Harry Potter and the Holy Grail War
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(Start Day Before the First Task)
All of their preparations had led up to this very moment. The first task with the prize being an extra Command Seal to the one with the highest point count. Draven had made it clear that his earlier rule still applied. They lose their Servants they lose their right to the Holy Grail and the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Thanks to Caster's accusation Harry had gone out of his way to look into the Dragon theory and found confirmation that there was in fact dragons being brought in.
With Harry confirmation they had all done the research into the Dragons that were being brought in to compete. Hermione meanwhile had been making a list of Servant's and their true names. Godric Gryffindor was Saber, Jack the Ripper was Assassin, and Iskandar AKA Alexander the Great was Rider, which meant that there were still four Servants whose names they had yet to decipher.
Since not much is known about Jack Hermione had focused on researching Iskandar first. Needless to say, she was surprised by what she found mostly how he died in his 30's. The King of Conquerors might become a formidable opponent down the line but that was based around the lack of information on his Noble Phantasm. But by the sound of things, it would seem that Iskandar was once beloved by his people which may have played a role in his legend. Though at the moment Hermione and Caster were not speaking on account of his ruthless nature. She cursed herself for believing the Catalyst she had used would have brough her someone of legend.
Of course, they were in the common room as soon Godric Gryffindor was heard. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Saber bellowed out in laughter as he and the Gryffindors were reveling much to Hermione's annoyance. "Revel members of my household tonight we feast as for tomorrow my master, and I shall march into battle with full bellies and hearts filled with undeniable courage!" Saber cried out as she held a mug of mead in her hands with a barrel of mead not too far away.
Of course, the Gryffindors reflected Godrics reveling as their house founder was giving them permission to drink. "Would you all quiet down I'm trying to study!" Hermione yelled out as she held the book in her hand.
Saber laughed and jumped down before swiping the book out from Hermione's hand causing her to yelp. "You have studied enough as a member of my household tonight we revel for the battle to come!" Saber boasted as she somehow got a second mug of mead and handed it to Hermione. Hermione noted that Saber was pissed judging by how her voice was slightly slurring and her face was red from the alcohol in her system. "This Mead is from my personal collection; I'm quite shocked your current head had never discovered where I hid it." Saber laughed as she held the mead.
"Private stash?" Fred asked as he looked to Saber.
"Hid it?" George asked now grinning over the prospect.
"Of course, Rowena absolutely abhorred my drinking habits and how I dragged Salazar and Helga into our tavern runs." Saber recounted as she then took a swing of her mead. "I had to get creative and hide my stash, so she'd never locate it and by the looks of it she never did." Saber laughed as she laughed over pulling the wool over the smartest woman, alive. "You hear that Rowey you can't stop me and my habits!" Saber added as she laughed once more.
"Ok Saber I think you've had enough." Harry said as he tried to get Saber to stop.
"Hardly I've had enough when Sally and I have our customary drinking contest." Saber said as she kept her drink away from Harry. "Now stop wasting time and go to your woman make her put the book down enter her bed chamber and rock her world!" Saber said with an arm around Harry and pointing her mug towards Hermione.
"Wait my woman?!" Harry asked as he was now blushing.
"Bed chamber?!" Hermione gasped as she was also blushing turning to a red to match the colors of her house.
"Come now Harry a little liquid courage will do you wonders! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Saber bellowed but then she eases her head closer to Harry's. "But if she is not willing perhaps, I shall bring you into my bed chambers show you how a Gryffindor Courage is in bed." Saber flirted causing Harry to blush a deep red now while Hermione puffed up her cheeks and glared at Saber's advances. But it would seem that her bellowing had attracted the attention of their head of house to their preparations for battle.
"Godric Gryffindor?! What is the meaning of this!?" Minerva asked as she had gotten the noise complaint.
"Ah my current head of house welcome to the revelry my dear!" Saber bellowed as she was about to hand Minerva a drink. "Come join us, take a drink find a strapping man and have your way with him!" Saber called out as Minerva had just about enough of Saber's antics.
"All of you to bed NOW or the loss of house points and the receiving of detentions will be the least of your worries!" Minerva roared out using her own Scottish tone which proceeded to get everyone to back off and head upstairs to their dorms.
"Ah Minerva don't be such a dour." Saber laughed as Minerva glared at the Servant.
"I need help!" Harry called as he showed he could not stop Godric from drinking.
"Godric Gryffindor please stop this nonsense the students need to rest, and you need to be aware of yourself come morning. But the mead down." Minerva tried to say but was ignored as Saber took another swing of her mead so much so that the effects took hold and she fell over passed out drunk. She had a grin on her face and the sound of soft snoring coming from her mouth.
"Bloody hell." Harry sighed as he looked to his past-out Servant. "I am terribly sorry about this, Professor." Harry apologized as he then went to help Saber onto the couch.
"Just be sure she is ready for tomorrow." Minerva said as Harry nodded while Hermione wrapped Godric up in a blanket to keep her warm.
"I swear it's like dealing with an overgrown child." Hermione said to the sleeping Servant. "But she does look quite peaceful and content when she sleeps." Hermione added as she assumed Saber liked to live every day of her life like it would be her last day on Earth.
"Yeah..." Harry trailed off as he wondered if Saber's earlier words had affected them more than they thought.
"Hehehehe." Saber mumbled in her sleep as she then turned to her side hugging the pillow she was given. "That's right Helga take it all off." Saber mumbled in her sleep and thus the two looked to each other for a moment.
"NOPE!" Harry and Hermione both called out as they left so Saber can rest for tomorrow.
(Meanwhile with Viktor and Assassin)
"Are you all set for tomorrow?" Viktor asked as Assassin was all healed save for a small smudge on her cheek.
"Yeap we're ready to help kill a dragon." Assassin said as Viktor nodded to this but noticed the smudge.
"Hold still." Viktor said as he then licked his thumb and wiped off the smudge on Assassin. "There I'd rather you look presentable." Viktor said and thus as he turned away, he almost missed the tears from Assassin. "Are you ok?" Viktor asked as Assassin then wiped her tears away and nodded.
