The following story is a [FAN-FICTION]! All Fate series are all owned by TYPE-MOON, Kinoko Nasu, and its respective owners. Please support the official franchise.
Fate/hyalus Decadence
Chaos Theory III - Phantom Pain
?/?/? The Dream ? - ?
First Person POV
And so, I find myself here once again in this mindscape. After what happened last night involving our encounter with Manaka Sajyou, Saber, and Rogue Berserker. Something happened to me. It somehow awakened me for something the moment I tried to protect Caster from harm. Of course, it was that moment where I somehow managed to wield Caster's staff and utilize water-based spells. Plus, I couldn't forget where I unintentionally absorbed Rider's Essence within me. Thus, unlocked one of Pneuma's memories. This was something that I couldn't understand.
"I see you've restored my second memory. For that, I am grateful." Pneuma then suddenly appears in front of me.
"Don't mention it." I continued. "I just didn't know things like this would happen when Rider grabbed my hand. But I guess your words are true. The actual Servants are the key to help retrieve your memories but not the Rogue Servants, right? Plus… I somehow wielded Caster's staff and used its water-based magecraft when I tried fighting Rogue Berserker. Is this one of your powers?"
"Correct." Pneuma continued. "Not only you've helped me regain one of the pieces of my memories. You are unlocking further of your potential by wielding my power."
"So this power that I'm wielding… Does it have a name?" I asked him as he tried to think but was unable to. "Let me guess… Need to recover more of your memories."
"Indeed. While I know my powers are indeed paramount. I cannot seem to understand the name. This will be a story for another time. But instead, I like to talk to you about the memories that you've been receiving. After all, You and I are connected." Pneuma continued as he uses his power to replay that exact memory that I received previously. "What I am showing to you… was the single entity known as Ultima."
"Ultima… It means 'End' in Latin, isn't it?" I asked him as he nodded.
"How astute of you." Pneuma continued as he shows the part where the being known as Ultima proceeds to be split into three after the certain events. "After Ultima was seemingly banished, it has split itself into three. Where I, myself, was among them. We were… tasked with observing and governerning our respective worlds. Curious… did I create this world? Why did I remain dormant within you? These are the mysteries that I don't understand. Yusei, I know you can do this. Please, continue retrieving those memories for me. And I will try my best to help you in utilizing my powers for you."
"Right. No need to remind me twice. I'll keep helping you if I can. For now, try to rest up and lay low. I'm just surprised that my Servant or Luvia hasn't found out… yet." I said to him the moment I turned around and proceeded to walk away as the bright light engulfs me once more, dragging me back into reality.
5/13/2025 Hieda Residence, Kyoto, Japan Morning - Clear Sky
I slowly open my eyes within my room. The birds were chirping outside as I could hear them. I shifted my head to the side where Caster was seen sitting on my bed, looking at me with her eyes and a smile on her face. Was she waiting for me?
"Good morning, Yusei. I hope you had a good sleep from last night." Caster said with a kind tone as I yawned and lifted my body up from my bed.
"Morning… Here to splash some water on my face again?" I asked her as she shook her head.
"Not today, no. I didn't want to rudely wake you up. I was just worried if you're not feeling well." Caster said as she looked away for a bit as if she felt concerned. I rested my hand on her shoulders to reassure her.
"Don't worry, Caster. Everything's fine. I'll get used to it. I already apologized to Shizuru-san about what happened when I overstayed at Luvia's home. Shouldn't be a big deal." I said to her as she looked back at me.
"Then that's good to hear." Caster continued as she stood up. "Ready to get some breakfast?"
"Sure. I got plans today so might as well kill some time." I replied to my Servant the moment I got off my bed. We both headed out of my room, taking downstairs and into the main living room where Shizuru had already prepped breakfast for me. And Akyuu was there to greet me.
"Morning, brother. I assume you're feeling alright?" Akyuu asked me as I kneeled down next to the table with my food ready.
"I am." I replied.
"After what happened last night… Was it true?" Akyuu mentioned it as I looked at her.
"What'd you mean by that?" I asked.
"About your encounter with Rogue Berserker last night. Including you making an alliance with an Edelfelt." Akyuu then brings it up.
"Everything was alright. As for Luvia, she's not a bad person. I can see it in her. Surely you know more about the family than me, right?" I asked my sister if she knows anything about them.
"One of the wealthiest families of magi within the world of magecraft. Part of the Democratic Faction… They were previously involved in the Second Imperial Holy Grail War as I heard. Their great grandfather took part in that but was killed shortly after during the midst of the second World War. Their reputation still stands but will soon be slowly overshadowed by the Tohsakas." Akyuu explained the whole thing as she continued. "Similar to the Tohsakas, they're also gemcrafters."
