-55:39:06
Assassin X chuckled while trying to ward off probing snouts. "I'm alright, boys, seriously! There's not a scratch left on me." Pakkun and Biscuit backed off a little in compliance but continued to circle him. They would've knocked him back off his feet if it hadn't been for his support to whom he now looked over his shoulder. "Really, I'm good now. Thanks."
Maiya gave him one more appraising look before stepping away with a nod. "Good." Her arms returned to her sides as she began to walk towards the others. Kakashi watched her go while noting to himself how her eyes appeared a bit livelier than usual. Thank goodness, looks like she's fine, too. The ninja then fixed his gaze on his ally's destination. Wish I could say the same for Irisviel.
The other half of Assassin X's ninja hound pack was busily fussing over his Master's wife. Ūhei and Shiba stood on either side of Irisviel while Bull was gently supporting her from behind, Guruko perched atop the bulldog's head to try and assist as well. She smiled weakly while slowly walking towards the Mercedes thanks to their, Saber and Kiritsugu's support. "T-thank you all, but it's not that bad," she tried to reassure them, but there was little strength in her voice and even less in her limbs. She could barely register the dogs' fur or the touch of Saber or her husband, and her Magical Energy was practically a flicker. Such was the cost of Avalon's absence. But as Irisviel noticed Assassin X joining her side and her smile widened, she knew she had no regrets.
Kiritsugu recognized this as well and settled for wordlessly steering her towards her (he suppressed a shudder) favorite toy. He'd been preparing for this, he told himself. This frailty was the inevitable outcome for the Einzbern homunculus, especially seeing as another Servant was now eliminated thanks to Assassin X. "Kiritsugu," Urushi's voice crackled over his earpiece, "another bomb's been taken care of. I'm not getting a whiff of any others, either."
"Same here," Akino reported. Both hounds had volunteered to do another sweep of the city alongside the group's Shadow Clones. Even with Archer X's death, not all of the explosives she'd hidden would simply disappear alongside their creator. Fuyuki had already been ravaged enough for one night. "Looks like we've finally gotten the last of them."
Images and sounds flowed into Kiritsugu's mind all at once, and he felt Iri's magical pulse strengthening by just a little. Their clones had released themselves, and the additional memories the Mage Killer sorted through confirmed both dogs' words. Assassin X stepped over, his hands raised in a silent offer the Master accepted by gently passing Iri over to him. His own hands free for the moment, he lifted the speaker closer to his mouth. "Good work. Do another round, but if neither of you find anything else, you can release yourselves."
Both hounds replied with affirming barks, and Kiritsugu turned back to the rest of his team. "There's no time to rest. Emergency services and police will be spreading out now that the heat's died down a little, and it'll be even harder to keep witnesses away from any further battles. We need to determine the other teams' statuses before the streets get too crowded. Now that they've lost Caster and Archer X, the rogues' strength is diminished, but I for one would sleep easier knowing that Megatron and his new teammate have joined them." And Kirei Kotomine, he added to himself. Too bad the tanker plan wasn't an option anymore.
Though their preferred tactics remained oil and water, Saber certainly agreed with her Master's wariness towards those two Servants. "Maiya." She adjusted her hold on Irisviel's right arm and shifted towards the human woman, making sure not to bump into Ūhei. "If I may entrust Irisviel to your care, I would head out alongside Kakashi." At receiving a nod and another smile from her respective allies, she quickly bent down to stroke the canine quartet still assisting the white-haired lady. "You'll watch over these two, won't you?" Artoria allowed herself a little giggle from their confirmation cuddles which multiplied when Biscuit and Pakkun trotted over. Lions would forever be at the top of the animal kingdom in her heart, but this pack of doggies had secured themselves a snug second place. And Guruko does look a little leonine, she noted while kissing their snouts. In a certain light…
Assassin X had never imagined his ninja hounds would grow so popular with this new team just by their cuddliness. Sadly, as much as it warmed his heart to see Saber so openly happy as well as his boys enjoying themselves like ordinary dogs could (and he became oddly fixated on that shine returning to Maiya's eyes when Ūhei snuggled up against her), they all had work to do, and Kiritsugu was looking an odd mix between impatient and… conflicted?
Oh well, Saber was already back on her feet, and he remembered one more thing he had to do. "Okay, then…" He moved over to his partner and opened out his arms. "So, uh, how does this work?"
Saber blinked at the gesture. "How does… what work, Kakashi?" She haltingly mirrored his actions before taking a step closer. "Please don't misunderstand, I'm very relieved you're still with us, but I have admittedly little experience with displaying this sort of affection-"
The shinobi tilted his head in confusion before his eye widened. "O-oh, no, I mean, I don't doubt you'd make a good hugger with some practice," he hastily explained, waving his hands in front of him, "but I was talking about Avalon." When the only answer he received was another (less confused than surprised) blink, he went on. "Well, I appreciate it being loaned to me and saving my life, but with all of my wounds healed, there's no reason I shouldn't return it." He scratched the back of his head with a modest chuckle. "I just, um… haven't a clue on how to get it… out… of me."
"A-ah, o-of course…" Artoria quickly turned her head away to cough into her hand (and hide her embarrassment). But she did nothing to stop the smile her mouth shifted into while she mentally replayed her friend's words. "I appreciate it being loaned to me…" Avalon, the sacred treasure stolen from her when she had lived, a relic of priceless power and value, sought after by nearly all of this world and countless others…
And yet Kakashi considered his currently holding it a "loan." As if it had never crossed his mind to hold onto the fabled sheath. He was undoubtably smart enough to realize what an asset it would be for him in future battles, and yet, he sincerely wanted to give Avalon back to her.
In that moment, she recalled another sentence this man had said: "…I couldn't think of a better comrade to have in this Holy Grail War than Artoria Pendragon." I think our positions ought to be reversed in those words, Kakashi Hatake.
Saber calmly moved closer to Assassin X and raised her left hand to him. "Please hold still and try to visualize Avalon." Both tasks simple enough for the ninja even without his special eye: As with Excalibur, no one who had seen the hallowed Noble Phantasm so much as once would ever forget it. Its image appeared swiftly before his mind, and Saber's fingers bent slightly. This reminds me a little of some Sealing Jutsu back home, he pondered idly, trying not to disturb the process. A golden light emerged inside Assassin X's chest before the scabbard began to emerge from it, inch by inch. Golden with streaks of blue, Fairy Letters engraved upon its center, its features solidified even as it levitated towards its true master.
Then, for the first time in fifteen hundred years, "The Everdistant Utopia" once again rested in the hands of King Arthur.
She willed away her left gauntlet before running her bare fingers along the smooth, illustrious side; no matter how long they had been separated, Avalon remained as beautiful as the day she had first received it. Merlin's lesson from long ago, "You should truly value the sheath, not the sword," never rang more true in Artoria's mind than in this moment. To think she had been so careless as to let Morgan steal it from her… As her index finger traced the Fairy Letters' lines, she wanted to never let go of Avalon again.
Finally, she sighed in content and turned back to her comrade. "Though I'm not happy about you nearly dying in the process, I won't forget your part in Avalon's return to me," the King of Knights vowed. "Thank you, Kakashi Hatake of the Hidden Leaf Village."
He happily returned her smile. "My pleasure, Your Majesty. And truth be told, getting shot in the back wasn't my idea of fun, either." The Copy Ninja noticed a slight tensing in a certain woman's shoulders and quickly added, "But it all worked out in the end, and I can't take all of the credit for your good fortune." He walked towards Irisviel and Maiya, the latter gently leading the former to her car. "And don't think I've forgotten how you saved me, too."
