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Fate/novissima Dissonance
Dominance - Necessary Discrepancy
4/9/2029 Adashino Residence, Aalborg, Denmark Morning - Clear Sky
I find myself in a dream. I was sleeping soundly back in my room in this home. Last night was something that I never expected nor experienced. As I was expecting more visions of my past… Instead, I was standing here in the lone forest with the sun setting like gold. This must be familiar… Of course, this is Saber's past. Bedivere was standing there to look at the person. A blonde haired woman wearing armor. Is that really King Arthur? But, I did see Bedivere standing there as he had a worried look on his face.
"Bedivere… I ask of you… deliver Excalibur to the Lake and have it returned. So that way I can rest peacefully and return to Avalon." The voice known as King Arthur spoke to him as he was afraid. Afraid of losing her king, he was this loyal to her. But I continued listening and watching.
"M-My king… I… I cannot do that…! You're all I have and your kingdom has fallen! I can't lose you!" Bedivere pleaded in sadness as King Arthur simply smiled.
"Do not worry, my time as a King has come to an end. You don't need to serve under me anymore. So please, deliver the holy sword to the lake. You must… get it done… So go…" King Arthur commands the loyal knight as he struggles to comprehend. But the orders from the king are absolute. Thus, he had to comply.
"Very well, My King… I'll get it done." Bedivere replied as he proceeded to turn around. He got on his white horse with the Excalibur in tow.
His horse galloped through the forest as the scene took me to where the lake would take place. Bedivere got off his steed and readied himself to toss the sacred sword to the lake. He stared at the sword and the body of water to ponder at this moment. Yet, the King would tell him to do it and everything will come to an end. But, he refused. He turned back and got on the steed and returned back to where the dying king was resting upon the tree at. The moment he got back… The king said nothing… being patient to wait for the sword to be delivered to the lake. Yet, Bedivere was unable to. He struggles with the choice that he merely wanted to see the King again. But… he attempted a second time. And the moment he returned back to the lake. He stood there, pondering again with Excalibur in hand. He tried to throw the sword into the lake without thinking but his mind did stop his arm from letting it go from a simple toss. He lets his arm down, turning back on his steed to ride back to where the King rests. When he returned, the King was still there. And so, he returned back to the lake… for the third time. As he was there, he couldn't do anything. He didn't want his King to disappear. All he ever wanted… is to stay by her side… forever… and ever… till the day he dies. So, he makes his one last visit to the King before he is ready to make a choice. But when he returned… this time, the King was on the floor… no longer smiling. She had fallen… the moment Bedivere rushed towards her and tried to wake her.
"M-My King! Wake up! Wake up!" Bedivere tried to talk to her but she wasn't responding… Upon realization… his eyes widened in fear that it finally happened… She was dead. "N-No…! My King! Please… Wake up…! I… I failed… I failed to send Excalibur to the Lake. T-This… This can't be happening…! Please! Don't leave me, My king! UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
He lets out an emotional yell that he finally lost his beloved King that he was loyal towards her. He has lost everything. Camelot is gone. Knights of the Round Table is gone. His fellow knights… gone. And yet, he sheds a tear from his eyes and still holds Excalibur in his hand… a sin that he has to bear. I couldn't find a way to react to this… He was right. This was his cardinal sin. Now I wonder why he wants to have his wish granted… to make things right for the better good. And so, time pauses around me as everything is completely monochrome. There, I turned around to see a door… a green door that stood out the most. Where is it taking me this time? I slowly approached the door, turning the knob of it the moment I lightly pushed the door open as the light engulfed me and the whole area as I covered my eyes with my arms. As the brightness dies down… I find myself in a completely different area at a different time… I find myself at this outdoor temple where the building itself was entirely made out of white pure stone and marble. And it appears that the temple itself rests upon the highest mountains above the clouds. There, the grand hall filled with statues of the great Olympians were shown in its glory. This must be Mount Olympus? Does that mean… Of course! This must be Demeter's past. There, I saw a large man with pale skin and long white hair with bulky built muscles and wore clothing that is from Ancient Greece but much higher in power and nobility as he sat on the stone throne. Is that… Zeus? And there was my Servant, she was standing there, trying to plead Zeus about what's going on.
"Please, Lord Zeus! Don't speak harshly on Persephone. She made her choice to wed the king of the Underworld. Can't you see that Lord Hades is your brother? Open your eyes! She's living a happier life with him with her son to be born!" Demeter pleaded with Zeus to rethink his actions. But he was ignorant through and through as he slams his hand on the throne.
"Enough, Demeter! I will not hear any further from you. Hades is nothing more than a thorn on my side. To think our daughter would marry and have a child with… him? Unacceptable… This is completely unacceptable. I shall pay a visit to the Underworld… and handle this matter myself. Do not stop me. Or else you will face your consequences." Zeus then stood up from his throne as the strike of thunder smites upon him. The flash of thundering light teleports him to the Underworld. Demeter was afraid that Zeus would do something that she would expect to be much worse and horrible. She had to rush to the realm of the Underworld.
As she had made it to the Underworld below the land of the living thanks to Charon providing a ride down to Hades' domain. She had arrived here in the dead of night but… it was already too late. Zeus had already sent the House of Hades ablaze and tumultuous ruin.
"N-NOO! Persephone! Please be okay!" Demeter continued to run down the moment she entered the house…
She was expecting a calm civil talk and hoped to quell this situation. But instead… Zeus chose violence. Hypnos was slain, The Furies were slain, Theseus was slain, everyone who died and sent to the Underworld under the care of Lord Hades… slain. And just as she saw within her eyes… Lord Hades was impaled by the golden sword shaped like lightning… And worse of all, she saw Zeus standing there, looking at Persephone on the floor the moment he turned his head to look at Demeter's arrival. He had done it… His rage had killed everyone in the Underworld. And his actions had shaken the realm itself. The thunder smites him again, teleporting away as Demeter called out her name and rushed over to her.
"N-No… NO! My daughter…! Please wake up… This can't be… I can… I can feel it… Her stillborn son in her womb… dead… This can't be… Why… Why must you hate me so, Zeus! I am your wife! How could you do this to her and Lord Hades…. WHY!?" Demeter feels anger as she proceeds to sob and cry, sending tears down her eyes as she proceeds to mourn her daughter's apparent death.
And by stillborn son… Does she mean Zagreus? Now I understand her part of the story. Her wish is to reunite with her daughter Persephone without the interference of Zeus hanging about. And so, my mind begins to feel hazy as reality is dragging me back from my slumber as everything becomes silent in the void.
And so… I opened my eyes, waking up inside my room as I yawned. These visions… Saber and Caster had their own grief… their loss… their pain. I can feel them. They're similar to mine of how I lost my mother. Is this really fate? No… This is something I can't understand. I shouldn't tell my Servants about this. It's better to not speak up and just go about my day. Now that I know their past of how everything ended. Hopefully I'll find a way to comfort them… when the time is right. For now, I need to focus on what's ahead. It's currently daytime. I have a lot of time to do whatever I want. Though, I was informed earlier by Bedivere last night when I was about to sleep that he wants to do some grocery shopping in the morning and stock up on some food for cooking. So he's currently busy right now. For now, the only Servant remaining in my home is none other than Caster. She's not at her workshop in the attic right now but I can assume that she's outside in the backyard in order to look after the garden that she's been tending. Hence why she holds the status of being the goddess of land and harvest. So I got off my bed and decided to do some few stretches here and there. I proceeded to leave the room and headed down stairs towards the backyard where I could see Caster doing her own thing as she was seen using the watering can to lightly pour the flowers in order to take care of them in this morning daylight. She seemed happy about it as if she's going about her day. That is until she sensed my presence and stopped the moment she looked at me.