"Understandable. But yeah, Luvia is the only heir apparently. But I have a gut feeling that I… you know, ally with her. Something feels wrong about the Holy Grail War… or am I being too delusional?" I began to ponder these choices that I've been making throughout my journey. But one thing for sure that I do have things to do. "But right now… Where is Shizuru, exactly?"
"Oh, she's out buying groceries today. Needed to stock up on the foods to cook for dinner." Akyuu said as I nodded.
"Right… Akyuu. Once I finish eating my breakfast. Tell Shizuru that I left for Luvia's home. I made a promise to her last night. Can't tell you what it is but it's important to me." I said to my sibling as she would not complain of my reasons, but to accept my choice.
"Very well. But brother, I need to remind you. Whatever you ally with… it will change the arcs of your life." Akyuu reminded me as I finished up eating my breakfast.
"I know, Akyuu-san. I'll decide that for myself." I continued the moment I stood up after finishing it. "Caster, I'm going to get changed before we head off to Luvia's."
"Very well, I'll wait for you outside." Caster said as she would do so as I went back upstairs in my room to get myself changed. As I did so, Akyuu waved goodbye the moment I left. Of course, I did the same. And just as we were outside… "Ready to go, Yusei?"
"Yeah. Let's." I said to her as we both decided to make our way to Luvia's home in order to uphold my promise. And maybe figure out of this strange power I bear. I'm sure she wants answers and I'll provide them. It's morning so this would be a peaceful stroll.
Now to recap here… Two of Pneuma's memories are recovered, so five remain. If I can find these Servants who are taking part in the war, take their essences along with using their abilities or something while obtaining memory pieces at the same time… What's gonna happen? Is Pneuma going to finally remember everything? Then what happens if I collect all seven essences? Again, I don't know. Regardless, I will help him. And one day… find the answers behind this power. As he mentioned before, the 'power' I wield isn't magecraft. If it isn't magecraft? Then what is it, exactly? For now, It's best for me to leave these questions unanswered.
Edelfelt Residence, Kyoto, Japan Morning - Clear Skies
As time passed by shortly, me and Caster had arrived in Luvia's territory. The same home that I visited. We approached the door as I proceeded to knock on it two times.
"You sure she'll let us in?" Caster asked.
"Hopefully, we're still allies and have not forgotten about it. After all, I did tell her that we're coming as promised." I said to her the moment the door opened where Luvia's butler August greeted us.
"Ahh, Mister Heida and Miss Caster. A pleasure to see you. May I ask why you're here?" August asked us.
"I want to see Luvia. I promised her that I'll come here again and so here I am. Is she available?" I asked the butler as he seemingly nodded.
"Indeed she is. It seems that she is expecting you at the dining table, drinking her favorite tea as usual. Would you like some?" August said.
"I'll join her at the seat. But I'd prefer coffee." I replied back. "Let us go in, Caster."
"Certainly. I wonder if this manor has a library as well." Caster wondered.
"We'll ask her about that." I reassured her as we entered the main room until we followed August to the dining table where Luvia was drinking tea. Rider and Oryou were there. Along with that… pink haired person. Is this Luvia's Rogue Servant that she mentioned? "Drinking tea again?"
"Of course, what else wouldI be doing?" Luvia continued. "But I'm glad that you've arrived on your promises. Are you feeling alright from last night?"
"I'm good. Nothing too bad going on but rest assured that I have not suffered." I continued the moment my eyes shifted on the pink-haired Servant. "This the Servant you mentioned about? The one who didn't come to your help?"
"Ahh, yes. I almost forgot. This one here is-" Luvia was interrupted as the pink-haired Servant gleefully approached me.
"Hey hey!~ You're the guy who helped Luvia, right? The names Astolfo under the Rider Class! Pleasure to meet you!~" The pink-haired Servant known as Astolfo greeted herself…? That doesn't seem right but…
"Errr yeah… Yusei Hieda. Pleasure." I continued as I looked at Luvia. "If I recall about Astolfo according to history. Isn't Astolfo supposed to be a ma-"
Astolfo quickly placed her finger to silence my lips as she playfully winked at me.
"Shhhh!~ That's le secret.~" Astolfo interjected as she spoke in her native tongue.
From now on… I'll be calling Astolfo though the intended history background… Is Luvia even aware of this? I think she is…? So, Astolfo lowered his hand as he took notice of Caster.
"Oh? Is that your Servant? Hey, you got a name?~" Astolfo then talked to Caster.
"Call me Caster, Rogue Rider. I cannot reveal my name as of currently." Caster said to Astolfo in keeping her true name hidden. Though, he wasn't too psyched.