Maiya merely lowered her gaze. "It was Ma'am who remembered Avalon and gave it to you. She's the one who deserves both of your thanks." She kept her voice even, making sure not to let her frustration creep in. Irisviel von Einzbern would now have even less time than what she had calculated in her explanation, and from the way Saber was cradling that sheath, she wouldn't be so quick to relinquish it again. At least he's still alive…
No sooner did the thought cross her mind than Maiya wondered which "he" she meant.
Irisviel for her part didn't even have the energy to muster a giggle at her help's hidden expression. Her clones' unspent energy returning to her had aided a little bit, but she was still far from in good shape. "I'm just relieved you're both alright and whole now," the woman assured them, nonetheless. She'd made her decision and wasn't afraid of the consequences.
But before Maiya and her sweet, fluffy little helpers made to load her in the car, Saber stepped forward and pressed Avalon against her. "Wha-" Irisviel gasped out even while the Noble Phantasm shifted into a bright light that traveled inside her. A second later, she felt the familiar sensation of its energies restoring her body again, the tingling of her weakened nerves as they could now register Maiya's steady but impressively gentle grip and the dogs' bodies supporting hers. It wasn't a complete fix, but the homunculus' strength was returning. Yet she could only gape in shock at the one standing in front of her. "Saber, Avalon was-"
"You relinquished it despite your own frail health to save Assassin X," the King of Knights replied calmly before glancing to her partner who eye-smiled back, "and neither of us take pleasure in watching you suffer for your sacrifice, Irisviel. Do you really think me so cruel to not return it to you?"
Her red eyes widened, and she raised her left arm with new strength to frantically wave. "Oh, nonono, I didn't mean it like that, Saber, I just-" Her eyes narrowed then at their expressions. "…Are you… teasing me, Saber?" Irisviel then registered a series of tremors through her limbs that didn't originate from them, and her cheeks puffed up when she glanced down. "D-don't laugh at me! Oh, you sneaky rascals aren't getting any more treats from me tonight…"
Kiritsugu had been busy mapping out where the disabled bombs were (with a little luck, he might be able to collect a few before any bomb squads collected them, waste not, want not…) when a corner of his mouth twitched upwards. And she says Ilya got her pouty side from me.
Saber giggled a little into her rematerialized gauntlet before continuing. "Apologies, Irisviel, I am a bit unskilled at humor. And I fear a certain someone," her smile curled into a smirk, "has been influencing my efforts in developing it." Assassin X only glanced away playfully, a light whistle coming from his masked mouth.
Irisviel couldn't keep up her pout anymore at his antics and giggled herself. "All the more reason for me to be glad he's still here," she replied before her smile faltered again. "Still, are you sure about this, Saber? Avalon is… it must mean the world to you…"
"It does," the Servant of the Sword acknowledged, "and I have waited over a thousand years to be reunited with Avalon." She smiled gently as her eyes roamed over each of the people gathered here. "Thanks to all of you, I have held it once again and know it is close by." Her eyes even focused on Kiritsugu's back turned to her. "Which makes it less difficult for me to leave it with you for until you've recovered, Irisviel. Besides, I wouldn't deem myself worthy of it if I hoarded it to myself and let a friend of mine die."
"And I technically owe both of you a debt for having it patch me up," Assassin X added. "So, while you recuperate, I'm more than willing to compensate for Avalon's absence."
A few tears gathered inside those red eyes, but Irisviel held onto her smile. Her heart swelled at the kindness these two continued to show her despite the burden her weakness placed on them. But in the next second, it broke again as she remembered her fate. No matter how much Avalon aided her, it was only a matter of time…
Irisviel mentally shoved such pessimistic thoughts away. This was no way to repay her comrades, so she settled for smiling in gratitude to them and not resisting as Maiya set her down in the Mercedes' passenger seat. Biscuit and Shiba promptly settled themselves on her lap, having volunteered (rather strongly) to keep the two ladies company. The others grumbled amongst themselves before Maiya stepped by them with a whisper. "Ma'am said you wouldn't get any more treats from her." She winked. "But I never said that."
It was unanimous: Kakashi Hatake's pack of ninja hounds loved this team.
The four separated with noticeable springs in their steps, eager on doing as much recon as they could with their time left, while the car drove out of the alley. Assassin X summoned a Shadow Clone to tail the latter as a precautionary measure, then both Heroic Spirits exchanged nods before turning towards their Master. "You know how to reach us if you need us," Assassin X said.
"Mm." Kiritsugu Emiya didn't face them, still huddling over his map. Kakashi took no offense, though, as he spun on his heel and scaled the building within a second to bound away. Saber was surprised with how little irritation she felt at the poor courtesy. Perhaps I've simply grown accustomed to it, she mused as she made for her Yamaha.
"…Thank you."
She stopped, nearly stumbling at the abruptness, and turned around visibly shocked, but the man hadn't moved an inch. Did he just…? Saber stood there for another second, staring at that back, then nodded silently to him and continued to her ride.
But even when Kiritsugu finished his work and left the alley as well, he failed to notice the skull-masked face watching from above.
-55:38:00
Waver Velvet's head spun about like a top, staring one moment at Archer storming towards the Gordius Wheel, then the next at Rider X standing calmly at his spot. He had no idea about which Servant was the bigger threat, and the longer he stood next to Rider and Berserker X, the more he wondered if the enemy Servants were the ones he should be worrying about. The tension was so thick you'd have needed a chainsaw to cut it.
"You afraid, boy?" He stopped looking about as Rider's rather quiet words reached him.
Whereas before he would've lied and scolded his Servant for insulting him, the Master took a breath and replied, "Yeah, I am. Or I guess as either of you would phrase it as, 'my heart's racing like crazy.'"
That made Berserker X's grin widen all the more as he stood bracing his long sword over his shoulder. "The kid's finally getting it."
Iskandar smiled as well before frowning again at the taunting grin his rival Servant of the Mount was shooting his way. Rider X had clearly yet not to engage in any sort of battles tonight, judging by the pristine condition of his silver armor. It seems he had settled for letting his fellow rogues rampage about and waiting for the right time to confront them.
As for Archer… Rider glanced over his shoulder. The golden King similarly showed no battle-worn signs as he marched confidently towards them, though given his peculiar Noble Phantasm, it was doubtful Archer X's fury could've actually caused him any trouble. Neither of Waver's Servants had suffered more than marginal damage from Archer X's clones and chasing Avenger X. Not that either one would've backed down even if they were death's door.
Archer showed no haste or worry as he strutted into the center of the bridge, eyeing each of his prey in turn. "Rider, how dare you let yourself be swayed by this upstart's taunts and forget who your enemy is? I would've thought the loss of that pickled bird of ill fortune you call a partner would've knocked some sense into you," he scoffed, "but it seems the mad dog's insanity is infectious."
Megatron scoffed at him from behind. "And you consider yourself a model of pristine mental health, Archer? Turning your back on an opponent who would have few qualms cutting you down from behind, particularly when you seek to steal my prey… there are less painful ways of committing suicide."
"Indeed there are, upstart." Gilgamesh finally turned his head towards him with a smirk so arrogant the Decepticon had to grapple with himself not to charge the gilded bastard on the spot. "Should you cast aside what little pride you gained in those pits you brag of and attempt to strike at my back, you wouldn't feel a speck of pain. Ever again."
