Harry Potter and the Holy Grail War
ESKK: Well, here is the newest chapter. Now before we progress something I'd like to voice first. Caster is NOT Solomon. I won't tell you who he is, but he is NOT Solomon. Now then let's get down to reading the new chapter.
(Start Hogwarts Dungeon)
Harry could barely breathe, the soft crinkling of the broken glass surrounding the only sound in his ears, echoing the words of the Servant before him. She glared at Harry and Dumbledore and turned sharply on her heel to face them fully, her metal boots scraping across the stone and glass. "Hey! I asked if one of you was my master?" The blond-haired woman, Saber snapped as she glared at the two before her.
Dumbledore gently raised Harry's right hand to display the Seals on it, a stylistic sword combined with a wand. "Come now Harry my boy, let us not be rude to your new friend." Dumbledore said as his words caused Saber's left eyebrow to twitch with irritation.
"Professor... Can I at least take a minute to come to terms with... everything?" Harry said as he was expecting Godric Gryffindor not this woman. "I mean, the portrait in your office never indicated... THIS!" Harry said as he waved an arm in Saber's direction. Saber's brow twitched again, her gauntlets clenching tight enough to grind out along her silver clad sword.
"If I may interrupt you two idiots," Saber spoke as the arguing headmaster and student turned to face the Servant. "Did ye say 'Harry' is my master's name?" She asked as Caster could see where this was going.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily to the Hogwarts Founder. "Indeed, I did my lady... My lord? I'm afraid I'm not sure what the polite term would be." He said not knowing how to address Godric Gryffindor.
"'Harry. What?" Saber asked as she grounded the two words out through her teeth.
"Er. Harry... Potter?" Harry shyly admitted and in turn Caster sighed to this.
"He's doomed." Caster said sounding like he spoke from experience on the matter.
For a moment, Saber didn't do anything which Harry hoped was a good sign. Her hands relaxed and the sword in her right vanished in a swirl of golden light. "Well then." She started with a gentle smile... Before grabbing Harry by his lapel and kicking the remaining sword into her remaining hand hilt first. "NOW I KNOW WHICH IDJIT COATED ME SWORD IN POISON!" She roared in fury as she was not happy to find her sword stained with the poison from Salazar's pet.
"But, but I, I." Harry stuttered as he was surprised this woman knew this.
"OH, I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, IT'S MY OWN SWORD! BUT YOU RUINED IT!" Saber roared as her pink eyes were practically crimson stars as she shouted in Harry's face, spittle flying on to his glasses. "I NEVER KILLED ANYTHING LIKE A HYDRA OR BASILISK FOR A REASON! I DIDN'T WANT TO KILL MESELF JUST USING A DAMN WHETSTONE!" She yelled making it clear that she was upset.
Harry was leaning as far back as Saber's grip could allow. "Would an 'I'm Sorry' help?" Harry asked oddly terrified of the woman before him.
Saber glared into Harry's eyes before closing them with a calming breath and gently set Harry down on his feet. "Yeh, it's fine you stupid boy. You in my house so I should've expected it." She said calming herself before she opened her eyes and smiled at Harry, who hesitantly smiled back.
The pair were drawn from each other's eyes by clapping. Turning their heads, they found an ecstatic Dumbledore by the door. "Wonderful, wonderful. You are both getting on splendidly." Dumbledore said happy to the pair. "Now I must inform the other judges so they may prepare the challenges, so I'll just leave you two to yourselves." He said before stopping. "Oh! And I'll take that back to my office." Dumbledore added as he summoned the sword from Saber's hand to his own, opened the door and left the Master and Servant behind.
Harry blinked and glanced at Saber. "...Can I bring up the whole... you know...?" He began but Saber glared at him for it.
"No." Saber said plainly making it clear that NO ONE is to know of this.
"Fair enough." Harry said and thus Caster cleared his throat a bit.
"Now that this is out of the way, why were we summoned here?" Caster added as he saw two enemies here that might need to be dealt with. "I count two enemy servants who I should be inclined to eliminate." Caster added as he was seen reaching to one of the several pouches on his belt.
"Hey, hey; hey Caster cool your jets." Lancer spoke as Caster glared at him. "I'm sure our masters have a reasonable explanation for this." Lancer said keeping the peace in this situation.
"Yes, the circles were prepared down here." Hermione said hoping to calm Caster down. "Now that all the Servants have been summoned, we can leave and." Hermione began until Caster cut her off.
"Or we can kill two birds with one stone." Caster said as it seems he was more then ready to jump into the fray to get this war over with.
"Caster NO!" Hermione said grabbing his arm causing Caster to glare at her for a moment but then his face softened as if Hermione reminded him of someone else.
"Fine." Caster said backing off for the time being but promised to take down the other Servants by any means available to him.
"Anyway, we best go our separate ways for now, at this moment we're all enemies after the same prize." Cedric said making it clear that it needed to be done.
"And with that I cannot argue." Caster said not even bothering to look Harry's way as he looked. "Master, let's go." Caster said surprising Hermione at how fast he wants to leave.
"Caster! Caster, wait!" Hermione called out but Caster kept going. "Sorry Harry." Hermione said as she then went after Caster to knock some sense into him.
Once everyone was gone only Harry and Saber were left in the room. "So… where shall we be staying?" Saber asked and thus Harry knew it would come down to this.
