invisible force and lifted into the air. "To answer your first question, it's because I alone can easily run through each of you without breaking a sweat. As for your second, that 'little girl' is eighteen and is my elder sister. Perhaps you should keep your thoughts to yourself until you have all of the available information before you should stupid." He gives everyone a slow once over before lowering the guns back to their owners and putting away his lightsaber.
"That was a bit of an unnecessary show of force," Rissa comments.
"What the hell was that?!" Yuko all but shouts with Rin and Illya giving Mason a look of shock and concern about what he just showed to normal people. Everyone else not privy to the need to know information eyes him with a suspicious gaze.
He just shrugs and answers all of them, "It is the easiest way of demonstrating what needs to be addressed. We all are here to face the threat of aliens, and many of you no doubt question why someone half your age is one of the most important people in this briefing. The short of it is, I am an alien."
"You mean like from another country or…" A cop asks before pointing upwards.
"Like by definition, I'm an extra-terrestrial," Mason answers.
"But you look human."
"It might shock you to learn, but Earth is by far the only planet with humans. In fact, I believe this planet has the most primitive humans, technologically speaking. It's quite possible that the first humans that inhabited this world crashed here thousands of years ago and were cut off from the rest of the galaxy they came from just like I was." He theorized.
There were a few murmurs and grunts before someone said, "Well if we take what we know with what you said, it might make sense. Like instead of a meteor hitting Earth and killing all of the dinosaurs, it was a spaceship. Or how people point out how difficult ancient structures were put together despite not having the technology to support it, they usually think it was aliens who made them. But it could have been humans who crashed here using leftovers of their technologies to create them. This rabbit hole could go on forever."
Yuko clears her voice, "Getting back on topic, explain why you threatened my men and showing off your powers?"
"Of course," Mason accepts. "Basically, these aliens and I hail from the same galaxy where powers like this will appear every so often. To make a long story short, they are a part of a long dead empire and are trying to bring their master back to life here. The two leading the aliens both have the same powers I do and I wanted to show you what you might face when we assault the temple they set a base at."
A JSDF raises his hand, "Question: if this is all just about resurrecting their master, why did they pick this planet and why invade it? Also, if we allow them to do it, will they then leave us alone."
Mason thinks for a moment trying to figure a way to explain it without revealing the moonlight world. "They think there might be a power here that will help them complete their goal and they think if enough people die then it will help the ritual. And no, leaving them alone won't make them leave us alone. As for why, their master, Darth Nihilus, is a being that always hungers and is known for sucking the life out of planets and all who inhabit it. Basically, if we do not act before the ritual is complete, he will devour us all."
"Well I now know why you got my leader sold on why you're here and I also vote to not allow this to happen." The military man readily agrees. "Are the others with you also aliens?"
The Masters share a glance before Mason shakes his head. "No, they are merely the people who are kind enough to give me a home on this planet."
"Okay, what can you tell us about the power on this planet then?"
The teenager shrugs, "Who knows? For all I know, they are just making it up to distract us. I've never experienced any such power in the ten years I've lived on this planet before I encountered them." Which is technically true, as I didn't know there was a Holy Grail War until Sakura and I followed the cult members to the temple, He thinks to himself. Telling them a twisted half truth is the best way for Mason to explain to them that if they see anything 'magical', then it is probably a result of the aliens and not a secret mage society that's been hidden for thousands of years. "However, that doesn't change the fact they invaded and needed to be dealt with." Nods of approval and grunts surround the table.
Raiga then asks, "Well it's great we got a collective agreement, but what we need is an actual plan."
"HK, would you mind?" Mason asks this faithful murder machine.
"Statement: I am designed for destruction, this is beneath me." The droid grumbles, but it still projects up a hologram of the temple fortress and star cruiser which gets surprised reactions from a few.
Yuko leans forwards and points to the cruiser. "As long as this remains above this city, command is unable to get reinforcements through to us. So with the stolen alien shuttle that our new friends have provided to us, I myself will be leading a strike force disguised in their armor to either destroy the ship from the inside or at least sabotage the shields and auto turrets to give our Air Force a chance at destroying it themselves. Because of the nature of this inflation mission, this can easily end up being a suicide mission. This means that I will only allow JSDF personnel to accompany me." She then glances over at the Masters, "That includes you guys, no matter how skilled you may be."