The hatred between the two was genuinely tangible. But before either would begin to truly consider putting an end to their long rivalry here and now, another voice interjected. "What are you morons jabbering about, wanting to stab each other in the back when I'm right in front of you?" Berserker X swung himself over the Gordius Wheel's rail and took three long steps towards them. His sword's tip scraped idly along the ground. "After all, two-on-one's not really enough to get the rust off this guy, but when life gives you lemons, right?"
The tip flicked up from the ground and pointed at the two enemies, its keenness equal to the smile on its wielder's face. "Hell, if you both attack me all at once, then one of you might be able to wound me."
Archer's smirk fell away as he glared back at the dark-haired warrior. "Once again, that arrogance of yours vexes me. As though I would require anyone's aid to put you down like the senseless mutt you are."
"Talk is cheap," Kenpachi shot back, his smile not wavering. "I thought you'd know that, dollying yourself up with all that shiny junk, Goldy."
Seeing those blonde eyebrows furrow together, Waver was beginning to wonder if he'd be safer jumping into the river than staying on this bridge when Rider whispered to him, "Wait here," and hopped off the Wheel himself before he could stop him.
The King of Conquerors easily crossed the distance to his partner and proclaimed laughing, "My, such feistiness! It's good to see you finally taking some initiative." He swept his arm out to who stood behind him. "However, I must concur with my rival. We have most important matters to settle between us. But rest assured, once I have taught Megatron the error of his ways, there would nothing to stop our own confrontation."
Archer clicked his tongue at the suggestion. "You can fight over a silly title with my blessing, mongrel. But do not expect me to just wait and pray the upstart doesn't crush you beneath his heel when I have graced this battlefield with my presence."
"You stupid or something?" He glared at the insult, but Berserker X only grinned wider. "I'm not big on watching on the sidelines either, so me and you might as well have a little of our own fun while these bozos settle things." He leaned a little closer. "Hell, you make it interesting enough for me, and I might let you live so Kandy can fight you, too."
The golden alloy of Gilgamesh's glorious armor actually creaked from how tightly his gauntlets were gripping it. "You… let me live?" He bit out the words like his teeth were trying to pulverize them.
"Wouldn't be the first time," Berserker X scratched his chin unbothered by the increase in danger. "Those who give me tough fights and manage to stay alive after I cut loose tend to be fun, so I leave 'em be and wait to see if they come back for another round." Like a certain bald blockhead, Waver considered by his spot.
"Fine logic," Rider praised his partner before smirking. "I might consider practicing it myself to keep my wits sharp. Darius III never ceased to be a fearsome opponent no matter how many times we faced each other."
Meanwhile, a vein was beginning to bulge in the King of Heroes' illustrious forehead. Quite unhealthily so.
Rider X chortled behind him. "My, how far the mighty King of Heroes has fallen if he needs the charity of a brute to keep his life." He walked past him to loom over the other member of his class. "Raiding his treasury will be simpler than I imagined once I am finished with you, Iskandar. And I can assure you, no trace of you or your beast will remain."
"On the latter," Archer growled as he stepped forward with a twitching smile, "we agree. Congratulations, mad dog. You shall have the privilege of perishing by my hand tonight."
Berserker X's smile only broadened at the killing intent directed his way. "Then it's settled!" Rider spread his arms wide. "I would've felt ill at ease pulling Kenpachi into my battle, anyway. Now, shall we share one last toast to commemorate the battles that shall take place here and now?" His eyes glimmered with a shameless lust for a certain liquid, and it proved to be infectious.
Archer's brow twitched, easily picking up the implications, then he shook his head, his smile losing some of its edge. "Infuriating me and then expecting me to provide you with the finest of drink… I shall savor the moment when you are all wiped from the face of my garden." Nevertheless, a golden portal summoned forth four goblets and a pitcher. He could use a drink to calm himself.
"As Mithrandir stated so wisely, you claim victory when it comes to selection of wine," his rival King countered as he began to distribute the bountiful liquid in each cup. Even Berserker X sheathed his sword (for the moment) to pick up one alongside the others. A good friend of theirs would've shamelessly drooled at its aroma and likely tried to hoard for himself. This toast is for you as well, Qrow Branwen, Iskandar vowed silently before continuing. "We simply concede the point now… Babylonian King of Heroes, Gilgamesh."
"Do not utter my name so carelessly, mongrel," said King huffed while swirling his goblet a little. It was high time the other natives of his garden would know who they were dealing with.
Waver had been watching with quiet incredulity how the four hostile Servants could still enjoy a quiet drink together, but then he froze at the name Rider had uttered. Gilgamesh…? The protagonist of history's oldest tale, the Saga of Gilgamesh? The very first hero ever recorded? The one who surely stood head and shoulders above all other Heroic Spirits? He was Berserker X's opponent?
Berserker X couldn't have looked happier. "So, you really are the oldest hero of this world? When Kandy told me who about his suspicions, I was wondering just what your age would mean for how strong you could be." He nodded at his partner in thanks for filling his cup. "That's the fun part about Heroic Spirits, right? The older you are, the stronger you are?"
Archer's smirk returned. "I told you during your last encounter, dog, I am the strongest hero of this world you could ever hope to meet." Despite the foreigner being nearly twenty centimeters taller than him, he still somehow managed to look down upon his nose. "You can try to scamper away if my authority terrifies you, but there is no escape for you. Not after all those taunts of yours I endured."
Ah, how his blood surged at the fearless look thrown back at him. "I'm not going anywhere. Especially now." Ah, Gilgamesh truly enjoyed arrogant opponents.
Rider X for his part noticed a slight twitching in Rider's arm whenever he bent to pour. "It seems you carry more damage from my compatriots' antics than you let on, King," he spoke in mocking concern. "Should I worry about you unable to face me at your peak?"
Rider finished filling his own cup and set the pitcher down without flinching. "True, I may have taken a few scratches, and your worry warms my heart, Megatron," he teased right back. "But you needn't worry. For your fellow Rider tonight is not in perfect form, nor is his partner." He traded a confident nod with Berserker X before finishing, "And therefore, we are beyond perfect form."
The confidence the fleshbag before him exuded, the determination in his eyes… yes, the injuries were hardly mentionable, Megatron knew, but he realized that even if he were on his last leg, Iskandar would've opposed him all the same. Just like an old friend of his…
For only a split second, the King of Conquerors disappeared before the Decepticon tyrant, and in his place stood a tall Cybertronian clad in red, silver and blue armor, blue optics glaring at him over a faceplate. "You will not prevail, Megatron," a familiar voice rang in his audio receptors, weary but undaunted, "not while Energon still flows through my veins."
Then Optimus was gone, and Iskandar was smirking at him again. Not the same… but this was certainly adequate. "Yes… Perfection is so limiting, isn't it?" Rider X agreed before raising his goblet. There was no mockery or trickery in his actions or his next words. "Perhaps there exists a possibility of victory for you after all."
Rider huffed but acknowledged his offer by lifting his own goblet in response. Archer and Berserker X did so as well, and the four clinked together in the middle. A signal of the calm before the storm, a final courtesy before the twin duel.
All four Servants took a long drink in near sync, savoring the wine's peerless taste. Once the cups lowered, Rider then turned to his fellow native. "I have one more matter between us, King of Babylonia. My final addition to this banquet."
"I permit it," Archer acquiesced. "Speak."
A familiar twinkle emerged in those crimson eyes. "In theory, if we were to equip my Ionioi Hetairoi with your Gate of Babylon and further employ Kenpachi and his ferocious strength as the vanguard," Berserker X tilted his head in curiosity, "we could surely form the most powerful army this world has ever witnessed."