(Meanwhile with the Beaubauxens Masters)
"My it's a small space in there." Rider spoke as the massive juggernaut of a Servant sat outside the carriage with Gabrielle by his side as Fleur and her Servant were nearby. "Girl, tell me, what news do you have of the other servants and Masters?" Rider asked as Gabrielle saw she could understand him and vice versa.
"Well originally it was supposed to be a competition between three schools, but something happened, and it became the Holy Grail War." Gabrielle explained as Rider found that concerning.
"So, the master's will all be school children, how distasteful." Rider said while crossing his arms no doubt finding such a concept to be unworthy of him. "But this means all of the Servants are within our reach and thus can be located at our leisure!" Rider announced as he stood up tall. "Now then since already a servant is here shall we begin this war proper!" Rider called out only for Gabrielle to stop him.
"Rider NO!" She called out confusing Rider. "By headmistress had informed me of what must be done, tomorrow we have to do a sort of press release and interview before we can start the War." Gabrielle said as Fleur then stepped in.
"She's right, rider the war officially starts tomorrow they had to put rules and stipulations in place because this is still a place of learning." Fleur said as Rider did not seem to like it but relented.
"Very well knowledge is power after all the more you know the better." Rider said and then stood up and grabbed Gabrielle before taking her up on his shoulders. Due to his massive size Rider almost looked like he was Gabrielle's father instead of her Servant. "Come now master if the war starts tomorrow then tonight, we shall revel and prepare for battle!" Rider called out before he began to make his way into the school to find the kitchens.
"Wait! Wait!" Fleur called out as her servant followed after her finding this a bit intriguing.
(Scene Break the Next Day)
A camera flash temporary blinded the group that went from 7 to 14. Each Servant stood with their master's as Rider had Gabriel sitting on his shoulder, Caster was the furthers to the edge next to Hermione with Saber holding her sword downward much like her portraits around the school. Lancer was relaxed shouldering his spear next to Cedric as Viktor's Servant, Assassin was dressed a in a frilly dress for her picture looking adorable. Berserker stood next to Fleur who had taken a chair for her picture while Alexi and her servant, Archer seemed to suck in all the attention.
Harry won't lie if he was asked but Alexi and his servant, Archer had put him on edge. Something about Archer just rubbed Harry the wrong way and he could tell that Saber felt the same way about the blond-haired Servant.
"Good now that we're all sorted out." Draven said as he had gotten the Servant Classes of everyone here. "Let's get down to it." He went on and thus got to the rules. "Ok as you already know the biggest rule is that no servant is to harm a master if the Servant acts out on his or her own reel them in before they hurt someone." Draven said as Caster glared at Draven before scoffing while Archer looked to Draven with a look of disgust. "If a master is found dead there will be consequences for everyone involved." He added making it clear that if any of them died shit would go down.
"Second rule keep the battles outside to keep collateral damage to a minimum." He went on making it clear as to what was going on. "So Dark Lake, Forbidden Forest, and the Quidditch Pitch as acceptable locations to do battle." He added which everyone understood as much.
"Third Rule, anything your Servant does reflect on you so again keep them on a leash." Draven said making it clear that the Servants are their responsibilities.
"Fourth Rule is an unspoken one but hide the identities of your servants." Draven said as he looked to the group who were confused. "They are all legendary figures of great repute, and their names hold power how its used can either benefit you or cause you severe problems so keep a tight lip on it." Draven said ensuring everyone was aware of this so they would be properly prepared for the coming battles.
"Now then… once we have the… interviews done with we can get this circus show on the road." Draven said ready to get this over with so he can get some sleep while he still can. "Hopefully, she doesn't show up again." He added only for the doors to open and Rita making herself known. "Dammit." Draven cursed over things not going his way today.
"What a charismatic group you are," Rita said as she looks at the group to the witch and wizard to the heroic spirits that stands with them as she give a smile that would give anyone a bad vibe from, while Draven keep his eye on her closely as she came up to the group and said, "For those who don't know me, I am Rita Skeeter, I write for the daily Prophet, but most of you already know that while the rest didn't, but that doesn't matter, as what does is all of you we don't know... you're the juicy news. What Quirks lurk beneath those rosy cheeks."
Rita was pinching Fleur and Gabrielle's cheeks before letting off and give a small slap before Rita hand got smack away by the rider as he said, "And what right do you have of touching our masters?"
"Oh, my apology, I didn't mean it of that, it just wanted to see what kind of person you and your masters are like," Rita said as she put a hand on rider's shoulder in an almost seductive way as she said, "And what the heroes of the past are like and such Mr..."
"Hmm, just call me Rider. I only give my name that I believe are worthy of knowing, and you woman are not," Rider said with a strong tone that made Rita back away from him as she said, "Very well."
Well anyways I am here to get the word on you champions and not just the tri-wizard champions but those of the holy grail war, what mystery you hold, Esther muscles, mask, courage lies within those heads-"
"Is there any point of what you are saying?" Caster said as he cut off Rita as he was sick and tired of the woman already to get on with it as Rita turns to him as she said, "I'm just trying to figure out what make a Champion tick, if you wouldn't mind as... my myself and I want to know, not to mention my rabid readers, so who's feeling up to share?"
