Peter was ready for the quickest, hottest death this side of a Texas Steakhouse. He was ready to see the pearly gates of Heaven and apologize to Uncle Ben and the rest, if the world was truly in dire straits.
He'd die knowing only the cusp of the world of mages, and die before he could ever learn the true significance of the powers he had received, and the burden of an unknown darkness still growing. One that even the superheroes and mages were not ready for.
Instead, Peter Benjamin Parker, allowed himself to open his eyes. His body returned to its seeable form and took in the corrupted air of Fuyuki a few times as he realized, I'm not dead-oh my god I'm not dead. He looked before him, and in splendor, he saw the delightful aftermath of his servant's noble phantasm as its power dissolved and returned to its wielder.
The brunette couldn't help but grin ear to ear "Mash...holy crap-that was awesome! You saved us!" Which means, we're not out of the game yet!
The Director held herself in the fetal position, still reeling as The holographic form of Romani fist pumped the air. "Yeah-Go Mash! That's my girl!"
Mash looked over shoulder, smiling, seemingly exhausted on an emotional level. She gave Peter a fireplace feeling smile, that Peter took graciously. "I did...didn't I?"
*clap* *clap* "Yes, yes you did-a stellar noble phantasm. You, you brat of a master, have an A-class servant in your service!" Caster gave a congratulatory gesture, nodding to Mash and Peter, though Pete was having none of it.
Aiming his singular web shooter, he fired. Caster didn't expect it as he found his face covered by the white goo. "UNF!" The Caster servant mumbled in anger, immediately ripping the webbing from his face. "YOU BASTARD!"
"Hello kettle, have you seen the pot lately?" Peter joked dryly, wearing a sallow frown.
The Caster groans, "I, I guess I deserve that." With a wave of his staff, the runes cease, freeing Olga, Fou and Pete.
Peter wanted to go straight for Cu and beat the living hell out of him, but that was the anger talking. It was the same anger that had almost made him kill a man twice in his life-it was the red rage that made lose a part of himself each time. Instead, he pivoted. "Mash, make sure he doesn't do anything shifty." He turned to go check on Olga, the projection of Roman following him.
"Yes, Master!" Mash readied her guard. A certain bit of hushed excitement washed over her. I actually did it, thank you whomever you are-you helped me save senpai! She zeroed in on the Caster taking a step, "Move, and you shall be terminated Caster!"
"Heh, yeah. Good job, lass. Haven't had a workout like that in awhile, mainly been sticking to my runes. You actually gave me a bit of a thrill."
"Thrill or not, you threatened my master. Nearly killed him-"
"But, you unleashed your noble phantasm's true power. An impenetrable shield, powerful enough to staive danger from those you consider allies." He strokes his chins pondering, "But who does it belong to? That's the question isn't it?" He shakes his head and laughs it off, "Well done lass, well done in deed."
Get a load of this guy, Pete rolls his eyes. Probably going to play it off like a 'oh I was just pretending to kill you-just to see your true potential'. He crouches down to Olga, who was still very much in a state of total fear. Mumbling variations of 'I don't want to die' or 'Lev help me'. Would it make the situation worse if I told her I think he caused the explosion? Probably, and how would I even prove it-I know it was him because of the precognition powers I got from a radioactive spider, no I'm not Spider-Man, why would you say such a thing? His identity crisis aside, he prepared himself, "Director, it's okay, we're not dead." His tone was soft, a voice he usually used to calm civilians if they were worse for wear. "And we're going to get out of this, one way or the other."
"Huh, and a more cynical guy would think you'd get a kick out of her like this?" Romani commented, "But, that wouldn't suit your style." He arched a brow at Peter. "Would it?"
The Director, Pete, didn't really have that high of an opinion of her after their argument. Sounded like run of the mill megalomaniac, walking over people and only thinking of the bigger picture. Pete used to be like that, it used to be for the money-so he overlooked stuff. It bit him in the ass eventually. "And before you know it, you'll be back to making potions in iron pots!"
Olga snapped out of it, eyes shrinking and purity of scorn was laced over her svelte complexion. "HOW DARE YOU MAKE A JOKE WHILE I-"
"Director, he was just trying to get you to come to your senses-and he did. Good work Pete!" The Doctor raised his thumb to the Brunette.
The teenage vigilante took it in stride. Rising up and offering his hand to the young woman with chalkess lockes. "Come on Director, we got a world to save." He gave her a confident smile. "And if it makes you feel any better. I'll cut it out with the magic references." He did not need her pulling a similar stunt to Caster.
The Director frowned, facing away from him for a moment as if to hide something as she took his hand without their eyes meeting. "Fine! This doesn't make up for calling Chaldea dumb earlier!" Her digits wrap around his palm, and before she knew it. She was brought to her feet.
The three met back up with Mash, who stood stalwart against the casually waiting Sage of the Forest. Said Sage had his arms crossed as if he solved the most dire of problems. "Has he tried to do anything? Get you to join the darkside or something?" Peter asked, his spider-sense not going off, but still wary despite that.
The shielder shook her head, "He's just been complimenting me on-"
"On showing your Master that you're worth more than what he had originally thought-you should praise her Master Brat of Chaldea. She deserves it." His tone was conceited, Peter didn't want to give him the kicks, but he glanced at Mash who was glancing at him.
Hazel met lilac, and both felt their cheek burn.
Pete follows through though, his voice cracking slightly, "Good job Mash," MJ please don't find out about this! Also, screw you, you toothpick wielding asshat!
The brunette and the lavender head felt their body heat swell above ninety.
"T-thank you, senpai!" She squeaked.
Fou stuck out his tongue in disgust. "Mkyuu fou…"
Olga, after a few years of creating (failing plenty of times) the illusion of a woman of war. Couldn't help but find the teen's interactions heartwarming, "Oh~~it's like a fairy tale!" Or one of those YA novels. With the reluctant lovers who try to hide their feelings.
In the command room, Romani smiled, palm on his forehead like years worth of worry and stress had washed over him. Told her she'd find someone to be her senpai one day. Though, he didn't expect it to be someone like Peter. Especially with the way the computer reads him, Still can't get an exact beat on him-why the hell is that happening? The system he was using was back in complete working order, it shouldn't have been glitching like this. Unless it's not a glitch, "Hmm." Barely audible. I'll need to look over this later, maybe get Da Vinci to give his two cents on it.
Caster bawled over guffawing, "Oh, you should see the look on your faces!" He held his sides, his staff falling to the ground as he did. "Could you two be any more young?"
The teenage vigilante let his previous persona of the webhead return, "Could you be anymore of a prick?"
Cu, didn't take it to offense. Now it makes sense. Kid's like a damn mirror, by my Father, is this what the Hag had to deal with on a daily basis? He felt a chill run down his spine. I thought that 'word' too many times. He'd be paying for that, maybe, if she ever entered the throne. Which she is not in, so take that ya old BAT! The hairs rose on the back of his neck, she knew, and Cu was already counting the days he had left. But that was for later. "I could brat, Peter. But I don't think it'd be helpful in this instance." He picked up his staff from the ashened ground and approached the group.