"Yes, pa... I mean Master." Assassin said as she almost called Viktor her father. Viktor had been very stern to not be called mommy when he first came into contact with Assassin, and it took doing to get her to stop without wasting a Command Seal. But Jack seemed to forget that a child is made up of two a father and a mother. This Wraith was born from the lingering souls of aborted children whose hatred formed into the nameless Wraith that would eventually be called, Jack the Ripper.
Viktor sighed as he put the pieces together as the word almost left Assassin's mouth. He then hugged Assassin and began to rub her head which made the loli wraith go wide eyed. "It's alright if you wish to call me that I shall allow it." Viktor approved and thus Assassin's loose hands found themselves around Victor's body.
"Papa!" Assassin cried out as she hugged the Durmstrum Champion her master.
'Damn when did orphans start being drawn to me?' Viktor cursed himself for letting Assassin get this close to him.
(With Fleur and Gabrielle)
"I can't do this!" Gabrielle cried out as she was in a state of panic and fear. "I don't want to go out there to die!" Gabrielle cried as Rider, Fleur, and Berserker were all gathered in the room with her inside the Beaubouxens carriages.
"Worry not young princess for I shall be by your side." Rider said but Gabrielle begged to differ.
"You don't understand!" She yelled as the child was being made to fight in this tournament and Rider was all she had to defend herself with. "I can't fight... I'm not strong or skilled enough." Gabrielle cried as she began to break down.
"Little one." Rider began as he kneeled down to try his best to look at Gabrielle's level. "This won't be the single most important event of your entire life it will be one of many notable events of your life." Rider spoke as he looked to the crying Gabrielle who was clearly listening. "You once told me you had no wish to make on the Holy Grail, but you need not the Grail for a wish. When you eventually discover the desire that binds you to the Grail you will march into a battle you will not be able to avoid but on my word as a King you will have all of your life to find that desire." Rider announced but Gabrielle glared to him.
"Just admit you're not satisfied with this pact! I'm a child I've only started my schooling! You would have won this war already if you had a different master!" Gabrielle defended as Fleur had almost forgotten the amount of stress Gabrielle was under.
"Perhaps." Rider spoke before he grabbed the textbook and flipped through the pages till he got to the map of the world. "Take a look at this princess, this is the enemy that I face." Rider said as Gabrielle looked to it. "Now try to draw a picture of the two of us standing alongside this enemy draw it so you can tell the difference in our sizes." Rider said and thus Gabrielle was surprised by this. "It's impossible right?" Rider finished already knowing what Gabrielle would say.
"Compared to this enemy you and I are the same, Princess." Rider spoke as he was filling Gabrielle with as much courage as he could offer her. "We're just little dots, what point is there to compare our sizes." Rider said before he began to grin. "That is exactly why I'm excited!" Rider announced to the young girl. "With a body that is no more than a poppy seed I will use that body to one day overtake and conquer the world!" Rider announced bashing his fist into his chest. "Nothing will stop my quest for in my chest beats the invincible heart of the King of Conquerors." Rider spoke as he looked to Gabrielle.
"That self-doubt and complaining is proof that inside is the heart of a Conqueror one that will surpass my own." Rider said as Fleur could not help but start to shed a tear. "You have the strength to struggle and reach heights beyond anything you could possibly imagine. "I failed to reach my dream in life, but you still have the chance to reach yours a dream larger then even your tiny form can contain." Rider said and thus Gabrielle began to cheer up at Rider's words.
"We're both fools and a pact between us is perfect for me." Rider announced and thus he picked up Gabrielle. "Now off to bed with you young Conqueror for the battle of tomorrow awaits." Rider said as Gabrielle nodded and let Rider carry her to bed.
(Scene Break the next Day)
In the Champions Tent that had been set up the Seven Masters and their Servants were seen. All of them were set up with the gear needed of them as Hermione had burrowed some protective gear from the female Quidditch players of her house. The Servants were all in varying form waiting to learn what Dragons they would be fazing with their Masters. Saber was sharpening her sword on a wet stone, Assassin was sitting on one of the beds swinging her legs back and forth, Rider was on the ground sitting crossed legged as boastful as ever, Archer was off to the side keeping to himself with a glass of wine, Lancer had his spear resting against his body as he prepared to go into battle, Berserker stood stalwart by Fleur's side, and Caster was sitting on a chair with his arms crossed, eyes closed, and waiting patiently for what came next.
Harry James Potter was nervously pacing back and forth across the far end of the Champions tent. It was mere minutes before the first task of the famed Triwizard Tournament was supposed to start, but he was anything but eager to get it underway. The Seven Masters were similarly nervous, but Harry had barely even noticed this when he'd walked in due to his own nervous state, and certainly wasn't paying them any attention now, nor were they paying him any attention, or each other any attention, they were all lost in their own worlds.
Just then Hermione walked over to Harry as she was concerned for him. "Harry." Hermione spoke as this got Harry's attention.
"Yeah, Hermione." Harry said as he was drawn out of his own inner thoughts. Caster was staying off to the side but kept a close eye on Hermione.
"How are you feeling? Okay?" Hermione asked concerned for Harry's wellbeing as was right as his best friend who seemed to be his only friend ever since the Goblet of Fire spat out his name while starting the Holy Grail War.
"The key is to concentrate. After that you just have to," Hermione began but was cut off by Harry.
"Battle a dragon," Harry finished for her and what followed was a pregnant pause. Just then Harry suddenly found himself being engulfed in a mighty hug, as Hermione launched herself at him. Caster let it be while Saber simply smiled to the scene. Staggering a step backwards to keep his balance, Harry wrapped his arms around her tightly, returning her hug gratefully.
Hermione had been the only one to believe him when he said he hadn't put his name in the Goblet of Fire, for which he knew he would be forever grateful. And beyond just believing him when no one else would, she'd also helped him perfect Accio, the Summoning Charm once he'd told her about needing to summon his Firebolt for the first task against the dragon. Caster had suggested it to Hermione who then went on to suggest it to Harry which Hermione found strange since Harry was an enemy master. More so if the books were correct Saber was one of the strongest Servant Classes of the Holy Grail War so removing the powerhouses was a must.