As everyone keep quite as no one wanted to do so but Rita would get her interview one way or another as she soon said, "Let's start with the Legend himself the Boy who lived, and his servant."
"Very well, Saber said as she stepped forth towards Rita giving a glare at her, as it not even been 5 minute and she hated her already.
With Saber and Harry being lead to a private area to do the interview in which was a janitors closet as a note pad and Quill started floating up on their own when the door to the closet opens up as Rita, saber, and Harry walked in with Saber soon saw the room they were doing the interview in as she said, "Do you expect us to talk in a small and cramp space, not to mention filthy."
"My apologies but this was all last minute and such, but it would give us enough privacy, as well I'm sure the boy would feel quite at home in here," Rita said sounding very disrespectful with Harry was surprise of how did that woman know that, while Saber hated her even more so, but she was bound to her master and thus must follow him for the time being as Rita sat harry down as she sat across from him and said, "You don't mind if I use a quick Quill scroll do you?"
"Oh ah, no," Harry said as Saber listen and watch closely as Rita started to say, "So tell me harry, a mere boy of 12-"
"14," Harry corrected her as she just went on saying, "About to compete again six other student and their servant with one of your own, not only vastly more emotionally mature than yourself, but who have mastered spells you wouldn't attempt in your dizziest daydreams? Concerned?"
The quill was just writing everything quickly as Rita spoke and with every word she spoke just annoyed Saber further, but she kept her composure and what Rita finish saying at the end, the quill stopped as well as it was waiting for harry to say something as Harry went, "I don't... I haven't really sort it all out..."
Suddenly the Quill started writing again after flipping a page and keep on writing as Harry was getting distracted and annoyed by the quill as Rita said, "Ignore the quill dear. Of course, you're no ordinary boy of twelve, are you?"
"Do you ignore those you... interview was it? The boy said he was of fourteen, not twelve," Saber spoken out first before Harry could say anything else as Rita held her hand up to stop the Quill from writing anything for a moment as she said, "My apologies once again, sometimes my mind keeps telling me something else at times."
Saber just glared at her as she didn't like what she just said and not apologizing to her master at all as Rita soon said, "Oh yes, Harry Potter. Orphaned in childhood, conqueror of 'You-know-who' your story is legend. Do you think the trauma of your past is what made you so keen to enter such a dangerous Tournament?"
"But I didn't enter..." Harry started to say as Rita cut him off saying, "Of course you didn't dear." Giving a wink and whisper to him, "Everyone loves a rebel, Harry... Scratch that last one."
The Quill soon did so but before it could write anymore, Saber suddenly grabbed it and the notepad all at once breaking the quill while ripping and crumbling the notes from the notepad leaving Rita in shock by this as saber said, "I will not allow you to say such lies any longer. IF you so wish to make stories tell the truth or never do this again, ever!"
Grabbing her master by the arm as she led him out of the closet while shutting the door with Rita still in there as Harry said, "Why did you do that?"
"Because I choose to hold onto honor than to hold my tongue, if you agree or not I will not allow that woman to do as she please with such lies," Saber said as Harry give a nod to her as she and Harry went back to the group as Hermione said, "You two are back early, how did it go?"
"Let's just say I will never be a Daily Prophet subscriber," Harry said as that was enough for Hermione to understand as she hoped her own interview doesn't become that bad... if they were still doing interview that is.
"Could have warned him." Caster said off to the side glaring at Harry and the room Rita was currently in.
"Why didn't you?" Hermione asked surprised by this.
"Simply put, he is not my problem." Caster said as the masked Servant kept his cards close to his chest yet carried an unusual hatred for Harry.
(Later that Day)
Rider sat cross legged as he read what looked to be a magazine trying to understand the world, he found himself in for the Holy Grail War. "Most intriguing." Rider said as the Common Area of the French Students chariot seemed to have been overtaken by the massive form of Rider. "Young one, tell me do all the magical folk believe their magic is a blessing of the Goddess Hecate or is that only a select few?" Rider asked as he looked to Gabrielle.
"Um not many believe Hestia was truly a Goddess as you claim but many view that Merlin was the turning point for magic." Gabrielle said as she looked to Rider and noticed something he acquired and that was a TV as in front of him was a book on the world map. Most noticeably Rider was laying on his side almost like he was watching TV at home if he had one. "What are you?" Gabrielle began but was cut off by Rider.
"Young one, tell me do you know where Macedonia and Persia are located on this map?" Rider asked as he held up the map in question.
"Um why do you want to know?" Gabrielle asked as she looked to Rider with confusion.
"Because I wish to learn where all of my old territories are located." Rider said as Gabrielle made her way over to the massive form of Rider curious as to why he wished to know the statue of his land since he had been gone for probably 12,000 years. "We are preparing for war are we not?" Rider announced as Gabrielle had to admit Rider was not how she expected the famous conqueror to be.
"I think they are right here." Gabrielle said pointing to one part of the map closes to where Rider would have ruled when he was last alive.
Rider grew silent for a moment as he began to sit cross-legged. For a moment, this sudden silence caused Gabrielle to grow concerned that he might be angry. But then Rider began to laugh a hearty laugh over this discovery. "To think I spent my life conquering this land only to learn how puny it is in comparison to the world." Rider laughed as he was not done. "Now tell me young one where are we located in this round map?" Rider asked and in turn Gabrielle pointed to where Scotland was.