Saber nods, "But of course. If I were in your position, I too would rather have my knig- my brother in arms by my side."
One of the JSDF soldiers shoots her a look, "You've served?"
"Aye, I may not look it, but I am older than I appear. This isn't my first war." This gets her many respectful looks from the military members.
Mason then suggests, "Take HK with you staff sergeant. Not only is it effective in a fight, but it had infiltrated the aliens for years before coming across me. It knows their protocols and can pilot the shuttle to make sure your mission goes smoothly. Just promise it that it can kill to its programing's content before you escape."
"Assessment: As much as I would love to be able to fight by my master's side, I calculate an increase of at least seventy-four percent chance for successful infiltration with I by the meatbag's side. Master's logic is sound." The droid estimates.
Yuko strokes her chin, "Well when you put it like that, it's hard to say no. Very well robot, you're on the team. Now we need to plan for the fortress itself."
"The hardest part is just getting inside. They have high walls covered in turrets waiting to mow any opposition down in a heartbeat. I don't suppose you have any tanks or something to make a hole in a wall?" Mason asks.
"Most of our armor and vehicles were destroyed in the initial engagement," She says solemnly before pointing to a spot on the holomap a few blocks before the temple. "There was a squad here that escaped the first battle, but got separated from us. We were in contact with them for a bit, but they were ambushed by a group of three people, two males and one female, and we lost contact afterwards. I sent another squad to check for survivors, but…" Yuko doesn't finish the sentence. "However the reason I'm mentioning this is because the squad I sent reported that they had a functioning Type 74 tank at the ambush site, but we didn't have anyone qualified to operate it and deemed it too dangerous to attempt to bring it with them or else we lead the aliens right to us. Though unless you have people who can operate it, you'd only be giving the aliens an easy target to destroy before it gets close enough to use the main gun."
"That will not be a problem," Sakura tells her.
Yuko gives her an odd look, "You can operate a tank?"
"No," Sakura admits. "I have someone who can. We can consider that wall destroyed and focus on the targets inside of it."
The Staff Sergeant slowly eyes her before turning back to the map, "Alright then. Let's get down to the targets. Emiya-san, er, the alien one, can you cover this one?"
"Of course," Mason takes over as the map changes to two red faces. "This is the current leaders of the alien forces, Darth Skorr and his apprentice, Darth Valia. They share the same exact powers as I do, so I will say with absolute certainty that these two are one of the ones for you all to stay clear of. Instead Sakura and I will face them." The holo changes to a darker figure, "This is Commander Miller, the highest ranking military after the previous two. Unlike them, he doesn't have any special powers and is just a skilled military commander. He is free for anyone who is feeling lucky enough to kill." The holo then changes to the alters, changing the images one by one, before looping back to the beginning. "These guys, even if they are not aliens, are like the Darths in that they have immeasurable power, and are not to be engaged. We already have people who will lure them away from the main fighting, so if you encounter one of them, run. Do not try to be a hero and fight one, because you will only end up dying with nothing to gain. There are plenty of other aliens and troopers in the fortress for everyone to get a lick in." Mason then slowly makes eye contact with everyone around the table. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir!" Is chorused.
Yuko gives the mixed matched eyed boy a smirk, "If I didn't know any better, then I would have figured you have been in a war as well."
"I have actually," Mason tells her. "Well I never saw action before I ended up crashing here, but my commander made sure to drill me into what deployment is like."
"Ah, I was wondering if you were ever going to show up," Commander Casey tells a young Mason.
"Sorry, this different time zone thing is really confusing." Mason tells the clone commander as he reaches the bridge of the venator class star destroyer.
Casey gives the boy an understanding smile. "That's to be expected from someone who spent their entire life in the Jedi Temple, but if you are to be here on the front lines with us, then you need to learn to adapt your sleeping habits. It'll be rough at first, but you'll get used to it.