But suddenly, their bubble was rudely burst by the flash of a camera lightbulb.
"Young love." Rita cooed, strutting into the tent with Saber, Rider, and Caster all glaring at her. Rider moved Gabrielle behind him almost like a father would his own child against someone he perceived as a threat. "Oh, how," Rita began but pause for a second, clearly contemplating the best word to describe the situation. "Stirring," she finished with great finality, before continuing. "If everything goes unfortunately today, you two may even make the front page." She said as Hermione had a nasty suspicion that "unfortunately" to Rita would mean that none of the champions or Harry had sustained a nasty injured in the upcoming task, but before she could do anything more than glare at the 'journalist', Krum spoke up for the first time since Harry had entered the tent.
"You have no business here. This tent is for champions and friend Servants." Krum said as Assassin was ready to make Rita into mincemeat at a moment's notice.
Rita looked mildly offended that no one considered her a friend, but she covered it well. "Well, no matter. We've got what we wanted," Rita responded before swaying back towards the door of the tent.
But before Rita could leave Saber had her sword blocking her path causing all eyes to go to the Servant. "Not yet you don't." Saber said as she held the Sword of Gryffindor ready to run Rita through. "I believe your daft article called me a nutter who thinks herself Godric Gryffindor." Saber said no doubt still quiet sore about the insult made to her. "Back in my day we used to hang people for such insults... well Sally did most of the hanging I just helped humiliate the idiots enough to make them apologize." Saber said as she had a few plans of retribution against Rita.
"Let her be Godric." Caster said as he held Saber back. "She's not worth the effort... a few lawsuits will shut her up." Caster said and thus when Caster said that Rita smirked.
"Lawsuits for spreading the news?" Rita asked but Caster begged to differ.
"No... lawsuits for spreading libel." Caster said as he looked to Rita. "I'm sure the Goblins will be most willing to help one of their biggest customers make a case." Caster went on as he glanced towards Harry and Hermione sending a silent message for them to pick up.
But before anything else could be said the judges and Filch entered the tent from behind where Harry and Hermione were standing, drawing everyone's attention away from her, so she slipped into the corner to watch. At least until Assassin appeared in that same corner with a knife held against their throats giggling innocently to them. Rita got the memo and with her camera boy opted to squeeze out of the area before anything else could happen.
"Good day, Champions. Gather round, please," Dumbledore boomed out as he entered the tent. The Servant Masters of the Holy Grail War/Champions of the Tri-Wizard Tournament quickly hurried over to where the adults were, as Harry and Hermione shifted to the side slightly so Dumbledore could have center stage. Harry and Hermione's hands instinctively found their way into each other, and Hermione's other hand grasped his arm protectively.
"Now you've waited. You've wondered. At last, the moment has arrived. The moment only seven of you can fully appreciate." Dumbledore said as Saber stood next to Lancer and Caster when she heard this.
"What are we chopped liver?" Saber asked as she felt a bit offended by this.
"Shush." Caster scolded as Saber sighed and let it be for now.
"Barty. The bag." Dumbledore said as he got back on subject no doubt taking note of Saber's word.
Holding out a bag that looked like it was smoking slightly, Mr. Crouch gestured to all of the champions. "Champions, in a circle around me." Barty said as the Seven Masters all began to circle around Crouch.
"Miss Delacour here, the other Delacour over here, um there, Miss Granger here, Mr. Potter over here," Barty said as he arranged all wizards and witches in a certain order, no doubt to give each school a chance to go after the other and such as he soon said, "Now, Miss Delacour the eldest, if you will."
Barty held open a bag that seem to be chard on the inside with smoke coming out, as Fleur put her hand into it and pull out quickly with a green looking dragon as Barty said, "The Welsh Green."
Fleur looked a bit worry as she and her sister look up at their head mistress on this as she too looked a bit worry, but the Berserk seem calm about this, but then again, he hardly reacted to much let alone talk, as Barty went on going as he said, "Mr. Krum."
Krum put his hand into the bag without fear as he pulls out a red serpent looking dragon with wings on tis arms as Barty said, "The Chinese Fireball, ooh."
The assassin didn't look that impressed by the dragon, with Barty brought the bag over to Cedric as he pulls out a yellow-ish color dragon with Lancer just give a small chuckle to this, as Barty said, "The Swedish Short-snout, Now Mr. Potter"
Harry was a bit fearful of what kind of dragon he could get as he reach his hand into the bag and quickly pull out feeling a stinking pain as he pulls out a brown spikey looking dragon as Barty said, "The Hungarian Horntail."
the dragon roar out a bit as it swing tis tail a bit as Harry didn't know what to make of this as he knew he got the worst possible dragon out of the bunch no doubt, with saber put a hand on Harry's shoulder as he give a nod to him as if telling him, "they got this", as soon enough Barty went over to the youngest champion of the group as Barty said, "Now young Delacour."
Gabrielle reach in as she closed her eyes a bit as she soon pulls out a brought green dragon with a pair of long horns on its head as Barty said, "Romanian Longhorn, ahh."
The little girl didn't know if she could do this challenge with Rider patted her head as he said to her, "Don't worry young one, with me by your side, there nothing we can't achieve together."
She smiled a little bit to this as she gave a nod to him with Barty went over to the next champion as he said, "Mr. Alexi if you will?"
Alexi reach his hand into the bag as well as he soon pulls out a black dragon of sort as Barty said, "Hebridean Black."
"Tis! Not even a challenge," Archer said as he saw the dragon as he thought of it wasn't much of a challenge for him as Barty went on to the last champion as he said, "Now lastly Miss Granger, if you could."
Hermione soon reach into the bag as she pulled out the last dragon in the bag as she soon pulled out a grayish white dragon with spikes on its spine as Barty said, "The Ukrainian Ironbelly."
"Should be easy enough to take care of," Caster said without fear as it seemed he is familiar with this kind of dragon with Barty soon said to the champions, "These represent Seven very real dragons, each of which has been given a golden egg to protect. Your objective is simple: Collect the egg. This you must do for each egg contains a clue, without which you cannot hope to proceed to the next task."