"Oh?" Rider X's metallic eyebrow rose at this. "Have you suddenly grown insecure about your chances of victory, Iskandar? You seek to bolster your strength by begging Archer for his aid?" He tutted. "Such cowardice makes the title King weep."
"Nonsense!" Rider laughed off the insult. "This is for after our battle, Megatron! I have no need to beg for a victory I can claim with my own men." He turned back to an amused Archer. "Once my business with my rival is finished, why not become our ally?"
"You seek to have me replace your fallen bird?"
"Hell no," Berserker X shot the idea down before snorting almost affectionately. "A thousand of you golden pricks couldn't replace that scruffy drunk."
Rider nodded sharply in agreement. "The place of anyone I call comrade is reserved for him alone. No one could ever take Qrow's place." He beamed. "But that does not mean I cannot make more allies. If we became allies, then we could surely achieve Rider X's dream and conquer the stars and other universes above. And you and Kenpachi could battle each other to your heart's content every day!"
"Oh, that does sound good…" But Berserker X's musings were cut short by the King of Heroes bursting in loud laughter.
It lasted a while until he was clam enough to speak again. "Ah, I needed that after your mutt's tedious prodding," he breathed mirthfully. "You never fail to amuse me, Rider. It's been so long since I have laughed this much at anything that wasn't a court harlequin." He leered for a split second at the other Rider, a tiny taunt answered by a vicious sneer.
Much as he seemed in good spirits, his lethal aura had not lessened in the slightest. "Yet I must refuse your offer. I have but one I call friend, and nowhere in this garden or any other shall I find another worthy. Besides, this world has no need for two Kings."
A simple but clear statement and an echo of what Rider himself had said to his first partner and Master some time ago. He closed his eyes in acknowledgement. "A King stands alone…" Saber, do not limit yourself like this one has, he quietly implored his fellow King.
His eyes opened to stare fearlessly into his opponents, present and future. A shame he couldn't make more allies, but he couldn't complain about the ones he had. "Then with my deepest respect for your resolve, I shall strive to defeat the one who challenges me for my crown and then challenge this state in turn."
The other Rider shook his head in amusement. "Ah, but such a fate shall only come true if you defeat me. And you crown continues to catch my eye." He held his wine goblet aloft and smiled. "I, too, had an old foe whom I battled with many, many times over the millennia. And yet we fought each time as though it would be our final encounter, with a vow of our own. One shall stand." He drank the last of his wine in one smooth movement. "One shall fall."
Rider nodded in recognition and finished his own wine. "Strong words, you and your enemy held yourselves to. So be it, Megatron."
And while the two conquerors let this final confirmation of their declaration of war hang in the air, the ancient King of Uruk sneered over his goblet at the alien savage who had already finished his drink before the rest. A wretched barbarian baring his teeth at any figure who may last more than a few seconds against him… A mere beast too foolish to recognize who stands before him. His smirk turned predatory. Well, beasts are born to be slaughtered.
Two pairs turned on their heels, stepped away from each other and tossed their empty goblets high behind them. They landed with melodious clangs on the bridge and returned to the Gate of Babylon, their task complete. The time for battle was upon them.
When Rider and Berserker X returned to the Gordius Wheel, the latter quipped, "I think that went pretty great."
His friend laughed while his Noble Phantasm dissipated as soon as Waver finally stepped off of it. He had a different weapon in mind for slaying Rider X. "A shame we failed to forge an alliance with Archer, though. Oh well, maybe afterwards, I can try again."
That earned him a gimlet eye from his Master. "What did you expect when you bring Berserker X along for diplomacy?" Waver muttered wearily, noting the open confidence that Rider would defeat Rider X. It was one he shared (though he would never admit it). "But how can you talk so amicably with those two anyway when you're all so set on killing each other? Archer is one thing, but are you trying to make friends with Megatron, too?"
Rider shook his head. "Of course not. But I can't really bring up the energy to be unfriendly to him even if he is to me." He peered over his shoulder at the duo standing far from each other. "He may well be the last person I ever see in this life."
"Fair enough." Berserker X shrugged at the logic. "Me, I just like riling Goldy up. And the way he is now, I'll be having the time of my life even if it's my last." He drew his sword free again, body and blade both quivering in anticipation. "Sure as hell good enough for me."
"Not for me…"
Both Servants paused and faced the one who had murmured those three little words. But the boy didn't even register their probing gazes, his eyes fixed on the Heroic Spirit of Madness' nodachi, his mind turning back to a conversation only a few hours ago…
-60:29:11
Waver rolled his shoulders slightly before turning his head to the open window. A couple of grey clouds were drifting about, and the sun was steadily head west. The weather forecast predicted it would set in an hour or so, and there was already a fresh chill in the air. The boy kept his jacket open, though; he was probably still used to London temperatures. Compared to the fog and rain of home, Fuyuki City had actually felt a bit balmy when he'd first arrived.
All things considered, he was feeling pretty good, too, despite having spent the last five hours slumbering out in the open with only a sleeping bag and a portable heater. His arms and legs should've been stiff like dry sticks, but Waver had packed everything up (and disposed of any garbage, his parents had taught him not to litter) and taken the bus home with little effort.
Berserker X and Rider's presence must've done something weird to me, the Master wondered incredulously, because I feel like jogging through Miyama right about now. Me! But despite this energy baffling his usual bookworm instincts, Waver ignored it. There was no time to waste on such ridiculous whimsies. Not now with the Grail War soon to continue. Aside from the two contracted to him, there were still nine more Servants out there, and judging by Caster's horror show in the previous night, who knew what they would happen next?
He walked quietly through the Mackenzie house, trying not to attract its owners' attention. Using hypnotic suggestions to avoid explaining where he was going was… exhausting, especially since he, Rider and Berserker X had dodging questions of where Saber X was. The Servants had claimed their partner had departed from the group and would be gone for a while, though it had been on amicable terms, Rider had assured a worried Martha.
However, the magus student wasn't feeling so confident in his magecraft or his abilities of deception right now. Well, he generally had little confidence in his magecraft, but dragging out his manipulating these two kind seniors didn't sit right with him.
He sighed to himself. The Holy Grail War wouldn't last forever, and he surely wouldn't have to hunker down in their house (risking their lives in the process) for much longer. He opened the door and stepped out into the front yard to find both of his Servants materialized and in their casual garb. Berserker X was lounging about on the porch, his chin resting on his left hand, and it looked like he had been napping. Rider sat next to him, looming over the Odyssey book he had pilfered the night he and Qrow had first been summoned. Waver hummed, wondering why it felt like forever ago when it had only been a little over a week.
The noise his vocal chords had made couldn't have been that loud, but the Servants heard him anyway. "Everything taken care of, boy?" Rider asked without turning from his pages.
Waver stepped closer to them and stuffed his hands into his pockets, slouching a little. "As much as I could without getting their attention," he replied. "I take it no one's launched a preemptive strike?" The moon wasn't up yet, but he knew by now not every contender in this War played by the rules. Still, if someone had shown up, Berserker X wouldn't be lying before him, answering with a bored grunt.
"No need to rush, I am hoping to enjoy a bit more reading before we head out." Rider shrugged seemingly calm, but Waver noticed he was gripping the sides of his book rather tightly. "The night has yet to begin, and we are sure to find some excitement."