Olga backed away while Mash and Peter braced themselves. Cu, noticed this and blew out air exasperatedly. "No need to get all tense lovebirds,"
Oh for the love of god. Peter felt himself die inside.
"I'm not going to attack you, I swear on my honor as a heroic spirit of old." He rested on his staff casually, "The lass there proved herself, against the doubt she felt, the sorrow and that teenage angst I am so glad I grew out of."
"S-so that's m-means you're n-not going to kill-kill us?" Olga sputtered, shrinking into herself from behind the teens.
"That's the long and short of it, lass." With that, the man once known as Setana, let his staff fall before Peter and Mash. The two glanced at each other, confused and wary. "Peter, Brat Master of Chaldea, Mash Kyrielight, Shielder of Chaldea, wiser than the rookie next to you." He crosses his arms solemnly and justly. "I will help you reach Saber, and get to the greater grail-the war's over, and the world's cycle is currently unknown. So my hopes of finally winning this war and having my wish granted has fallen to the wayside."
Wish? Pete would ask later, as he kept his trigger steady and ready to fire.
"I shall swear fealty to you, to save our history if disaster has indeed come to pass. Conditions are, learn your lass's needs, understand her wants and keep moving forwards. You have potential, and those hang-ups you have shall eventually overtake you when it finally counts."
Peter frowned at that last bit, Been there done that, I don't need you trying to give me a life lesson.
"Do you accept the conditions of my contract?"
Pushing his biases aside, Peter relaxed himself and weighed his options. Always good to have an extra set of hands I guess. And it'd be irresponsible of me not to least get info from him about the schmucks we're about to go against. "Hmm" And they're already dead, so I won't exactly have to worry about holding back in this instance-it'll be like fighting a robot, a really life-like robot, better comparison would be ghost I guess. He looked Caster dead in the eye, his crimson eyes, confident and hiding a tenacity untold, told Peter that the dead man before him-already knew his answer before he could even say it.
"Good to know you let that pride of your's go and be smart sometimes."
"Yeah well, in any other circumstance-I'd have already knocked you out and you'd be on a first class trip to Ryk-" He caught himself, goosebumps running over him every which way. "Blegh-sorry, gagged a little. *cough*, Okay, Merlin, you can help us. No tricks?"
The azure caster shakes his head in agreement. "I swear on my honor as a knight."
"Fine, you can help us." He blows air through his teeth, looking at Mash. Who seemed pleased with his sincerity, then to Olga who regained her composure and just waited for proceedings to end with an aloof glower. Finally was Roman, who seemed just happy that no one had died, then Fou. Who still studied him like an enigma, Pete's head buzzed-his extra senses still telling to take heed of this small furball. What is your deal, seriously?
"Fou." The fluffer rhetorically asked.
"It's settled then, consider me you're caster until all is said and done."
Pete groans inwardly.
"Wonderful, see Mr. Parker, that's the kind of reasoning I like to see from my subordinates. You may still be a good asset to me yet." Olga praised, rounding herself in front of Mash and Peter. She gave them the once over, checking for wounds. As she did, she asked a question. "So, anything coming to mind Mash. Did unleashing your potential tell you what servant you've come in contact with?"
The shielder shook her head sadly. "No, but I now understand how I can use my shield to better guarantee our safety. The name is still lost to me."
"Damn, guess I got my calculation wrong on that one. Was betting on facing the certainty of death would be the kick in the ass you'd need for whatever spirit in you to reveal himself." Caster mused, Peter reaffirming his peeved feelings to the heroic spirit clad in blue.
Yeah, of course he'd play off as just a learning experience. Trial by fire and all that jazz you see in action movies. "You can use it though, and that's what counts."
Mash nodded, agreeing with his sentiment.
Olga, using healing-type magecraft, lessened the bruise Mash had received earlier. "A noble phantasm is not official without the name, Mr. Parker." She eyed the tears in Peter's mystic code. Fine magical cloth, and he gets it torn up and bloody while fighting-who is this guy? "Think of it as not being entirely solid without it. It'll still work, but if a heroic spirit has too much subjectivity it won't be as strong as it can be." She tries to reach for him, but he moves away from her. Idiot, "So, with that being said," she claps her hands together comprehensively. "Until you know the true name of the shield you wield-Lord Chaldeas sounds as good as the name for it and she who wields it." Something to remind us what we're fighting for, something I don't entirely put faith in. But Mash, she's different from me. Despite everything we've done for her, she's still...She couldn't finish the thought. Didn't want to. There was still a heavy toll there, and she couldn't find herself accepting the price Chaldea had to pay to finally have a demi-servant.
"I like it, Director, thank you." the girl that never knew anything but Chaldea's wall said to her. Making the young heiress want to scream. Embrace the teen and apologize for everything.
"Think nothing of it, Kyrielight. You're my subordinate, why wouldn't I think of the perfect name for a weapon in our arsenal." Olga says haughtily.
Gosh, she has the same self-importance as Jonah….I can't believe he's dead-STOP IT. Everything's fine, the world as I know hasn't ended. I mean it's 2015, the world is supposed to end in 2017...yeah... He reloaded the cartridge he had attempted to load earlier-before his hand had seemingly phased out of existence. The electricity, his disappearing act, those were questions to test later. I'll make sure him and his 'stache come back. I mean, the world would be a lot less fun without being called a menace on a daily basis. He joked, nevertheless, everyone he knew was dead. Erased because of the greater grail-thing that had created this stain on the timestream. It sounded like something from a sci-fi movie, sounds like another day that ends in 'Y' for Strange or the FF.
He talked a big game, saving the world. This was out of his league. No matter the way he put it, he had been going through this entire event halfcocked and relying on just instinct to keep him forward. He was glad Romani, Olga, Mash and to a lesser extent Caster were here. Gave him someone to keep his mind off of Fuyuki's utter trepidation. He wanted to crawl somewhere dark, to hide from the smell and sights before him. The entire city was like an affront for everything he stood for, uncaring, callous. Like looking into the eyes of Kassady again, or realizing that the man who killed Jean, was beside him all along. And laughing at me all the way.
"Senpai?" Peter came from his thoughts, and found the group looking at him.
"Sorry, I was just thinking." His voice held no humor.
"Seems like it, and here I thought you weren't the reflective type." Caster jests.
You don't know the half of it, Blue Man Groupie. He snorts, "Lord Chaldeas, very Arthurian." Peter says, attempting to get himself back on track. "Here's hoping its real name is just as cool." He raises his thumb and smiles honestly, trying to dissuade Mash's worries. It works, the shielder returning the gesture.