"While also as a side objective, show how well you can perform of retrieving said egg, of time, skills, and how well you can work with your servants, as do well enough and the reward of an extra Command Seal is yours," Draven said as most of the Champion reacted to that, an extra seal to do whatever they want with. With the limited amount they already have, it was only a matter of how to use it wisely, with Hermione already having used one of hers to stop Caster.
"Any questions?" Barty asked with no one said a word as they all knew the task ahead as Dumbledore spoken up saying, "Very well, good luck, champions. Mr. Diggory, at the sound of the cannon, you and your Servant, Lancer may," Dumbledore began but was cut off by a loud cannon shot.
-Tiss-Boom-
The cannon was fired ahead of the signal by Argus Filch as it was heard very much with all the people outside cheering with the music playing thinking the first match is about to begin with no time to waste, Cedric soon went out there with Lancer as he said, "Let shows these guys how we start thing off."
"Ha. I wish you good luck with that Mongrels," Archer said as Lancer glare at the guy with that commit as Cedric went on out, ignoring what Archer said as he knew they had their work cut out for them.
Draven sighed and in turn using his Mage Craft set up a viewing screen in the tent so the others could watch. He had a familiar out there watching the fight so they can see what they are facing. Draven then made his way over to the judge's corner with one thought in mind. "I really need a smoke." Draven said as he made it clear he did NOT want to be here.
But then Caster decided to ask one particular question. "I got a question real, quick." Caster said getting everyone's attention. "Are we permitted to kill the dragons?" Caster asked as he glared at them through his mask.
"I don't see how that will be possible but nothing in the rules states that you have to kill it and the same can be said about sparing it as well." Draven said showing he had gone out of his way to read up on the tournament's rules.
"That's all I needed to know." Caster said as this gave everyone a bit of insight on how to win this task.
(Later at the stage)
Cedric and Lancer entered the arena as Lancer was grinding his spear across the stone creating sparks. As they entered the stage the plan was simple for the two. "So master, want me to deal with the dragon while you make a break for the Egg?" Lancer asked as he then shouldered his spear.
"That will probably be a smart move, knowing you, dragons should not be an issue." Cedric said having faith that Lancer can deal with it. Once they entered the stage Lancer lead the charge while looking for the Dragon. Due to Lancer's terrible luck stat he had to be careful in this fight. So, Cedric used a spell on himself so the Dragon would not take notice to his presence while Lancer waited.
"Nesting Dragon's. Their using Nesting Dragons to guard the golden Egg... heh I don't know what's worse a Dragon with a horde of treasure or a dragon with a nest." Lancer said as suddenly a roar was heard and in response Lancer moved out of the way of a torrent of flames curtesy of the Chinese Fireball. Moving to face his foe Lancer spun his spear about and prepared to face his enemy. "Well then this should be, FUN!" Lancer called out and went into battle to draw the Dragon's attention away from Cedric. Lancer was sure to aim for the gaps on its scaled hide while Cedric carefully snuck past the battle.
Lancer ducked and avoided an attack as he fought with past experiences against Dragons. He could feel the power his homeland gave him and while not as powerful as Saber's own Territory boost it still gave him an edge in this fight. Avoiding another flurry of flames from the Dragon Lancer smirked before using his spear to help avoid a tail sweep from his foe.
(In the Champions Tent)
"Wow." Harry said as he and Saber saw the fight. Hermione, with Caster leaning off to the side, felt like she was watching a fantasy movie where the hero was facing a dragon in mortal combat, almost like a fairy tale.
"He's formidable." Rider boasted as he grinned upon the scene before him sitting on the ground with Gabrielle on his lap.
"Oi don't assume he's winning just yet, remember Lancer and Cedric need to work together to win." Saber said as she observed the battle with a calculating eye. No doubt the Servants and masters were observing the fight for ways to get the upper hand in the Holy Grail War.
Caster meanwhile glared at the scene before scoffing and looking away. He'd rather not let memories of another time in a castle just like this one to cloud his mind. Leave the past buried it serves no more purpose to him other than a constant painful remainder of his idealistic mistakes. A reminder while he has to be brutal and decisive against his enemy and all threats to the world.
(Back to the battle)
Lancer slid across the ground as he glared at his foe ready for more when the Dragon roared out in fury. Just then it heard stones shifting and from this the Dragon saw Cedric. "Shit!" Lancer cursed before moving to his master's location. "Master look out!" Caster called out chasing after Cedric to help him.
Cedric saw this and acting fast moved out of the way as the Dragon charged at him for getting too close to the nest. Hiding in a crevice Cedric saw the Dragon ready to launch its flames at him so acting fast he fired off a blasting hex to its face causing it to be pushed back. That was when Lancer came in and stabbed into its back. The Dragon roared in pain before he jumped off and took out an eye. The Dragon roared in agony at the loss of its eye as blood leaked from the wounds Lancer managed to inflict.
"Master gun for the egg quickly!" Lancer ordered as he then spun his spear about and took a battle stance with which he was most familiar. "I'm going to end this quickly." Lancer said as he got ready to use the source of his legend.
'That Stance...' Cedric's mind trailed off instinctively knowing what Lancer was about to do. Focusing his power Lancer's spear released a burst of red energy much to the crowd's shock and amazement. The Dragon roared in fury as it began to approach Lancer who stood between it and Cedric with Cedric gunning for the beast's nest.
(Back at the Tent)
"Behold." Caster said as he got everyone's attention. "Lancer is about to use his Noble Phantasm bear witness to the power a Heroic Spirit possesses." Caster said and thus all the Servants bar Archer paid close attention to what Lancer was about to do.
"A Noble... Phantasm." Harry said with a tone of curiosity wanting to see what Caster was talking about.
(Back to the Battle)
The Dragon roared out as it lifted itself to the sky to fly over Lancer to protect its nest. Caster seeing this smirked as the Dragon gave him a clear shot to its heart. "Behold my Noble Phantasm!" Lancer called out and thus was ready to launch his attack. "GAE BOLG!" Caster invoked and thus threw his spear as a javelin watching as it flew across the sky and into the Dragons chest, directly into its heart.