"Oh. Good morning, Master. I hope you had a good sleep. And I see you still have the pendant I made for you. Glad you didn't die so far." Caster said to me as I scratched the back of my head.
"I mean yeah. I didn't die just yet. The first night was only the start. How was fighting Berserker from last night?" I asked her about it and she does remember it as she spoke to me.
"She fights like a brute, to be honest. But she is a capable fighter. For a Berserker, she still has a mind and hasn't lost herself yet." Caster explained to me as I pondered upon this face.
"Hmm… Still have a mind? Does that mean the Berserker that Midadol summoned has a low rank Madness Enhancement? No… it wouldn't make sense. Anyways, things aside… I see you're taking care of the garden?" I said to her as she nodded with a small smile on her face.
"Of course, I couldn't just leave them to rot. You know, my daughter loves taking care of the plants back at her cottage in the land of the living. I would visit her sometimes and spend time with her. Of course, she was the first to tell me that she is to wed Lord Hades." Caster explained her side of the story in more detail about her daughter Persephone. She must have been a nice person. The flashback reminds me once more of her death by the hand of Zeus as I soon snap back to reality. Right… things went downhill. I shouldn't bring up what happened. Otherwise, it'll make myself look bad.
"She must have been a fine daughter, in my opinion." I said to her as she nodded.
"Indeed she is. Pray tell, where is Saber? I feel like he hasn't informed me the moment he left just two minutes ago." Caster wondered about where he is at the moment.
"Ahh… I guess he forgot. Saber said that he's going to find the outdoor market at the main city to buy some groceries. But speaking of it… Are you currently free right now?" I asked Caster as she seemed a bit surprised.
"I am. May I ask why?" Caster asked.
"Well, I was thinking if we can have a casual stroll around the main city… and probably check out the large river there. Just to enjoy the view. You'd be okay with it, right?" I asked her kindly on my offer as she seemed to be willing to agree.
"Certainly, Master. I'd love to explore the city with you. Perhaps we can shop for more plants while we're at it." Caster said as I scratched the back of my head.
"Err… We did that yesterday. I have one place in mind so we can see the view itself in Aalborg. If you're finished with the garden. Meet me outside the home so we can get going." I said to her as I turned around and made my leave out of the house in order to wait for her outside. Then again, perhaps I'm just asking too much but it's daytime. I need a lot of time to prepare for what's next. But just as Caster managed to meet me outside the moment we went somewhere…
Oceanspot Cafe & Bowling, Aalborg, Denmark Daytime - Clear Sky
"Oh god… It has to be you…" I rolled my eyes in annoyance that Archer is here somehow… Did he even know where I was intending to go there?
"Well now, I'd never expect to see you here." Archer said as he wore his casual clothing to blend in with the people here. "But all and all… it's a good day here, isn't it? Or perhaps you're just here to get some coffee?"
"Enough of your theatrics. Be glad that we don't initiate attacks during the day." I replied with a deadpan expression as we sat at the table behind Archer as we pretty much acted normal. But knowing him… I'm expecting answers from last night. "You know why…"
"I know, I know… You're here for answers. You're the type of person who wants to get things done and do the next. I kinda know your mentality all too well." Archer said as I can expect a smug look on his face.
"Master… is it even wise to talk to him? What if he provides us with the false information? We'll be tricked." Caster spoke with concern as Archer proceeded to eat his meal.
"C'mon now, Caster. As I said… I'm a man of my word. And a man never tricks anyone. Now then, about my Master…" Archer said as I remained silent to hear him. I get the feeling that he's serious about it. Willing to rat out her possible location in order for me to search Midadol… the Master of Archer and Berserker. "If you wanna know where she's at… She resides at the abandoned place called the Kerstin Museum of Modern Arts. Surely you know where that is, right?"
"Kerstin…" I said in my thoughts the moment I brought out my phone and searched up the location… And the moment I find it… it's there. Just down southwest of there. "To think she would coup herself up in that museum… While I do thank you but I want questions… Why are you so willing to betray your own Master?"
"Hey now, I wouldn't call this a betrayal. I just wanna see how this unfolds the moment you confront my Master. She hasn't found out that she's been compromised. I kinda used to have a wish for the Grail but… I'm starting to doubt her. She has no care for the Grail at all. Something is at play here. And I think you're the one capable of fighting her. Just beware that Berserker isn't willing to back down… She's been on edge after what happened… And guess what? My Master wasted one command seal." Archer explained his reasons and what happened previously as he finished up eating the moment he stood up from the chair and left. "Ahhh… Thank you for the food… Anyways, I should be going now. Now that I've given you the information… The next time you come to her domain… Just know that my Master is not gonna pull any punches. As for me… I got things to do."
Archer proceeds to leave the place as it was only two of us here at the table while there are others who are bowling here right now as I hear the pins as the bowling ball struck all ten down. Saber is still out and about as he is shopping at the moment. Caster remained silent knowing that I got my chance. A chance to ask Midadol about Beryl's whereabouts.
"Master… I do believe we should contact Saber after this. I just hope that Archer speaks true… Yet, he's willing to help us even though we're enemies." Caster said as I put my phone away and remained calm with my hands on the table as I looked at my Command Seal.
"They are our enemies, Caster. We shouldn't take them lightly now that Midadol might be put on high alert for the next night. However, I need you and Saber to handle the Servants… while I handle the Master. And don't worry about me. I have Rengoku and the pendant you made. You said that it can revive me from a fatal blow for one use. So I'm going to be careful with it-" I realized something that my phone was vibrating the moment I took it out. It was a message to a person named Cerejeira Elron… Right… I almost forgot…
"Master?" Caster asked me.
"Hold up. There's… something I need to do on this phone. Things came up. Can you be patient just a little longer?" I asked her about it as she nodded. "Thank you."
Cerejeira… She's my only love interest, or rather my girlfriend the first time I met her back in Tokyo. When I first met her, she was having a vacation… well, she told me that she works for the Chaldea Foundation. Some organization that helps things. I don't know too well about that foundation but she's simply an employee there. From time to time, we would get along with each visit at the particular area. The backstreets of a popular coffee shop Catching the Rain in Sangenjaya which is of course, found in Tokyo. It was her message that she posted on my phone. But, my mind begins to flashback… after we've pretty much known each other… This was the part where she would find out about my mother's death a few days later.
-[Flashback: Mourning the Loss]-
The memories in my mind show me the flashback… I find myself sitting on the table with Cerejeira where we would try to enjoy ourselves here. But the struggles of loss hit me hard as I felt a bit down. Only for me to stare at the cup of coffee through the reflection of myself.
"Are you okay, Jin?" Cerejeira said to me. She had sky blue long hair with some magenta at the ends of it. She had a gloomy look on her gray eyes and had those star marks under her side of the left eye. She was wearing a simple nice dress as I looked at her.