"You can bet your ass on that," Berserker X laughed from his spot. He tilted his head slightly so his uncovered eye had his partner in view. "You feel it, too, don't you, Kandy? There's been a tingle in this city's air ever since that fight at the river."
The red-clad Heroic Spirit of the Mount smiled in agreement. "Three Servants dying in the span of one single night," paper crumpled slightly between his fingers, "and a monstrosity called forth that threatened the entire city. Such was the true beginning of this War." He inclined his head towards his Master. "Real battles of even greater proportions await us undoubtably tonight, so there is no reason to rush."
"Maybe," the foreign Berserker shifted into a sitting position, a smile playing on his lips, "but I'm feeling a rush already just by picturing what's ahead…" Mana sparkled as he called his sheathed nodachi to his hand. "And I feel like this one's getting excited, too." He noticed Waver's confusion and shrugged. "Call it a gut feeling."
"A gut feeling…" The Waver Velvet of even a month ago would've dismissed such a barbaric term, but his time with three wild souls had made an impact. Now that he had glimpsed firsthand the battles that had shaped these beings before him into what they were, he nodded before saying, "I think I feel that chill, too. Is the climax of this Grail War drawing closer?"
"The final battle may not occur tonight," Iskandar judged, "but there shall be further weeding out. When the sun rises tomorrow, only the truly strongest contenders may remain."
A low chuckle rumbled from Kenpachi Zaraki, no doubt savoring such an idea and the fights that would await him. When Waver turned back towards him, though, an odd question popped into his head. One that somehow came by his eyes focusing on the finger stroking that sword's bandaged handle. "Berserker X," he finally asked, "what is your wish?"
"Hm?" The Captain shifted in his seat to eye him curiously. "What's it to you, kid?"
For a moment, Waver feared he had struck some kind of nerve with the brutal Servant, but he relaxed a bit upon seeing the lack of aggression in his posture (a rare sight itself). "I-I was just thinking," he explained while scratching his cheek, "back during the banquet, when all of the Servants were talking about wishes, you said you were satisfied just fighting the others… But you never actually said what your own wish was." He quickly held up his palms. "Just curious!"
"Now that you mention it," Rider closed his book and leaned over, "I too have been wondering what someone like you could want other than battle, Kenpachi. After all, you may enjoy fighting more than anything else, but I doubt that desire would qualify as something that you would seek the power of the Holy Grail for." He took on a more serious demeanor. "I asked the same of Qrow and the boy during my first night in this campaign. You see, if you seek to conquer this world as I do, we will become enemies in the long run."
Berserker X scoffed. "You say that like it's a bad thing, Kandy Bar." But after enduring their curious stares for a few seconds, he finally sighed. "Okay, fine, it's not that big of a deal. And you can relax, big guy, I don't give a shit about world conquest. Sure, I might've picked a fight with you eventually because taking on your army could be fun, but uh…" Bells jingled as he tilted his head. "I just want to know my sword's name."
His audience blinked in surprise at the answer, Rider scratching his head. "Your sword's… name? Well, I am hardly one to judge another for his wish, but I am not sure I understand this being the source behind the Grail calling you. Can you not simply give your blade a name itself, Kenpachi?"
"That's not how it works…" The Servants looked at Waver who had inadvertently answered before Berserker X. He flinched and clamped both hands over his mouth, eyes darting about worriedly.
But the foreign Servant just rolled his eye. "Oh yeah, you've been learning about our lives while dreaming, yeah?" He waved his free hand. "Go ahead, a little bookworm like you's probably better at explaining it."
The boy slowly released his mouth, mentally sorting through what he'd seen of the Servant's memories and trying to decide the best (read: simplest for Rider) explanation. Finally, he cleared his throat and began. "From what I understand, the swords of Berserker X's world are called, "Zanpaku-tou" and are… well, alive. They don't start off that way, but Shinigami- uh, Berserker X's kind," he quickly added to Rider's dull look, "receive these special blades that are basically blank slates when they begin their training. And as time passes, their souls imprint upon them, and the weapons develop their own identities, forms and powers but retain sword forms when sealed. Less draining for the Shinigami. Each Zanpaku-tou carries a unique soul and name which its wielder has to learn in order to access its true power."
Iskandar hummed in curiosity. "Ah, so the warrior's weapon becomes a sort of comrade that stands by his side and grows stronger alongside him as they face their battles together. The warrior supplies the weapon with his energy, and the weapon in turn lends his power."
"Exactly." The more Waver elaborated, the more fascinated he himself became with this concept. He knew of a few branches of magecraft that involved imprinting one's mana into inanimate objects, even one's soul, but they in turn becoming their own being eventually? He'd never heard of anything like that. "But, what you described, Rider, only works if the Shinigami really… communicates with their Zanpaku-tou. Otherwise, it's basically an ordinary sword like…" He nodded pointedly, and Rider followed the indicated direction.
They both eyed the long, sheathed blade while its wielder sighed. "Yeah, my sword's butt-naked. It's never had a sealed form for as long as I can remember." That worn, chipped blade hissed as Berserker X drew it free and held it out into the day's final light. "What you see is my Zanpaku-tou, plain and simple. But I don't have a clue if it can do anything special, and I never heard it talking to me like the other Shinigami do with theirs."
Rider rubbed his beard, his expression saddening at the blunt tone. "You don't even know its name… Because you never bothered to try learning it in the first place, correct?"
He didn't sound accusatory, but Waver winced anyway at the words. Berserker X didn't seem stung by them, though. "Yup. Back when I lived, I thought all that stuff about talking to your sword and having it fight by your side was overrated. Eventually, I got it into my head that Zanpaku-tou were just tools for fighting, and anyone who said stuff like, 'My sword and I fight together,' was a weak little pansy who needed to rely on another's power to fight."
Those words weren't aimed at his Master, but they still cut into the boy deeper than the nodachi would've. Didn't they describe him perfectly? He'd stolen El-Melloi's relic to summon the King of Conquerors because he had known it was the best way to get a powerful Servant. Qrow Branwen was much closer to what his own abilities would've managed: having a couple of tricks up his sleeve, but no all-powerful champion. And throughout this Grail War, Waver Velvet had been utterly, pathetically reliant on his Servants. And when the time came, his own strength couldn't save one of them. The boy closed his eyes at the pain.
"But something changed." His eyes snapped open to stare at Rider who was actually smiling. "You speak of your belief as though they belong to the past, Kenpachi," he chuckled self-deprecatingly, "and you have not disdained me, even though in your eyes, I too ought to be a "weak little pansy'."
Waver felt his jaw grow so slack it might've fallen off, but the great Macedonian tyrant continued to laugh. "I'm under no illusions of my own limits, boy. Ionioi Hetairoi is my greatest weapon precisely because it allows me to lead all of my soldiers with me into battle. Even Via Expugnatio cannot be performed without my chariot." He thumped his chest. "I can certainly fight on my own, but as a Heroic Spirit and a King, I am at my strongest when I am supported by the comrades and loot I have claimed in my time. That's just the way I am."
The admission baffled him to no end. How could Rider, proud King of Conquerors, state so casually that he was practically helpless without his army or chariot? How could he be so unashamed of this fact? It was utterly ridiculous… and yet, completely in character for Iskandar. And Waver would be lying if he said those words didn't raise his spirits again. He still felt pathetic, but it didn't weigh on him so much anymore, even if he didn't know why.
Iskandar's smile softened a tiny bit as he watched the boy's tension leaving him again. He hadn't been blind to the turmoil within this young fool, and he sensed Kenpachi had picked up on it, too. Really, he's such a sensitive little fool. What am I going to do with him?