The strike released a powerful blast of energy that made a huge hole in the dragon's chest that now leaked blood. The Dragon roared in pain as the spear pierced its heart while it was falling back to the ground. The dragon crashed as Lancer summoned his spear back to his hand seeing the Dragon fall before his might.
"You were hardly the first Dragon to fall by my spear... and you won't be the last." Lancer said as he smirked a bit as Cedric saw this.
"Amazing." Cedric said while he went for the now defenseless Dragon Egg.
(Back at the Champions Tent)
"So that was Lancer's Noble Phantasm." Victor said as he observed the scene, but Saber and Hermione were the first to figure it out.
"Gae Bolg." Saber spoke as she observed the scene. "That move belongs to only one person in history, Irelands favored child, Cu Chulainn." Saber said as Hermione was the next to speak up.
"Chu was rumored to be a Demigod of Irish Mythology." Hermione said as she realized who Lancer truly was. This meant that they now had positive identifications for Saber, Rider, Assassin, and Lancer. This meant that Caster, Archer, and Berserker were still unknown as to who they were. They then saw the screen closely and witnessed Cedric leaving as the Champions would get their scores at the end of it all.
(Judges Table)
The Headmaster's of the three schools plus Draven were all seated at the table with Draven taking notes and scoring each champion and master pair individually. "Cu Chulainn an Irish legend I suspect he's getting a territory boost much like Saber is." Draven said as he knew that Lancer had an advantage.
"Isn't that an unfair advantage?" Maxime's asked clearly not happy about it.
"This is the Holy Grail War madam all is fair in love and war." Draven said as he then took out a smoke and lit the tabaco stick with a lighter. "We might as well get comfortable it's going to be a long day." Draven added with a drag of his smoke causing the headmasters to glance disapprovingly to the smoking Magus.
(Scene Break Fleur and Berserker)
The Veela and Mad Servant entered the field which had been reset with her Dragon, the Welsh Green. The ominous aura that Berserker gave off and the clanking of his armor did nothing to hide his presence as the pair entered the field. Fleur stopped for a moment before looking to Berserker with concern for him. "Berserker." Fleur began as this caused the Servant to stop for a moment to look upon his master. "Be careful." She said and thus Berserker paused for but a moment before nodding to the Quarter Veela in confirmation.
Just then a roar was heard and from there Berserker grabbed Fleur so the two can avoid a blast of fire from Fleur's Welsh Green. Once that was done the two landed and Berserker let his master go. With a wave of her wand Fleur transfigured a stone into a claymore for Berserker to wield. Seeing this the Servant took the massive blade and with his Noble Phantasm as the red circuits spread across the blade.
"Go now, Berserker!" Fleur called out her order giving him approval to fight and thus with a roar the Dragon charged. Berserker responded with a savage roar of his own and faced the dragon head on. Berserker as his title implied was a mad warrior, a savage animal with only his master to reign him in. His target was clear to him and thus he was the hunter, and this Dragon, this Common Welsh Green, it was Berserker's prey. Sliding under it, Berserker stabbed the claymore into its side causing blood to spill out and stain his armor red. The Dragon for its part roared in pain but managed to force Berserker off it. Berserker was then hit by its tail, but he managed to block it with the claymore before forcing his foe back and jumping to the sky for another point to attack the reptilian beast.
From her spot Fleur was seen running to the nest where her prize awaited her. But upon seeing Berserker she transfigured a pair of battle axes for him. "Berserker, catch!" Fleur called out and thus sent the axes towards her Servant.
Berserker's eyes caught sight of it and knew what to do. The Dragon flew up at Berserker who then threw the blade at the Dragon and saw as it stabbed into its shoulder causing it pain. Berserker then caught the twin battle axes and enhanced them with his power. Roaring with pure primal savagery Berserker came back down and chopped the blades into the Dragon causing more of its blood to spill in an attempt to bring it back to the ground.
(The Champions Tent)
Back in the Tent Cedric was being looked over by the healer on standby as Lancer stood near his master observing the battle. "Interesting." Rider said as he observed how Fleur and Berserker did battle.
"What's interesting?" Harry asked as he looked to Rider in confusion.
"Can't you see, boy?" Rider asked as he looked to the screen. "It's quite obvious." Rider said not bothering to answer Harry's dumb question.
"Fleur is using Berserker's Noble Phantasm to its best use." Saber said as she saw the fight. "She must have gotten the idea when Berserker and Archer fought, she provides Berserker with weapons and Berserker enhances them to high hell." Saber said as she watched the battle.
"That's quite clever actually." Hermione said but Caster begged to differ on this.
"Not exactly." Caster said as he saw the battle take place. "Controlling Berserker is hard as is she's probably trying to keep him leashed so to keep him from accidentally harming the crowd." Caster said as he observed the battle take place. "If anything, this is draining more out of her then she can feasibly handle at the moment." Caster said to which Gabrielle got worried about this.
"What does he mean?" Gabrielle asked scared for her big sister.
"It means, Mongrel that the wench needs to end this before she reaches her limit." Archer said as he and Alexi watched the scene wondering if they can get rid of both Fleur and Berserker at the same time.
(Back to the Battle)
Berserker was still chopping into the dragon when all of a sudden, the Dragon crashed into the ground forcing Berserker off of it. Berserker landed safely nearby and then charged into the battle once more but this time the Dragon was ready. IT let loose flames at Berserker who took the attack head on. But the attack was a smokescreen as it swung its tail at Berserker forcing him to the side. This moment of distraction was all the beast needed as it then charged in and bit down on Berserker's arm and began pulling him up and swinging its head about. Berserker glared at his foe before he used his free hand to chop into the Dragon's head to force it to release him.
The Dragon did just as it fell to the ground bleeding profoundly with Berserker stalking towards his foe. His head bobbed like a mindless killer would upon his victim. Berserker then charged in and slammed the axe to the top of the Dragons head who in its no desperate struggle tried to get free. Nearby a clearly exhausted Fleur was panting as she transfigured a spear and sent it towards Berserker who caught it. Once he got the spear he arrived to where he stabbed the Claymore and grabbed the hilt before stabbing the Spear into the wound. The Dragon roared in pain before Berserker yanked out the weapons and jumped back. The ground was being covered by the Dragons blood and some of its innards when Berserker opted to end it.