"Y-Yeah… It's just that… that…" I had a hard time explaining as I let out a sigh. "Sorry… I just kinda feel bad. Things went downhill for me after what happened."
"…I understand how you feel. Having to experience the loss of your family members or loved ones can be hard to move on. The more you keep dwelling on it, the more you'll begin to lose yourself. This isn't you." Cerejeira said to me with worry as I began to calm down and… try to remain calm. It's never easy to let things go. But she is right in what she said… clinging on it will only make things worse.
"I… You're right… My mother loved me and wanted me to succeed. But everything came crashing down on me." I continued as I drank the coffee in order to calm down. "But, the only person I have to look after is Misaya. She's the only one I have."
"Misaya, huh? You deeply care for her, do you?" She asked me as I nodded.
"I do. I swore to protect her now that she has become the heir instead. So I have to help her with every step of the way so she can continue the Adashino legacy." I explained to her about it as she begins to think and understand the situation I'm in. So, she looked back at me.
"I know you can, Jin. Just know that I'm here for you. The only thing you need to do is to move forward. Make your mother proud." Cerejeira told me as I looked at my hands as I let it down on the table. She's right, I have to move forward. Yet, the darkness hiding within me is holding me back as I wanted one thing… Revenge… I can't tell her about it. She mustn't find out. But her words encouraged me nonetheless.
"Thank you, Cerejeira. I know you wanted me to come with you on this but… You said you're on vacation, still?" I said to her as she responded.
"I do. Well, tomorrow I have to go back to work at Chaldea and resume my usual duties there. And people call me the Record Keeper for nothing…" She spoke as she was seen using her fingers to curl her hair as she looked outside the window.
"You don't say?" I continued as I finished drinking the coffee entirely. "You did tell me that you have some talent for remembering pretty much anything. That's pretty surprising if you ask me.. I don't think I can remember the time I was born… nor what did my father look like."
"Is that so?" Cerejeira continued. "If you're not in a good mood. Perhaps I was hoping to go to the batting cage today."
"The batting cage? Cerejeira… Didn't you say that you suck at hitting a baseball?" I asked her as she shyly looked away a little.
"I… I guess you could say that but it was a way of you finding some… fun. You know what I mean." Cerejeira suggested this idea about going there in order to kill some time. Though, she really wanted me to go there. I couldn't say no but what other choice do I have exactly?
"Alright. We'll do some practice at the batting cage there. Just know that I haven't done baseball back in highschool. So I may be rusty but I'll try my best. So let's just say whoever hits the most homeruns, wins. Sounds good to you?" I asked her as she nodded with a small smile on her face.
"Of course, I won't back down from a friendly competition. So I expect you to do your best as I do the same as well." Cerejeira replied as we both finished what we were doing here in this coffee shop. I did have to pay before we left this place. Knowing that the batting cages are seen at the rooftops where we could see. This is the only place that we can find.
[FIVE MINUTES LATER…]
As time passes on. We were already there, having to compete against each other on this whole home run contest idea was the only thing for us to enjoy ourselves. Having to forget the worries is a good thing as I only focused on two things… Using the bat… and hitting the ball with it. Just try to find the right sweet spot in order to strike the ball as hard as you can and see how far it can go. The moment I saw the ball shot from the machine. I tightly gripped the handle of the bat and proceeded to swing it. The sound of the metal bat clangs the ball with enough force as the ball itself… flew as fast as it could go, hitting the edge of the net as it fell to the ground. I used my arm to wipe the sweat off of my head and took off the helmet.
"And that's five home runs… and twelve misses at that." I continued the moment I turned to look at Cerejeira who swung her bat as she missed. Though, she was tired as well.
"Only two…" Cerejeira added. "Seems you've won that one, Jin."
"Hey, I mean… You did well, too. So I guess we both had fun in the end. Honestly, my mind feels much clearer when you and I go hangout at times." I continued. "But overall, it feels great to swing a bat sometimes. Actually… I got an idea. You wanna head to the Tokyo Sky Tower tomorrow if by chance?"
"If my schedule allows it, then yes. I'd love to." Cerejeira said with a small smile. And so, this explains my experience on how me and my girlfriend get along kinda well. She was the one who helped me into the light. A way to help keep me sane. Throughout the day, we would visit some places all over Tokyo in order to enjoy ourselves as I envision them. And the last part I managed to see before I was dragged back to reality is me sharing a kiss with her. And so, my mind snaps back to reality.
-[Flashback End]-
And so, I was back here. I looked at my phone message once again in order to see. Though, I was willing to respond to her messages. She missed me ever since I went to Denmark for many reasons.
[Group Chat #1]
[Members: Jin, Cerejeira]
Cerejeira: "Jin? Are you there?"
Jin: "I'm here. It's been a while, has it? How's work at the Chaldea Foundation?"
Cerejeira: "Nothing out of the ordinary but… Where have you been?"
Jin: "Traveling overseas. I'm in Denmark."
Cerejeira: "Denmark?"
Jin: "Yeah. I wanted to explore this place on my own. Something for me to discover all over these places and hopefully, find some of these answers that I seek."
Cerejeira: "Answers, huh? What answers are you seeking, then?"
Jin: "It's a work in progress… My mind is lost in thoughts but I'll figure it out. For now, I need some time to think and relax. I'm enjoying my time there in Denmark."
Cerejeira: "Hmm… I'm sure you'll figure something out. For now, I need to get back to work. The Director doesn't like people slacking during the work hours."
Jin: "Then what about your break time?"
Cerejeira: "My break ended two minutes ago."
Jin: "Oh… I see. Alright. I shouldn't bother you. Good luck on your work."
Cerejeira: "Thanks, Jin. And good luck on your journey."
So, I turned off my phone after I ended the message… She needed to get back to work anyways.
"You finished, Master?" Caster said to me.
"Yeah. Let's head home until Saber comes back. Then after that, I want to go forward with this plan for tonight. This is going to be very important… And I don't want to leave Rengoku hanging in the process…" I replied as we both decided to make our leave from this place. We kinda stayed here for a bit too long but heading back home is going to be our main plan. I'm going to uphold Yvette's promise. Tonight, Midadol will die by my hands. And she's not ready.
Kerstin Museum of Modern Arts, Aalborg, Denmark Midnight - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
Meanwhile somewhere within the paintings area where some of the many arts there are all gone ever since it was abandoned and the building itself never seemed to attract this much visitors as it was doomed to fail in the process. But this place has been the domain of Midadol ever since she decided to remain here in order to enact her plans. Midadol was standing there alone, leaning against the wall as she smoked a thin pipe in order to remain calm. But, she noticed someone was coming here… It was none other than Archer the moment he stepped in the room. And Berserker was outside defending her domain since orders are orders.
"You're late, Archer. I told you many times that you are not to slack around like a lazy dog. Where have you've been?" Midadol glared at her Servant as he scratched the back of his head.
"Don't worry. I wasn't slacking off. Just doing my own patrols, that's all." Archer said to her as she was rather unfazed.
"Then I suggest that you listen to my orders properly next time. Or rather… this won't be your next time. I've heard words that Berserker told me that you ratted us out. No wonder why you live up to your name…" Midadol replied as she was aware of his intentions, causing Archer to maintain his composure.
"Sorry, Master. Even if you found out. I met this Master last night that really wants to challenge you. Or rather… he wanted to meet you." Archer said as he crossed his arms as Midadol seemingly pondered.