"Now as a padawan, you would normally be given the rank of Jedi Commander and have immediate rank above any clone in our legion. However General Rissa and myself agree that you are too much of a shiny to be given such a role and don't have a lick of leadership skills. To fix that, you will report to me at this time every rotation for lessons that will serve you well when you have proven yourself capable of leading. Cadet Shan, let's start your first lesson."
"Mason!" He comes out of his flashback with a blink and looks at Yuko. She studies him for a moment before sighing, "I know that look in your eye. I've seen it with many vets and service members when they recall a time in the military. It's not a look one can fake and I can now tell that what you've said holds true. You must hold your former commander with a lot of respect."
Mason gives a sad smile as the memory of Casey telling him to run plays in his head. "But of course, I can only hold respect for someone who gives their life for me."
She returns the smile, "Saving our brothers and sisters on the battlefield is perhaps one of the greatest duty and feeling a soldier can have. When this is over, I would like to hear more about your commander if you-" A heavy feeling bears down on her before she can finish that sentence. Looking towards the source of it, she sees Sakura looking at her with a smile that doesn't connect with the rest of her body language as she hooks her arm with Mason's. Even though Yuko knows that she meant nothing romantic, with the boy being in his teens and half her age, her survival instinct screams at her to abandon this endeavor. "G-getting back on track, is there anything else someone wants to add?"
A cop raises his hand, "Yeah, why does one of the targets look exactly like her?" He points to Saber.
"Cloning," Mason answers quickly.
"Cloning?" A scientist asks. "I can understand the advanced technology, but what purpose does cloning have from a military perspective?"
"An easy way to mass produce an army to compete with a mass produced incompetent droid army." Mason then turns to his droid. "I don't mean you HK, an army of you would be more terrifying than an army comprised of nothing but Sith."
"Why does that scenario sound like something you have experience with?" Yuko asks, but she doesn't wait for an answer. "Scratch that, we can get sidetracked again. Anyone else?" No one does anything which Yuko accepts. "Good, if anyone from the JSDF wishes to volunteer to accompany me you can do so now. Everyone else is dismissed!"
Rin takes the other Masters to the side and out of ear shot before glaring at Mason. "What they hell was that?!"
"W-what?" Mason asks, caught off guard.
"You flaunting your powers in front of non-magicals!" She exclaims, before taking a breath to calm herself. "I know you and your Shirou might not be that engrossed in our world, but I know you have been told numerous times not to bring our world out in the open. Sure we are still in a Holy Grail War, but there is only so much the church can cover up before the only options are a mass mind wipe or a complete wipe of a city off the planet. Not to mention the amount of trouble both I and everyone else here will get in because of it!"
"If that is what bothers you then you have nothing to worry about." Mason assures her. "If we want to get technical, the Force doesn't fall under the category of the Moonlight World. It isn't magical nor can it be used magically. Neither the Mage association nor the Church has any jurisdiction over me, the Force, or how I use it. It is an alien power to them, thus they have no say in it."
"Dad really didn't teach you anything did he?" Illya then facepalms, "Dear baby brother, there are many recorded alien beings that come here many different ways. Some are like you and come from space, others can come from entirely different planes of existences. The difference between them and the cultists we are fighting is that the others either can be hidden or don't make an appearance to the public, meanwhile the cultists decide to go for a whole full ass invasion not knowing the havoc they could unleash if one of the other aliens ended up being disturbed. It's one of the reasons I was banging my head on the table when you all told me about them at the castle."
"Oh," Is all Mason had to respond with.
"Yeah," His elder sister responds. "Though I guess the silver lining to this is that they will automatically assume anything magical is because of the cultists aliens, so when the Servants start fighting they won't question it." She then looks around the makeshift base. "Let's just hope everything goes to plan tonight."
"Don't say that," He tells her. "That is one of the biggest red flags of things not to say for disasters to happen. The only thing worse than that is asking 'Is it dead?' because that always leads to it not being dead and will almost always get a power up afterwards."
Sakura then grabs his arm and squeezes it to her chest, "Don't worry about that, darling. Just say the word and I'll gladly ensure the only way for them to come back is by being under my control like I've done three times already."