"Yes, senpai. I hope it is as well." She then handed him his web shooter, though it wasn't in stellar shape. Stretched and droopy if he attempted to put it on. "This was really fun to use." I hope I can use them again. The shielder embarrassedly admitted to herself. "Sorry if I ruined it," She pursed her lips guiltily.
"It happens, not like I haven't done it myself." Peter reasoned. It was slapped on a gauntlet, the things made to go around a wrist without extra layers. He waves off the annoyance, Broke before-I can fix it again. It was a good idea in the moment, he misjudged Caster's strength. Speaking of which, he noted the curious glance from the director. "Yes?" He hesitantly asked.
"What are those?" She asked, her eyes curving to those of suspicion.
Peter, with over two years of training in the glorious act of improvisational lying-came to his cover. "Like I said before, I'm a bit of a whiz kid. Made these for a science fair. Was hoping to get noticed by a couple big names, possibly get a scholarship or get into the Future Foundation Program." He pockets the ruined web shooter and scratches his neck awkwardly, "But...I obviously couldn't make the cut, heh." He laughs nervously, buyitbuyitbuyitbuyit-
Olga narrows her eyes at him. She had the eyes of someone about to put all the pieces together. The eyes that always put him on edge anytime he knew he was on the edge of the truth getting out. Like a hawk zeroing in on a mouse.
Oh please for the love of all that is holy-BUY IT! He felt a cold begin to develop.
"Interesting." Her lips curled into a devious smile, "And here I was thinking you were a cape-Mr. Parker, show these to Da Vinci later. If you don't cut it as a master, it's always good to have another geek on hand." She crinkles her face, "Though, it'd be a waste of your combat skills-" She shrugs. "Can't be helped." Especially with his reverence for capes. Might not go through with kills if, say, the Church goes against us.
Wow, I have never been so glad to be called a 'geek'. "Appreciate it, Director," He lets out a silent sigh of relief. He looks to the stairwell, hole still there plain as day. He followed it upwards, and if he wasn't imagining things, and that buzzing in the back of his consciousness wasn't just because of Fou-Someone's watching us. He bared his teeth, a primal fear flowing through him. "These guys we're about to go against-can you pull off that burning man-thing again?" He asks Caster.
"My mana supply is still well and good, though I need to get my blood boiling to make my Wicker Man annihilate who I need to. Motivation, it helps, Brat."
"Ignoring that-" Mana supply, okay, so Mash can't just spam her noble phantasm. Wonder how we resupply it, probably leylines if I'm connecting the dot right. "Howabout you?" He asks his kouhai, though the word was not known to him.
"...maybe, I know how to summon it. But I'm nervous if I were to summon it again, I felt a bit woozy for a brief moment afterwards." I'd be no good if I were to faint and Saber/Archer were still in the fight. "A mana su-"
"Woah Woah Woah-Before we go down that road young lady-" Romani step-ins. "I can see your readings, you're still in good condition Mash. There's no need for a-"
Mash puffs her cheeks staunchly, "DOCTOR-I was going to suggest waiting at a leyline!" She looks at Peter, and her cheek, her face and her entire body burn like the Sahara, much to Peter's confusion.
Olga twitched, "Classic Romani, what do I expect from a man whose life revolves around a vtuber."
"HEYhey, there's no need for a personal attack. Excuse me for worrying about her innocence, Director!"
Peter looks to Caster, who was just enjoying the chaos. "Do..do I wanna ask?"
The Sage of the Forest mouths out a NO. "You'll find out eventually-I'm not going to ruin the surprise."
"Are you Loki or something? Is that why you're so vague and crap?" I mean, I've met him once. And he can shapeshift...hmm.
"Not even close brat" Cu Chulainn smiled to himself, and my identity's secured. Guess he's not a history buff. Though, it stung that his noble phantasm didn't even clue the brunette into who he is. Damn I miss my spear. "Not even close…"
After a quick stop to the closest leyline, the group was finally on their way. Moving upwards upon the stone steps leading up to the mountain. And Pete's sixth sense was telling that they were being watched
Peter was down to his last two cartridges. I have to play this smart. He considered. He was down a web shooter, without a mask and his feeling factor was still nursing the wound he had received from Lancer. He could have received the same healing Mash got from Olga, but Pete was iffy on that. Who knew how it would react to his physiology. Least we took that break, got myself a few minutes of shuteye. Though he found it weird that Mash had hung over him.
Peter had been here for over five hours, when asking the Doc about what time it was. The teenage vigilante was surprised to find that it was the afternoon, and it's still as dark as the pitchest black of midnight. Magic, he was not a fan. Went against every law of the natural world he knew. Can get along with Strange fine, but we usually stay in our lanes. He didn't have that option though, that was solid to him at this point.
What wasn't, the greater details of the Grail War. He knew he could ask, the group had done pretty well informing him on info he needed to know. But he couldn't get himself to ask about it, he wanted to, that notwithstanding, he felt a weight any time it was at the tip of his tongue. I can't help but feel like I shouldn't know about it, like I should avoid it. But that wasn't logical, why would he even have that sort of mindset. It made no sense. A lot of things about how I got to this point don't make a lot of sense.
"You know, if you think too hard-you're going to make yourself lose track of the goal at hand." Caster warned as he led the five-person group. "Be confused when we aren't going to kill a couple of pompous gits."
Peter tensed at mention of kill, he knew that Saber and Archer were already dead. They were heroic spirits, like Caster and Mash (sort of). He didn't need to pull his punches this time. The thought did not make him any less worrisome.
"Speaking of which, Caster, do you have any clue as to their real identities?" Olga asked, staying between Peter and Mash in case they were ambushed.
Caster shakes his head, "For Archer, no, sorry to say lass. Bastard's kind of an enigma-and I've seen his noble phantasm. Still didn't know who the hell he was." He looks to Peter, "Fair warning, he starts saying Bone of my-make sure he doesn't finish it. That's how he unleashes his noble phantasm."
Peter nods. Hmm, yeah I got material for that I guess. "And Saber?"
Caster smiles savagely. "You'll know who she is when you see the blade she wields. She sticks out like a sore thumb, her blackened gauntlets holding that damn sword of everlasting victory like it's a life preserver."
"Sword of everlasting victory? Is that what it's called? Because I've literally never heard of it." He heard Olga sigh to herself.
"Nah, it's one of its many titles. But it'd be amiss of me to ruin the surprise." Cu still respected the King of Knights, even as she currently was. It'd be a tad unfair for him to ruin her grandeur before the fight even started. Not a smart move, tactic wise, but a true fight is one where both sides have little knowledge of each other. It shows an opponent's ability to get an idea that they need to be cautious and test their foe. I give the hag a lot of shit, but this lesson is still a good one to impart.
"You're doing a weird honor thing ain'tcha?"
"You have a problem with that?"
"No, I learned that reality never really gives any handicaps. So it's just gonna be another day in life for me." He sourly replies.
"Good philosophy to have, especially if you have luck E or worse."