"He… wanted to meet me? What is his name?" Midadol asked as he shrugged.
"He never told me his name, sadly. But I can sense that he's already arriving very soon." Archer replied as the latter simply sighed knowing that it'll have to come to this.
"Either way… I'll have to meet him the moment I see this Master. As for you… I believe that you've served your purpose with zero effort. Therefore…" Midadol stops smoking as she was prepared to do something much to Archer's confusion… and fear.
"H-Hey, Master… Let's not be hasty now. What do you mean that I served my purpose?" Archer demanded to know as he took a step back slowly.
"What I mean is…" Midadol proceeded to reveal her Command Seal as she was down to two. "I'm not afraid of wasting another but… you've been a nuisance to me as if you are completely useless. In the end… a coward like you will die a coward. By my second order of the Command Seal… Archer. I order you to kill yourself… Now!"
The glow of her Command Seal activates as she is down to her last seal as Archer's body begins to move on his own as he noticed. The crossbow wrist aimed towards his upper neck as he struggled to resist and struggle. But knowing that the woman is rotten down to the core… Archer could not help but state his last words before the absolute order claimed his life.
"S-Shit… K-Know this… Midadol… I never liked you from the very beginning… you summoned me… Therefore, I hope… I hope death comes your way… Rot in hell…" Archer spoke his last words as the trigger from his wrist happened…
[FWIP! STAB!]
The shot from his wrist caused the arrow to piece his head from chin to the top of his skull as his body no longer responds the moment he falls to the floor as blood starts to spill into a small puddle from his head. At that very moment… his body glows into the golden motes of light… and disappears from this world. Archer… was dead.
"Farewell… Robin Hood… You scum." Midadol said as she remained silent. "Berserker…"
"What is it…" Berserker appears out of the shadows to listen to her.
"Head outside and prepare. You can only fight Servants. I merely wish to meet this Master approaching our museum." Midadol said to her remaining Servant as she didn't nod but only grunted once and proceeded to leave. And so… she remains patient again. "I'll be waiting…"
First Person POV
After we've had dinner and announced our plans to strike down Midadol. Me, Saber, and Caster had arrived here at the outside entrance of the abandoned art museum… It was filled with slight overgrowth and leftover graffitis. This place has seen better days.
"Is this the place that you speak of, Master?" Saber asked me as I nodded.
"Yeah." I continued. "Midadol might have expected our arrival… but why did she not set up a Bounded Field in the first place…?"
"Perhaps this is merely a bluff… But I remain unsure." Caster pondered about it but quickly focused on the task at hand. "And I already expect that Berserker is close by…"
"That's right. Master has given me orders to eliminate you hopeless pigs." Berserker said as she wielded her flagged pole. "I wasn't able to get the fight I wanted but this time… I'll finally get this chance.
"Master… Leave Berserker to me. Take Caster with you and confront the Master. Trust me on this. I know what I'm doing…" Saber said to me as I was about to talk but… he was serious about it. Seems I have no choice.
"Alright, Saber. I'm counting on you. Defeat Berserker. We'll go on ahead. And don't die. You're vital to my victory for the Grail!" I said to him as both me and Caster had begun running past Berserker and headed inside the museum to focus the task at hand.
Third Person POV
"How brave of you, letting your pathetic Master and the other Servant go on ahead to confront my Master? Hmph. I couldn't care less of her… until the moment that she used a Command Seal on me to retreat… That is something I'll never forgive her for." Berserker said as she gritted her teeth while tightly gripping the handle of the flagged spear.
"Pray tell, Berserker… Are you showing disdain towards your own Master?" Saber asked her.
"Of course I do!" Berserker shouted in anger. "We're Servants, told what to do. Following the Master's orders is absolute and I cannot disobey her. But now my Master has given me freedom to fight… I'll take out my anger… Starting with you!"
"Very well…" Saber said as he drew out his sword. "If this is the fight you desire. Then I shall gladly duel you. To the death!"
The two would proceed to charge towards each other the moment their weapons clashed. The sound of resonating steel collided within this area…
First Person POV
As soon as we opened the door right into the painting area where the majority of the art portraits are missing ever since its abandonment. Me and Caster were walking to look around but as soon I looked a bit up where the woman sitting on top of the broken horse statue where its head was missing as she was seen smoking a small smoke pipe. Thus, I stared at her face to face with Caster behind me.
"So Archer's word speaks true. To think that you'd be the one to arrive here on your own whim." The woman known as Midadol spoke as I stepped forward once as I drew out Rengoku from my back.
"Where is Archer…" I asked her as she revealed her Command Seal… To my surprise, I kept my composure… She is down to one more.
"If you're looking for Archer… I only used my seal to kill himself now that he leaked the information about my hideout." Midadol continued. "But alas, you've somehow avoided Berserker in the process as well."
"Saber is fighting your Servant to keep her busy for the time being. I'm here for answers." I said to her as she proceeded to jump down from the broken horse statue as she landed gracefully using the gust of wind to soften her handing.
"Answers, you say? Yet, you know who I am. Tell me your name…" Midadol said as I spoke.
"Jin Adashino… Hishiri Adashino is my mother if you know her." I told her my name as she pondered.
"Adashino… Hmm… I see now… I can't believe that you are a son of that whore. She's been a thorn in my side. She thwarted my plans and warned me many times whenever I tried to do things of my own volition. But you know how we run at the Intelligencer Branch, we gather information, spy, and infiltrate any rival magus families. But your mother has kept us on leash." Midadol continued as she proceeded to toss the small smoke pipe away. "But now that your mother's dead… I can finally enact my plans."
"Don't you dare speak down on my mother… So don't test my patience. I want answers… Now…" I demanded her with a threat as she sighed.
"And answers you shall seek. Tell me, what questions are you willing to provide me?" Midadol asked.
"I'm looking for Beryl Gut… The one who killed my mother." I said to her as she smiled and turned around and looked up to see the broken ceiling up in the sky where the moonlight was shining down on us.
"I see… You seek revenge, is it not? You hold that driving ambition. This hatred swelling inside you. Even if I tell you of his whereabouts… You just have to pry it off of my brain, whore's son." Midadol said as she uses her hands to conjure up a gust of wind swirling around the area.
"Jin! Head's up!" Rengoku warned me early when Midadol fired a gust of blades at me the moment we both dodged out of harm's way.
"Damn… Even if you know where Beryl is… I'll have to force my hands upon you…!" I gritted my teeth the moment I readied my blade as Caster stood with me.
"Your Caster will not save you. She'll only get in your way." Midadol said as she hurled the ball of swirling wind towards us when she threw it. But the moment I tried to slash it… it triggered a burst of wind that exploded like a bomb but Caster's protective spells from her floating orb saved me as she retracts it back after I was knocked back.
"You gotta be careful… Slashing that ball of wind will surely kill you. It's a literal ticking time bomb!" Rengoku warned as I regained my composure.
"Yet, you still stand. But I wonder… How long will you keep up for, exactly?" Midadol then proceeded to hurl another one as I knew what I had to do…
"Caster!" I called out to my Servant as she readied her staff scythe.
"I'm on it!" Caster replied as she slams the end of the handle on the ground as the tap caused large roots from the ground rise up as it formed a wall to protect me.