"Awww, really? Aren't we allies?~" Astolfo asked if she would correct the Rouge Servant.
"We are but why not we change topics for now. Instead, we should be talking about what happened last night. The moment that Yusei discovered his apparent awakening." Caster then switched topics regarding me as I took a deep sigh.
"Thank you, Caster." I continued. "Luvia. I know you want answers. I get it… I don't know myself but… If you want to speak now. Go ahead."
Hopefully, this is the only way to make things clear but… I cannot reveal anything about Pneuma. He doesn't want anything to be spilled out so I have to play dumb if I have to.
"Now, Yusei…" Luvia then drinks her tea as she finishes it, placing it on the table. "Are you sure that this talent you wield is truly magecraft? That you're able to wield Noble Phantasms?"
"I mean… It was the first time I've experienced it but… I don't know. My memories are hazy right now. Even if this is magecraft… Then there is something behind this… magecraft. But perhaps I can demonstrate this to you if you want?" I asked Luvia if she wants to see me do it in action. Awaiting her response… she would accept.
"Very well, Yusei. I'll look forward to seeing your demonstration in action. Just so you know, I have a courtyard in the back so you can show me this unknown magecraft of yours. Shall we get started?" Luvia asked me the moment I realized.
"But what about my coffee?" I asked.
"That will have to wait. Now then, let's not waste time heading to my courtyard. I merely wish to see the example of your talent." Luvia replied as I sighed and stood up from my seat.
"Very well then, Luvia-san. Let's get started." I said to her the moment we've decided to get this demonstration rolling.
And just as we arrived at the courtyard. I find myself standing here where Luvia, Rider, Oryou, Caster, and Astolfo were watching me demonstrate. Of course, Luvia would be sitting in the regal white seat next to the white table just to observe.
"Now then, Yusei. I'd like to see how you managed to bring forth Caster's staff. But first… Caster, I'm sure you have more to do with this, do you?" Luvia asked my Servant.
"Certainly, not only I have a staff…" Caster then summons her staff and her tome floating near her. Along with it, she has the duel-bladed spear and the sword floating around her like planets slowly rotating. "I also have a tome, a spear, and my sword. Of course, these three are part of my Noble Phantasm."
"I see. Yusei, perhaps you can begin now. Try to replicate it if you can." Luvia said to me as I nodded while I saw Astolfo seeing Caster's arsenal in awe but disappearing in the process.
"I'll try…" I said to her as I focused on what's ahead of me… A wooden dummy that was presented. Did she prepare it for me? Well, whatever. I proceeded to lend my hand out and spoke… "Come!"
And there was silence… Nothing happened. I wasn't able to summon the staff like last time but am I doing it right? So, I tried to do it again. And nothing happened… twice.
"Hold on… Lemme try once more…" I said to Luvia to give myself some time as I tried to lend my hand out… failed thrice. "I guess it's not happening…"
"Odd… You were able to pull it off once. And somehow you don't know how to do so…" Luvia said as I looked at her pondering.
"Sorry if I disappoint you, Luvia. This wasn't my intention." I said to her as she shook her head lightly.
"It's alright. But if I may ask, what was it like to utilize this strange magecraft the first time you summoned it?" Luvia asked.
"I think so?" I continued. "Perhaps the moment where I was trying to protect Caster from Rogue Berserker's harm… I guess I have that near-death feeling the moment I pull out the staff?"
"A near-death experience…" Rider pondered as he looked at Luvia. "Master, would it be okay if I can help him?"
"By all means, go ahead." Luvia allowed it as this was brought to my attention.
"Hey, try to kill this brat. I still don't like him." Oryou added.
"No, Oryou. I'm merely helping him." Rider said as he stood there the moment he unsheathed his sword.
"H-Hey. What are you doing?" I asked him the moment Rider readied himself in a stance.
"Apologies, Yusei-san. This is only an experiment that my Master has suggested. So prepare yourself." Rider said as he made his move.
[STEP! STEP STEP!]
Rider dashed towards me as it left me unprepared. Yet, he was approaching within my range as he took a step closer, raising his sword up to prepare a downward swing. And the moment I used my hands and my eyes suddenly closed to brace myself…
[CLANG!]
I suddenly heard the clash of steel the moment I opened my eyes… I somehow have the sword on my hand that blocked the incoming attack. But on my other hand was a revolver on my left hand. I began to realize that the sword and revolver both belong to Rider as it was somehow replicated. And much to his surprise, Rider took a step back the moment he looked at the weapons on my hand.
"Fascinating… Not only you can use Caster's staff. But mine's as well!" Rider said in a lightly surprised tone as Luvia stood up in fascination.
