Chapter 3
After cleaning up the mess Lancer left behind, the group walked down the streets of Fuyuki in the dead of night with nothing but the sounds of wind echoing. Ben wasn't a stranger to nightly walks like these due to villains always doing their deeds at night. Here however there was an odd sense of malice in the air, like something evil was lurking out there just out of sight. It was similar to the sensation of Ghostfreak breaking out of the Omnitrix during that summer when he was ten.
"Did you have to give me that jacket? Rin asked, breaking the silence as she found it ridiculous that Shirou made Saber wear a yellow raincoat over her knight armour.
"Well Saber would not change out of her armour" Shirou stated plainly. He didn't want to risk someone seeing her due to the issue of Saber not being able to go into spirit form. An ability that all servants have to revert to an invisible, ghost-like state to avoid unwanted attention. Unfortunately, it was the same issue for Caster as Ben didn't know how to properly manage the mana required for such a skill. Instead of resorting to an awkward choice of clothing, she revealed that she could shapeshift and hide her fox appendages to make her look like a normal girl. Ben was slightly disappointed as he wanted to see that big fluffy tale of hers more but he knew this whole situation needed to stay out of the public eye. Reminded him of the early days of the DNAlien conspiracy where he still had his secret identity.
'Oddly, I have a complete novice as a master but that doesn't change the fact that he's pretty handsome!' Caster thought to herself as she sensed some positive vibes from him. She did notice him eyeing her every few moments before looking away so she could tell that her charms were working on him. However, she couldn't forget the fact that she was underpowered here if things got ugly right now. Saber was right in front of her and another servant claimed to be in spirit form. Two of the three knight classes surrounded her and she was unsure of her master's abilities to protect himself.
'...The Tohsaka girl said Me and my master were an eighth pair…Hard to believe but I can sense the craft of another powerful magus infecting the city. Only a servant of my Class could pull it off." She thought to herself as she expanded her senses.
The group eventually arrived at Kotomine Church, a place that should be calm and peaceful but Ben couldn't shake the creepy feeling it was giving off. Both Caster and Saber mentioned they had to stay outside while the masters went in as this was supposed to be a neutral zone. Leaving only the masters to enter the church hosting the Overseer they were supposed to meet. Inside the place did look like a normal church but Both boys couldn't shake the faint sinister feeling that lingered in the air.
"Tohsaka, what kind of person is the priest here like?" Shirou asked as they entered the building. All the lights were off with only the outside moonlight waning off the darkness.
"He's my legal guardian, additionally, he's an apprentice magus senior to me. I guess you can call him my second teacher." Rin said, which brought some confusion to Shirou from his knowledge of the Church's view on magecraft.
"A father of the church is also part of the heretical Council of Mages?" Shirou asked due to the odd nature of this person. Meanwhile Ben did his best to make mental notes on the Topic of the Church vs. Mages. Looks like there was more to the world of magic than what he experienced with Gwen.
'I should ask Gwen about this. If the Church of this secret world of sorcery is against magic users, then she might be on their radar.' Ben thought to himself.
"That's why you need to be careful with him. His Name is Kotomine Kirei. He's my father's apprentice and I've known him for more than Ten years, although I'd prefer to not have known him." Rin stated as a man dressed in dark priest attire walked into the main hall.
"Neither did I want to have an apprentice that does not respect her teacher." The man then got into the moonlight and showed his dark brown hair and dull brown eyes.
"I have brought you the seventh Master…and an Extra eighth one. He's a magus of some sort but an amateur on the inside. I have no idea about the foreigner, absolutely nothing skill-wise.." Rin said while gesturing to Shirou and Ben Respectfully.
"And what are your names?" The Priest asked.
"I am Emiya Shirou." The redhead said, and Kirei suppressed a single laugh while showing the faintest of smiles.
"Ben Tennyson." The emerald-eyed hero said following Shirou. Kirei already knew who Ben was, any organisation that involved the supernatural kept an open eye on his actions. The Church especially had a few conflicts of interest with the Plumbers. Some thought about having the hero join them to create peace between the two factions. Others wish for him to be killed as they feel like his powers went against their beliefs. Now here he was standing in front of him as a master, proven by the visible command seals on his hand.
However he didn't mind this new wildcard, surely it would make the upcoming battles even more entertaining.
"Ben Tennyson, what Class is your servant? I already know that Emiya's is Saber as they were the last of the seven." Kirei asked.
"She calls herself 'Caster.' I guess that's her Class then?" Ben said.
"I see, then we really do have an Extra Caster on our hands. Most interesting indeed." Kirei said.
"I have to thank you both then, this is the first time Rin has ever asked for my help. For that, I will never be able to repay you both."
"Well let's get to the matter. It seems you both have been chosen as masters for the Fifth Holy Grail war. A battle between Masters paired with summoned Servant that rewards the last ones standing with the Grail that would grant any wish" Kirei explained the main goal of this battle royale.
"It is an ordeal that is thrust upon you. You cannot quit being a master nor can you have someone else take your place. The only way out is to obtain the Holy Grail and have your wish granted." Kirei explained how they were locked into this fight whether they wanted to or not. He expressed how The Grail can provide everything they ever wanted and cleanse the filth that is within them. Even start over their lives if they wanted to as anything was possible with such power.
"Kirei, stop talking in such a roundabout way. All I asked was to explain the rules to them" Rin said, getting tired of him already.
'Thank goodness, this guy is getting a little too intense when it comes to the Grail. Then again we are talking about a granting device here…Do I even want it?' Ben thought to himself as he already was pretty much happy with his life. He had family and friends and he was a Hero with the Ultimatrix. All that was missing in his life was…some to fill the void in his heart. But he wasn't going to cheat with a wish for that. He still has some growing to do before he risks hurting another close to his heart.
"Very well, back to the subject. As I said: this battle is called the Holy Grail War, a scramble between seven masters employing the use of seven servants…" Kirei then informed them about how this was a ritual to prove who was worthy of the Grail and the summoning of the servants was proof of its Authenticity
"...Servants are Legendary heroes from the past that are given form by the Holy Grail. Essentially, they stand by their masters in spirit form, and are given physical form when they need to fight for you." Kirei said.