"We're right here Rider." Gabrielle explained and thus Rider laughed even more.
"Good then we are not too far from my homeland." Rider said not even bothered at how long a walk that would be. "Yes, this shall most certainly guide us well." Rider said as Gabrielle had to ask. "We shall ride due west and conquer every land we pass through." Rider said and slammed his fist into his thigh. "I shall return to Macedonia in triumph my people will hold a festival in honor of my great revival and bring to you the worlds riches as thanks to the young princess who made it possible!" Rider said as he had his eyes closed whole grinning. "Now how splendid will that be?" Rider asked opening his one eye to look towards Gabrielle.
"But what about the Grail War if you don't fight that war first then you can't go to your next war." Gabrielle said trying to get Rider to stop talking crazy talk.
"Which reminds me." Rider said as he was reminded of one fact. "What do you plan to do with the Grail once you have it?" Rider asked looking to the young girl.
"I... I don't know I never wanted to be a part of this, but something happened and." Gabrielle began and thus Rider patted her on the back causing her to stumble over.
"One who lacks ambition has no right to fight in this war!" Rider announced as he stood up tall. "But one who is forced into a battle they did not seek has no time for ambitions either!" Rider said as he knew that Gabrielle might need a bit of a guiding hand. "Very well then if you have need of Ambition then I shall grant you one to aid me in the conquest of this world!" Rider announced as he looked down upon Gabrielle.
"I... what!?" Gabrielle asked only for Rider to grow quiet. "Um Rider?" Gabrielle asked and thus Rider knew an ominous wind had blown.
"Come little one!" Rider called out picking up Gabrielle and taking her outside.
"Wait what is going on?" Gabrielle asked as she was surprised by this sudden action from Rider.
(Later Outside)
Rider arrived outside as he held Gabrielle under his left arm. Drawing his sword Rider held his blade at the ready for use. "I am Iskandar King of Conquerors with a swing of this mighty blade I declare my supremacy!" Rider announced and in turn swung his sword through the air.
"Rider! Rider what are you doing?" Gabrielle cried out as soon storm clouds began to appear from the sky. Soon a bolt of lightning, shot down to the ground before Rider creating a smokescreen for a moment. As the smoke cleared out Gabrielle was freed and in turn bore witness to a new arrival which was a massive chariot pulled not by horses but by massive bulls. Between the two bulls was a battering ram as the Chariot in question was a war chariot perfect for this Servant to use.
"This is the Ox Chariot that King Goris once offered up to Zeus." Rider explained the story of the chariot in question. "Its renowned reputation must be the source of my designation as a Rider Class Servant." Rider said as Gabrielle was surprised by this.
"Why did you summon it?" Gabrielle asked as she the young Veela Girl looked to Rider in shock.
"I sense that another Servant is preparing to do battle soon." Rider said and thus he grabbed Gabriele once more causing her to yelp before they both mounted the Chariot. "We must intercept and learn what we can of our foes!" Rider announced and thus with a flick of the reigns the Ox's were off pulling the War Chariot into the battle to come.
(Meanwhile with Viktor and Assassin)
Viktor was sitting by himself as he had just finished his normal physical training. At the moment he was reading to keep up with his studies seeing as being a Champion of the Tri-Wizard Tournament and a Master of this Holy Grail War did not stop him from studying. He was enjoying the silence before a group of girls screaming could be heard causing Viktor to sigh to this. Coming from the shadows Viktor saw his fangirls running away in terror no doubt due to his newest little parasite.
"Viktor." Assassin greeted in a cute tone appearing on his lap. Viktor was surprised by this as he sighed to this wondering why this girl was the way she was. Though he was grateful that she scares off his fangirls, but she could do with a little bit more restraint.
"Assassin what did I say about doing that?" Viktor asked and thus Assassin smiled innocently to him.
"About what?" She asked feigning ignorance over her little tricks.
"Scaring people like that?" Viktor said recognizing the way those girls ran away. "And just appearing like that." He added with the fact Assassin was sitting on his lap at the moment making them look like father and child to the uninformed.
"I didn't kill them... you told me not to do what I did in Whitechapel." Assassin said as she then focused on the book he was reading. "But I had to do something about them, they made you feel icky, and it made me feel icky." Assassin said as she looked to Viktor. "Plus, I like sitting here it's comfy." Assassin said as Viktor sighed to this making a note to ask his Headmaster where exactly he got the catalyst for his Servant from because his servant identity has him a bit concerned now. "What are you reading?" Assassin asked causing Viktor to look to the small girl.
"My school text, despite being a Champion I am still required to study for my classes." Viktor said to the young girl who looked up to him curious.
"That's boring." Assassin said as she looked up to Viktor.
"No choice in the matter." Viktor said sternly as Assassin pouted at him for that before vanishing from his sight. Looking around Viktor then saw Assassin reappear holding what looked to be a storybook for children.
"Why not ready this one?" She offered as Viktor sighed in frustration to this seeing exactly what the book was.
"Because I think someone would find it offensive." Viktor said as Assassin held a copy of one of the Harry Potter books made after the Boy-Who-Lived had survived his encounter with You-Know-Who.
"Please it might be useful for us, Master." Assassin said as Viktor sighed until Assassin had an idea. "What if I told you one of the other master's and Servant Teams is on the move?" Assassin offered and thus Viktor heard what she had to say.