"This is rather amazing. It seems there is more to his magecraft, after all." Luvia said as my weapons suddenly disappeared.
"Happened again…" I said to myself as Luvia approached me. "So? What did you think?"
"It's interesting to say the least. Though, this brings up the question of what would The Clock Tower do with you? Surely they'll find out of this rare talent you have, no?" Luvia continued. "If I recall, you said that you desire to join the Clock Tower, no?"
"I do. But with the war going on… I pretty much don't know anymore. But even if I join the Clock Tower. I might as well hide it from the mages. You're the only person to see this. Can we-" I was interrupted as Luvia spoke.
"Keep this a secret? Do not worry, you have my word so they're safe with me." Luvia continued. "However, since we're currently allies during this situation. I think it's best for us to avoid Saber and Rogue Berserker at all costs. Manaka Sajyou is not to be trifled with. So we need to approach this differently while our objective is to take down Archer's Master."
"Right… Archer's Master is hard to track down if we don't have the information. Perhaps we can try splitting up? For tonight?" I asked her but she had better plans.
"Actually… I intend to have Astolfo here to take her griffin to the skies in order to find Archer and its Master. You don't have any problems, do you?" Luvia asked her Rogue Servant as she would do her salute to comply with her.
"Nope! No problems at all, Master. Just leave it to me. I'll do my best in finding Archer for you!" Astolfo cheerfully replied to her as I would speak in.
"So… I guess that's the good plan? And what should I do, exactly? Find an Assassin?" I said as Luvia would speak.
"Speaking of Assassin. I only recall that Assassin had a run-in with Archer previously. Their fight ended short with the actual Berserker's arrival. So far, no one has died yet." Luvia explained as I pondered this plan… taking a fight towards Assassin and its Master would probably be my best shot. Luvia will handle Archer if possible if Astolfo can find it. So, I've made my decision.
"I'll fight Assassin." I continued. "I only know that Assassins are skilled in concealing their presences. I know it's stupid of me to do this but I'll take the risk."
"If that is your plan then I won't stop you." Luvia continued. "Make sure you prepare yourself for what's next to come."
"Thanks. I wish you luck on your hunt for Archer. Just make sure that we all survive through this. Caster, I may need your support again." I asked my Servant if she would nod.
"Of course, I'll help you with everything I can. You just need to be aware of your surroundings, Yusei." Caster said as she would adjust her glasses as she retains her soft, kind smile as if she is filled with confidence.
"Well then. I suppose that concludes your visit, then?" Luvia said as I spoke to her.
"Yeah. But don't forget… Manaka is still in the war. Be careful." I warned her of this person.
"I will. You should do the same. After all, I can't let you get killed by either Saber or Rogue Berserker. Otherwise, I'd cry." Luvia replied with a smirk on her face as I can sense that joke from her. So, I let off a chuckle.
"Don't worry. I'm not going to die in this war. All I need is luck." And so, me and Caster decided to leave her humble abode from her courtyard as we continued walking down the street.
I begin to ponder and try to think carefully on our plans for tonight. Luvia will go after Archer. And I will go after the Assassin. Rather than working together as one. Splitting up to cull out the participants is our best shot. Taking them down one by one is safer, but I'll trust Luvia on this now that she has Astolfo on her side. So I'm sure that she'll do just fine. But one problem stands in our way… Manaka Sajyou. She may be a young girl but it feels off… she was emanating this stench of death itself. Not only that, she has Rogue Berserker on her side. Which is one thing to be concerned of. For now, I'll plan ahead and make sure that I take down Assassin's Master… if possible.
Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto, Japan Midnight - Clear Sky
And so time has passed by. It is midnight now which means the hunt for the Assassin and its Master has begun. Yasaka Shrine is also one of the famous tourist hotspots but it's closed for the night. But that's not stopping us to trespass within the restricted area since this is the Holy Grail War. Me and Caster looked around the area as Caster was rather surprised with the place.
"This Yasaka Shrine… It looks beautiful here…" Caster said.
"It is. Though, this is my first time going here so choosing this location is the smart choice. As if I can sense their presence- wait… Assassins have Presence Concealment skill so that's gonna be a problem." I continued. "But either way, we just need to look around. Can you stay right beside me? I can't risk going alone."
"That's fine, Yusei. I've got your back. You just need to be careful. Assassins are not easy to find nor to pick off." Caster informed me as I nodded.
"Noted." I replied. The moment as we were ready to begin our hunt… someone arrived.
"Yusei-sama, I see you're finding Assassin's Master on your own? Either way, I will lend you my support." The familiar voice spoke as I turned around… the same maid clothing…
"Shizuru-san? Why are you here? You're supposed to remain at home." I said to my maid as she shook her head.