"Wait, if the grail is this powerful, then why isn't it shared? Why fight over it?" Ben asked a valid question both boys had looming in their heads.
"It's a fair question. We simply do not have that freedom. The Holy Grail, itself, is responsible for everything, be it choosing the seven masters, or summing the servants. Only through crossing swords may one be chosen to possess it." The priest answered Ben's question with a reason why they can't just share the power.
"This still isn't right…" Ben muttered to himself.
"Even if that's the case. It still doesn't justify killing each other." Shirou said.
"Hold it. No rule says you have to kill off the Masters. The holy grail is a spiritual object. Only servants, who are spirits, can touch it." Rin interjected, bringing some relief to both boys. Still, however, they still saw their servants as living people so there was a struggle to face if they were to go with this war.
"Just something nagging me that I have to ask: where do the servants come from exactly? You said before that the grail summons them." Ben asked, wanting a little more info on the servants if he was going to have to…be drastic in taking them down.
"They are fallen spirits that have done a great many things in life, so they get recorded in the Throne of Hero to be forever remembered by the world. The Grail summons them from said place and creates a copy of them that stands with you. Once they fall in battle, they return to the Throne." Kirei answered. That info did ease the worried feeling in his gut a little, Technically it wasn't killing as they were already dead. It was more like sending them back to where they came from.
"..They are bound to your command seals on your hands. Each master is given three of them." Kirei gestures to the command seals they had and Both boys look at the symbol on their left hands.
"So what happens when you use all three?" Ben asked
"Your servant is free and you withdraw as a master. If you find yourself in that situation or your servant was killed you may retreat to this church. I will protect you until the war ends." Kirei responded, showing that masters can find a safe harbour to reside in until the battle is over.
"Wait, why would you need protection? They're out of the fight." Ben asked with a sense of worry as he wondered why anyone would attack a master who had lost their servant.
"Because a master can forge a new contract with another one or another servant summoned in the war. If servant " Rin added to clear things up for the two novices.
"Seems kinda pointless killing someone just because they could get back into the fight. Nothing is worth killing someone over…" Ben said as he didn't like the idea of killing the master because of the risk they could get back into the fight. Rin rolled her eyes at his naive words which Ben ignored. He wasn't going to throw away his heroic ideals for some wish-granting device.
"When it comes to ultimate power, one tries to reduce the risks of having it taken out of their grasp." Kirei added before looking directly at Ben's wrist for a brief moment. Causing Ben to hide his left arm a bit instinctively.
"So how long has this been happening then? This war I mean since you seem to have the role of Overseer?" Shirou asked
"This war will be the fifth one now. The fourth one was Ten years ago." Kirei's words sent a wave of dread over Shirou, as that date matched up to the great fire that consumed most of the city and killed his birth parents. The boy then loses his balance but keeps himself from falling over.
"Emiya-kun!"
"Whoa, You ok shirou?" Both Rin and Ben were startled by him nearly fainting right in front of them.
Seeing Shirou's distraught face, the priest already knew what question was coming next.
"Yes, that fire was the result of that battle." Kirei answered. Shirou's mind darkened, He was thinking about the apocalyptic event that took place ten years ago and bathed the city in fire.
"Then that fire?" Shirou was holding in his pain as he recalled the death and destruction that occurred when he was just a kid. The day when he walked among the flames and rubble trying to survive. Just focused on walking forward while ignoring the cries of others, begging to be saved.
"...Was caused by the grail being touched by someone who was clearly unworthy." The priest answers calmly.
Ben took a moment to digest all this new information the priest revealed as he read about this while prepping with Gwen. That event was described as a terrible gas leak that was the source of that fire. Many died in that blaze, and Shiro was affected by it. If that was caused by the Grail, Ben needed to make sure it didn't fall into the wrong hands.
"So, then I guess the masters are just a threat in some cases." Ben said.
"Correct. It's one of many reasons an Overseer was assigned to this battle. To keep the mystics a secret and prevent calamities such as those. I assumed this role as my father did so, be mindful, I will be keeping an eye on things as this battle progresses.." Kirei stated. Ben understood that Kirei would only intervene if it risked exposing magic to the general public or if something catastrophic was about to happen.
"However, I will offer an olive branch to you, Ben Tennyson. You are an extra pair with your servant. Only seven is required for this battle. If you wish to surrender your servant to me I can guarantee your protection." Kirei gave the outsider a way out of the violence, but he already knew Ben's answer.
"No, I'm good. I may not like it, but I can at least keep innocents out of this. Even if my place in this war makes me a target, I won't run." Ben said, knowing that he was a wrench in the works now and the danger was back in his face once more.
"Very well, I will recognise you and your servant as the eight pair then. I await in anticipation of the outcome of the near future." Kirei said with a slight smirk that disappeared instantly.
"I'll fight," Shirou answered, inspired by Ben's words, he'll fight this war if it means preventing another disaster from happening.
"Well that's that" Rin spoke up and began to walk the boys out.
"Tennyson, Emiya, rejoice! Your wish shall finally be granted. Without a clear presence of evil, a wish cannot be granted. Even if it's something you cannot accept, there is a need for evil to oppose justice." Kirei's words echoed as they left and Ben got a cold chill while Shirou felt nauseous.
"Your most noble wishes and your most disgraceful desires hold the same meaning…Do not forget that…" Kirei said before both boys exited the church with Rin. Once they stepped out their ill sensations faded as they were greeted by Saber and Caster.
Shirou started to talk to Rin for a bit while Saber stood guard. Ben took a moment to stand up against a tree and reprocess everything he just learned. It was just his luck that a time to unwind and relax abroad turned into some huge secret battle for a wish-granting device.
The young man knew that he couldn't just stand by and let this battle go unchecked, he was a hero after all. Now the problem that stuck with him was the Master who let their servants hurt people.
Lancer's master must've been behind those homicides in the city. Ben will need to put a stop to that if that spear wielder shows his face again.
Rin seemed alright but that was still up for debate. He learned his lesson of rushing in to trust people after the whole Michael Morningstar situation.
Shirou, well, it was obvious that he held no dark intentions and wanted to end this madness as fast as possible. Even more than Ben due to him being a victim of the fourth Grail War.
That still left four other masters as unknown.