"No idea what that means, but I'm guessing it's no bouquet of roses." He was becoming numb to Caster's reluctance on info. If worse came to worse, Pete would figure something out. He was already formulating a plan for when they went against Archer. Something simple, like waving a carrot in front of a rabbit while it was being led into a trap. He'd discuss the plan with the group as they walked. There were no disagreements, besides Mash looking uneasy about one portion of the plan.
"Could work, though its suicide. You're fast, kid, but his reactions are next to none lemme tell ya." Caster warned.
"And I don't necessarily enjoy that you'd be offering yourself up to him." Mash squirmed. Peter places a hand on her shoulder.
"You're in my corner, he tries anything-I got you and that shield to back me up and save me from being skewered."
"It's foolhardy, but you're making me realize that you're the type to be so brazen." If he dies, I can attempt to contract Mash. Don't know if the process will work, but at least I'll have data on Archer that Romani can look over. The magus part of her mind reasoned, he'll die and then you'll die. Stop fooling yourself. She bit her lip, he'll be another body on your hands. Along with Mash, she's expendable right? Isn't that what you're daddy thought? "I'll wish you luck, and if you survive-you better not refuse healing?"
Peter shrugs. "Call me iffy, but instant healing sounds too good to be true." I know Wolverine. I'm really digging myself into a grave here.
"Whatever Mr. Parker, just try and not get yourself killed." She orders, coldly. Though her body movement was contrarily nervous.
"Never planned on dying Olga. I have people back home waiting for me," New York would be pretty boring without its local wall-crawler, I mean-who would make fun of Herman every other week?
EMIYA, held himself firm. Least, he tried to. With every inch the unknown master, his entourage, drew closer, a pounding went through the counter guardian's entire being. His spirit origin, his physiology and his connection to the Throne and its ruler edged him on to strike. Send down Ea, Excalibur, ec cetera and end that pathetic excuse of an origin.
The only constant that kept him still was Saber, who spoke to him. Commanding him with a cold, distant voice that they would come on their own accord. But I can't just let that-He felt Saber's hold, he was forced down to his knees. Control was lost to him and he found a blade to his neck, wielded by his own scorched hand.
Saber warned him. He was attempting to go against her, he didn't want to. He couldn't understand why this rage flowed through him as he watched this unknown master. It's not like when I see myself, and see the mistakes I made like the fool I was. This isn't me! He let out a hallowed breath, the tip of the blade an inch from his neck. Saber, trust me-I'm not doing this!
He heard nothing, control returning to him and his breath evening out. He thanked Saber, she still trusted him. Even as she was, even as he was. He wished he could have saved her back then, and met her again when he entered the Throne. But I never get luxuries do I? He thought glumly, allowing himself a moment. With eyes sharp, he looked out into the ruins of what used to be his home. What used to be Rin's, Sakura's, Taiga's home….and I guess, Shinji. He frowned, the blue haired wannabe mage granting him a rage he was accustomed to.
He sat at the threshold of Mount Enzou inner cave, a place hollowed out to hold the Greater Grail and used in its past by the residents of Fuyuki who dabbled in thaumaturgy. This place deserves this. For all the hells the people here had been put through. I'm glad it's burning, I'm glad it's showing it's true face. Congratulations Angra, whatever pit you're hiding in-you got your damn wish. He smiled at the chaos, normally he wouldn't. But he wasn't normal anymore.
The counter force here, it was weak. And EMIYA couldn't help but be enthralled by the hain Saber would unleash when the last remnants of humanity were eviscerated by either him or her. Especially that damn would-be thief, who does he think he is? Coming here, on my turf, he doesn't even deserve the satisfa- He stopped himself, those weren't his thoughts, they weren't Saber's either. No, it was the loathing again. He could sense the master coming, along with the dog and the shielder. He understood why he could sense the servants' mana. But why could he sense the human? I've seen him fight, it's inhuman. But by all accounts, he doesn't register as anything but human to me. Not even as a Dead Apostle. Maybe he's a Burial Agent….demon? No, there would be a tell for that...
The running theory, at least to him-was that this master was a metahuman. Odd though, they really didn't really go into the public consciousness until 2007-when that tin can playboy came on to the scene. Even more so when the star-spangled banner thawed out and began preaching truth and justice. He cringed, it was that same mindset that got him to go through with his crusade, to be a Hero Of Justice. The son of a bitch made it seem palpable, him and the rest of the Crayola-colored menagerie. They were called heroes, but me? No, I didn't get that courtesy. He'd been really given no hand outs. Especially with the way this war swerved to the one he remembered. More enemies, and more masters, Something was off, but he didn't necessarily care about extra players, all that mattered was taking out that red haired fool, guess I got the last laugh in the end. His body tensed, and he knew why.
The group were minutes away, and Saber allowed him to prepare. He thanked her, but she didn't answer back. He traced his bow, and readied a blade that was closer to a spear. He went to the edge and looked down, his index wrapping around the serving and his arm pulling back the string. He met the eyes of Cu Chulainn, who gave him a grin that just asked to be wiped away.
He looked into the lilac eyes of the shielder, she was aloof. Readying her shield, though the frown on her face told him that she was a novice.
Then he saw the hazel eyes of the master. By all accounts, the boy was no older than he was in this time period. He was unassuming, normal. But he could tell, and the boy could tell. Something was off with each other. KILL IT!
"Tch," He did as his instinct told him. He let's go of the string, the blade sails downwards, faster than a speeding bullet, his aim dead on the thief.
The blade strikes, but not its intended target-the shielder's reaction had been on point. The escutcheon blocking the sword-now-arrow and breaking it on impact. She had saved her master, the traitor saved the thief. He felt a headache coming on as not even a millisecond past before the unknown master leaped over the shielder and was bounding up to meet EMIYA head on like a man possessed with Caster and the Shielder following suit. He's fast- He traced another projectile, pulled back the string and let go.
It sailed, going for the thief. The master simply leaped over it and pulled himself back to steps of the stairway as quickly as he jumped with a white line from his left wrist.
The shielder took the projectile and destroyed it.
Damn it! He traced again, but this time, time was not on his side. The thief was on him. Alright, bring it, kid!
"Jeez man, you make it seem like we're intruding!" he joked.
His bow vanished, focusing fast he traced on kanshou and bakuya. He slashed forward and the teen went low, blowing past him like the world's quickest limbo champion.
The Archer cursed under his breath, his reaction superhuman he changed the path of his twin blades. Letting them fly as the unknown master, the thief was finishing his landing.
Without looking, the brunette rolled and pushed himself off the ground with his palms. The blades missed, and EMIYA was met with the force of bare heels as the kid zipped to him with a white line he stuck to his chest when he had become airborne.
The two sailed off the edge of Mount Enzou and down the steps, they tumbled, neither being able to orient themselves due as they hit and skipped steps.