Sensing this Fleur went to the egg while Berserker roared and charged into the fight. He stabbed the Dragon's maw with the spear and then with the claymore rammed it into its neck before slicing off the head killing the beast instantly. Berserker roared in fury as Fleur got the egg at long last.
"Berserker! We did it... we." Fleur began and thus to the shock of the crowd Fleur began to tumble over. Acting fast Berserker caught her in his arms before she could fall and held her on her feet. "Thank you." Fleur said as the exhaustion began to take hold of her. The scene looked to be something out of a strange form of beauty and the beast with Fleur as the beauty and Berserker as the Beast. Berserker then picked Fleur up bridal style before carrying her back to the Champions tent to be tended to as Fleur's schoolmates all cheered for their classmate.
(Judges)
"Well, that was... interesting." Maxime blurted out as she looked oddly green from the scene.
"Savage and brutal is a more acute term." Kakarov said as he saw what had just happened.
"It's the Berserker Servant Class." Draven said after he finished up is scoring of the scene. "It's a given for Berserker to be savage and brutal but its impressive for one such as her to be able to control him so well." Draven spoke as he knew Fleur must have been struggling with that the whole time. With this in mind they signaled for it and in turn the field was reset for the next Dragon.
(Meanwhile back at the Champions Tent)
Berserker had walked in with Fleur and placed her on the bed Poppy had pointed out upon his arrival. Once she was placed on the bed Gabrielle ran over to her with concern for her sister with Berserker standing stalwart over her. "She'll be fine little one." Rider spoke as he stood close to Gabrielle. "She has the heart of a conqueror in her something as simple as exhaustion won't do her in." Rider said as he tried to keep Gabrielle's hope strong.
"Two down... six to go." Caster said as he saw the scene play out.
"Then I, and Assassin are next to go forth." Viktor said and thus they waited for the cannon ball to signal Viktor and Assassin's turn. All the while Harry began to grow nervous as he and Hermione had two of the most dangerous dragons to face.
(Scene Break Stage Viktor and Assassin)
Everyone waited for the next champion to come forth to face the dragon, as it seemed the Chinese fireball knows something is about to happen as it wait patient for its pray to come forth, unexpecting to anyone, a foggy mist came rolling in.
Strangely as it was the fog also gives off an ominous feeling to it, as some were creep out, even those that were in the front row of seats to get a better site of the action suddenly gotten up and move away from the edge as the fog came close to them as they felt a chilling breath blowing at them.
Some people were getting scared, as they wondered where this fog came from. Out on the battlefield even the dragon was being cautious about the ominous fog as it began to engulf the area it was in. In response to this the dragon roared out to it, breathing fire and all that before the fog swallowing the dragon whole.
The dragon can be still heard as its breaths out flames until it started to stop, and everything went silent, as everyone waited for something to happen as mistress Maxime said, "Vat iz happening?"
"If I have to guess, the assassin is at work and this fog is her own doing," Draven said as suddenly the dragon is heard again this time it's was crying out in pain as the dragon pop its head up from the fog, flapping its wings but it seem it couldn't get far as tis wings were destroy, many little holes all around its wings and that wasn't all as the Chinese fireball had some blood coming out from its eyes and mouth sigh of it being poison but was resistant towards it.
The dragon drop back down into the poisonous fog once more as the little Assassin went to work as she made passes at it trying to get as many cuts on tis as she could but it seem the dragon reacted as it did, responding to her attacks meanwhile over behind a rock, Viktor Krum peek over with a bubble charm over his head to avoid being poison by the fog himself as he sees what Assassin is doing was going according to plan.
(flashback)
Viktor and the assassin were making plans on how to face against the dragon as Viktor try to figure out a way as he can steal the egg without the dragon noticing and try not to reply on assassin to help him believing the assassin doesn't stand a chance against said dragon until she claimed she could.
"If you could take care of the dragon, how would you be able to do it?" Viktor ask trying to learn his servant's ability as she said to him, "We can use the poison fog to not only weaken it but also blind it as well, but..."
"What is it?" Viktor asked as he did like that idea, but the assassin seems a bit hesitate to say, but she told him anyways as she said to him, "I am immune to the poison effects but you're not, if I were to use it while you are near me, I would poison you as well."
Viktor saw the issue here, the fog could provide good cover and the assassin could fight the dragon on equal ground if she attacks its wings, preventing it from flying away as he remembered a few charm spells as he said, "I may have solution to problem, but need to be tested, and I need your help."
"What do you need our help with papa?" the Assassin said as Viktor soon tells her his plan.
(end of flashback)
Viktor can say he was happy the plan worked out the way it did as the bubble charm not only protect the user but can hold fresh air for a good while, enough time for him to try and get pass the fighting and grab the egg, but with the dragon being so close to the nest itself, there was a change he could get hit by a crossfire and pop the bubble charm as he had to wait for the assassin to either lore the dragon away or kill it as he waited patiently.
Meanwhile Assassin was running through the fog giggling all the way as it carried within a sadistic glee to it. The Dragon did not understand this, but it knew that whatever Assassin was she was dangerous. The Temperature dropped when Assassin entered almost like someone had allowed death to enter the field of battle. Using her Presence Concealment Assassin was able to weave through the field keeping the Dragon on its toes while keeping it away from her papa.
For Assassin, the term father was foreign to her and the spirits that make up her form. They knew the term mother, but the term father was never once considered for them. So why was Viktor the exception to the rule? She didn't know but Assassin didn't care papa want's the egg, so she has to make sure the Dragon doesn't harm papa.
Moving through the fog she created Assassin had already clipped the dragons' wings. She overheard Ministry officials getting angry over the Servants killing the dragons they faced off against. But Caster was to blame for that he had opened the floodgates when he asked his question. More so since, Berserker and Lancer killed their dragons Assassin wanted to kill their dragon as well. The Chinese Fireball grew enraged as it then breathed out flames across the field to draw out the one who was attacking it. Assassin saw her papa was too close to one of the fires and thus acted fast.