"*sigh* Just another walk in the park," Ben said, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders once more.
"Ben?" Caster said standing beside him. Ben was so deep in thought that he didn't see her walk up to him.
"Oh, um hey. Sorry, I was just processing it all." Ben said, feeling slightly guilty for ignoring her.
"No problem, I am glad that you are more prepared for this. Even with our strange situation of being the eighth pair." Caster said, bringing her finger to her chin.
"Eh, this isn't the weirdest thing to happen to me. Things tend to get wacky whenever I'm around." Ben said. Caster giggled at that thought which brought a smile to her master's face. He was glad to at least have her as an ally as he knows how invaluable it is to have a magic user backing you up. He thought about contacting Kevin and Gwen about this but Kirei said this war is supposed to be kept out of the public eye. Bringing in his allies would increase his odds of getting recognized by the local media. Thus putting a lot more lives at risk…He'll have to keep his public appearances to just school and nothing else in between.
"Hmmmm…I can tell. That look in your eyes proves it. Even if you're a complete novice as a magus you seem to be cut from a different cloth." Caster said with a smirk.
"I got a few things up my sleeve…Plus we are probably teaming up with Shirou and Saber. That's alright with you?" Ben asked as it was the most practical option due to his living situation.
"I have no problem with that. Casters have the disadvantage of other classes having some form of magic resistance. So teaming up with a heavy hitter like Saber would be a smart move." She said, admitting her weakness as a servant.
"That reminds me. Since there is another Caster running around. Would it be easier to come up with nick-name for you? Just to make things less confusing than they already are." Ben asked and his servant pondered for a moment.
"Then…Call me Casko then. It's simple and cute at the same time." She said, stating her new title.
"I like it. Nice to meet you, Casko." Ben said, offering a handshake. The kitsune servant smiles and accepts.
Only to be interrupted by the Ultimatrix under his sleeve to start sparking, forcing Ben to pull his hand away and turn around.
"Ow, ow,ow!…Last thing I need is you to start freaking out." Ben said, rolling up his sleeve to find his watch sparking and the hourglass symbol blinking yellow. That raised his eyebrow as that meant it was detecting a new Uncatologued DNA source. Ben was about to activate the DNA scanner but the device reverted to normal mode with the symbol turning green like it usually is.
"Ugh…I should ask Azmuth to take a look at this thing. If he's still not mad at me." Ben muttered while rolling back his sleeve and smiling at Caster while she just tilted her head at him.
The duo then walked towards Shirou and Saber who were discussing things with Rin.
"Ah, Ben. I was just thanking Tohsaka for helping us out." Shirou said. Ben looked over to Rin, her expression was blank but he could feel the slight animosity radiating from her towards him. Him being an eight master must've rustled her plans for this war.
"Yeah, I'll admit I feel like a fish out of water, so thanks for help." Ben said honestly. Tohsaka stares a Ben for a brief moment, still annoyed with him being unneeded and unwanted wrench to her plans.
"Flattering me won't make me go easy on you so better be-"
"Master!"
Both Saber and Caster interrupted Rin as they sensed an immense threat approaching them.
What they saw was an albino girl wearing all purple European attire. Her pale blonde hair reflected the moonlight through the foggy street.
Then it appeared.
A titan of a man with grey skin long tufted-up hair and was wielding a menacing-looking stone sword. His attire looked ancient Greek while also showing his immense muscles proving his indomitable strength.
"Einzvern" Rin said, feeling the pressure of the enemy they were facing.
"Who?" Ben whispered to Rin as Shirou felt that name was faintly familiar to him, maybe his father mentioned it or something.
"One of the families that founded the Holy Grail War." She answered. Ben could sense the weight of the name from the look on Rin's face. Looking at Casko, she had her fox appendages again with her ears perked up on alert. Ben could sense a fight was about to break out so he tried to play it cool to get some more information.
"Good evening Onii-chan. This is the second time we've met." The girl said, staring directly at Shirou.
"You know her?" Ben whispered to Shirou.
"I only saw her once while walking home a night ago." He answered. The girl then notices Ben with Casko standing behind him.
"Strange…I only expected to see Saber here. Judging from your form you must be of the Caster Class. Yet that shouldn't be possible since Caster was already summoned" She then looks at the boy in the green number 10 jacket.
Her eyes widened before she smirked.
"No matter. It was a pleasure to meet you all. I am Ilya, Ilyasviel von Einzbern…Understand. I don't think any more salutations are necessary. Since you're all going to die right here." Ilya said so casually as Ben felt another zap from his watch. It was still bugging out and now he needed it more than ever.
"All right, I'll be killing you then. Go get them! Berserker!" The little master ordered and the beast jumped up to strike them all down in a single blow.
"Shirou, Stand back!" Saber took charge and dashed at Berserker, dropping the unneeded raincoat in the process.
"I'll back you up, Miss Saber," Casko said, following Saber's lead. The Caster then summons her weapon, a circular mirror housed in a blue and gold frame. Eight smaller orbs line the edges of the frame along with two semi-circle blades at opposite ends.
Saber parried the monster's blade with her own while dodging the lightning-fast strikes of Berserker.
Casko focused on ranged attacks using her talismans to unleash power elemental attacks. The battle rages on and the masters can only watch as the two servants scramble around Berserker.
"Rin, What are Berserkers known for?" Shirou asks, trying to hide the steel draining in his voice.
"Berserkers gain immense power but they sacrifice their sanity." Rin answered, trying to figure out her next move right now.
"All brawn and no brains." Ben quipped as he fiddled with his watch trying to override the glitchy DNA scan state.
"Ben, Can you do the thing you did against Lancer and help them?" Shirou said, noticing the device on Ben's wrist thinking it must be how he turned into that diamond creature back at his house.
"I would if this thing would stop trying to Zap me! OW!" Ben said as it happened again.
"What are you two even talking about?! You should be thinking about running! Without a plan your servants aren't going to last long" Rin said, trying to convince these two novices to accept their losses.
"What?! No! That's not happening! I'm not leaving Saber behind Shirou with anger in his voice. Rin was dumbfounded as she thought this guy could never hurt a fly, but that didn't matter. He was useless if he tried to help as he was.