The moment that ball of wind touched it… it exploded as the root wall managed to protect me. But that was until I looked up. Midadol was floating in the air with the gusts lifting her. I readied to use the wrapped cloth on my arm to hurl it right at her as it turned into a snake, ready to bite her within its reach. But the snake was shredded away from the gust as it reverted back into a cloth. But she sets her eyes on Caster as she uses the roots once again as it forms into a deadly spike, reaching her with such speed. But Midadol's agility outshines it as she proceeds to dive down and grabs her face…
"Fucking slut!" Midadol cursed angrily as she hurled her against the wall on the moment of impact. She was knocked out in the process.
"No!" I tried to call her but she faced me with a smirk on her face.
"Now it's just you… and me. Don't worry… You'll be joining her soon once you're dead." Midadol said as I ignored her, rushing her without thinking as I swung my blade directly right at her… but the moment I nearly struck her…
[FWOOSH! THUD!]
The barrier of wind that she had setted up on herself knocked me back as I rolled onto the floor with frustration on my face.
"Ahahaha! What's the matter, boy. Can't get through my defenses? For the son of the Adashino family. You are certainly weak. Your snakes nor your blade can't hurt me." Midadol taunted me as I slowly got up… I can hear her laughing at me the more I slowly start to lose it…
"Hey! Don't let that woman get through your head! She's trying to break you!" Rengoku spoke to me in order to regain my senses. You're right… she is trying to demoralize me by getting through my head. I can't let this happen. Calming down and regaining my senses. I looked at her hovering in the air as the gust around us was swirling faster. There is no way for me to make an escape. I'm trapped with her.
"Rengoku… I need ideas… Now!" I exclaimed as I looked at the blade.
"Have you ever thought of focusing the thrust of my blade? If you can force it in just about right, it'll break her out of it." Rengoku suggested as I thinked for a few seconds. So, I decided…
"Alright. I just needed to concentrate the magic circuits on my legs. Try to get a good launch, then strike. Thanks. I'll handle this." I said the moment I lightly lower my legs as the magic circuits within me begin to enhance it. I readied my stance the moment I began to focus… Then, I went without hesitation…
[FWOOSH!]
I launched myself into the air with such speed as I held my sword ready for a powerful thrust. The moment I thrusted my blade into her wind barrier. I felt a surge clashing each other as I continued to press it just about enough… the blade had successfully pierced through her stomach but not to fatal as I somehow got her, causing the barrier to break as it blew us back. I regained my footing and landed on the ground as Midadol fell on the smooth wooden floor with a thud. The impact was heavy, sure. But I somehow managed to wound her. The large wind wall still blocks off my exit which is a downside and Caster is still unconscious. Now, it's up to me to finish the job. I can't kill her just yet. I need information on Beryl's whereabouts. So, I slowly began to approach her with my weapon ready at hand.
"I've already won, Midadol. Give up. You will give me the information that I seek." I demanded with hostility. "Where… is… Beryl!"
"F-Fuck you…!" Midadol cursed as she struggled to get up. "I will never reveal his location… I refuse… I refuse to lose to a whore's son like you! This world is cruel and vile. I hate this world as much as I hate YOU! I don't give a shit about this war anymore… I JUST WANT YOU DEAD! DIE… DIE… DIE DIE DIE! DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!"
"H-Hey! Get back! Now! Something not-" Rengoku was interrupted as we were blasted away from the wind. It was strong, but I stabbed Rengoku on the ground to halt the knockback.
I noticed that something is wrong… Midadol has lost it. The winds were swirling around her as she began to scream in pure anguished agony as if the siren from hell screams from the top of her lungs. I looked to see that she begins to grow feathered wings from her back as the sounds of ripping flesh open as blood spurts out as her hands begin to turn into clawed talons of a hawk. Her eyes begin to glow sinister emerald gleaming at me. Her skin begins to turn extremely pale while her outfit remains the same as if she was somehow bird-like… or rather a harpy if I were to think. She was growling like a feral as she was screaming as loud as she could the moment she got back up and hovered in the air with her wings flapping.
"H-Hey… The hell is going on!?" I tried to ask the blade of the situation.
"As much as I wanna tell you… I think she's lost it. Driven mad like a raging beast of her own insanity, I'm afraid. Now, she's going to kill you very badly the moment you don't start acting, Jin!"
"I'm working on it! It's up to us to finish her off. Since she won't give me the information… I might as well kill her, effectively making Berserker disappear. I just hope Saber can continue to hold on." I continued to look at Midadol who was staring down at me with a vicious growl on her face. "I don't know what magecraft you're using… But if you wanna kill me this badly… Then you're welcome to try!"
And so, there was no turning back. It was me versus her. Truly a battle to the death. Saber… whatever you're doing… You need to get it done.
Third Person POV
[CLING! CLASH! TWANG! CLANG! SLASH!]
The sounds of resonating steel clashed with each other outside of the abandoned museum entrance where Saber and Berserker continued to fight each other. But Saber on the other hand knew exactly of her attack patterns through his skilled swordsmanship. Parry after parry, he manages to nearly strike her down as she could feel the aether leaking out of her chest the moment it begins to seal up the injury.
"Tch… You're more annoying than I thought. Here I thought killing you would be much easier for a weak swordsman like you… I was wrong." Berserker snarled but sensed something in her head. "My Master has finally lost it, sadly. But that's alright, she's already a rampaging beast preparing to kill your Master. In due time, you'll disappear from this world and return to the Throne of Heroes. However… I begin to have this peak of curiosity… Can you withstand my Noble Phantasm? Surely you wouldn't survive the moment you suffer from my fires of agony."
"If you would act hastily by unleashing your Noble Phantasm. That would also mean revealing your True Name." Saber lightly responded as he kept his composure with his sword in hand.
"Then so be it! I'd rather kill you now so I can make myself feel better without you around!" Berserker retorted as she began to gather all the prana around her the moment her flagged lance unfurled itself while drawing her own sword. "This is the howl of a soul filled with hatred… embrace Death and savor it! Let the fires of Hell take you…!"
Berserker would begin to activate her Noble Phantasm and intends to unleash it directly at Saber. She couldn't care less. All she needed to do was to defeat her enemy in front of her. The flames consumed her blade as she was ready to release it with all her strength. However, Saber noticed that she's seriously doing it. In response… He would also be the same. He quickly sheaths his sword and uses his right silver arm to gather enough prana as he can the moment it begins to glow. And so… the two would finally go off at each other…
"La Grondement Du Haine!"
"My arm… sever it all! Switch On, Airgetlám!"
[CLASH!]
Saber's Airgetlám of the golden blade from his arm collided with Berserker's hellish flames as he was starting to pierce through it. With enough steps… he would finally start running through the flames as it didn't bother him. He kept running and running. And the moment he finally reached her… The battle has already been decided.
"IT'S… OVER…!" Saber yelled as he managed to pierce through the flames as Berserker began to finally notice… it was too late for her the moment the strike was sound.
[SLASH!]
The flame disappears past him as Saber also passes her… His silver arm loses its glow right after he succeeds. Berserker stood there silently for a few seconds until she began to hurl out a vomit of blood from her mouth as it spilt on the ground. She drops both of her weapons and falls to her knees as her chest is slashed open… golden motes of light surround her as she knows that it has been decided.