"Papa!" Assassin cried out and thus they came at the Dragon slicing through its neck area with her knives. The dragon roared in pain as the areas that Assassin hit were freezing over much like... a Dementor. Assassin then landed atop a pillar spot of sorts as he looked to the Dragon. "Why..." Assassin said as she glared at the nesting Dragon who finally saw her no doubt Assassin dropped her cover. "Why do those eggs get to be born while we're abandoned denied even a name?" Assassin asked as she could sense it this Dragon was trying to protect its young. With a roar the dragon released another stream of fire opting for Assassin to dodge it again. Assassin was in the fog again as the Dragon looked around for the creature. "Ever wonder what it's like to drown after being torn from your womb?" Assassin asked as she looked to the Dragon from her hidden spot.
(Judges)
"Torn from the womb?" Maxine asked as she overheard what Assassin had said.
"A strange thing to say for one so young." Dumbledore said as he found Assassin to be most disturbing.
"It's obvious who our little Assassin is." Draven spoke glaring at the scene of the battle. "The Cold Air, the ominous aura, and the killer intent... her identity should be obvious with those words adding to those previous factors." Draven said as he took a drag of his smoke. "IF she were to ever return to Whitechapel the Territory Boost it would provide her as a Servant would make her even more dangerous than the last time, she terrorized the people." Draven said as Dumbledore began to see who Assassin was.
"Jack the Ripper." Dumbledore said surprising Madam Maxime.
"Zi same Jack who slaughtered innocent Witches and Wizards?" She asked fearful for who was in the fight.
"The very same, I'm surprised you even know about Jack seeing if my math is right, you would have been around 8 or 9 years old at the time." Draven said showing he did his homework well.
"It was hard not to hear of the infamous serial killer who even Aurors could not catch to this very day." Dumbledore said as he looked to the scene. The only lead on that unsolvable case was that Jack was active in Whitechapel and targeted Prostitutes magical and mundane.
"Yeah... poor kid." Draven said as he put out his smoke in the ash tray next to him.
"Pardon me?" Maxime asked looking to Draven like he was mad.
"After Dumbledore's students deduced Assassin's identity did some research on him." Draven said as he kept taking notes of the battle. "Jack was not human in anyway or form... he was a wraith an amalgamation of different Wraiths born of the resentment of aborted children tossed into the river of Whitechapel by Prostitutes seeking to continue their careers of ill-reputed." Draven explained as he took a moment to pause. "Eventually a Magus showed up and managed to beat Jack leaving only his six knives behind but during the last war one of those knives had vanished... care to explain Kakarov?" Draven asked suspecting that the man may have had a role in it. The Headmaster of Durmstrum grew silent in response and thus Draven met his silence with his own.
(Back to the battle)
Assassin or Jack the Ripper landed on a large stone as she glared at the Dragon ready to end this. "It will be Hell from here." She began with her eyes and blades beginning to glow as the telltale sign of using her Noble Phantasm. "We shall be the flame, the rain, as well as the strength." Assassin invoked as his body began to give off an unnatural aura that covered her well.
Assassin then charged at the dragon as while not all the conditions were met enough conditions were made for Assassin to deal a great deal of damage on her foe. The Conditions being that it must be night, her opponent must be a female, and it must be foggy. The last two were met and thus she can use her Noble Phantasm. "MARIA THE RIPPER!" Assassin invoked charging at her foe intent on ending her here and now. Slicing through the Dragon at blinding speed in turn the wounds Jack had caused all began to spew blood staining the rocks with dragon blood.
It was clear that the first task was turning less into a task and more into a Dragon Butchery. Assassin then grinned as she landed on the Dragons snout causing it to go wide eyed when it saw her. Grinning sadistically, she had a third knife in her mouth before she went in for the kill. The last thing the dragon saw before oblivious took it was the blade piercing right between the eyes ending its life instantly.
"Assassin!" Viktor called and thus he was seen holding the egg with the fog clearing up. Many people gasped at the sight of the dragon's corpse as the Ministry would have to pay for damages rendered to the Dragon Preserve.
"Look Papa! I killed a dragon!" Assassin called out carrying with her a childlike innocence not truly comprehending the fact she took a life without mercy. "All its blood on the ground and look it's guts even came out a bit!" Assassin called out as she pointed to the gruesome scene. "Not as nice as a person but just as good." She added and thus the Judges overheard her.
(Judges Table)
"My word?!" Maxime gasped as she saw and heard what Assassin was saying.
"Disturbing." Dumbledore said as Draven smirked to this as he took another smoke out.
"No, it's childish." Draven said earning a concerned look from the other judges. "After all, there is nothing in the world crueler than a child's innocence." Draven said as he saw this as fact children were the cruelest creatures on the planet because they didn't know any better.
(Back at the Champions Tent)
"That's disturbing." Hermione said as she saw the scene play out showing a child of all things just brutalize a dragon.
"No... that is Jack the Ripper." Caster said as he looked at the scene with a glare. "It's lucky it was not nighttime, otherwise the scene would have been even worse." Caster said knowing that Jack's Noble Phantasm, Maria the Ripper, had three requirements to use full power. It had to be nighttime, there had to be a fog, and the target had to be a woman.
"Master." Saber began as she looked over to the now worried Harry. "We're up next." Saber said and thus with a nervous nod Harry began to get ready.
"Alright." Harry said as he got ready to move knowing it was time to face the Hungarian Horntail.
(Scene Break Later)
After they managed to get the stadium reset it was now Harry's turn to face the Dragon. The cannon shot was heard and not long after Harry and Saber were seen walking towards the field of battle. "Master remember what we discussed?" Saber asked as she looked to Harry.
"Right." Harry nodded as he stood with Saber ready to fight. Of course, upon entering the field with the cheering crowd in the background they noticed their Dragon was missing. Saber of course had her sword ready to do battle while glaring about for her foe making sure to have her master's back.
Closing her eyes for a moment Saber focused and in turn she saw it coming. "Master! Lookout!" Saber called out moving Harry behind her as from behind the Hungarian Horntail breathed fire. From Saber's left arm a shield unfurled which she and Harry hid behind. Once the fire ended Saber went on the offensive and slashed at the Dragon with her sword making sure to avoid the chain leash it had around its neck.