EMIYA saw Caster and the other human, a young white-haired woman go past them for a split second. He felt the Thief try to vamoose, the Counter Guardian wasn't having it. He wrenched his arms around the teen's waist, tightly and edging his strength to break the welp's bones.
"AGH!" EMIYA heard a bone crack. This made him smile. "My chiropractor's not going to like this!" What didn't was the subsequent decking to the face that allowed to teen to break free. "SEE YA!" The teen kicked himself off of the grown man.
EMIYA continued to tumble, but training and instincts kicked in. Creating Clarent, he stabbed it into the stone steps when he found the chance.
The blade that once belonged to a Knight of Camelot, carved the hardened mineral in a straight line. His descent stopped seconds afterwards, EMIYA found himself on his knees, clutching the steps. I did not see that coming. He looked up and found the brunette teen feet above him, resolute, knuckles bared and ready to fight despite the wound EMIYA knew he had given him.
From behind, the lavender head came beside him. The traitor looked at the thief. "Senpai-"
The brunette gave her a cheesy smile, "I'm good, sorry if I made you worry." The shielder didn't look convinced, as the unknown master continued, looking down on EMIYA like he was better than him. "So, Archer huh? Can I call ya Archie? Adding on to that, what're your thoughts on rich uptight girls with black hair? Or are you more of a blonde hair, girl next door type of guy?"
EMIYA felt the strange sort of rage at the reference. "Who the hell are you?" The untold loathing the kid gave him flared up, his heart raced, muscles tensed and felt his entire being urge him to kill the abomination- "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU!?"
The Thief shrugs, "Nobody special," He looks to his servant. "Lady's first." and gestures like a true gentleman.
She nods, "Shielder, Mash Kyrielight-commencing servant battle!" she charged, the brunette keeping behind her.
EMIYA, not being one to stay down, picked himself up by his bootstraps, traced a claymore, clasped it with both hands, keeping it low-he bounded up to meet the thief and traitor's challenges head on. "Talking so casually?"
With bated rage, he heaved the blade strong against the shield. Sparks flew, the cross-esque guard held strong and EMIYA blade began to crack. But the goal wasn't to break the shield- "The hell is wrong with you kid?"
"Ah!" He heard the girl yelp, the Counter Guardian smiled, he had used his strength well, staggering the enemy servant.
The claymore shattered, he traced a falchion. Grabbed the top of the shield and hefted himself up and over the shielder, ready to impale her from behind.
"NOPE!" His wrist was held firm by strong hands, stronger than any normal human. And using the velocity of his jump, the thief was about to slam EMIYA down on the other side. "That's downright rude, you know that Andrews? What would Betty think?"
Not this time, jackass! He seized one the brunette's wrist and brought the teen along, pulling him into close range. "She'd think a whelp is getting what he deserves."
EMIYA hit the stairs, the teen crashing into him. Trace on. A small dagger, he wrapped his arm around the thief. Raised the blade before the teen could realize the danger.
Much to his chagrin-"HNN!" The dagger split to pieces as it was cleaved by the shielder's eponymous weapon.
Sonofa- the thief took the distraction and pushed himself off of the Archer, but not without a suckerpunch and a face full of something sticky and white. EMIYA was not amused. "UNF UNF UNF!" He cussed in muffled vehemence. This feeling of utter annoyance magnified with a hefty hit to his face when he tried to put himself up and rip the goo from his scorched features.
He took the hit and fell to his knees. He felt the stone under his tanned fingers. This is getting annoying. He considered, peeved as all hell. He tore the goo that blinded him, his reactions attuned to a slight change in the air. He caught the fist of the brunette. "You fight dirty, kid."
The thief smiles, "All's fair in love and war" He tried to pull away, "Might not get me into the Avengers, but being a hero, you have to make due with what you're given!" The Archer is having none of it. He pulls, and knees the teen in the chest. He hears the satisfying gasp of the kid's lungs deflating. And with a quick maneuver, he let's go sidesteps and slams the brunette into the steps.
The impact shook the ground in close proximity. He heard the kid groan, "Hero? You...heh...just my luck." He smiles, confident. He holds his boot to the teen's back. "How does it feel, how does following that path feel?"
"Not...very good...I'd like a..refund." He huffed.
"Smartass." He heard the clang of quick metal boots. He traced a broadsword, and with looking he brought it down to the nape of the thief. "Get closer, I'll kill your master." He heard her stop.
"You're going to do that anyway." She held her shield firm. "But I won't let you."
He looked over his shoulder, he grinned devilishly seeing the fear in her eyes despite her resolute posture. "I know that look, I've seen it plenty of times in my life." The image of Artoria, trying to protect him, to fight for him, as she was when he was still young, ignorant, an idiot-came to him. Stubborn, damn you. He gathered context, he presumed and he laughed to himself. To think another idiot like Shirou exists. What the fucking hell? "So what's your trauma kid? What made you so worthless in your eyes that you'd just hand yourself to me?" He slams his heel into the kid's back and hears him groan.
"How much time do you have...is there a snack bar nearby, you might want something to chew o-GAAH!" He howled as the Archer brought his heel down hard.
"You joke, you're going to die and you joke?" He shakes his head, he could read this kid like a damn pamphlet. "A Mentor? A father figure die? Said something before it happened, you promised something when it happened? An impossible task that no one sane could ever hope to succeed in? I saw it in your eyes kid, that tenacity is so fucking-" KILL ITKILLITKILLITKILLIT "-stupid." He inhales. "Let me give you some advice kid, whatever lead you down this road. Whatever pure hearted wish you have for a better tomorrow. It's not going to happen-" He cringes, remembering the broken boy he was once was. His oath to save everyone. "-they'll all betray you in the end. Kill you, string you up and call you pariah."
"I don't need to hear your freaking manif-" The brunette air escapes him after another stomping by EMIYA's dark boot.
"Oh really? Where have good intentions gotten you? Here, clothes torn, bones broken and your servant worrying for you like you're an infant. Kid, your dream is a fool's errand. A child's wish. A damn fairy tale!" Kill, kill, kill, kill the thief. His body said to thrust, end it now. EMIYA wanted to finish, he didn't get the chance to tear apart his younger self, a stand in would have to do. "I'm sure you think it'll all be fine, if you stay your path. Keep your head-on straight, you can save everyone...until you can't, until you have to make bodies to save bodies." I'll be a hero of justice, he had vowed to his father, Kiritsugu, before he died. He wanted to succeed, make the man who saved him wish come true. Look where that got me?
"I feel like you have some issues-" The boy tried to push himself up, EMIYA felt the innate strength of the boy as he used his own willpower to lift himself and the Counter Guardian in turn. "Tch, could I recommend you a therapist-" EMIYA applied equal and more pressure, bringing the kid back down to meet the stone. "Gah!" He gasped weekly.
"Have you not listened to a word I've said-is this all a big joke to you? Is being a hero of justice just some game for you-is your mortality just something you can throw away?! He curses in his head, the kid wasn't getting it. Thick as Shirou, what do I expect from idiots of that ilk.