Rin then places a hand on her shoulder, "Um, Sakura-san. Can we talk?"
Sakura then stares at the Tohsaka heir debating whether or not to do so before coming to a decision. "Fine, we can talk for a minute." As the two walk around a corner, Illya and Shirou turn to their own sibling.
"Mason, be careful around her," Illya tells him. "I still don't trust her and think death is the only way to save both her and the world. She cannot be allowed to become the vessel for the Holy Grail."
Mason however waves off the warning, "She's fine."
"She is not fine." Shirou states bluntly. "You have barely known her for a few weeks, while I've known her for years. There is something wrong with her and her connection to the corrupted Grail is only making her worse. Taiga's death has shown me I can't save everyone. I hope after tonight when we finally finish this war that she goes back to the way she was, but if I have to pick between saving the world or allowing her darkness to continue…"
"It won't come to that," The silver haired teen tries to assure his siblings, but the expression on their faces show they aren't sold on the idea. Even Saber who has remained silent on the matter has a solemn expression. They don't get time to dwell on it as a shout brings their attention to the sisters.
"You don't get to ignore me for a decade then all of a sudden start acting like a sister as if nothing happened!" Sakura glares at Rin.
"Sakura-san, I just-"
"No, you just nothing. You've had plenty of chances to reach out, even during this Grail War. Yes, you did help heal me after a bomb dropped on me, but one right doesn't erase years of wrong."
Rin crosses her arms, "I know I'm late, but this war has shown me what really is important to be. I'm not asking for forgiveness as it's way too early. However I'm asking for at least a chance. What can I do to grant that?"
Sakura stares at her emotionlessly with her blood red eyes before a sadistic smile forms on her face. "You want me to give you a chance? Okay, how about for starters," She then closes the distance between them and whispers in Rin's ear, "We throw you into a pit of crest worms," A hand is placed on Rin's inner thigh, "And see how many days you scream from getting your virginity raped away," Sakura's hand moves upwards, "Before you stop so you would have a small idea of what I went through while you did nothing." Rin is caught off guard by the turn of the situation; she barely has time to shut her eyes or back away until she reaches a wall behind her. A dark and heavy feeling surrounds the girls as Sakura stops her hand from venturing too deep up Rin's skirt. "Well what do you know, the high and mighty princess of school, Rin Tohsaka, actually does have womanly needs like the rest of us. Seems that Shirou has gotten to you already. Tell me, was he gentle for your first time? Or was he like my 'Nii-san' and leaves you completely empty of nothing but his seed?"
A hand then lands on Sakura's shoulder and she is shoved away. Archer stands protectively in front of his Master, "Sister or not, sexually assault Rin again and next time I'll do more than toss you away."
Rider appears next to her Master as Sakura looks amused. "Oh, and what would that be, Mister Hero of Justice?" Archer's twin swords appear in his hands. "Surely you aren't thinking of killing me. Heroes have moral codes, aren't you supposed to be trying to 'save' me? After all, we've been friends for years, Shirou."
Archer glares at the dark girl in front of her. "Don't confuse me with the brat you know. The Sakura I knew died long ago. What I see before me is an abomination that merely shares her name. You only still live because my Master wills it, but not even a command seal will stop me when you turn on us."
Rider raises her weapon, "You won't reach her before I can catch you."
"Rider, it's fine. Let him make his empty threats. He will fall tonight like most in this building will. Tohsaka-san, if you're serious about wanting a chance, you know my offer. Now, I have to get back to Mason." Sakura swiftly leaves with Rider trailing behind her.
The Master and Servant left standing there stay silent for a minute until Archer dismisses his swords and turns to Rin. "Master, I know she is your sister by blood."
Rin places a hand up to stop him from saying more. "I know what you want to say. I don't want to believe it, but this encounter is the straw that breaks the camel's back."
"So what's the plan?"
The Master thinks for a moment. "Have you by chance managed to trace and project a sword of Zelretch?"