"Hah I swear they selected Dragons because they wanted to bore us Servants to death." Saber taunted as she then blocked an attack from the Horntail. The spike on said tail grinded against Saber's shield creating sparks from the friction before she took a battle stance after pushing it away. "A good majority of us Heroics Spirits had slain Dragons every other week, if you wanted to give us a challenge, I would suggest something tougher." Saber said before she charged into battle. "Just like old times." Saber added with a grin adoring her features as she recalled the times when she, Salazar, Rowena, and Helga would face a Dragon. Rowena would research the target and give them a detailed info on their foe, Salazar would device an ambitious and cunning plan of attack, Helga would provide support, and Godric would lead the charge into battle.
The dragon roared out in fury as it glared at Saber. Nearby Harry was trying to gun for the Golden Egg hoping to get it before the Dragon noticed. The Dragon tried to bite down on Saber who dodged it and slashed at its face with her sword forcing the Dragon back. But alas doing what she did had allowed for the Dragon to take notice of Harry and what he was doing. Glaring at the boy the Dragon roared changing targets before going after Harry.
"MASTER!" Saber cried out urgently opting Harry to look. Going wide eyed Harry changed directions and went to cover while firing off a few spells to keep the Dragon back. Once Harry got to a crevice the Dragon could not reach, he hid there while trying to get out of it. Saber meanwhile charged in with a might battle cry before slashing down on its tail causing the beast to roar in pain. Glaring at Saber the Dragon forced the servant of the sword back which caused her to roll across the ground. Deciding it needed to make Saber suffer the dragon roared and flew upward but could not go any further due to the chain around its neck.
Saber acted fast and with a bit of magic enhanced parkour launched herself at the Dragon before slashing at it while passing it. She managed to grab onto its head and much to the shock of many proceeded to punch it in the face. The Dragon felt the fists as the force of the attack began to bring the beast down to the ground. During the distraction Saber went to Harry and began to move him to a safer position to avoid harm to his person.
The Horntail meanwhile was not pleased with this outcome as it began to rise from the ground again. It glared at the chain around its neck and thus had an idea showing its own intelligence. Stabbing the thorn of its tail into the loops of the chain the Hungarian Horntail yanked with its head. The Chain being pulled two different ways broke and with a might roar the dragon flew upward ready to rampage without restraint.
Saber and Harry both saw this realizing this was bad. "Oh shit!" Saber cursed and thus Harry looked ready to use magic.
Harry agreed as he knew the Hungarian Horntail would put the entire audience in danger if it's not stopped. "Saber the dragon." Harry said but Saber was five moves ahead.
"I know... can't risk a prolonged fight." Saber said as she then got ready for what came next. Holding her sword in both hands she twisted the handle in two different ways causing the blade to split open creating a divide down the middle. In that divide arches of energy formed that came forth like lighting from the heavens above. The handle then extended causing the weapon to become more like a claymore that required both hands to wield properly.
"I ordain thee! Magic of Old reconstruct the Great Hall of our noble school!" Saber cried out as she then stabbed the sword into the ground and to everyone's shock the entire stage changed form. Around herself, Harry, and the Dragon they faced the great hall of Hogwarts formed but unlike the one Harry or everyone else had seen this one was shiny and new. The Hall was a perfect unity of the four house colors with the banners of them hanging from the side. The entire ceiling was no longer showing the sky but showing the story of the Founders how four became one united by the same dream and desire.
The Dragon was then forced to the ground by an unseen force keeping it pinned as the weight was almost crushing the beast. "We shall give praise to the four that became one. The Cunning Snake, the Wise Raven, the Loyal Badger, and THE COURAGEOUS LION!" Saber roared while holding her blade skyward and thus the blade released a powerful beam of light skyward for all to see. Some even had to shield their eyes with how bright it was. "And now Gryffindor Laighin Ruabheic! FIRST ACT!" Saber announced and proceeded to bring down her Noble Phantasm upon the Dragon carving through the Great Hall as she did so.
The Hungarian Horntail was helpless to stop the encroaching strike of Godric Gryffindor's Noble Phantasm. As the blade strike the Hungarian Horntail itself the beast let out one last death roar as it felt its life end with that strike. The Dragon fell as it had been cleaved in two by a blade so hot that the parts sealed before they could spill forth its innards. With that the Noble Phantasm came to an end and the entire arena returned to its previous state. With a swipe of her sword the weapon returned to its previous state as Saber smirked to this.
"So; what did you think of my Noble Phantasm, Master?" Saber teased as Harry sat there wide eyed over what he just saw.
"I didn't know your sword could do that." Harry said shocked over what he saw not realizing he was holding a practical nuclear weapon.
"I know my greatness amazes even myself sometimes." Saber boasted with a laugh as Harry felt he just got ignored.
(The Judges)
"So that is the Noble Phantasm of Godric Gryffindor." Draven said as he smirked over what he just saw.
"And a truly powerful one at that." Dumbledore said getting a scoff from Draven.
"Say that when faced with Clarent Blood Arthur or heaven forbid Excalibur and then talk to me about powerful Noble Phantasms." Draven said as he then sighed a bit. "A shame those aren't even the strongest Noble Phantasms." Draven said as he began to be drawn into the memories of the previous Holy Grail War from over 13 years prior. One Noble Phantasm still haunts him to this day and the owner of that Noble Phantasm had been summoned as a Servant in this Holy Grail War.
(Back at the Champions Tent)
"Remarkable truly remarkable so that is the Noble Phantasm of Godric Gryffindor. A Noble Phantasm worthy of a King." Rider boasted as he saw the Noble Phantasm in action.
"You overestimate her, Mongrel." Archer said as he glared at Iskandar.
"We shall see, Archer." Rider said not at all bothered by Archer's arrogance.
'Though...' Archer mused as he watched Saber on the screen. 'A flower such as her is wasted on a mongrel such as him.' Archer thought as he did admire Saber in this state. But she too will learn to submit to the King of Heroes.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we are a new chapter finished. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us next time as we finished up the First Task. So, Until next we meet be sure to leave a review before leaving and again, I say ja-ne.