He let that rest for the moment, though. Right now, his partner was the main topic. "You're certainly unique among Servants, Kenpachi Zaraki, for aside from the need of a Master, you can claim you truly fight alone. As Heroic Spirits, we tend to achieve our greatest feats through our Noble Phantasms, but in your case, the only one you have at present actually shackles your own might. And even then, you stand at least on par with us regular Servants who wield our Noble Phantasms freely!" Truly, he'd made an impressive friend. "But as I've noted, you do not seem much interested in independence anymore."
"Yeah, I guess not," the Shinigami Servant admitted with a softer grin than usual. "The last fight I had in my old life, the one that did me in, it was against this punk who had barged into our home, tryin' to save some convict from gettin' executed." He laughed as images rose in Waver's mind of a teenager with orange hair and a gigantic sword, shrouded in energy. "Stubborn little shit probably went and pulled it off, too…
"Anyway, Ichigo stumbled around a bit at first, and for a moment, I was pretty sure I killed him. But then he somehow came back from the dead and gave me the best fight I'd had in a long-ass time." His grin widened with each word. "Right before the final clash, he said he was drawing on his sword, Zangetsu's power, that the two of them were fighting together against me alone." He shrugged. "I thought it was bullshit at the time, but I gave it just about everything I had, and he still beat me."
A dream from the night before appeared before Waver again, of a bloody, defeated body lying on the ground with a cute little girl right next to him. "I died afterwards," Berserker X's voice washed over him as he saw a broken sword lifted above the head, "but the last thing I did was try to ask my Zanpaku-tou its name." The hand lowered as though in defeat. "I got nothing."
Waver blinked and found himself back in the present. Berserker X's shoulders slumped with a big sigh. "Guess I kept this bastard waiting way too long," he muttered while holding his sword at an angle. "Hey, kid," the boy blinked at being addressed, "don't suppose you know its name because you're a Master and all that crap?"
Waver sighed apologetically. "Master's Perspective doesn't work like that." He could look at a Servant and see their parameters and Skills (provided they didn't have some special trick like both Berserkers in this War), but Noble Phantasms were a different story. No matter how carefully he looked at the weapon in Berserker X's hand, all he saw was a timeworn sword.
"Eh," the Servant of Madness shrugged, "figured it was a long shot. Besides," the other two could barely make out his next words, "it wouldn't feel right if somebody else just told me…"
Rider reached over to pat his comrade's shoulder in sympathy. "It seems you took your practice of handicapping yourself a bit too far, Kenpachi. You close yourself off from your full strength to enjoy your battles the more, but in turn, it has cost you the one who has always been by your side."
"…Do you know all the names of those guys that wait for you in Ionioi Hetairoi?"
The King nodded sharply. "It's not easy differentiating one single name among thirty-five thousand, but I always took the time to learn as much about my comrades as I could."
Berserker X snorted. "Why am I not surprised…?" He then turned back to his nodachi. "A name's important, helps make who you are and others see you. So many people walk past each other in a street, but they only notice those they know, even if it's just by face… or name. But those who don't have either… they've got it the roughest."
This time, Waver didn't need a flashback of the Servant's life to know what he meant. Back at Clock Tower, the halls were always bustling with students, professors and visiting magi. Some he'd heard their names or of their stories, but no one really knew him. They'd walk right past him so immersed in their own lives; he might as well have been a puff of smoke. Wasn't this part of why he'd decided to join the Holy Grail War in the first place? So that people would notice him, acknowledge him, respect him?
"Trust me on this, guys," the big man stared at his reflection in that battered steel before sighing, "Going through life without a name… It's lonely as hell."
Iskandar couldn't claim of ever knowing of a time when he'd been alone in his life. He had been surrounded by subjects since his birth, led others onward into all sorts of campaigns, and it had been absolutely wonderful. Hearing the fearsome man beside him speak so softly of loneliness… he grew all the more grateful for his good fortune.
Waver however knew very well what it felt like to be alone. He'd always been so average, so weak… Who would care if he was around?
Now a memory did come, the final one: a defeated Kenpachi Zaraki with his back on the ground, screaming his desire out to the world. "I WANT TO GET STRONGER!" How perplexed Waver had been back when he first heard that cry. How could someone already so powerful on his own seek even more strength? Why would he suppress his power and then desire to learn the identity of the one who could make him stronger if they fought together?
It made sense now. He didn't if it was due to his time spent surviving the Grail War or some influence by these Idiots, but it made sense. He could practically hear Rider's voice in his skull: Whether you are born strong or weak, going through life alone feels wrong. It is natural to strive to improve yourself, get stronger, and reach the level of others, perhaps even surpass them. And if you meet others who can support you in these goals, then you can go even further than before. Look at how Qrow went from being the shunned boy of a bandit tribe to a seasoned warrior and protector despite his troublesome Semblance. It's because he found people who knew of Misfortune but cherished and encouraged him all the same.
The student could've sworn that monologue had come from Rider himself, but his Servant was sitting in silence. Either way, they seemed to have caught up with Berserker X's train of thought. Still, there was one last detail on Waver's mind. "Are you planning to… wish for your Zanpaku-tou's name itself?" But he already sensed what the answer would be.
The feared Captain of Squad 11 snorted at the ridiculousness of the question. "Nah, I don't want the Grail to go and tell me his name," he idly tapped the rims of the guard, "I'll probably do it like Qrow: wish for a second chance in life so I can learn it myself." He half-smirked. "Like I'd let a stupid cup do all the hard work for me, right?"
His partner roared in approving laughter. "We may have been called here by different Masters, Kenpachi, but I feel you, Qrow and I were fated to become comrades no matter what!" Rider rose to his feet, practically bouncing on his heels. "Right then! Night has come, and I feel we've sat around chattering enough. Let's head out and see what happens!"
Waver glanced up and saw the sky had indeed darkened. Beside him, Berserker X was already rolling his shoulders, then he replaced his sword and slid the sheath into his materialized sash. "Fine by me, I've talked enough," he rumbled eagerly. "And don't get me wrong, I like you guys a lot and wouldn't mind seeing all of our wishes granted, but don't get in my way when I fight." His fingers curled into fists and straightened. "I still want to fight the strongest out there, and I don't like to share."
"Another trait we share," Rider laughed in agreement while his clothes transformed into his cloak and armor. He drew his own sword and slashed the sky, and with a crack of thunder, the Gordius Wheel surged into being before them.
Waver didn't say a word as he climbed in after the battle-hungry Servants, still occupied with digesting everything that had been said. A little over an hour later, the Hyatt hotel would go up in smoke, and this trio would be busy chasing down Archer X who'd descended into violent insanity, and hours after that…
Here we are.
Waver glared at the ground, fists clenched by his side as he replayed the words spoken then and they mingled together with the other lessons he'd received through this Holy Grail War. "There's no way the two of you can die…" He muttered, a bloody Saber X lying on the ground before him, a hand weakly patting his head. Not again… He wouldn't accept that again.
"Now, boy…" Rider began, but Waver had turned to eye the enemies that were visibly impatient. They were both strong, especially Archer, and knowing the meatheads contracted to him, they wouldn't be doing the smart thing and ganging up on them. Saber X had preferred acting solo due to his Misfortune, but for Rider, he desired to face Megatron alone out of honor and the sake of the title, "King of Conquerors." And despite his wish, Berserker X hated others interfering with his battles. But in this situation, with Waver's meager Magic Circuits, he didn't feel comfortable just letting them into the fray.