"Neither am I with Casko. Don't you have a servant Rin? Why isn't he helping?" Ben said, pointing out that Rin was a master as well yet her servant was not present.
"Well if you have to ask, Saber critically wounded him! I am NOT going to send him out against Berserker in such a state!" Rin snapped back and Glared at Ben for even suggesting it.
"She's right Ben, I was there," Shirou said, breaking up the glaring contest. Meanwhile, Saber and Casko were holding their ground against the mad titan. The Knight focused on the offensive using her battle intuition to keep ahead of her enemy.
"Argh!" However, the sheer speed of Berserker's strikes proved difficult to dodge or parry.
"I got you Saber!" Casko quickly tosses a talisman at Saber and it heals her completely.
"I appreciate the assistance! RAHHH!" Saber recovered and slashed Berserker's torso. Proving their teamwork was working very well…
"Hmm…That Caster is making things annoying. Berserker! Go after her instead then crush Saber!" Ilya ordered and Her servant obeyed.
"!" Berserker roared and charged towards Caster who started running to avoid getting sliced in half.
"Oh no you don't! Face me!" Saber shouted and continued her attack but Berserker then swats her away with a punch. Casko ran into a nearby wooded area near the church, forcing the fight to a new area.
"Saber!" Shirou ran to his servant who was dazed from the blow to the head.
"Rin, Get Saber back on her feet. I'm going to help Casko!" Ben said while running into the forest and not waiting for a response from them.
Casko was on the run, using the trees to keep herself hidden along with using her magic. Berserker isn't a class known for its tracking skills, so all she has to do is remain out of sight until Saber can Regroup with her.
She then saw a bird made of thread fly past her and Berserker appeared behind her.
"Dammit!" She cursed before throwing a fist full of Talismans right in Berserker's face. However, the cost of that attack was it was a massive explosion sending herself through trees and out into the open
"Not my best reaction…" Casko winced as she pulled herself up on her feet. Her garb was charred and ripped from the force she unleashed. She stands back up as Berserker stomps towards her with his weapon raised. She calls her mirror and blocks the attack, but her strength is no match for him. Casko was batted backwards into a lamppost causing it to dent.
"Ack!" She coughed up blood. Her wounds were grave for herself; she couldn't get herself up without time to heal up.
"It's over for her Berserker. End her then we can get back to-"
A ball of dirt then smacks Ilya in the back of the head.
"EW! Who threw that!" She revolted.
"That would be me!" Ben said, appearing from the woodwork behind her.
"Grrrr….You have a death wish!? Berserker! Get him!" She ordered and Berserker roared once more.
"Come at me you big Ugly!" Ben taunted. The hero was unfazed and focused as the monster of a man ran at him. Taking a deep breath he runs at Berserker right as the servant is about to strike him.
"Master!" Casko cried in desperation and fear.
Ben just makes it and slides under Berserker between the legs.
"Phew…That was a little too close. Now to help you-" Ben paused seeing her injured. He felt a wave of guilt for not being there for her.
"Hah, that was impressive but I am afraid you will die along with your servant!" Ilya said while pulling dirt out of her.
Berserker roared in response as well.
"Ben, Please. Run while you can. I-I not meant to be in this war anyways. It will just make things harder for-"
"No, I am not abandoning you…Not now…Not ever." Ben said as his watch beeped the all-clear signal. Ben smirked as Berserker rushed in for the kill.
"GOING HERO!" Ben activates the Ultimatrix and slams down on the dial. A green light engulfed his body Briefly until his form was no longer of human nature.
"ARMODRILLO," Ben yelled as his fist collided with Berserker's sword, stopping it completely. He then punched Berserker right in the gut with a jackhammer-powered fist. Berserker was backwards thus forcing him on the defensive.
He was now a Talpaedan: primarily yellow, heavily armoured, surprisingly agile, tall as a small monster truck and had biomechanical jackhammers in their arms. Strangely enough, the race had a tiny resemblance to the earthly armadillo as well.
"W-what?" Casko was awestruck at the sight of her master's transformation. She had never seen such a creature. Her ears perked up as she heard footsteps of the others coming in to help. They all were surprised to see the big yellow creature standing off against Berserker.
"Ah, just in time! Casko, can you heal yourself?" Armordrillo asked and she nodded while slapping herself out of her stupor.
"Y-yes. I just need some time." She answered.
"Good. Patch yourself up in the meantime. Me and Saber got this" He said with a kind voice. Casko nodded, agreeing to the plan to let her master protect her instead of the other way around. As much as that went against her instincts, she wasn't in a position to argue
"Saber! Care to even out the odds?" Armordrillo asked.
"Yes, Ben!" She said re-joining the fight. Both Servant and Talpaedan engage berserkers together as everyone watches.
"How on earth? That's Tennyson?" Rin stuttered looking around for the brunette.
"Tohsaka, you're not gonna believe this but yeah. That is him, He transformed into a whole different creature to protect me earlier from Lancer." Shirou said, recalling a story some of his classmates told about a shapeshifting hero in America.
"What the hell is he?!" Rin said as she knew Shirou was no liar.
"Well, Look at you…I thought I recognised you. You're Ben 10!" Ilya said, bringing a sigh of annoyance to Ben as his fame has once again come to cause him problems.
"If you know who I am, Ilya, then you know that this isn't my first rodeo!" Armodrillo said while smacking his fists together.
"Of course! Now things have gotten really exciting! Please show me what you can do, Ben!" Ilya said
"Ben, what is she talking about?" Casko asked while healing herself.
"I'm a famous superhero. Use my powers to help people and beat up bad guys." He answered as his metallic hands shifted into drills.
"M-mikon…" Casko said while standing up. Her wounds were mended and now she was ready to support them. She focused on supporting Saber by increasing the knights via a fresh talisman.
"Alright time for you to get the drill!" Armodrillo threw several punches at Berserker while Saber kept him distracted. With each hit, Ben dealt had enough power to take down castles. Yet whatever Berserker's skin was made of caused Ben's attacks to only throw the titan off balance.
"What's the matter slowpoke, ain't fast enough?" Ben taunted as Saber focused focusing staying on the opposite side of Ben's attacks, Slashing at the berserker's back. Her blade manages to pierce Berserker's skin while using her full strength, but his wounds do not slow him down.