"No...I heard you...I hear some two-bit loser from the stone ages telling me I'm a loser for trying to...do the right thing...time and time again I get this speech..." He gulps, the Archer feeling the boy trying to get up once more. "...I don't know who hurt you Archer...but I know one thing...I'm never going to just stand by when I know I can do something...a good man once told me...he told me I should be greater." He started to rise, the strength he used, tearing his white attire in duress. "Tell me Archer, now that I...have you hear...what's so wrong about trying to help, trying to save people-Because I think its the best thing I can do with the hand fucking dealt to me!" He is brought down by Archer, eating solid stone and making his nose bleed. "And you're...just another bad guy I have to pants and make fun of!" The Archer heard him chuckle as blood rushed from his nasal cavities.
"You are so...naïve...it always ends in blood. You call me a bad guy. I guess I seem like a villain from your perspective, Heh...don't tell me-you think it's all black and white? I shouldn't expect any less." His conviction won't last. He cringed, head hurt, but he needed to pull through. "Why? Why did you lead the charge? Do you not care about yourself, do think you're better than everyone else-do you think you can fuck with the natural order like you damn thieves always do!?" His eyes dulled, rolling back into himself to a pure white. Saber, this isn't ME! I'm-"Tired of you ABOMINATIONS!" He retraced, forming the only blade EMIYA knew that could end this pathetic spec. Trace on EXCALI-
EMIYA, felt as though he was an observer, secondhand as the Shielder bashed into his back. He flew off the teen, landed and traced on twin shortswords in a quick stand-up. A better part of him reasoned that he needed to take a moment, gather his thoughts, gain distance and use the skills of his namesake.
It's still alive, kill it-kill-KILL IIIIITTTT! His throat vibrated as he emanated a low and wrathful growl. He felt the pull of Saber, trying to reign him in. The rage did not allow this, the blood tie had to be paid. THE THIEF HAS TO DIE, LIKE IT DESERVES. He sprang forward, he didn't care about the servant, all that mattered the kid.
The shielder blocked this attempt, EMIYA's blades clanging against its front. The lavender head thrusted the shield up, knocking into the Archer, a bruise forming under his dark garb.
He worked through the pain, grabbed the side of the shield and wrenched it from the shielder-that was the plan in his head. Her grip was strong, strong with conviction, a conviction that if EMIYA were to look into her eyes, if he wasn't corrupted, if the rage untold wasn't overtaking him-he would understand wholeheartedly.
They found themselves at a stalemate as the unknown master gathered himself. Pushing against each other, they cracked the steps they stood upon with their own heels.
"TRAITOR!" Monosyllabic, Archer viewed himself, this was an embarrassment-he was acting like a damn berserker. For what reason, Hell if I know. He could feel Saber try to wrench him back to sanity, but the grip of whatever was in him was stronger, older. Maybe I should actually try- He steadied himself, metaphorically speaking, calmed himself, set aside his hang-ups, the regret. He remembered who he fought for, who he once used to fight for. Rin, Sakura, Ilya, and damn it all-even himself.
He held himself, his mind, his body, his soul. He clutched everything that made him who he was. Every mistake, every triumph, every fucking life he had taken. The love he had for her, someone he knew he could never see again as he once was. He was no mindless dog, he was not a blunt instrument. He would not go feral because of a boy who peeved him. I'm not that fool anymore!
With that, and Saber's help-he let himself take the hit. Bracing himself, he was sent backwards. With exact movements, he landed on his own two feet and let himself breath for a second before the shielder came at him. "To think they were survivor's in the city. Congratulations for making it this far, shielder!" He mocked, the rage still there, still edging into his judgement. Saber was there, to keep him steady, to watch over him and make sure he played his role well. I won't let you down again. He heard nothing, but he knew she heard it.
"Even with this chump of a master!" He sidestepped, traced his bow and fired a blade at her exposed back-it was caught and pulled away by the unknown master.
"What is with you guys and calling me an idiot?" The brunette came to him low, aiming for EMIYA's lower abdomen. He hits. "I mean come on, I got good grades in school." He yanks EMIYA's bow and backs away from EMIYA to be knocked back by the Shielder. "A better insult would be the Duke of Dorks. I mean, just look at me." He motions to himself "I feel like I should be quoting Ren Faire in this getup." He raises his free hand dramatically, slicing the air in the form of a knife. "Forsooth, Fair Lady Mash-our foe can taketh quite a beating!" He then hikes EMIYA's arrow over the side of the mountain and to the depths below. "A pity it'd be if he were to loseth his foul monster armaments!"
Without warning a blaze erupted, at the threshold of entrance EMIYA guarded was a pillar of flame. A flare would be a better word for it as the Archer noted the unmistakable tightening of muscles as the hazel and lilac eyes widened in succinct understanding. What the hell is that dog doing? EMIYA asked himself, not receiving any word from Saber but to be on his guard.
"WOOH! Guess Casty is getting the party started without us-man this just like Midtown, I mean seriously, the world's ended and I still can't get invited to anything." The kid fire's another glob at EMIYA, the counter guardian simply slices and dices it. "You seem like the type of guy who knows that feel well!"
EMIYA couldn't help but smile at the kid's chutzpah as he dodged another strike from the lavender head. "Can't say I'm used to someone riffing me during combat. Makes you ignore the true face of the world, right?" He backpedals up the stairway, and retraces his bow. "When you get to hell, tell the Devil to staple your mouth shut!" With moves intuitive due to countless campaigns, the Counter Guardian raced up the steps. While he moved, the teens gave chase-the servant kept pace, along with the master. Metahuman defin-KILLIT! He grits his teeth in frustration.
He takes a few stray shots at the unknown master, his servant take's the hits and in offense. EMIYA bobs and weaves to avoid the globs the kid fired at him. All while attacking in a way worthy of his servant class.
With neither side making any head way during the mobile battle, they reach the top end of the stairway.
EMIYA kicks up into the air, pulls back his string-this takes milliseconds.
Same goes for the maneuver the thief pulls, passing his servant and leaping towards the Counter Guardian using the shield almost as a bounce pad.
EMIYA takes a deadeye aim at the kid's head. The brunette's pupils shrink in pure fear, while EMIYA's widen in pure killer joy.
With three feet of distance between them in a span of two seconds. The Archer fires the blade, razor sharp as in its nature.
With strength unbound with his previous pull, just waiting for launch, he releases the string fettered by his index and his middle finger.
The blade flies, the kid reacts and it hits its target.
EMIYA lands on the ground with a satisfied cantor, kicking up gravel. He watch the kid sail off the stairway as he traces white/black blades kanshou and bakuya.
Thief, a 'callous' to the natural order. This was not his thought, but he agreed with the sentiment. Whatever the hell that means.