Not that they would listen to me, they never do. Even after all this time, I'm still a pathetic Master… He glared at his Command Seals, the one thing that indicated his position.
At first, he didn't meet their eyes. "'Only the truly strongest contenders may remain…' you said that before we headed out, Rider…" The young fool who had recklessly joined the Fourth Holy Grail War stared down at the crimson markings on his right hand and left forearm, then he lifted his head, and Iskandar and Kenpachi Zaraki saw few traces of a boy remaining in those green eyes.
"My Servants…" Both hands glowed a bright red as they rose before him. "Waver Velvet hereby invokes his Command Seals for these orders."
Berserker X's brow arched; normally, he would've been suspicious and irritated about getting ordered around, especially before a big fight. But the kid had already surprised him the first time he'd used a Seal on him.
"Rider." The right hand was fixed on the King of Conquerors. "You are to achieve victory."
"Berserker X." The left pointed at the Eleventh Kenpachi. "You are to fight to your heart's content."
A great swell of mana surged through his flesh and flowed into the Servants. Two Command Seals faded away from the Master's limbs, two remaining for Rider and only one for Berserker X.
But the limbs did not fall. "I invoke my Command Seals again," Waver stated in the most resolute tone he had ever carried in his life. "Rider, Berserker X, fulfill the wishes your hearts hold." Another surge of Magical Energy, two more faded, and with it, the binding to one of his Servants. His left arm fell to his side.
But he kept the right one raised. This was his final and only noteworthy feat as a Master, and he met the gazes of these two Heroic Spirits, he would see it done. For once, he felt no hesitation, second-guessing over his decisions. "I invoke my final Command Seal." This was his decision. Not just as a Master or a magus… but as the man three rowdy fools had taught him to be.
"Rider, you are to lay claim to this world. Failure is unacceptable."
And with that, the final Command Seal was gone. Waver could sense the magic reverberating in the air around both Heroic Spirits before him. Even though he had only received two to Rider's three, Berserker X's natural voluminous reserves had absorbed it eagerly. A middling magus like him would probably never get another chance to wield such Thaumaturgy in his life.
But he had no regrets. His right arm fell as he proclaimed, "It's done. I'm your Master no longer." Pain shot through him at those words, but he kept his posture straight and stepped to the side. "Now, go. Defeat these two and whoever else stand in your way. Your connection to my Magic Circuits remain, so you don't need to worry about disappearing before you fulfill the commands. Just get to fighting like you always do."
But an arm swung out to block his path, the hand keeping the sword it held angled away from Waver, then he felt himself picked up by the collar and hoisted back. "H-hey!"
Berserker X scoffed as he leered down at his ex-Master. "Still bossing others around and making a lot of noise… You don't need to tell me to fight, kid." His lip curled. "And there's no reason for you to walk off like a kicked puppy after all that drama."
Waver made to snap at him when he was spun around so Rider could look him in the eye. "Seeing as you went through all of the trouble of making those tedious commands, you ought to be determined enough to witness us seeing them through."
"Idiot, Idiots, Idiots!" The mature demeanor Waver had carried was gone again as he fell to old habits with these… well, idiots. "Don't you understand?! I don't have Command Seals anymore! I'm done being your Master!" He flailed his arms and legs about, trying to escape Rider's grip. "Why would you want to take me along?! You of all people, Berserker X, you hate it when someone interferes with your battles!"
"So, don't interfere. I'm fine with you just watching."
His sputtering at the retort stilled by what the King said next. "Master or no Master, you remain our friend." Those words, followed by the broad smile that Heroic Spirit had sported so often…
They battered straight through Waver's last barriers of dignity, and tears and snot poured down his face. "I-I-You… D-do you r-r-really… m-mean that…?" He turned away, unable to face them in his pitiable state. "Y-you'd let me come with you…?"
Iskandar beamed while setting him down between them. "After all the battles we've faced with you by our side, you still have doubts? Qrow's pessimism doesn't suit you, boy. Especially since we'd suffer that barbed tongue of his if we abandoned you."
"It's not like you can steal our opponents, crybaby," Kenpachi added with a laugh, "so why not take you along?"
"What an Idiot."
"The biggest."
Waver then received a dual slap on the back that should've sent him tumbling right off the bridge, but he somehow kept his footing. Great timing for my body to finally get used to their crazy antics, he grumbled underneath his tears. Right after I quit being their Master…
Rider tilted his head slightly; for a moment, he could've sworn there was a strange sheen over the boy's back when he slapped him. Regardless, he continued his admonishment. "You've looked the same foes in the eye as we have, haven't you? Naturally, we are friends! Comrades! So, raise your head high and stand next to us as our equal."
Waver Velvet stared up at him in utter shock, turned to Berserker X who only offered a nod and his usual feral smile in response, and hastily grabbed the first cloth he could find to blow his nose.
Good thing said cloth was Rider's cloak. Berserker X wouldn't have appreciated him leaving snot all over his haori, but Rider only smiled. "Well then, let's get to work on following your first orders."
"Right." Berserker X cracked his neck while staring at his golden opponent. "That's our job as loyal Servants, right? So, open up those peepers, kid, and pay attention."
"Watch us as we fight to our hearts' content and achieve victory!" Their King declared.
Waver glanced between them one more time, then nodded with new determination. His spirit felt higher than ever, and he threw off his last doubts to smile with these two. A part of him wished that Qrow was seeing this and smiling as well when this brat of a former Master said, "I will, with my own two eyes!"
Rider X shook his head in slight revulsion at the display. Humans… so feeble. So melodramatic. He was taking a risk, though, and he knew it: The sheer mana emanating from Rider's body could be felt even across the distance between them. It was nearly as though he had suddenly gained his partner's Mana Burst Skill. Fighting the current King of Conquerors in his empowered state would not be easy.
But Megatron had added to his own power supply. And with that boy foolishly expending all of his Command Seals at once… He grinned malevolently. There is no escape for what I have planned for you, Iskandar.
Though pointing it out would have irked him, Archer shared his rival's lack of care in the two's power increase. Fuyuki Bridge's ground was slowly cracking underneath Berserker X's feet with each step they took; it wasn't that he was really exerting himself, either. The sheer pressure of the mana oozing from him was simply that dense. Yet it didn't impress the King of Heroes one bit. A few of my less valuable treasures will eradicate that asinine smirk of his.
Then Rider drew his spatha and pointed it to the sky. "King of Heroes," he began, electricity sparking along the blade, "out of respect for the power you both wield, I invite you and Berserker X to join me and Rider X in Ionioi Hetairoi. My realm stretches far and offers plenty of space for our battles to be waged separately. And you have my word none of my men shall interfere." He smiled. "They would only be throwing their lives away if they did."
It was well within reason to refuse such an offer, but Archer inclined his head in agreement. "So be it. Your world will certainly offer better scenery for me before its sands run red with your mutt's blood." He knew both Rider and Berserker X were not ones to stoop to cheap tactics of ambush or backstabbing. And the Reality Marble offered them no greater advantage against him than the real world.
Iskandar briefly glanced to Berserker X who nodded after a second's thought too. "Sure as hell better than wrecking the bridge, then having to fight in the river…" he muttered. With that, tempestuous winds laced with heat and sand surrounded the four Servants and one human.
"To me, my comrades!" The King's voice roared over the winds. "Tonight, we shall assert our worth as this world's mightiest army!"