"Ok and whose going?" Viktor asked as he looked to Assassin wondering what she was getting at.
"Not sure, but if I do know and I tell you then you have to read this story for me!" Assassin bribed as Viktor glared at Assassin for a moment only to see her give that innocent child like visage that hid within an angry sadistic killer.
"Fine." Viktor said and thus smiling Assassin vanished into the shadows to observe which Servant was going after whom.
(Meanwhile with Harry and Hermione)
Harry and Hermione were by the fountain as Ron had been giving them a wide berth. Caster was leaning against a pillar while Saber was admiring the school, she helped build so many years ago. "Ron has been giving me the stink eye since the incident in the Great Hall." Hermione said as she sat by Harry.
"Same and more so than that I think everyone is scared of me." Harry said adding the problems the two Gryffindors were facing. Apparently due to the large amount of magic in the air the Servants could not 'astralize,' and become invisible. Thanks to this war things in both Common Rooms of the Gryffindor Tower have become awkward. Good news Saber vanished before bed saying she had to find something she hid away centuries prior when she was last alive. Caster meanwhile kept watch over Hermione at night which was good when he discovered Ginny trying to cause Hermione harm.
When Hermione woke up to this, she was horrified over what she saw happening. Caster held back Hermione knew this because by his aura alone Hermione could feel the unbridled rage Caster had against Ginny at that one moment. "Just like last year with the Broom." Hermione added and in turn Caster scoffed to this.
"I suggest you two cut him loose." Caster said with his arms crossed and his eyes seemingly closed which was hard to tell with his mask on. "He's only going to cause more problems from here on out." Caster said as Harry glared at Caster for that.
"And what makes you say that?!" Harry asked daring Caster to try and argue.
"Experience that's what." Caster said as he glared at Harry with greater intensity. "I know his sort, he's the youngest son, his older brothers are successful, relies on my master to do his homework for him, and when things don't go his way, he cries fowl for it." Caster said as he made it clear that Harry and Hermione were better off without him. "Trust me when I say that you two are better off without him." Caster said not even giving them a chance to argue against him. "I still can't believe that I used to be..." Caster trailed off but held his tongue.
"Used to be... used to be what?" Hermione asked as Caster simply remained quiet instead.
Just then Saber went wide eyed as she sensed trouble approaching curtesy of one of the more dangerous Servants. "Look out!" Saber called out and thus slammed her sword into the ground erecting a protective shielding charm from their would-be attacker. In turn they were nearly blown away by a black figure who stood against the barrier likely charging against it before it jumped back.
The black knight growled like a feral animal as from nearby Fleur made herself known looking winded. "Berserker." Saber said as she glared at the new arrival before her.
"Are you mad!?" Hermione demanded shocked from the surprise attack from the French Witch and her Servant.
"Sorry but I need to end sooner rather than later." Fleur said as she glared at her foes. "If my sister is being made to fight in this then removing the other Servants is the only way!" She growled and thus in response Berserker roared out in fury ready to attack.
(Meanwhile nearby)
Watching the battle from one of the balconies Alexi and his Servant Archer bore witness to it all. "Well, this is disturbing three Servants in one area ready to fight." Alexi said with a sinister smirk on his face. "Though I should be worried for Saber if she didn't have the homefield advantage." Alexi said revealing he knew exactly who Saber really was.
"Oh, and what game are you playing with these mongrels?" Archer asked as the golden armored Servant glared at Alexi.
"Knowledge is power if we can learn how they fight we can be ready for what surprises they might show us." Alexi said as he glared at Saber and Caster specifically. "Plus, with this place being the birthplace of Saber's legend she has an advantage over the other Servants." Alexi said as he then glared about a bit. "Though I suspect that Assassin might be watching as well... let's choose our words carefully, Archer." Alexi said only for a group of Slytherin's to show up one of them being Draco Malfoy.
"Oi move it mudblood." Draco said pushed past Alexi. "I want to see Potter get turned to paste." Draco said and in turn Archer glared at Draco for his actions.
"Mongrel." Archer said and thus Draco looked only to find several blades pointed at him from several portals. "Who gave you the right to push pass me, Mongrel?" Archer demanded glaring at Draco as the lesser being he was. Draco was of course terrified of this until Alexi stepped up.
"Archer stand down." Alexi said looking to Archer. "If he leaves here with a scratch, it will make our quest for the Grail difficult." Alexi said and thus Archer scoffed and grabbed Draco by his throat.
"Very well." Archer said before throwing Draco across the hall where his two goons began to run away from Archer.
"My father will hear about this!" Draco yelled but Archer then summoned more portals for his weapons only for Draco to cry out and run away from the Servant.
"Now then, I won't stop you from moving into the fight... but be rational and follow the overseers' rules for now." Alexi said but Archer glared at his master.
"You dare give a King, commands?" Archer accused but Alexi sighed to this.
"No, it's a request but one that can easily become a command if you know what I mean." Alexi said referring to his command seals.
"Very well." Archer said as he glared down upon the scene awaiting more Servants to arrive on the scene.
(Back to the Battle)
Berserker glared at his two foes or more specifically he was glaring at Saber whose image began to shift in his eyes to another who shares her face. Roaring in maddening fury Berserker went on the attack oping Saber to go on the defensive against the Servant of Madness. Jumping back and away Saber was making her way to one of the walls of the courtyard.