"W-Why…" Berserker asked. "H-How… are you this damn lucky…"
"It's not about luck, Fallen Maiden of Orleans." Saber continued. "It's about determination. Those who can carry on their ambitions can pass through all obstacles no matter how hard it may be. I will always carry this hope within me. After all, this is my duty as a Knight. I must keep going. No matter what."
"Hmph…" Berserker snarked. "You talk high and mighty, you shitty knight. You've already beaten me in the end. Yet, I couldn't give a damn about this world either way. I'm beyond saving. And I'll remain like that for whatever how long… So go. Run along to your Master. My job here is done and I'll return back from whence I came."
"Thank you…" Saber thanked her.
"I don't need your thanks… Good luck surviving… if you can manage, that is… Ahahaha… AHAHAHAHAHA!" Berserker begins to laugh loudly as her whole body begins to completely disappear in golden motes of light. And just like that… Archer and Berserker, officially out of commission. Her laugh was gone but Saber turned around to see the destruction in its wake. The fires began to fade as the area here was completely charred. He turned back and focused on the task at hand…
"Master… I'm coming…" Saber said to himself with composure as he proceeded to run inside the building to meet up with his Master… But back inside the building…
First Person POV
"DIE… DIE! DIE!" A raging Midadol screamed with hatred as she swooped down to dive attack me as I blocked her attacks from her claws from various directions. I managed to damage her enough but she refuses to back down from a fight.
"Damn… She's really trying to throw me off here…!" I cursed as I continued to block her attack in order to find where she would be flying at. However, this gave me an idea… Snakes… of course… Snakes! Why didn't I think in the first place? Well, whatever. I know what to do now… "Hebi!"
I dodged her swapping attack through a side dodge roll, using my magic circuits on my left arm. I quickly unfurled it and threw the cloth right at her the moment it turned into a snake, successfully wrapping around her legs and biting it as I tried to hold on. She struggled but raged like a beast. She tried to pull me but I tried to pull the cloth back as we both tugged each other. But, I immediately grabbed the cloth and pulled it down, sending Midadol downwards head first with force as it made a loud thud from an impact. However, she would retaliate by screaming at me, with waves of her sound causing me to lose my sword as I was knocked back.
This is not good… I tried to crawl back with my cloth still wrapped around her leg and began to crawl with her claws as she was gaining speed. It was reminding me of some creepy horror movie but I won't let her get the best of me. The moment I kept crawling back without looking behind. I managed to have my right hand grab the sword. But she was within her reach with a pounce ready at her disposal. I had time to react and proceeded to swing my sword to the left…
[STAB!]
The moment I used Rengoku… I managed to point my sword directly at her chest where her heart should be as she was pierced by it. Her claws nearly got me as it stopped midway. She began to notice the pain swelling up inside her the moment I kicked her away with Rengoku in hand and retracted my cloth to wrap it back up. The wall of wind finally stopped as it disappeared while Midadol's body was slowly reverting back where she would no longer have her wings and claws, but remained bleeding the moment I got up and saw her… She was gasping for her breath and proceeded to say her last words.
"Beryl… please, Beryl… Help me… I… I don't want to die… Please… P-Please… my… adoring… lion…" Midadol said her final words as she finally stopped… She was dead. I noticed to see her arms where one of them had a Command Seal where she was down to one. But, it disappeared in the process as it confirmed her death.
"Damn it… FUCK!" I cursed again in anger as I sheathed Rengoku back and looked up at the moonlight. "I couldn't get a single piece of information I needed from her! And she had to waste my time… for a fight! Ugh… Fuck my life…"
"Don't beat yourself up, Jin. You survived. That's what matters! I mean… we've actually won the fight. If you've passed out by now. I'd take over your body and leave it here. Your skills on swordsmanship sucks." Rengoku spoke with a snarky comment to criticize me.
"Shut up, Rengoku." I retorted quickly. But, I rushed over to Caster in order to see she's okay. "Hey, Caster! Wake up! You alright?"
Caster lightly groaned a bit as she began to slowly open her eyes where she would look around her surroundings and shift her eyes to me.
"It appears you defeated her, Master… Yet, I'm sorry that I wasn't able to help you more often… She got the best of me." Caster was feeling down as I shook my head.
"No, you weren't. You saved me from her attacks that were meant to be a bit destructive. Again, I'm just glad that you're still with me. That's what matters." I reassured her the moment I lent out my hand. She accepted it as she got up. I had to pick up her staff scythe and give it to her back as she held it.
"I can sense that Berserker is defeated, too?" Caster said to me.
"Most likely. We just need to see if Saber can come to us and-" I was interpreted as the door was busted open as Saber had arrived on time.
"Master! Are you unharmed!?" Saber exclaimed as we noticed.
"Relax, Saber. We've come out on top. Midadol here… she's dead." I informed him as I continued. "I tried to get some information out of her but she refused to listen. In short, it failed."
"Don't dwell on your failures, Master. A war is a war. You may have slain a Master. That doesn't mean our work here is done yet. There are still potentially about two more." Saber said as I tried to quickly think…
"I suppose you're right… There's Yvette… Midadol is out of the picture… And maybe Beryl… So we're down to five Servants. Doesn't make sense to have seven to begin with but whatever. Saber, can you take Caster home safely? I… need to think here and figure something out." I asked my sword-wielding Servant as he nodded without question.
"Very well, Master. I'll escort her to safety. Just be sure to head on back as well once you're finished." Saber said to me as he helped Caster over her shoulder.
"Master… Are you sure this is okay?" Caster asked me.
"Don't worry. It'll be quick. Just get some rest for tomorrow, okay?" I said to her with a kind reassuring smile. Caster simply nodded as she was being escorted by Saber to leave this area as it became a mess to begin with. The statue itself was destroyed in the process so who cares. But that's not important. Right after my Servants left and it's all just me…
"I know you're hiding behind those walls… Show yourself or I'll cut you down immediately." I spoke to someone who proceeded to peek out of the wall… it appeared to be a man with a suit as he held a pistol, shakingly aiming at me. "Oh? And who might you be?"
"N-None of your business!" The strange man retorted as I sighed, drawing out Rengoku again.
"Bad answer. You better tell me who you are and who you work for. If you're going to shoot, that's not going to work…!" I quickly used my white cloth again as the snake bites the gun as I pulled it away, catching the gun on my left hand as I aimed back at him. "So answer me correctly… Who are you…"
"I-I'm… I'm just a lowly henchman working for the Doglio family… U-Under the name of Beryl Gut…" The henchman shyly said in fear as I decided to lower the gun in surprise.
"I see… Thanks for the information. Now where is he hiding? I got a score to settle with that asshole." I threatened him with more questions.
"I-I can't! H-He'll kill me if I leak his whereabouts! He already put a curse within my head! I-If I say it out loud! He'll threaten me with my head to explode! I-I can relay your message if that's okay with you! P-Please! Don't shoot me! Give me back my gun!" The henchman pleaded as I sighed, tossing him his gun back.
"Fine. But don't shoot me. But, I should send you proof…" I looked at Midadol's corpse as I decided to decapitate the head with a single slash below. Grabbing the head and tossing it to her the moment she catched it.
"D-Dear god… Y-You killed Midadol! Y-You do know Beryl is in a relationship with her!" The henchman explained with fear as I pondered this fact… She's in a relationship with him? Since when? But that's not the focus.