"That I cannot, Yusei-sama. I've decided that my duty is to assist you tonight. I understand your concern but you needn't worry. I am well-trained in sword combat." Shizuru said as I let out a sigh and lightly placed my hand to my head to ease this headache. Even though I don't have a headache. This is more like trying to explain… or something. "Yusei-sama? Are you unwell?"
"Shizuru, with all due respect. Yusei never wanted you to come as he would fear that you being killed by a Servant is the worst-case scenario." Caster spoke in for me as I decided to lower my arms and spoke to my maid.
"She's right. Fighting a Servant on your own is extremely unwise." I continued. "If you want to fight the Master, I'll permit you to do so."
"Yusei… Someone's here…" Caster informed me as I looked at her. "Assassin along with her Master… here in this shrine."
"Already?" I asked her until the voice spoke out of nowhere where someone proceeded to come out of the shrine. It was that young man who appeared to be wearing a suit.
"Perceptive, are you?" The man spoke as he continued. "To think you would find me here in such a near sorry state. If it weren't for that damned yakuza leader who sent a Berserker to kill half of my men and my trusted right-hand woman… None of this would've happened. Of course, you wouldn't understand what happened."
"I don't care about what happened. So get straight to the point. I only ask for your name." I said to him as he spoke.
"Tang Youlu… Since you saw the Command Seals of mine… I'm the Master of Assassin." Tang continued. "I assume you intend to kill me off, do you?"
"Of course, Archer, Berserker, Saber, and Lancer are in our way. Including you and your Servant." I replied as Tang began to chuckle.
"You intend to kill me? A foolish choice. I can guess that your Servant is a Caster. She cannot fight." Tang said as I shook my head.
"You may think of that. But don't let her skills fool you. Or perhaps you doubt us with that clueless brain of yours." I taunted him with my brow raised in question.
"Don't be full of yourself. You're simply outmatched. The time for talks is over… Assassin." Tang then calls out his Servant as Assassin appears out of thin air where she stood next to him.
"Yusei-sama. I'd like to take on Assassin's Master." Shizuru asked me as I looked at her.
"Are you sure? He's well-versed in combat… Most likely martial arts." I replied.
"Don't worry. I will deal with him." Shizuru spoke back as I sighed.
"Alright… Caster, we'll target Assassin. Leave it to my maid." I told Caster.
"Very well, let's get this out of the way." Caster said as we readied ourselves but Assassin looked at me.
"Is it me? Or is your Master defenseless? It's unwise that sending yourself into the battlefield either makes you foolish? Or perhaps you have a death wish?" Assassin said as me and Caster walked slowly around Assassin like a circle
"I'm a mix of both." I continued. "But just so you know… My Servant won't back down from a fight. Caster, do it!"
"On it!" Caster then summons her staff and tome as the blue pages begin to flip, she summons a large orb of water into the air as it shoots wate-rlike bullets down upon Assassin as she dodges it with her blades while moving at the same time.
Assassin is swift on her toes, the agility allowed her to block and avoid out of harm's way. While their boon is their speed and stealth, but their bane is their survivability and strength. Caster is using every spell she can to keep Assassin away. But with every step Assassin makes, she gets closer to her. So, Caster decided to switch up as she decided to drop down the water orb to crash on Assassin. Instead of crushing her, she would eventually trap Tang's Servant in a water bubble as she lifts it in the air. Then, she taps her staff on the ground, causing the orb to swiftly shrink and attempt to crush her. But, Assassin fought back by shooting out her blades which extended into a whip which came towards her. She quickly backed herself as she nearly avoided it. The orb begins to fall as Assassin is freed. Then, Assassin propelled herself as she performed a divekick but Caster reacted by projecting her blade from her left hand as she blocked it… but in an irregular way… She blocked her heel with the pommel of the sword.
[CLANG!]
Assassin then kicked away to perform a backflip and landed as she stood there as she was not stopping.
"Given up already? After all, I've already planned ahead during our battle. But truth be told… I'm one step ahead of you." Caster said with her usual smile as she was brimming with confidence.
"Don't get cocky as if you've won…!" Assassin then tried to make a move…
[TAP!]
With a tap from Caster's staff… Assassin planted her foot the moment she noticed below.
[PSSSSSH! FWOOSH!]
Assassin leaped into the air as she tried to slash away the water pillar but it was ineffective. The water rose into a tentacle-like whip as it chased onto Assassin. All she could do was dodge it. But the moment the water whips latches and wraps around Assassin's legs. She was too late to react as Caster spun her staff as she readied herself.