Commander Miller walks around the bridge of S-class Battle Cruiser, Iron Grasp, and gazes out one of the windows to the ruins of a once great city. While he would have liked to be present during the resurrection of Lord Nihilus, he also understands that someone needs to oversee the greatest asset they have for keeping this country's military from interfering during the most critical part of the ritual. Seeing as the ritual requires the use of Sith alchemy, Miller knew the choice was obvious. No matter, this will be but the beginning of Nihilus's new reign and there will be plenty of chances in the future of earning the Dark Lord's favor. He is brought out of his musing by one of the officers.
"Sir, shuttle Apex has just reported in and is requesting to land."
Shuttle Apex went missing days ago after a supply run to the surface and any attempts of establishing contact with it have failed. Scouts were sent to its last known coordinates where signs of a battle were seen, but the shuttle seemingly disappeared. Miller ordered that any information about the shuttle be brought to him, but he never actually thought the shuttle would be in tacked, let alone attempting to be reporting in. "I will speak to them personally. Bring the holo up on the table." The officer gives a quick nod and a look to one of the techs to do so immediately. If not for the situation they are in, Miller may have cracked a smile at that. While being boots on the ground brings a lot of action, he did miss the quick and efficient methods that came with being in a cruiser. The holoprojector comes on and he is faced with a droid piloting the shuttle. The droid looked familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. Though it is an answer he can find in time. "Shuttle Apex, you missed your scheduled report four days ago and have been labeled MIA. Care to explain why?"
"Answer: We were ambushed by the local population while resupplying and our transport took enough damage that we were forced to land and hide within the city while repairs were made."
Miller arches a brow. While ambushes weren't uncommon as the fighting had yet to die down, something isn't right. The Sith may say it is the Dark Side telling him this, despite him not being Force sensitive, Miller rather thinks it is his many years of service kicking in. "And why did you not comm for help or make contact with one of our many patrols around the city?"
"Answer: Communication was not an option. Our attackers were the Masters of the Grail War who were looking to steal a shuttle to sneak aboard the Iron Grasp. Risking them tracking our landing before help could arrive was too much to ask."
Miller expected the Masters to attempt something, but them trying to get aboard the cruiser rather than going after the Grail is not something he foresaw. This is something he must know about. "This is troubling news. Your landing request is approved and I expect a detailed report within the hour." The holo shuts off after a confirmation. He then looks to the officer next to them. "I want eyes on all of them the moment that shuttle lands along with someone going through the ship's logs to confirm what was said."
"Do you expect deception?" The officer asks. "If so, I can send the whole crew to be thrown in the brig until their story is checked out."
The commander shakes his head. "There will be no need for that at the moment. It might be me being paranoid and I don't want to lower morale by imprisoning our own men based on low suspicion. However, if we find out their story is anything but what they have said or I have not been sent at least one report in an hour, then you have my permission to do so."
The Masters and Servants have made it to the tank with the resistance forces not far behind him. Rider steps to the tank, opens the hatch, and climbs inside. The group waits with nothing happening for a couple of minutes. Caster gets annoyed and shouts, "What's taking so long? The cult isn't going to wait for you to learn to drive a tank!" It is then the engines roar to life.
Rider pops her head out of the latch. "I have an A+ Riding skill which lets me drive anything man made no matter the time period. There's a lot more to driving a tank than just pushing a button. I had to be sure nothing was damaged or trapped that could have made it explode with all of us here."
"How's the cannon?" Archer asks. "This thing is worthless if the cannon doesn't work."
"Worse comes to worse, we'll have to rely on your broken phantasms." Mason tells him. "I only asked for a tank so we don't risk magic becoming out in the open more than it already is."
"It works, but it needs a gunner." Rider answers the former.
Lancelot then steps up, "I can help with that." He climbs up and Rider moves to let him inside the hatch. Hooks hanging from his armor latch themselves to the cannon and it turns it to a red and black color with a heavy fog around it, turning it into a D rank Noble Phantasm.
Lancer smirks as he places his spear behind his head. "Well I'll be damned, that's actually kind of cool. It's a lot better than you using tree branches like you did against me. Now let's go get ourselves in a fight!"