"That doesn't matter. But let me relay my message so listen closely… Tell him that my name is Jin Adashino. The one who killed Midadol, his own lover." I said. "So go on… Go! Or I'll change my mind!"
"E-Eep! I-I'll go!" The henchman jumped as he proceeded to leave the area. And so… he was gone. I hope my message works… But that's not all. Someone was also here as well.
"Well now, I'd never expect for you to be THIS cold.~" The voice of a young woman walks out of the shadow, skipping on the floor to approach me… Of course… it's her… Yvette. "I must say, Jin. You really did outdone yourself. I couldn't see through the wall of wind that she made with her magecraft but I'm immensely impressed by your skills. And of course… Thank you for killing her. She's been a thorn at my side ever since she scouted me out for my spying skills."
"I don't need your praise." I continued. "Now that I've done my task… What about the promise that you told me?"
"A promise? Oooooh! I know what you're thinking… You wanted to know if I have a Command Seal that I control both Lancer and Rider, the two you met previously. Except Lancer's true name is revealed but that doesn't matter." Yvette continued as she brought up two of her hands. "I wonder how you'll guess?~ Is it the left one? Or the right one?"
Are you joking me…?
"…The left." I said to her as she began to take the glove off of the left hand.
"Oooookay!~" Yvette then proceeds to pull off her glove… "Aww, too bad! I don't have the seal on the left! Though, if you would have said the right… I don't even have it as well! Because…"
She proceeds to pull off the right glove…
"I have no Command Seals! Teehee!~" Yvette winked at me with her mischievous manner… Are you fucking kidding me? "H-Hey! Don't get mad! I just wanted you to get rid of her for me and you did!"
"And yet, you used me!" I exclaimed in anger.
"Look, I know! I'm sorry! But I'm glad that you got it done! It's a done deal! Look! I'll tell you who the real Master of Lancer and Rider, o-okay? To tell the truth… he was the one who hired me to do his work of spying. I merely followed Midadol to see what she's up to, of course!"
"Fine…" I calmed down and looked straight into her face. "Who's the real Master's name, then?"
"Heine Istari." Yvette said the name of the true Master. "Like you, he's also a participant in this Holy Grail War. Though, he seems to be unhappy now that Lancer's name is exposed after what happened. But please! Don't kill him. This is something more than a war but… I'm still working on it."
"More than a war?" I asked.
"Y-Yeah. You see… Heine is currently dealing with his own problems. Like, family problems." Yvette said as I decided to turn around.
"Every magus has their own family that has to deal with these problems. Already dealt with mine. He should solve it by himself." Just as I was about to leave.
"W-Wait!" Yvette pleaded as I stopped. "This is important… I just want you to meet with him. He, too, is also trying to figure out the reason behind the war. I know you're chasing the man you hate. He's your enemy but isn't."
"What the hell do you mean by that?" I asked her a question in order to find out.
"The truth is… the true enemy is out there… Watching us. Particularly you. Even the Overseer knows this." Yvette said as I was confused. That is until I felt a headache as the sound of tinnitus rings in my ears. I grabbed my head as I stressfully screamed in pain.
"AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" I screamed in pain as I fell to my knees with my eyes closed. I can hear Yvette calling me but I can barely hear her. What the hell is this…!? But that is until everything stops in a complete mute… a mysterious amalgamous voice speaks to me…
".era uoy erehT"
I gasped for air the moment I woke up as I was on the floor as the pain finally fades away and stops. Yvette was there with me the moment I saw her. I struggled to get up from my knees as the entire pain such as a headache was gone.
"What's… What's happening to me…?" I said to myself in confusion… that voice… Who was it…?
"Thank god you're okay… I thought you lost me here." Yvette continued as she helped me up as I struggled to fathom what's going on.
"S-Sorry…" I continued. "I just don't know why. Someone… or rather someone is messing with my head… Look. About Heine? I'll meet him whenever I have a chance. If he knows anything of this true nature. Just tell me where I'll be…"
Yvette nodded as she grabbed out a piece of notebook as she quickly wrote down the location in order for me to meet up with this person. Then after that, she takes the paper out of the note and hands it to me. I took it and looked at it for a few seconds… Huh… Well now, that's something. I decided to put it away in my pocket as I was ready to head back home.
"Thanks… See you tomorrow… I guess." I said to her as she nodded.
"Just don't try to fall on the floor next time." Yvette teased me as I groaned.
"Shut up…" I retorted as I sheathed Rengoku and left the area…
Now I'm starting to understand what's going on… I heard a voice in my head. I couldn't figure out what it said to me. She said that someone is watching me… It's not Beryl… but who? However… I'll have to meet up with this Heine if I have the chance in the daytime. But my chance for revenge is unwavering. Now that I know Beryl is indeed here as a participant. I hope my message is sent to him. And once that… all hell will break loose.
Silvercrest Manor, Aalborg, Denmark Midnight - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
Meanwhile in Beryl's own office in this manor where he would be all alone doing his own thing. Writing down notes of his progress in this war. He proceeds to lament and ponder the days he spends at the Clock Tower. Remembering the visions of him being scrutinized by other magus as instructors fear him. Even those moments where he would beat other students into submissions to do their dirty work for them whenever he pleases. He was ruthless, cruel, violent, and filled to the brim with malice. He had no care for the people who looked down on him. All he ever wanted to do is make them suffer. That was his only joy. But as time went on, he would later leave the Clock Tower on his own to the point where he was sought out by the Doglio mafia family in Rome during his trip. So, he decided to take up the offer, doing jobs that would earn him the money and reputation among other Doglio members. He quickly rose up to the top until the moment that his boss would send him to Denmark to take part in the Holy Grail War. The answer is simple, he would follow orders from the boss as long as the money is good. He could imagine what he could do with it. Fame, status, and women. Three things popped up in his mind. But the only thing he needed to do was simple. Kill the Masters. Obtain the Grail for the boss. And he's set for life. He stopped writing on his paper until he heard the knock twice.
"You may enter." Beryl spoke as the door opened, revealing to be the very same henchman who is now holding a wooden box that fits something inside. "Hmm? A box? For me?"
"Yes… You won't like this, Lord Gut…" The henchman continued as he gulped.
"Hmm? What do you mean by that? C'mon, speak up!" Beryl demanded to know as the latter had a hard time to speak but he did so anyway.
"Midadol is… dead…" The henchman spoke shyly as Beryl's eyes widened in surprise but confused.
"Well now, did someone seriously eliminate her from the war? Tell me… Who did it?" Beryl said.
"I-It was none other than… Jin Adashino… sir… The one who killed Midadol." The henchman spoke as his smile finally dropped… It was serious.
"You're joking… aren't you?" Beryl glared at him but the henchman placed the box on the table.
"I-I'm not, sir! Look! This box! It'll prove it! I was told by him to relay the message to you and I've done my part. W-With all due respect… look inside the box… You're not going to like it…" The henchman shuddered in fear.
"Well, then get out! I'll see it for myself!" Beryl told him as he immediately did, leaving his office in a hurry.
As he was alone once more. Beryl looked at the box to see what's inside. The moment he saw it… it shocked him to his core… Midadol was really dead… He quickly closed it and started to stand up and break down.