Without flinching bends backwards to avoid a fiery strike back Caster. The enemy heroic spirit's staff blazing in full with fire. "Killing kids, Archer? Have you no shame?" The Caster pivots and prepares to jab the Counter Guardian.
Crossing his blades like an 'X', he catches the Hound of Ulster's strike. "Like you're one to talk, mutt!" Their strength almost equal, they found themselves at a lock. "Surprised a piece of crap like you survived so long-but you've always been the tenacious type."
With meaning in his tone, Caster speaks. EMIYA is launched into the air as the rune appears under him. The Caster leaps back as the roots that were brought by the rune ceased. With a wave of his staff, a missile of a fireball launches at the Archer.
Only perturbed for second, EMIYA traces a large cleaver of a sword, withe hefty swing he makes the fireball asunder. The cleaved projectiles rocketing into the mountain and blowing chunks off it. "Poor shot, what would your teacher think?"
The Caster twitches, "DON'T YOU DARE INVOKE HER!"
EMIYA let's out an amused breath before firing a barrage of blades before he hits the ground.
Cu swings his staff as if it were his spear. None of EMIYA's shots made its mark.
With that show of their skill, they face each other. Both nod as they realize this would be the final battle of their little feud. A feud that had begun weeks ago when they met on those school grounds. "My how things changed, eh Archer?" He rests his staff on his shoulder as a circle of runes surrounds both of them. On the ground and in the sky.
Archer shrugs, "Yeah, I'm on the winning side-and I just killed your new master." He takes a moment to glance at the runes, gauges them and understands. "Heh, didn't realize I stepped into your trap. Guess I should expect nothing less from the dog who killed Saber's servants." He metaphorically strangles himself, the fight with brunette and whatever had overwhelmed him had clearly lapsed his judgement. I've walked into an arena it seems.
"First you insult me, and now you compliment me. And you wonder why I found you and the Saber of Red so annoying." He says bluntly.
"No, I never wondered. Why would I-you're a second-rate caster."
"HEY!" The voice cuts through the air valiance itself. From behind Caster, walked up the unknown master, clearly not dead. He looked bereaved as hell. "He's our second rate caster!" He paused as the shielder slammed the tip of the shield into the ground in a resolute gesture. "Actually-he's just some guy we met. Don't even know his name, we're more like associates if I'm being honest." He nudges Cu, who couldn't look less vexed. "And I don't exactly have anyone to compare him to...except for-*cough* nevermind."
"Master, please don't make jokes at Mr. Caster's expense." The lavender head asked politely. "And please stop nearly getting killed…"
The brunette tilts his head apologetically to his head servant. "Yeah, jumping at him was not my best plan. But we got him here, didn't we?" The teen see's the worry not vacate from her lilac eyes. "Old habits Mash," He says softly, he says guiltily.
THE THIEF LIVES-FINISH IT-KILL IT. EMIYA eye twitches and his veins pulses. "Did I not just kill you?!" His voice, sulfuric.
"Caught your sword, Archie, sharp as hell. Sliced my freaking palms." He bares his hands at EMIYA, then wrapped in shining white "Luckily, I used Granny Parker's home remedy."
He used the goo to stop bleeding. ARE YOU SHITTING ME!? EMIYA growls, the untold loathing creeping its way back into his psyche. USE IT. NOW. END. THIS. INVADER. "You…*sucks in air*" USE IT NOW! He feels his heart race as the rage pools inside him. "...you will never reach your goal, I will make sure she's protected-who are you to stand against the King of Knights?!"
He points a blade at the group, unknowingly tracing Excalbur, in its pure form. A fake it may be, this felt like a betrayal in his heart. "Just let her win-once!" He had failed her before, never again. He wasn't Shirou, he wasn't that idealistic kid, he was stronger, better...no you're not
Who was this kid to stand against him, against her. He irked him, he knew the eyes and emotions the kid wore on his sleeves.
"And why would I do that? Just because it pisses you off? Dude-I do that on a daily basis!" He clenches his fists, ready to brawl. "Can't be taken seriously as a hero if you let the bad guy win for being a sore loser!"
"Heh!" The Caster smiles and taps the brunette shoulder with his staff "I'm starting to like you, brat!" While the lavender head shakes her head nonplusly.
If it weren't for the unknown hate he felt, he would still loathe the person before him. He threw himself into the fray without even letting his servant take charge. He joked, he makes his servant worry for him-he said he was a hero-he's nothing but a waste of an origin! "Do you wish to save people, kid?" He asked, emotionless.
The brunette almost balks at the question. "Long and short of it, yes." He smirks smugly at the Counter Guardian before changing into a stone-serious expression. "Everyone will die-if you didn't know that. Countless people all gone in a moment. And you're in the way of me, the Fire Wizard and Mash here!" He strikes a pose as if he were a boxer-like martial artist. "So, to answer your question Archie-yes, I do wish to save people, more than that-" He sprints straight for Archer with a haymaker.
EMIYA dodges, and the brunette's fist hits the ground-leaving a small hole in his wake. They looked into each other's eyes and EMIYA saw them as if they were Shirou. "I will save people!"
At this moment, he decided. "Fine-have it your way. Enjoy oblivion, enjoy the road that falsehood leads you to!" He closes his eyes and focuses. "I am the bone of my-"
Archer is stopped mid sentence by the gooey palm of the teen. He is taken down, the back of his head hitting the ground with a good use of force. "Bone of your what now-?! No thanks, not my thing!" He pulled himself away, though there was some hiccup as the goo kept him attached to the Archer for a moment. "I try to keep things safe for the kiddies around here!"
Coming unstuck he leaps back towards the group, the Counter Guardian pissed on his mouth stuck due to what was left of the goo. He didn't have time to tear it from his face as before though. Why?
Well, Caster led the subsequent attack. Sending a wave of flame hotter than the depths of hell at the Archer.
The Counter Guardian leaped over it in a single bound, only to be met by the blunt force attack by the shielder.
Without a breath to catch himself, a kick came to his back that sent his mug back into the front of the shield.
This did not take him out. He let himself fall to his knees, felt the rush of air and fell to the side. The brunette flew into his own servant shield. But there was no clang, EMIYA saw that the unknown master clung to it like a spider on a wall, sticking his tongue out at the Archer like some mischievous child.
KILL IT. He traced a black blade, ebony would be an apt term for its shade. Kicking himself up, he slashed at the spider-kid. Hitting the shield instead as the teen stepped off and decked him into the jaw.
Pushing away the ebony sword, the shielder bucked his chest with the escutcheon. Not giving him any time to think on his feet. He found himself in a tag-team bout with the teen. One struck, one waited. The other struck, the other waited.
The flurry of hits, metal and nonmetal pushed the Counter Guardian back. He kept up like a real stand-up fight.
TRACE-
A hit to the abdomen came.
TRACE-
The sharp edged side of the shield sliced his chest.
TRACE O-
They both took a jab at him.