Rider then pulls the tank out of its resting place and takes point in leading the resistance towards the temple. Once they reach just outside of range for the turrets on the walls to notice them, the army stops as the tank proceeds forwards.
"Well this is it," Rin says as she rechecks her pocket of gems for the tenth time.
"It is," Mason agrees. "This feels like a moment where an inspirational speech is said before we charge into battle."
Raiga smiles, "Well if you have the words, no one is stopping you."
He shakes his head, "Nothing comes to mind." They watch as the tank starts picking up speed as the turrets take notice of its presence. Streams of plasma bolts rain from the fortress as Rider steers the tank around the incoming fire and maneuvers in ways that doesn't seem possible for a vehicle of that make. The main cannon aims for the wall and fires. The wall easily explodes with a force that shouldn't be possible for a regular tank round, but for a low rank Noble Phantasm. Lancelot manages to take a couple more shoots which turns the entire front wall into rubble. "How about we just go with a classic. Charge!"
Alarms blare throughout the Iron Grasp as Yuko and her team make their way in their disguised trooper armor. "Observation: Sounds like the battle on the ground has begun."
Yuko nods at the droid. "That means we better hurry. While I don't doubt the kids and their 'partners' powers, the aliens have better training and out guns the resistance. They can't stop the aliens from their ritual if they don't have help. We need to get the rest of the JSDF into the city."
"Agreement: I've seen many powerful meatbags fall victim to numerical advantages time and time again. It is a tried and true tactic." HK then leads the group down a corridor and opens a blast door to a room of armed troopers with an officer.
The officer folds his hands in front of him with a blaster pistol in one of them. "Ah, the survivors of Shuttle Apex. I would have expected to see you all filing your report by now."
Yuko quickly makes up, "Well with the alarms going off we decided that it would be better to-"
"Better to disobey a direct order by the highest ranked commander on this vessel?" The officer cuts her off. "However I am willing to overlook your insubordination if you personally give me your detailed report right here, right now."
"Sir, there's a battle happening at the temple, is this really the time to be giving a report?" She tries to distract him. This however makes all the troopers charge up their blasters as the officer does the same to his.
"Who said anything about the alarms being about a battle at the temple? If you really were soldiers of the reforming Sith Empire, then yes, this is the time to give me a report. A pity really, you primitives showed promise infiltrating yourselves in here only to die!" He raises his blaster to fire, but HK's processing time is faster and the officer now has a hole in his head. As his body hits the ground, the corridor erupts in blaster fire.
Author's Note: The final battle has begun! Originally I was going to just skip to the battle, but I thought about how confusing that might be. So I forced out one more 'slow' time moment before the non-stop chapters long action starts. So I do know that I haven't teased nor hinted at Shirou/Rin at all this story, but honestly Shirou does need the help in mana and it's not like Rin hasn't had a three-some with Shirou and Saber in the Fate route. I'm not really going to delve anymore in it than this as Rin's purpose in doing it is mostly the same as in the VN. So sorry to the Shirou/Rin shippers, but it ain't happening. There's also a quick flashback into Mason's padawan life which I enjoyed writing. I admit, this chapter was mainly Mason focused, but it's proving hard to give so many characters attention. I probably should have written some of them out or killed them, but too late now. Don't worry though, each fight will get a spotlight for each character. Lastly we have Dark Sakura. Even if she has embraced her darker self, it doesn't mean she'll be sitting around a campfire with everyone singing. Sakura only cares for Mason and has only been playing nice with others for him. Naturally others are going to be miffed about it, so of course she's going to get mad at her 'allies' for petty reasons.
keybladelight: While it wasn't High Republics, I did use your train of thought to have him mention the Clone Wars. Yes, they embraced their darkness and the battles in the next few chapters will test how firm they can stay without being consumed. Also I'm glad you enjoyed me mentioning Apocrypha's Masters. I don't want to spoil anything, but I didn't just mention them just for Mason's backstory. It might be a hint for a future story, depending on how this one goes.
Well that is everything for this chapter. I know my schedule isn't as good as it once was when I was posting almost every other week, but I promise this story will have a conclusion! Thanks for reading and I'll talk at y'all next time!