"N-No… NO! My beautiful Midadol…! Why… Why would someone take her away from me…!" Beryl was stricken with distraught and anger. She was dead as her death was true. "Why… Why, why, why, why, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY! FUUUUUUUCK!"
He slammed the table in rage as everything went back into silence. His love of his life, dead. Taken away from him. He could feel the sadness within him as he was about to lose it but… he had to remain calm about what happened that night. And so, he finally snapped.
"Jin… Jin… Adashino… Wait a sec…" Beryl begins to relook back in his memories where he would find himself mortally wounding Hishiri where Jin was watching. His face… It was definitely Jin. He snaps back to reality to cover his face with his hands only to reveal his eyes that showed anger. "Of course… I remember now… That fucking shrimp all grown up… So he is here in this war… Now that explains everything of why he killed her… Assassin…"
Assassin then appears next to him.
"Yes, Master?" Assassin asked.
"Gather your knights… Find Jin Adashino and kill him…" Beryl said to him as he kneeled.
"As you wish, Master…" Assassin then proceeds to disappear out of thin air as he is gone.
"So you are alive… You've made a grave fuckin' mistake for killing my love… To think you'd be taking part in this war… This gives me a clear reason to kill you… Mark! My! Words…! You will die… Jin Adashino!" Beryl raged in his office in pure anger. His hatred was extreme. And now, knowing that Jin is here in Aalborg. All he wanted was to have him dead. That was his only goal.
Church, Aalborg, Denmark Midnight - Clear Sky
Meanwhile back at the church… Ioviel quickly stood up from the wooden bench as she felt something. Karabo stood at the podium as he remained patient.
"I felt it…" Ioviel continued. "Archer and Berserker are eliminated from the war…"
"And so, five Servants remain here in the world of the living. The Grail will soon fill to its fullest. But time is of the essence, Ioviel. Remain patient and keep letting me know… should more Servants die, that is." Karabo said calmly as the latter nodded. She sat back down and remained quiet.
The Holy Grail War in Aalborg has gotten off to its tumultuous start after the death of Midadol. Yet, Jin's journey has not yet reached its end.
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
Author's Note: Hello, everyone. Thank you for reading this second chapter of this story. Midadol is slain by the hands of Jin and Beryl is furious. Now, he wants him dead. However, there is a true enemy at play as it somehow infiltrated Jin's mind, harassing him. What could it want? Everything feels so mysterious, right? I mean, of course it is. I started working on this story right after I finished the first chapter. But I've been making slow progress on it multiple times due to my laziness during the summer season. That even includes me going to EVO. Y'know, the largest fighting game tournament in the world? But yeah, slow progress here and there and I got this done. Took me weeks but this chapter sure went okay as I expected in my point of view. I will provide the second Time Lore and another omake. So again, look forward to what's next. Until then, stay safe.
[End Result Time Lore #2]
[Cerejeira Elron]
Info: Persons of Interest
Description: Jin Adashino's love interest. She is a member of the Chaldea Foundation who first met him during her vacation in Tokyo. She has a keen talent of remembering everything which earns her the title of Record Keeper. Hailing from Portugal, she sometimes look gloomy based on her looks but has interest involving romance as she cares for Jin deeply.
[Kerstin Museum of Modern Arts]
Info: Locations of the Land
Description: A modern arts museum established in the 1970s to showcase their culture, artwork, and literature. As time went on, it closed its doors in 2004 as it failed to bring as much attention to the visitors. Now left abandoned, filled with graffiti and worn down buildings that is much left to be said. During the Holy Grail War, this used to be Midadol's base of operation until her apparent death.
[Jeanne d'Arc (Alter)]
Info: The Heroic Spirits
Description: Her class is Berserker. She is a French Heroic Spirit but a version where she has become a remnant of people's hatred and fear. Burned alive on the large stake after she was branded as a witch despite her status as "the Holy Maiden". She is this version of this particular Maiden who is the embodiment of hatred and the discardment of God as she believes that people who believe in them are weak and deserve to die. Her Master was Midadol. But was defeated by Bedivere after a rough duel.
Omake - Protagonists of the Round Table
Somewhere within a strange room in such a confined space where the light shines on one single round table. But another light shines where Katsura and Ryuga were on their seats… waiting for a particular someone to arrive.
"So… who exactly are we waiting for again?" Katsura asked with his arms crossed.
"Words say that he's new. Why did no one tell me that a new Holy Grail War would take place in Denmark? I mean… Why there?" Ryuga said in question as the latter simply shrugged.
"Beats me. Compared to various Holy Grail Wars. I'm kinda curious why this new guy can summon two Servants instead of one." Katsura pondered as the other sighed.
"Of course, someone would always tamper with the Grail to create new rules. It's getting weirder at some point-" Ryuga was interrupted as Jin finally opens the door and meets the two. "Well, speak of the devil. He's here."
"Is this the place? Jin continued. "I was told by that cat whose name was Neco something or whatever that I should meet up with you people here. And so, here I am. You two the previous protagonists here?"
"That we are. We once took part in our own Holy Grail Wars. Mine was a team battle. And Ryuga's war here… It was a battle royale with seven additional Servants included." Ryuga said as Ryuga crossed his arms and nodded.
"Yeeeeeeah…" Ryuga continued. "My journey has already came to a good end. So all and all. Everything became alright. My time there at Siesta there was a… decent journey. I mean, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. What it feels like to lose someone you love."
"I… I have that same feeling as well." Jin continued. "I lost my mother to one person responsible. My only objective here is to get revenge against Beryl."
"That sounds like an obsession." Katsura said.
"Excuse me? This is NOT an obsession! This is my personal vendetta and I have to do this on my own." Jin retorted as he stood up and tried to explain.
"Honestly, I kinda agree with Katsura here. I used to hold this revenge. But, once I realized the price of it. Simply let it all go and accept this truth. I wasn't even an Ashikaga to begin with in the very beginning." Ryuga spoke as he proceeded to lay back and relax as Katsura was smoking a cig.
"You said it, Ryuga. I never felt revenge. But what I felt was betrayal. But that's not important. Jin, I know that you have your own reasons for revenge against one man. But don't dwell on it too much. At this point, you'll lose yourself of who you are. After all, each and one of us needs to confront their demons. And so do you. I don't know what future lies ahead of you. But I know you can get it done." Katsura explained thoroughly about it as Jin begins to think and ponder the moment he recollects his memories throughout his life.
"You're prolly right… but that's not stopping me." Jin added as the two would simply sigh and facepalm.
"Yup… he's revenge-hungry…" Ryuga sighed.
"Figures… That reminds me. We're supposed to have another new guy. The fourth protagonist." Katsura thought the fourth seat was empty.
"If you're talking about Ritsuka… He's late." Ryuga said as Katsura looked at him.
"And may I ask why he's being late? It's been five minutes." Katsura replied.
"…He's a narcoleptic." Ryuga responded.
"A what?" Ryuga was confused about what the word means.
"It means the guy named Ritsuka is sleep-deprived. Meaning he's… very sleepy." Jin added in the words as Katsura seemingly understands.
"Ooooooh! Gotcha. Surely he'll join us anytime now. Right? Right…?" Katsura asked the two as the latter would look at each other in such an awkward conversation.
Meanwhile… Ritsuka was seen sleeping in the hallway once more. And just as that, the round table talk had already ended ten minutes later due to him not being present. And no one came to help him as he kept sleeping.