"Now fall!" Caster then pointed her staff down to command the water to send Assassin down as she crashed into the building within the shrine as the damage was costly… Guess the whole tourist attraction here is gonna be delayed because of this. So, the water splashes away after it happens.
"Is it over, Caster?" I asked her as she shook her head.
"I do not know. We just need to confirm her death by checking the location where she fell." Caster replied as I sighed.
"Better than nothing. Let's go check-" The moment I tried to finish speaking…
[SHING!]
"Impressive skills, Caster. I'll give you that." Assassin said as she was suddenly behind me with her blade at my neck. Caster noticed as she tried to make her move. "Make one more step. Your Master dies here."
"Seems you've resorted to holding my friend hostage…" Caster said as I tried to look at my Servant.
"C-Caster… Don't move… I… I know what to do…" I tried to tell her.
"Excuse me? You can't do anything. I have you hostage. I could kill you right here and now if I feel like it. However, since my Master has decided that he wants you dead… I might as well do it right now." Assassin intended to kill me but my mind recalls back where I took Caster's and Rider's essences and can somehow wield them thanks to Pneuma. But in turn, it'll unlock those memories for him. And everytime I see those memories… I couldn't even understand them. Even Pneuma tries to explain them to me. I still don't get it. But of course… All I need to do… is to use my hand.
"You can do that but… But you've forgotten one thing…" I continued as my right index finger touched her hip the moment it began… "I wanted you to do that…"
[BA-THUMP!]
Then, Assassin felt a strange sensation in her head the moment I felt the essence flowing right into my body. She took a step back and dropped her sword. Caster saw me doing this happening once more as I continued to let it flow. And just as that, the essence finished flowing as the pain in my head started to hurt me like a knife stabbed into my skull. Then suddenly, I kneeled onto the floor and started to experience another memory piece as the vision showed me something… A city… It showed me an European city in turmoil. A mysterious fog covered the whole city as undead figures roamed around the streets. The mysterious figure whom I saw before looked similar to Pneuma. He's somehow responsible for letting it happen as if he brought forth chaos. Then, the eyes… the eyes from the figure were emotionless, dead… and devoid of expression. It brought chills to my spine as the visions began to distort and abruptly cut to black. My vision returns back to reality as I start to gasp for breath after what I just saw… Who was that…? Or… what even is that? It looked like Pneuma but… my mind feared it. Yet, it looked sinister even! Suddenly, Caster approached me as she tried to help me out.
"Yusei… Are you unwell?" Caster asked me as I looked at her worried look. Right… she's concerned about me after what I pulled off. I need to say something to her.
"I'm alright, Caster. I'm… getting used to this. What about Assassin after she tried to kill me?" I asked her as we looked at our enemy on the floor, but on her knees.
"She's in complete shock after what happened. However, I fear your maid is going to meet her end…" Caster mentioned that I decided to stand up and turned around to see what's going on…
Third Person POV
[TWANG! CLANG! CLING!]
Meanwhile, within the Yasaka Shrine grounds where Shizuru was seen using her katana as she swung her blade while she was completely focused on killing Tang. But for him? He was using his magic circuits to harden his hand that acts like a blade as sparks fly.
"That technique. Who taught you this swordsmanship?" Tang asked as he blocked every single swift attack.
"I was taught by my previous family before I was taken in to a new one. However, I will not let you escape." Shizuru said as she did thrusts towards his head. But he dodged it from left and right.
"Hmph. Truly this terrible example of your skills. A pitiful girl like you shouldn't be involved in this Holy Grail War." Tang said as he used his hand to catch the blade the moment Shizuru swung down her katana as sparks flew again.
"I know it doesn't concern me but I'm willing to die for the sake of my master whom I devoted to. The new family I serve. I refuse to fall here. But you will." Shizuru announced as Tang pushed her sword away as she still held it the moment she took a step back.
"Bold words. But this battle has been decided… It is you who will fall here!" Tang retorted as he proceeded to use both of his hands like a blade as he put himself into a stance.
"You've left me no choice. I dedicate my previous family's sword style. And I will have your head…!" Shizuru said as she sheathed her katana and readied herself in a stance. She proceeds to inhale with a long breath in order to focus. And with enough air she inhaled… She was ready.
"Florephemeral…" Shizuru then spoke of her technique as she slowly kneels to prepare herself as Tang awaited for this timing… "Crossflux…"
With both Shizuru and Tang propelling themselves at the same time…
[FWOOSH! CLING!]
At such blinding speed… the two stopped in opposite directions as they stood there with their bodies frozen. And just as a few seconds passed…
[CRRRRRACK! SHATTER! SPLUUUUURT!]