"Please still work, please still work." Saber chanted as she avoided Berserkers attacks as best, he could.
Meanwhile Caster grabbed Hermione and moved out of the way to avoid her getting hurt. Landing on a roof the pair looked down upon the scene to find Harry and Saber were still down there. "Harry!" Hermione cried out as she then looked to Caster. "Go back down there and help him!" Hermione said but Caster ignored her.
"Leave him he's an enemy master let them deal with Berserker." Caster said as he summoned a mystic circle and pulled out a sniper rifle much to Hermione's shock. What was more was the marks on it that Hermione suspected belonged to a religion of some sort and from how it was designed Hermione suspected the owner worshiped a death god of some kind.
"What are you doing?" Hermione asked and in turn Caster began to take aim at Fleur.
"Removing the competition." Caster said only for Hermione to grab his arm and force his aim away.
"NO!" Hermione cried out forcing Caster to stop. "The overseer said no masters are to die in this!" Hermione argued and thus Caster growled to this.
"I almost forgot this idealism." Caster said more to himself then anything before focusing on the task at hand. "Fine we'll do it your way, but only because you'd probably waste a Command Seal if I tried anyway." Caster said making it clear that he rather not let Hermione waste those things on something like this.
(Back to the fight)
"Saber!" Harry called out as Saber was soon cornered to a wall.
"Now end this Berserker!" Fleur ordered and thus Berserker roared out.
"You should know something!" Saber called out giving a cocky smirk on her face. "You're in the lion's den!" Saber said before slamming her free hand to the wall behind her with an open palm.
"Hogwarts as one of the four I order thee! Thy students are under threat aid the blade that defends thy hollow ground where knowledge is shared!" Saber invoked and thus much to the shock of many the wall began to produce runes that had sat inactive for centuries. From the wall guardian golems began to appear carrying a sword and shield, a lance and a shield, and a bow. All three of these guardians had the Hogwarts crest on it as they charged at Berserker to do battle. The sword and lance users managed to stop Berserker's attack before the archer golem fired off a magic arrow that forced Berserker back.
"I didn't know Hogwarts had that!?" Hermione gasped as the three golems went on the offensive.
"Bloody hell how did you know?" Harry asked as he looked to Saber joining her.
"Rowe made the original version for the headmaster to use in case something happened, then she and I improved on it by giving them my fighting skills and her archery skills." Saber said as she grinned being reminded of this. "When I used it on Sally for a test run, he never let me hear the end of if while Helly tried to play peacekeeper between us." Saber said remembering the fond memories she had with her friends before they're inevitable falling out. "We set these little deployment spots all over the school, but the problem is charge it takes too long to reset so we only use these things for major incidents of battle." Saber explained as she knew that bit of spell work had its drawbacks at the time. "Now master if you'll excuse me." Saber said with her sword drawn. "I've been hoping for a good fight." Saber said and thus like all in her house she charged in headfirst ready for battle.
Berserker meanwhile roared out as he was being ganged up on. But it seems Saber's trick was not enough as Berserker then grabbed the spear using golem and crushed its throat. It dropped its spear and in turn Berserker grabbed it and threw it at the archer at blinding speed. Once that was done, he tore his arm into the sword user's chest and ripped the sword out of its grip.
"Hey Berserker!" Saber called out and swung the Sword of Gryffindor down on Berserker who blocked it with his stolen sword. When he blocked it, Saber saw the weapon gain red jagged marks across the blade. "Well, what do you know." Saber said and thus she pushed back Berserker and then flung backwards with a backflip to rejoin Harry.
"Saber what happened?" Harry asked as he looked to Saber.
"I think I figured Berserkers Noble Phantasm." Saber spoke and thus at the same time so did Caster.
(Caster and Hermione)
"To make a long story short, anything Berserker grabs, weapons, item, and even modern muggle vehicles become his Noble Phantasm." Caster said while observing the battle take place. "In other words, anything and everything is a weapon for Berserker." Caster explained and thus Hermione realized how that could be a problem.
"Is there any way to fight him?" Hermione asked and thus Caster looked to his master.
"You're the smart one figure it out." Caster said as he looked down upon the scene. "Unless I go in with a plan, I tend to just figure it out as I go." Caster admitted as there was now fool proof plan to face a Berserker. Just then the pair hurt a burst of lighting and looked upward to the source of it. "Oh great." Caster said as he knew another Servant was about to arrive.
(Back to the Battle)
Once Saber had finished explaining how he thinks Berserkers Noble Phantasm works a bolt of lightning went off and in turn Saber, Harry, Fleur, and even Berserker looked to the source of it.
From the sky releasing a mighty roar Rider was seen as he carried Gabrielle on his Chariot with him. "A... Chariot?" Harry asked as he saw Rider had arrived on the scene... and destroyed the fountain as well.
Once he landed Rider spread his arms outward as if to make a proclamation. "Both of you sheath your blades for I am a King!" Rider called out as he stood between the two fighters. Fleur was using her Allure as it helped calm Berserker down to a more manageable level. "I am Iskandar King of Conquerors. In this battle for the Holy Grail, I am of the Rider Class of Servants.