Surprisingly Berzerker began to fight smart by dodging Saber's attacks with skill. Armodrillo slams his fists into the ground creating a shockwave that was able to send Berserker air-born to create an opening.
"NOW!" Armodrillo yells as he rushes at Berserker, readying a haymaker punch to send him flying. But then the target was able to dodge, push off the ground with one hand and land on his feet just in time to block a cross slash from Saber.
"Okay for a supposed Psycho, the guy knows how to dodge.," Armodrillo said, judging the situation. Right now Berserker was comparable to Rath with anger and battle prowess
"Yes, it appears his warrior instinct has not diminished at all by the madness enhancement," Saber said standing next to Ben.
"Any ideas?" Amrodrillo asked as Saber looked at Ben's jackhammer arms and her blade as she got an idea.
"Ben, if you can restrict him long enough I can take his head with my blade," Saber said and Armodrillo nodded and slammed his fists together.
"Time for you to take a dirt nap!" Armodrill then slams his fist into the ground and activates the Jackhammers in his arms.
A fissure opened up between them and the mad warrior. it opens up wider and the ground under Berserker breaks. As he stumbles, Saber Dashes like a bullet at Berserker. Aiming for his head to end the fight
Berserker suddenly roared and out of the blue, He slashed upward through the ground striking a critical blow to Saber. She managed to land on her feet but was bloody from her critical wounds
"No!" Ben rushes in to end it himself but the enemy servant swatted Armodrillo away like a bug and was knocked past the non-combatant allies.
"Master! Please don't move '' Casko rushes to ben side to assist the damage. Armodrillo's torso was cracked and leaking black Talpaedan blood.
"You should see the other guy...UGH!" Ben grunted pain shot throughout his body while the berserker was unharmed with barely a few scratches on him.
Ben looked up and saw Rin using some form of magic attack to cover Saber who was struggling to get up.
"Hoho I thought Ben 10 would pull out some amazing form to fight the great Hercules. But I guess even a modern day superhero isn't a challenge for the son of zeus" Ilya revealed who her servant was and everyone went silent. This explains why both of their attacks were doing little damage...They were fighting a demigod with an anger problem.
"But...I have to admit your Caster earlier did fry Berserker's skin faster than he could increase his resistance. " Illya pouted.
"Oh well, Berserker, End Saber" she ordered.
Shirou was worried as Ben and Saber were Down, Casko was tending to Ben and Rin's attacks were useless. He saw Berserker raise his weapon to the battered Saber, the woman who he just met and saved Ben from Lancer.
"I won't just stand here," Shirou grunted, his thoughts raced through the memories of the fire that took many lives. He can't just leave her there…Without question, his body was taken over by his instincts.
"SABER!" Shirou yelled out. Saber turned around to see her master running to her and before she could tell him to stop, he grabbed her...pulled out of the way...and took the hit. Shirou fell to the ground in a bloody mess, everyone was stunned, even Illya.
"SHIROU! NOOOOO!" Ben screamed as he saw someone who clearly couldn't hold a stone to the titan get hurt and that enraged him. He pushes himself up, ignoring the pain that surges through his body. He gets himself back up onto his feet as he steps forward.
"Master, Please you are hurt!" Caskos begged as she thought her master was about to kill himself.
"She's right Tennyson! We have to retreat!" Rin said.
"I won't…let you…Get away with this…Ilya." Ben Glared at the Einzbern magus with glowing green eyes as he stepped in front of Saber who was holding onto a bleeding Shirou.
"You can't win against me. Berserker is the strongest." Ilya stated and is still mentally recovering from what Shirou just did.
Ben just let out a small laugh in response.
"I may be down, but not out…" Ben said as he turned the Ultimatrix badge on his chest clockwise.
"There's a time to go hero…Then there's a Time to go ULTIMATE!" Ben then slaps the Ultimatrix and another wave of green energy engulfs him. Triggering the unique feature exclusive to this version of the watch: Hyper evolution. Armodrillo was now taller and had heavy black armour plating with yellow accents and spikes that improved defence. His arm drills now were three times the size permanently in attack form with three drill bits instead of one for each hand.
"ULTIMATE ARMODRILLO!" He shouts with renewed strength as his empowered drill hands crackle with green energy. charges forward using newly evolved bio thrusters in his back and punches Berserker in the face, doing sizable damage to the beast and dodging the counterattack.
"He's just full of surprises…"Casko said, she then shook her head as it was now time for her to rejoin the fray and summoned her mirror once more to create a bunch of talismans to infuse with powerful magic. With her power, she casts massive fireballs and ice spikes at Berserker when her master creates an opening after an earth-shattering uppercut.
"Take this! Elements of the Heavens!" She then unleashed her attack stunning the berserker with the magical barrage.
upped the attack repeatedly punched the monster and brought the berserker to one knee. The evolved Talepadien spins his drills and they fuse into one bigger drill made of pure kinetic energy.
"Don't...YOU...EVER HURT MY FRIENDS!" Ben pounded each word into the Berserker's face causing his head to explode! The titan fell to its side as Ben backed away breathing heavily after exerting himself to kill Berserker.
" It's over." Ben sighed at victory still feeling ill from the thought he just killed someone as he looked down at his bloody drill hands…
"For now at least, You amazing Ben nii-chan! Onii Chan is smart for siding with you" Illya cheerfully said. And the titan rolled over revealing that his face was regenerating before fading to spirit form.
"You took out ONE of Berserker's lives" Everyone goes silent with that comment from Master of Berserker..
"Well goodbye, everyone! Oh, Rin, don't think I have forgotten about you, we'll be seeing each other in the future. ." Ilya makes one last threat and walks away. All that was left was silence other than falling to his knees before devolving and then reverting to human Ben. His human form is heavily bruised but not gravely wounded thanks to the hyper-evolution healing of the initial wounds. His body still cried out in pain as he nearly fell over from exhaustion. Thankfully Casko was there to catch him in her arms.
"Casko…" Ben said with his consciousness blinking in and out.
"Yes Master?" Caster said with worry in her Golden coloured eyes.
"Help Shirou and..Saber...please-" Ben then fainted from exhaustion.
As both boys were knocked out due to their wounds, their minds were drawn to strange visions and dreams.