Shizuru's katana starts to quickly have cracks on the blade until it shatters into pieces, falling into the floor. Not only that… blood from her stomach bursted out from the slash caused by Tang as it was extremely severe. The wound was brutal the moment she proceeds to vomit out blood and fall to the floor back first. Shizuru… was defeated. Tang stood victorious against her and turned around to see her defeated with her blood spilling out on the wooden floor inside the shrine temple.
First Person POV
"SHIZURU!" I called out her name… I saw her fighting Tang and lost. Rushing inside the temple to her side. I started to look at her as she was slightly groaning as I had my legs kneeled on the floor. "S-Shizuru! Please! Stay with me!"
"A-Ahh… Yusei-sama… your face…" Shizuru said as she weakly lifted her arm as she proceeded to wipe the tear off of my face. "You're crying…"
"Please… Don't die on me…" I pleaded to her.
"Don't cry, Yusei-sama… Otherwise, your parents… would be saddened…" Shizuru continued as she coughed a little from blood on her mouth. "You mustn't be worried about me… I tried my best in the end…"
"W-What are you saying!? There's a way to save you! A hospital would work!" I tried to ask her as she spoke again.
"There's… no need… I've lost… And I'm glad…" Shizuru then felt my face once more… "…To serve you… as your maid. Keep… Akyuu-sama… safe…"
And then… her hand falls to the floor… Dead… Silent… This finally broke me to the point where I finally lost myself. She's gone… She's gone… She's… gone…
Third Person POV
"How sad. Rushing to see your beloved loyal maid die by the hands of me. Yet, you still feel remorse. Truly a tragic moment to behold." Tang said with a grim chuckle as he slowly approached a sobbing Yusei as Caster tried to step in but Assassin quickly drew her sword to stop her, shaking her head lightly at her. "Well either way, I'll eliminate you from this war. After you're dead, I'll come for Berserker's Master next."
Tang readies his hand once again the moment he raises his hand as if he is prepared to cut him down. But suddenly…
[FWOOOOOOSH!]
A burst of wind released from Yusei as it pushed Tang back and saw what happened. Yusei didn't do anything but something felt off… he stopped sobbing and remained silent. He stood up slowly as his hair was being blown by the wind as if it was never there. Yusei then glares at Tang but his eyes are different… they were glowing blue from his pupils as if he was completely different. But is it really Yusei?
"Resisting, are we?" Tang continued as he readied himself. "Yet, you're still mad that I killed her. You'll have no chance of avenging your-"
[FWIP!]
Tang was interrupted where Yusei then immediately took a quick step towards his range. It looked like teleportation but in reality, it was an immense speed that isn't human. The moment Yusei begins to summon the black blades and swings upwards…
[CLANG!]
Tang was knocked back as he took a distance away from him. He noticed his hand which was still reinforced by his magic circuits. But his left hand was bleeding a little as it was broken through. But the weapon he was carrying indeed belongs to Assassin.
"What in the…?" Tang looked at the weapon Yusei was carrying. "How on earth did you… Nevermind. I don't care if you're trying to show off, I will kill you where you stand…!"
[FWOOSH! TWANG! CLING!]
With every attack Tang can throw at, Yusei easily deflects them with ease as it wasn't too much of a problem. But the moment he tried to quickly step right into behind…
[BA-THUMP! SLICE! PSSSSSSSSSH!]
In a sudden moment, Tang's left arm was sliced off as a large amount of blood began to spill out violently. Tang had felt this pain but resisted it the moment he quickly took a step back to keep his distance… The attack Yusei managed to do… he didn't move an inch at all.
"T-The fuck was that…?" Tang said in his mind. "How the hell did he manage to slice my arm off? Yet, he didn't even move his hand at all. Did he react to my attacks quickly? No… something doesn't seem right…"
"You must be hesitating." The voice coming from Yusei spoke to Tang as he took notice. However, Yusei's voice isn't… Yusei. But instead, it was completely different as if someone took over his body. "Are you afraid that you can't approach me? It's only natural for humans to have this fear. If you're so sure on killing me, would you like to try again?"
"Don't push your luck… You managed to get the best of me… But I won't lose to a brat such as you…!" Tang then enhances his legs with magic circuits as it surges to the point where he is intending to go all-out without limit. And so…
[FWOOSH! FWIP! SWOOSH! SWASH! SWISH! FWOOP!]
Tang dashes passed Yusei as he proceeded to dash around the walls, pillars, ceilings, and the floor without breaking them. He was quick on his feet. Yusei stood there as if it didn't amuse him. The Master of Assassin had already begun zipping around him at breakneck speeds. He was going around 200 miles per hour, which is considered abnormal and inhuman at the same time.