"He didn't just do that." Harry said as that was one of the first four rules Dusk had told them about Servants.
(Hermione and Caster)
"Iskandar King of Conquerors." Hermione trailed off until the name hit where it needed in her mind. "He's Alexander the Great!" Hermione gasped in shock using the modern version of Islanders name.
"I don't know if he's extremely confident or extremely stupid." Caster said as he was ready to move in at a moment's notice.
(Battle)
"Rider why would you announce that!? Mr. Dusk told us not to reveal your actual names!" Gabrielle gasped as she looked to Rider shocked that he would reveal himself like that.
"Worry not princess." Rider said as he put his massive hand atop Gabrielle's head patting her on the head. "Fate has brought us all together in this place to do battle for possession of the Holy Grail." Rider said as he looked between the three Servants noting Caster atop the roof. "But first I wish to make a proposition and offer." Rider said before he raised his hands to the air again. "What think you of yielding the Holy Grail to me and joining me glorious and invincible army!" Rider announced as Caster grabbed Hermione and jumped back down to the ground. "You would be treated as honored allies, friends, and brothers in arms." Rider said punching his fists together. "Together we shall share in the glory of battle and the joy of world conquest." Rider bellowed making his offer known to the Servants in the area.
Just then Saber began to bellow with her own laughter as she was even smiling about it. "I like you King of Conquerors." Saber announced as she then calmed down her laughter to a grin. "Honestly if you were born around my time, I'd probably have brought you into my bed chambers." Saber spoke as she grinned to Iskandar.
"Oh?" Rider asked as he grinned at Saber. "And are you too a King I assume this is your castle after all?" Rider asked but Saber waved it off.
"Nah I'm just a teacher." Saber countered as she rather be a teacher over being a king. "But since you asked, I suppose it's only fair I introduce myself proper." Saber said and thus pointed her sword at Rider. "I am Godric Gryffindor the Blade of the Hogwarts Four!" Saber introduced herself causing Harry to go wide eyed in shock over this. "Now then Rider you wish to join this fight, I'll gladly give you a private lesson on the art of battle!" Saber challenged as she was clearly a bit on the crazy side when fighting was involved.
"I'll refuse that offer as well." Caster said as he glared at Rider. "I spent my whole life trying to stop a man and his ambition for conquest in life." Caster said glaring at Rider in concept. "I'm not about to join with another no matter how grandeur he thinks it is." Caster countered making it clear that he and would be world conquerors do not mix well. Caster glared about and counting himself he already saw that four out of the seven were here. This meant that Assassin, Lancer, and Archer were all unaccounted for at the moment.
"Looking around about four of us are all here we're short by three Servants." Saber said as she almost forgot one bit. "Two just in case Assassins is prowling around the shadows." Saber added as she then had a brilliantly reckless idea. "Hey Archer, Assassin; Lancer if your nearby why don't you lot show yourselves!" Saber called forth much to the shock and surprise of Harry and Hermione as well as the annoyance of Caster.
Just then from nearby golden energy began to form which got everyone's attention on it. From the energy Alexi's Servant Archer appeared glaring down upon the foes below him carrying with him his ever-arrogant aura around him. "So, a lesser being dare to name himself a king even in my royal presence." Archer announced glaring upon the Servants before him.
"I fail to see where the problem lies sir." Rider began as he looked over to Archer. "For I am Iskandar the legendary King of Conquerors known throughout all the lands of the world." Rider said as if it was the most basic thing to say.
"What nonsense you are deluding yourself." Archer said from his spot above the group. "I am the one true king of the world all others are mongrel's pretenders to the name." Archer said his arrogance and narcissism shown on fully display.
"If you are that insistent to your claim then why not name yourself?" Rider asked as he was clearly challenging Archer. "No true King should be troubled by something as simple as giving his name to those he wishes to challenge." Rider edged on and thus Archer glared at the King of Conquerors.
"So, you would question me you filthy mongrel. Me the one true king." Archer growled as clearly that set the gold clad hero off. "If you cannot now discern my identity in the presence of my magnificent glory then your ignorant blindness shall serve to seal your doom!" Archer called out and thus several golden portals appeared and from them weapons began to come out of them.
"Shit." Caster cursed as he saw what this was. "Right off the bat he's using his Noble Phantasm." Caster announced as he saw what Archer was doing. Berserker glared at Archer and thus roared out going for the frontal attack causing Archer to send his weapons at Berserker. Berserker managed to dodge them and in turn landed on the ground after his failed attack.
"Who gave you permission to move from there, rabid dog?" Archer asked as he pointed his weapons at the mad servant. "May your death provide me with some monochrome of entertainment, mongrel." Archer said and thus fired two of his weapons, a sword, and a spear at Berserker.
Berserker acted fast and pushed Fleur out of the way before grabbing the sword coming his way and then using that same sword to deflect the spear. The force of the impact caused an explosion from the impact which would make it seem that Berserker was out of the fight. That was until the smoke cleared and from it, Berserker was seen unharmed and now wielding a new sword in his hand.
Archer glared at Berserker no doubt the fact that he blocked his attack annoyed him but the fact he used something of his infuriated him. "You dare place one of your filthy hands upon my treasures." Archer growled as he glared down upon Berserker. "You must long for a painful death, cur!" Archer began summoning forth more of those portals and in turn even more weapons were produced from them. "Alright let us see just how long your parlor tricks can keep you, alive you mongrel!" Archer announced and in turn the weapons all began to fly at Berserker at blinding speed. Seeing this Berserker grabbed an axe from the weapons being hurled at him and began to slash the weapons away from him.