For Shirou all he could see was…
Swords...as far as the eye can see within a desert landscape…Some would call this odd but Shirou somehow was content with the view. He didn't know where he was as he just walked around...Then a golden light flashed in the distance, so he ran to it as it was beautifully radiant. The faster he ran, the brighter the light until it engulfed his whole being.
Ben's mind had other surprises in store as now he was walking down a dirt road he didn't know where he was. Then he heard footsteps and voices.
"Find the witch and force her to surrender for execution!" the leader of the search party ordered his men. The thing that surprised Ben was that they were wearing what seemed to be ancient-looking armour. Ben only guessed this because it reminded him of one of the video games he played. He continued on the path before spotting Casko running through the bushes.
"Casko? Hey! Wait up!" Ben called out, but she didn't react to his words. Ben then ran after her until his vision was blinded by bright sunlight.
Ben then opens up his eyes to find himself in his room at the Emiya residence.
"Good morning Ben!" A familiar voice said and Ben turned his head to find Caster taking bedside vigil.
"G-good Morning Casko" Ben greeted his servant as decided to sit up.
"Argh" A small sharp pain shot up his torso and the Casko spoke up.
"Easy there master, I have dealt with all your bruises, but your body is still recovering from that fight.." Caster gave her doctor's notes to Ben who was used to getting banged up.
"Well, fighting two Heroic Spirits in one night will do that to ya. ." Ben joked and paused to recollect what happened last night. He then gasped remembering what happened to Saber and Shirou
"How's Shirou and Saber doing?!" Ben quickly asked.
"They are both doing well. It was easy to patch them up since Saber has a rapidhealing rate and Shirou seems to also share it as. With the help of Rin and Archer with we carried the three of you back here "
Caster cheerfully reported and Ben was relieved. This made the Kitsune servant smile and I decided to ask an important question.
"Master, if it too much to ask-"
"You wanna know how I transformed?" Ben cuts her off and she nods with great interest. Ben then raised his left arm to show off the green gauntlet-like device: The Ultimatrix.
"This is the Ultimatrix, a device that can change my DNA into that of another intelligent alien species. Thus giving me their powers and abilities. By the way, this is undeniable proof that there is life on other planets." Ben explained the basic function of his watch and powered it up to show the many forms he had. Caster was amazed, she knew the device had to be important because she couldn't remove it while treating Ben.
"How many do you have?" She asked.
"Around Forty-eight with millions yet to unlock" Ben answered.
"M-mikon! And how long have you been a superhero?" Caster asked
"A few years now." Ben answered.
"MIIKKOOON, Casko scored an amazing master who not only has powerful transformations but is also a famous hero!." The pink-haired servant couldn't Hold in her amazement any more and was fangirling over her master out loud with her tail wagging rapidly.
"OH" She realised what she was doing and turned red. Ben didn't mind as he found it kind of adorable. He then looks at his hands and the image of the bloodied drills of, deeply disturbing him.
"Is something wrong, master?" Caster asked, noticing his uncomfortable look.
"I…I don't kill people with my powers. It's not how I deal with fights…Even though you are servants, I still see you guys no differently than any other person. I'll still do what needs to be done so innocent lives don't get hurt…But it is still horrible." Ben said what was on his mind. Sometimes his actions resulted in some of his enemies perishing, but that was mostly due to their actions. It also doesn't help that some of them just end up resurrecting, such as Ghostfreak.
"Sorry if I sound naive but-"
Ben was then interrupted by Caster wrapping her arms around him and bringing him into a hug. His mind pauses with the sudden act of affection and comfort for him.
"It's okay Ben, it's good that you care…I am so sorry you got dragged into this bloody battle. But I think if anyone can do good with the Grail, it's you." Caster said with pure honesty as she could truly see the pure heart her master had.
Ben was still frozen by the act of kindness, it had been a long time since he felt such softness…Then he realised where his head was resting on Caster's body and he gently moved himself away.
"I-I..T-Thanks, Caster. Umm I think I'll go to check on the others." Ben said while hiding his blushed face.
"Oh then you should go to the living room, Ms Tohsaka is waiting for you there." Casko suggested as Ben got up and put his jacket on. He wondered what Rin wanted to talk about but he should at least thank the girl for the help.
"Alrighty then, I'll go see what she wants. Catch you later and thanks again for helping us." Ben said before leaving his room as she smiled. The moment he closed the door she started fangirling over him and danced about with excitement.
'Mikooooooon! I am so lucky! He is so kind and is strong on his own! Maybe he could…' Caster then paused her burst of cheeriness.
'...No…It's best he doesn't know what kind of monster I am…' She then hangs her head in shame.
Ben walks into the living room to find Rin and Shirou sipping some tea while waiting for him. He was relieved to see the Redhead was alive and well after the beating he took from Berserker. Caster must've pulled a miracle there as he looked utterly unharmed. Just had some bandages peaking past his shirt collar.
"Ahh Tennyson good see that you're up" Rin greeted Ben who was wondering why Rin was still sticking around here with her being outnumbered and all. The brunette teen then sits down next to Shirou and Rin pours him a cup of tea.
"So I hope you both understand the situation. This is serious." Rin stated referring to the Holy Grail war as Ben sipped his tea.
"Merely waiting around for a servant to attack isn't a good idea" She continued.
"Why isn't it between the masters and the servants in secret?" Shirou asked.
"No, Because some masters will try to use alternative means to power up more mana for their servants: Human souls" Shirou tensed up but Ben sipped his tea as he put two and two together. Some masters don't play by the rules and get innocent lives killed to get an advantage.
"Why?" Shirou asked, feeling disgusted with the thought of innocents getting hurt.
"Because bad guys with power don't care about the rules and will do anything to get what they want. It's sick and wrong, which is why we must be careful. " Ben said from experience. Shirou was amazed at Ben keeping calm and understanding the situation while he was having his blood boil.
"You seem oddly used to this situation." Rin asked curiously.
"Well, Ilya wasn't lying. I am a superhero, so I have experience with this sort of thing…It's also not my first run in with mages and the paranormal.." Ben stated, giving a small warning to Rin as he hadn't forgotten that they were still enemies.