"Faster… Faster…! I need to become unpredictable! Become deadly in assassination! As long as he can't focus, I'll strike him when the time is right!" Tang said within his mind as he continued zipping around. He had proceeded to begin his attacks as his hands were ready to slash him.
[CLING!]
"What!?" Tang was shocked the moment his attack clashed with his. He decided to do it again but this time in a rushing consecutive attack.
[CLANG! SLASH! TWANG!]
The three consecutive slashes took about 0.7 seconds to perform. But Yusei had used his blades to deflect it.
"How!? How is he blocking my attacks!? No matter… I just need to pressure him!" Tang then retained his composure as he zipped around again and again while conserving his stamina.
Caster and Assassin watched as the battle unfold where Tang was zipping around at high speeds but Yusei was dodging and blocking attacks with grace as if he knew of where he was going.
"Yusei… No… It is Yusei but… someone must have taken over him…" Caster said in her thoughts as she watched the battle carefully.
As the dodges he pulled off and the blocks he had deflected. Tang's patience wears thin as he decides to go for one final blow behind him… his neck.
"The behind…! You're mine- HUH!?" Tang realized that his eyes looked at Yusei's glare as it was too late. Yusei then proceeded to raise his blade and swung it with a single stroke…
[SLASH! PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSH!]
Yusei had quickly sidestepped and slashed both of his legs as blood began to spill out violently. Tang started to fall and roll on to the floor not before crashing into a pillar where as his neck was cracked and dislocated. How with red blood eyes and all bruised up horribly. The Master of Assassin can no longer fear but speak. Yusei then proceeded to use the blades as it extended itself as it pierced through Tang's heart.
[STAB!]
"Master!" Assassin creed the moment she saw her Master stabbed… by her own weapon he was holding. The weapon retracts back as he made it disappear in the process.
"Who… Who… are… you…?" Tang weakly said as he began to finally die as a result. The hand on his Command Seal disappears to signal his death. And just after that, Caster looked at Assassin where she began to kneel on the floor as her body was glowing with golden motes of light as she began to disappear out of thin air, returning to the Throne…
And just as that, the "someone" controlling Yusei decided to close his eyes until… the real Yusei gasped as he opened his eyes, revealing his no-longer glowing eyes that he had.
First Person POV
"W-What the!?" I began to regain my consciousness as I looked around and looked at my hands. "W-What in the… What… happened to me…?"
"Yusei!" Caster called for me as she approached me the moment our eyes met. "Are you unharmed?"
"Y-Yeah… but Shizuru… Where is she?" I asked her as her eyes shifted to where my maid was on the floor with a pool of blood.
I walked near her body as I kneeled down. Looking bad at myself for this painful regret. Why would she waste her life protecting me? Why? I don't get it… She didn't have to die like this…
"Yusei… I understand how you feel but… I have no way of saving her. Sorry…" Caster said to me as I shook my head.
"No, it's alright. It's just… she was willing to risk her life and-" That moment I started to hear the sounds of the siren. "Damn it…"
"Then let us leave. We can't tarry here any longer." Caster said as she would grab my arm, using her staff to create a water portal below us as we fell in as the portal shrinks… taking us back to our residence. I must inform Akyuu about this tomorrow… Even though she's not going to like it…
Third Person POV
"Ahahaha! This is amazing! Spectacular, even!" The voice of Manaka was seen standing on the rooftop after she saw what happened coming from the view where the battle at the shrine happened. She happened to use her black bird familiar as it perched onto her shoulder and disappeared. Saber and Rogue Berserker were standing there to see her being so happy about it. Yet, one was remaining silent. "Say, Saber. Don't you think it's amazing? Caster's Master I mean.~"
"The way he fights is rather odd, Master. It's… It's like he's a completely different person…" Saber spoke as she simply laughed as she didn't care.
"Is that so?~ Well either way, you are considered to be the strongest Servant in the Saber class. And all I ask is that you should never betray me and protect me with your life. Of course, you get to kill the others. Now, let's leave. I have so many plans for you on converting more hounds to your arsenal.~" Manaka said as she forgot. "Oh and… please carry me back home, Saber.~"
"…Understood." Saber complied as she would carry her Master easily as she would jump off the rooftop to head home as Rogue Berserker would disappear out of thin air.
The night grows darker once again…
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
Author's Notes: Hello, everyone. Thank you for reading this chapter. As you just read, this chapter will focus on the Social Link-styled conversation between Yusei and Luvia. Of course, I can't forget Caster as she is worried about Yusei after the family maid Shizuru's death at the hands of the Master of Assassin. But this sparked Yusei to finally fight back… with someone controlling his body? You could guess who that is. With Tang dead. Six participants remain. The next chapter will be shorter so I'll try to do my best on this one. So yeah. Until then, peace out.