Berserker easily avoided and deflected the weapons that came his way. If he was disarmed Berserker simply took another of Archer's treasures and continued his counterattack. Eventually the weapons went off like bombs covering Berserker in a smokescreen. It seemed that for a moment Archer won until two of the treasures were thrown at his pillar causing Archer to jump down to the ground.
This served to infuriate Archer even further as clearly his arrogance was something of note about him. "Fool." Archer growled as he was not happy about this. "I belong among the heavens and yet you would have me trot among the ground." Archer growled in barely contained fury. "Your impudence has guaranteed your death!" Archer called out as behind him the entire area had become a wall of those golden portals with weapons coming out of them. "Mongrel when I am through with you nothing will remain of your corpse!" Archer announced as he was ready to end him.
That was until from out of nowhere two rockets came flying at both Servants from two different directions with one hitting Archer and the other hitting Berserker. Looking to the source it was Caster now holding an RPG in his hands that was vanishing from his hands once its use was done. Nearby Draven was seen as he had a smoke in his mouth while glaring at the scene.
"That's enough from all of you!" Draven called out as he glared at the scene before him.
"You dare!" Archer yelled but Draven glared at Archer above all others.
"Yes, I dare!" Draven said glaring at Archer. "I said to keep your fights away from public spaces and avoid collateral damage and what do we have here!" Draven called out as he gestured to the area around them showing a destroyed courtyard.
"Don't give me orders." Archer countered but then Alexi was heard.
"As you master, I call upon the Command Seals power." Came Alexi as he came out of the darkness. "Archer you will retreat for now." Alexi said as he used one of his command seals to reign in Archer.
Archer went wide eyed to this as everyone saw Alexi's hand glow with his words. Archer growled to this and thus called off his weapons from the battle. "Very well, but don't you dare assume you can command a king." Archer said making it clear that he was only doing it because the Command Seal compelled him to do so.
Draven glared at the Masters, still here as the Servants all saw what happened. "See you next time Gil." Draven said as Alexi began to walk away from the scene. "Alright heads up, I'll let you all off with a warning this time since there were no casualties but make no mistake the next time you lot decide to have a battle royal in the middle of a school I'll be coming after all of those involved." Draven said as he then took a swig of his cigarette. "Am I clear?" He asked and thus everyone all nodded to this. "Good." Draven said as he then began to walk off to make his report to the Mage's Association over the progress of the War.
(Meanwhile with Cedric and Lancer)
"Well, that happened." Lancer said shouldering his spear as he and Cedric bore witness to the battle from a safe distance. "Good thinking waiting and watching but doesn't sit right by me." Lancer said with a casual tone in his voice.
"Well, if what I know about your Class is true while your powerful your Luck makes you a tad bit vulnerable." Cedric said ensuring that his Servant survived to see the end of this war.
"Hmm loyal to an ally." Lancer said a tad bit impressed with this. "Well at least we know Berserker and Archer's Noble Phantasms." Lancer said as he looked to the scene before him.
"Yes, but not their identities." Cedric said and thus they had a great deal to consider here.
(Scene Break that evening)
Alastor Moody was seen heading into his office seemingly in a bad mood. The truth of the matter was the fact that this was not Alastor Moody at all. The Goblet of Fire had a defensive counter measure, and it erected the Holy Grail War. His lord had ordered him to ensure that Potter participated in the Tri-Wizard Tournament but instead he was now a Master gunning for the Holy Grail.
Thanks to this his lord was most displeased and had thus ordered him to try and compromise one of the other masters. Get them to win the grail and force them to wish Voldemort back to physical form. He had plans to Imperio Fleur Delacour for that task due to her Servant Berserker, but he planned to wait until the last Master was standing before making the attempt. But as he entered his office the man was caught off guard by a blade through his gullet curtesy of Caster.
Caster had waited for the fake Moody to open the door to catch him unaware. Now that he was here Caster forced the man down to the ground and produced a bottle from his person. "Now Crouch let's have a heart-to-heart." Caster said as he pinned Moody down. He tried to fight back only to cry out when Caster stabbed his wand hand to the ground pinning the Wizard down. He then forced Moody's mouth opened and shoved the contents of the potion into the man's mouth.
Once the task was done and he was forced to swallow Moody's form began to change. It was not long until Alastor Moody's form was changed with his fake leg falling off and the fake-eye popping out. Once the deed was done Barty Crouch Jr. was on the ground where Alastor Moody was prior.
"How... how did you know?" Moody asked only to find a gun pointed at his face.
"Fool me once shame on you." Caster said making it clear that he fell for a trick like this before. It was not long until Snape and several Professors appeared after Caster left them a tip to show up here. "Now then Crouch let's make you squeal like the pig you are." Caster said making it clear that he was going to ring Crouch for everything he knew about Voldemort. "A shame you were somewhat of a good teacher." Caster added as he glared down upon Barty Crouch Jr.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, another chapter off the docket. I hope that you all enjoyed it and will join me for the next update to this story. So until then be sure to leave a review and as I always say, ja-ne.