This is getting me nowhere! He crouches, and with a move that makes a breakdancer's jaw drop. He dradles himself and kicks the teen leg. Retracts himself and pushes himself into the teen and into the front of the shield. He feels the bones of teen break.
The teen cries out gutturally.
"SENPAI!" The lavender head cries, giving time for EMIYA to trace a sword and finally stab this pathetic thief.
Fire hits his back before this can come to pass, an overwhelming torrent of flame making it impossible for him to finish his task. He turns, tracing the large sword once wielded by this war's Berserker of White to block the flame for mere moments.
Enough time for a body to be taken to safety, and enough time for a young girl to give some payback.
This would be his downfall.
With a decisive move, EMIYA side is hit by the shielder's namesake. Concentration is lost, the blade of the son of Zeus shatters and the Counter Guardian finds himself swallowed by flame.
He feels his body being erased, his saint graph in this era returning to the throne. He sees the golden particles coming off his body as if he were an angel above. When he was quite the opposite. He didn't scream, though he felt insurmountable pain.
He looks at Caster, curses him for winning their rivalry this time around. Damn dog, next time I see him-immediate clarent to his neck.
He looks to the Shielder, a servant he didn't see coming, a servant who if he were to consider it-seems nervous at all times despite an aloof facade. Could give her a few pointers...Especially with this idiot…
The idiot in question laid on the ground, having raised himself up to see EMIYA burn. The Counter Guardian saw an understanding horror in his eyes. It lives, kill it.
The Archer shook his head. "See ya kid, next time won't be so easy-next time I'll be in control." He warns as his body finally begins to break down. "Next time, I'll see whether your ideals are strong enough to get you killed!" gauging the teen's reaction, his gaze trails to his wrists, he pauses and sees the device clasped around his left wrist. Subconsciously he analyses it, and it clicks. "heh...see you around, wall-crawler..." The fear in the teen's eyes, it almost made dying worth it.
Even so, Sorry Artoria, I failed you again. He got no response from the woman, in another timeline, he considered his truest love. It made no difference, he was already dead. He would live with regret for the rest of eternity. Damn it Alaya.
He then ceased from this world.
Peter, Peter Parker wasn't exactly batting a hundred at the moment. Arms broken, I think he broke a rib. Shit, shit-what I'd give to be Wolverine right now. He tried his best to forget the image of Archer burning. He knew the guy was already dead, but he couldn't disconnect himself from the way the man was-he breathed, I felt his skin. He felt alive. He knew he'd have nightmares the following days of Lancer and Archer dying if he made it out of here alive. Also what hell was he talking about? 'Next time I'll be in control' Are all heroic spirits ominous like that? He coughs, blood spurts from his mouth and onto the blackened soil. "Aw crap."
Mash comes to his side, quickly, her shield disappears to who knows where and Fou leaps on his lap, luckily not landing on anything important. "Fou mkyuu…" He says worrisomely.
She supports his back and holds him tightly. They say nothing, taking in the previous few moments. He feels her nuzzle against him, arms wrapped around his bruised body.
The longer it went on, the warmer Peter felt. Too close, way too close. Though, amid his sheer flusteredness, it felt nice. "Thanks...Mash...ugh...should have gotten that guy's insurance number." He laughed, only to cough up blood. Fou dodges it and huffs at him. Seriously, what the heck are you?
"Don't do that again please!" Mash begs, her now familiar embrace tightening, but not enough to hurt him. Peter, though his eyes hazy-saw tears streaming. He felt like a real piece of work.
"...can't promise that...but I will dodge more...spider sense was on full blast, couldn't really judge where to jump…." He strained, hushed, not realizing the slip up. "I'm...sorry for who I am...Mash...but I'm not sorry for fighting next to you…"
She smiles, her cheeks wettend by her weeping. "Neither am I...let me take the lead from now on...I'm a shielder afterall, your servant-I was made to be used." She says solemnly.
Before Peter could ask what she meant-Caster came strolling up to them with Olga in tow (she had hid herself in the cave as Mash and Peter fought Archer all while Caster placed the runes to trap said enemy). "Not bad brat, you actually survived-congrats!"
Peter couldn't retort as Olga rushed past him and ordered Mash to lay him on the ground flat. "No refusing, this is for your own good Peter." She warns as she goes to work, casting a spell upon him. A spell that made Peter feel like he took a whole bottle of painkillers.
The holographic form of Romani appeared behind her. Looking over Peter. "You took a real beating, it's amazing how many hits you took and kept standing." He said, not amazed, but almost like he expected it.
Peter narrowed his brows at Romani, Okay...worry about that later. "Track and field, also some karate classes on the side." He came up with a quick excuse, "Grew up in a tough neighborhood." he lied. "Learned how to take a hit." That wasn't a lie.
"Whatever the case Mr. Parker, I'd prefer it if you'd refrain yourself from flying straight at arrows-wait were those swords?!-wh-whatever. You are no good to me dead, despite your skills." Olga made clear as she finished up, ordering Mash to help him up and support him. "You're healed, but you won't be doing anything extreme for a little while. When we get back to Chaldea, I'll Romani give you the full-treatment. You hear that?" She staunchly asked the projection.
"Yeah-yeah I hear you Olga." He says nonchalantly.
"DON'T YEAH-YEAH ME! And I am your Director, call me as such!" She demands prissily.
This makes the Doctor straighten up in terror. "Of-of course Director!" Olga smiles at the reaction proudly.
Caster whistles sarcastically, "You Chaldeans are a piece of work I swear." He has no malice in his words. He looks at Peter. "Good on ya for fighting with your Servant-though some stuff may need to be refined."
Peter rolls his eyes, but admits. Maybe he's right. But I've dealt with superhuman jerks before. It usually takes a few fights before I figure out a strat' for them though. He didn't exactly have that option at the moment. But I usually go on the defensive...I...I just kept going for him...why the hell did I do that?
He gives an encouraging smile to the girl from Chaldea. "Fantastic finish with Archer, lass. I'm glad the plan still worked even with your brat of a master out of commission at the end."
Peter sticks a tongue out at him, like a bratty child.
"Thank you, Mr. Caster...but could please stop calling him a brat." She asks politely.
Caster shrugs, "Only when he stops acting like it." He looks away from them. And towards the cave.
The group follows his gaze, as they feel the beckoning of the darkness within. Yep, here comes my spider-sense to tell me the obvious.
"Saber is the last one standing, let's see if we can muster enough strength to get that cold exterior of hers to twitch." He twirls his staff. "O King of Knights, prepare to feel a loss more embarrassing than the fall of your castle, your knights, your kingdom…." He glances at Peter and smirks, "...especially with this brat on the battlefield."
"*sigh*...get bent, Caster." He was annoyed, but not by Caster. I...I wasn't in control of my body. Why did I feel so much fear when I...when I saw Archer? Even worse, a certain dread overtook him. I'm in the past...how, then how in the hell did he know my identity?