"Well I'm done here" Rin finished her tea and headed for the front door. Shirou and Ben saw her out as she put on her shoes.
"Thanks, Tohsaka" Shirou thanked her again for helping him and the others. Rin paused for a moment as she wanted to ally with Shirou then her eyes went to Ben. He was too much of an unknown to trust especially the fact he was an Eighth master
"Emiya,Tennyson...next time we meet...it's better not to think of me as a human being" Rin stepped out with that final statement.
Ben and Shirou just stood there for a moment as they looked at each other. Both wanted this war to end with as little bloodshed as possible.
"Tennyson, Emiya, rejoice! Your deepest darkest desires shall come true!" Kirei's voice echoed in both their minds causing Ben to get chills and Shirou to feel like throwing up.
"Any chance you'll be up for an alliance?" Ben asked as Shirou quickly snapped out of his nausea
"I was about to ask you the same thing. I want to end this war to prevent another disaster and I would appreciate it if you can help me." Shirou replied.
"Hey you're letting me live here, it would be dumb of me to fight you guys" Ben chuckled and offered Shirou a handshake. Shirou accepted and thus a very advantageous alliance was formed within the fifth holy grail war
"We'd Better check in with Saber and Casko. They are a part of this too." Shirou said and they went off to look for their servants.
"Oh you already know Caster's nickname?" Ben asked.
"Rin explained it to me when I was talking to her after I got up." Shirou said.
They found the kitsune sitting on the veranda, perhaps she was waiting for Rin to leave.
"Oh Master and Shirou, how are you two doing? Caster asked cheerfully.
"Good, Tohsaka filled us in on what happened and then left. Oh and we're teaming up with Shirou and Saber," Ben said and Casko happily nodded.
"I have expected as much. So I guess you're looking for a Saber? She's in the dojo" Casko then joined the boys in the dojo. Shirou entered first and laid his eyes sabre. She was sitting seiza style wearing a blue skirt, white blouse and stockings. Shirou snapped out of his stare when Saber greeted her master.
"Good morning, Shirou, how are you?" Saber then got up and walked to the master to check his condition.
"I feel good, Just got up" Shirou's face turned red due to Saber looking at him. Saber then turned to the other two in the room
"Hello Ben , Hello Casko" Saber greeted them and they greeted each other.
"So how are you doing saber?" Ben asked since he remembered how beaten she was last night.
"I'm doing well. My injuries have almost fully healed thanks to Casko." She answered Ben and thanked his servant again.
"Also thank you both for pushing the berserker back, Shirou and I probably would've been killed." she said before looking at her master with a disappointed look.
Which reminds me.." she then turns to Shirou and stares directly into his eyes.
"Master, I would rather not have to repeat your actions last night, Combat is my domain of expertise and you must carry out your role. As my master you have nothing to gain from protecting me." Saber had to say it, she didn't want her master to be killed foolishly by protecting her. Ben couldn't believe what he was hearing and was about to speak up but Shirou beat him to it.
"Are you telling me there is nothing to gain by helping somebody?" Shirou taking a stance on his actions. This made Saber pause for a moment because she didn't know what to say at the moment. Shirou then decided to change the subject to avoid the awkwardness.
"...Calling you saber is fine right?" He asked to confirm.
"Yes, I am you servant and will fight for you by any means necessary" Saber accepted her name as a servant
"That doesn't include attacking people for mana does it?" Shirou had to ask
"No, As I knight attacking someone unarmed and innocent goes against the oaths I have taken up. But if you must, I will obey" Saber responded.
"But it would cost you a piece of your command seal on your hand" Saber added the fact she wouldn't do it unless a command seal was used. Shirou was relieved.
"No, I would never ask you to do that. I'm sorry, I have unknowingly insulted you" he then lowered his head.
"No, please raise your head. It was my fault for assuming your intentions." Saber apologised to her master as she understood that he wasn't that cruel of a man.
Ben was glad to find that Saber and Shirou were like-minded. He then looked to Casko who instantly knew what he was thinking and said: "Don't worry master I will never do anything against your wishes"
"Um ah thanks ...So, Shirou you're gonna fill Saber in on what's going on," Ben asks the redhead, while wondering if Caster can read his mind.
"Oh yeah! Saber, I would like for us to team up with Ben and Casko. Since they are the eighth pair, we don't have to fight them. Shirou informed Saber of his plans.
"I see" Saber paused for a moment to think as this was a really good opportunity for her as she could ally without breaking it in the end.
"I think it's a good Idea but I would like to ask Ben some questions." Saber said.
"Alright but can we sit down? I'm still a bit sore." Ben expected this conversation to come and wanted to get off his feet while he explained his life story. Everyone sat down and gave Ben their full attention.
"Well it started back when I was Ten, I was on a trip with my Grandpa and cousin. During our first night, I was out minding my own business as a shooting star shot across the sky. Only to have it shortly change direction right at me. I managed to get out of the way before it crashed. Of course, being Ten years old, I checked it out. Only to find out it was to contain the Omnitrix, an alien device that can change its user DNA to that of another Alien species." Ben started with the first time he found the Omnitrix, his night of fate.
"W-what! You mean that Aliens exist? For real?" Shirou asked curiously.
"Yep, and boy there are lots of them. When I first got the Omnitrix I turned Into Heatblast, A Pyronite. An alien species with awesome powers over fire. "
Ben recalled the time when he first transformed into Heatblast and caused a small forest fire. Luckily no one got hurt thanks to his grandpa's guidance.
"With the Omintrix stuck on my wrist and no way to take it off, I decided to use my newfound powers for good." Ben said.
"Ben, You mentioned to Tohsaka that you have experience with villains? What kind of bad guys did you face?" Shirou asked with great interest.
"Lots of them, Some from earth while others were aliens. Most of them wanted my watch's power for themselves so they constantly hounded me for it. Definitely made that summer trip really interesting with all the trouble that seemed to find me. I fought many villains such as a group of knights that were after alien tech, a mad scientist who was constantly meddling with animal DNA, but I would say the biggest threat then was Vilgax. An alien warlord after the Omnitrix for his own evil purpose." The hero retold the stories of his first summer with the DNA-changing device from the stars.
"All of this while you were Ten years old?!" Caster asked, shocked as to how a child could handle all of that. Saber herself was curious about the many enemies he faced, He must've felt the responsibility of his powers after learning the threats that came with them. Learning all of that at a young age must've been a trial.
"I wasn't alone during that summer, Both my Grandpa Max and Cousin Gwen helped me a lot. Grandpa Max was there to help me understand my powers and guide me to make the right use of them. Gwen, we butted heads many times back then but her magic powers came in handy whenever the watch timed out." Ben said as he learned to be grateful to have others around to help him out. He can't imagine what it would've been like without those two around back then.
"You mentioned your cousin was a magic user, right?" Caster asked, recalling last night.
"Yep, Gwen eventually learned to use magic during that summer after fighting a girl named Charmcaster, a rogue mage hunting for power herself. My cousin only got stronger over the years and she really helped me out after I decided to put the watch back on a year ago after taking a break." Ben continued.
"So, nowadays, I am working with both my cousin and my best friend Kevin. Been through many bozos over the past two years, both old and new. Actually, I had to sacrifice the Omnitrix recently. Having to destroy it to keep out of vilgax's hands, Lucky my evil twin built a similar device for his own purposes." Ben then revealed the device for everyone to see.
"What happened to your old watch?" Saber asked.
"Vilgax held my friends hostage so I had to give it to him. When I faced him again I ordered the Omnitrix to self-destruct. I hoped that he would give it back with the threat of losing it forever. But he was stubborn and it exploded in his face. Thank goodness Albedo, an alien whose body is stuck looking like me, had the Ultimatrix. So I triggered it to self-destruct, Albedo was smart and handed it over. Allow me to become a hero once more and kick Vilgax's butt." Ben said and everyone was in awe. Risking permanently losing his powers to save others was a tough choice to make and Ben made the call himself.
Shirou was in pure amazement If Ben was to be believed. He was sitting next to a real-life hero! A champion of justice in his eyes! Shirou's mind was set on making allies with Ben as he could be the key to helping Shirou achieve his dreams.
Saber could sense no lie within Ben's words and she saw his experience first hand last night. With her current situation of not being able to recover mana, an alliance is a must for victory. Now that it seems that two pairs can receive the grail it allows it removes the eventuality of having to fight allies in the endgame.
Casko…Was ecstatic with glee as she seemed to hit the jackpot for a master with her class being one of the weaker ones. However, it did leave a tinge of worry within her as she knew that Ben would be fighting against servants. Beings that have trump cards with devastating effects. It did put her at ease that it looks like the Alliance is pretty much guaranteed now.
"Anyways that pretty much sums most stuff about me. Well if you guys believe me or not " Ben gave a good summary of his life the best he could do. He felt like he covered most things that should make it easier to explain his abilities and hopefully gain the full trust of his newfound allies.
"Not gonna lie that a lot of what you said is really nuts, but then I saw what you can do. So to me that's proof enough." Shirou said and Saber nodded in agreement.
"I can see the determination in your eyes so, I believe making an alliance with you and caster is our best option" Saber accepted the offered alliance.
"I swear on my honour as a knight I will not betray you or Caster as we are allied" Saber stated an oath to Ben and Caster.
"Thank you Saber, I too will do no harm to you and shirou" Caster and everyone shook hands...then Shirou and Ben's stomachs let out a loud growl.
"Let's go eat. Hunger is the enemy" Saber and the group headed out. Shirou was taking a glance at Saber. He was glad that she and he shared the same morals.
"Is there something wrong" master? Saber noticed her master's eyes on her.
"Ohhh I was just thinking are you gonna be fine with japanese food?" Shirou quickly asked Saber with a red face.
"I have no preference, extravagance is the enemy" She stated and Shirou sighed in relief.
"Seems like there's a lot of enemies," Shirou jokingly pointed out.
"It would seem so but It's good to have allies" Saber responded smiling as they both left to the dojo leaving Casko and Ben alone in the dojo.
"So, What do you think about it, Casko? Seems really crazy eh?" Ben asked his rosy-haired ally only to find her seemed to be lost in thought.
"Mikon…Mikon…I can't mess this up…" Caster was muttering to herself while looking away from Ben.
"Casko?" The brunette asked again.
"Oh! Um…No! You are amazing, Master! I am glad to have answered your call." Caskosaid, coming out of her daydreaming state. She then realised that she should explain some details about herself as a servant just to get those out of the way.
"I do wish to explain some things about myself, just so that you understand my limitations." Caster said with a little embarrassment in her voice.
"Ok then. Don't feel like you have to spill anything you are uncomfortable with." Ben said honestly.
"Ah, Thank you Master. I just wanted to mention that as a Caster, While I am great at magecraft, my defences are quite low, basically paper." She said sheepishly.
"I get it. You more of an attack from range or support type deal, eh?" Ben said as she was
comparing it to how some of his forms are better at defence or agility rather than raw attack power.
"Ah good you're a quick learner. As expected from a hero like you. Master! Yes, so you can imagine my relief that we allied with Saber. One of the most strongest servant Classes" Casko said honestly as this alliance is one the best things that could happen for a servant of her class and calibre.
"Glad to hear that then-Ow!" Ben winced as his shoulders felt a spike of pain.
"Oh! Master, be careful! Here, I will make it better." Casko then pulled his jacket off his shoulders and started messaging them along with his upper back. Ben didn't have time to react before he started feeling massive relief as she massaged him. He just sat there as the magical fox girl hummed happily tending to her master.
'Good thing Kevin isn't here to see this…I wouldn't hear the end of it.' Ben thought as his servant worked away the pain.
AN: Berserker is back at it again with his usual Imdomidable strength and almost chopping Shirou in half. Thank god for plot armour. After seeing the initial fight redone in Ufotable Fate animes I'd figure to give it more action and throw in another attempt at a new Ultimate Alien with Armodrillo. Berserker is a demigod so going Ultimate would even the scales a bit more.
As you can tell decided on ''Casko" For Tamamo's name until her true name is revealed way later on. It's one of here nicknames made by the Extraverse Fandom so works well here and saves me the headache of having Both Casters in the same chapter.
So far things are going smoothly with ideas on some expansion to the Post story arc to give more goodies before doing the sequel.
Well, that's all for now!
Have a nice day!