While the night sky gave way to a vibrant blue, and Fuyuki Bridge shifted into a familiar vast desert plain, a presence rose underneath Waver and Rider. Seconds later, Waver yelped while wrapping his arms around Bucephalus' neck, an amused whinny emanating from the materialized steed. His owner patted the head with his own chuckle, multiple footsteps rumbling from behind them. For the third time now in the Fourth Holy Grail War of Fuyuki City, the ever-loyal army of Alexander the Great had answered their King's call.
Berserker X slung his sword across his shoulder, eyeing the thousands of men taking up the entire side of a horizon with a little grin. Sure, sharing battles with the masses wasn't his style, but he wouldn't deny that Kandy Bar made it look awesome as fuck.
But this wasn't his business. He turned back to where that gilded prick was standing, still all smug and relaxed, then snapped his head to the right. Those red eyes narrowed at him, but when Berserker X began to sprint across the desert, Archer rose from the sand, maintaining his crossed arms, and hurtled off to the distant hill indicated, his levitation treasure easily keeping pace with the other's brutishly powerful legs. A brief cheer from Rider's front line followed the latter; they all remembered the comrade their King had made and the battle they had fought together against that monstrosity. Noisy as always, Berserker X thought fondly.
Rider X, however, remained where he had been transported to, those crimson spheres of his roaming from one side of the masses to the other. If he was nervous, he hid it well behind a smirk that partly showed his sharp teeth.
The other Rider would savor the moment he wiped that smirk away. The three Commands Seals Waver had used on him were all under rather vague orders, but orders the King of Conquerors did not oppose in any way whatsoever. He could feel their effects surging through his limbs and out into the realm representing he and his army's greatest memories. Coupled with the reduced mana cost for Servants in this Grail War, Rider could likely maintain Ionioi Hetairoi for even longer than usual. Best of all, the way the boy's commands had been phrased meant the Seals' empowerment wasn't necessarily limited to this one battle, so even after he was done with Rider X, he might retain this strength for the future…
But that was for later. For now, he had a rival to discipline.
Iskandar leaned his head back to address his many, many friends. "The enemy that stands before us this day is Megatron, a foreign tyrant who fancies himself a conqueror superior to me. He wields subterfuge and deception as his weapons and derides the way of conquest we put our hearts in as ridiculous fantasies." He could hear the men bristling and tightening their grips around their weapons. All were now glaring at the metal titan standing only a short way from them. But they didn't charge. Not yet.
Waver Velvet marveled at how they all waited with utmost patience for their King's word.
"He is an opponent lacking in no way whatsoever," Iskandar declared, pointing his sword at his rival. "Come, my heroic companions, and let us beat our ideology, the right way of conquest, through his metallic skull and into his core!" He lifted his spatha, and an affirming shout of thousands washed over him as spears and swords rose as well.
As the Sword of the Kupriotes swung down like a guillotine, Rider released an almighty bellow of attack. Bucephalus whinnied and raced onwards, carrying his two passengers into a powerful charge. The mighty masses of Ionoi Hetairoi followed in his steps, racing like a colossal tidal wave of bodies and sharp weapons. Such was the greatest army recorded in this world as they advanced fearlessly towards a singular target.
Seated in front of his Servant, Waver Velvet could feel the sheer rush of the many Heroic Spirits' calls for battle flowing through his body. His Magic Circuits tingled and sang as they reported similar sensations from his other Servant. In this moment, he truly comprehended how beings such as Rider, Berserker X and even Saber X could bask in such excitement in the face of life. Thus, he joined without hesitation or embarrassment in the familiar chant coming from Rider: "ULULULULULULUIIII!"
But the leader of the Decepticons didn't panic, tremble, or show even a whisper of trepidation in the presence of the thousands charging towards him. Instead, he raised his right hand with a cruel chuckle. "Ah, King of Conquerors…" Dark mana crackled and gathered between his curled fingers before crystalizing into a glowing violet shard.
"You could not have provided a more perfect stage for your downfall."
A fair number of miles away, two Servants marginally different from the other combatants were staring each other down. A little laugh escaped Berserker X as he glanced briefly towards where they came from. "Sounds like Kandy's having a good time over there. Maybe the kid will finally loosen up for good, too." He turned back and raised his sword from his shoulder towards his opponent. "So, what kind of entertainment do you have in mind?"
Archer only gave a dismissive scoff. "Your bravado is growing repetitive and tedious, mad dog." Five golden circles emerged around him, each showing a different weapon. "I have tolerated it far longer than I should have." All five weapons blasted straight at Berserker X.
He promptly swung his nodachi to bat aside a sword and axe, then deflected another sword and cut through a spear's length. The final weapon, an Indonesian kris, hurtled for his uncovered eye but was caught by his free hand. He weighed the curved blade before tossing it over his shoulder with a scoff. "I've already seen that little circus trick of yours. Do you really think chucking your garbage at me is enough to-" Gold flared again, but from above.
Sand was blasted up into the air as fifteen more weapons rained down upon the Servant of Madness. They flew so fast the heat generated from their impacts actually fused some of the particles into glass. Gilgamesh scoffed a second time while staring at the cloud. "Fool. As though you ever stood a chance against me." He turned towards where the other battle was commencing; there was something odd. "I might as well see which-" He froze in mid-step. A sound was coming from the cloud he didn't expect: laughter.
The sand and smoke finally dissipated to reveal Berserker X standing upright among broken glass and weapons. Half a dozen separate blades were lodged in between his shoulders, blood staining his white coat, but he only grinned while yellow energy flared around his body. "That all you got?"
The King of Heroes glared at him in confusion. The Noble Phantasms his Gate had launched at the foreigner may not have been of the highest quality, but they were certainly enough to inflict lethal injuries, let alone torn his body to shreds. Yet the dog's aura wasn't diminishing at all. In fact, it seemed to be… increasing. Archer's eyes focused on his face; yes, that abominable eyepatch was still affixed there. Then… is this the power he received from those two Command Seals? He grimaced. That magic is more trying than I thought.
"Oh, brother…" Berserker X nonchalantly yanked a serrated blade out of his left side and dropped it. Sure enough, his whole body was tingling with mana just waiting to be expelled. Maybe I should've stopped Waver from throwing those orders around. Like holding back usually wasn't hard enough. "This won't even qualify as an evening workout." Jingle.
That tall body blurred, and in a split second, it was right in front of Archer. The nodachi hovered only briefly in the air before soaring down. Twin portals blazed beside the King, their contents intercepting the blade, but the resulting shockwave made him stagger away.
Archer's armored boot stomped into the ground, halting his retreat. No… Archer wasn't retreating, not from this savage mutt. His eyes narrowed like daggers at that taunting grin, but before either could make another move, a dark chill swept over Archer. A presence coming not from Berserker X, he could tell on the frown that had emerged on the brute's face, but from further away. Moreover, it was slightly… familiar to Archer. Like he'd felt it before.
Both Heroic Spirits turned away from each other, their duel forgotten for only an instant, and looked to where the Riders' battlefield was.
They found it… changed.
-55:26:56
Neither the legions nor Bucephalus slowed their charge, but Iskandar's keen eyes narrowed at his enemy raising the malevolent shard before him… only to thrust it into his own chest.
That massive steel body stumbled back half a step, the upper part hunched over with both arms covering his head, then a violet energy began to spread across it. At first glance, it might have appeared slightly similar to the "Aura" power Rider's deceased partner called upon for combat, but this rippled and curled around the metal like flames. Rider X's chuckle returned as he slowly straightened, arms falling back to the side with his fingers clenching. The emblem on his chestplate pulsed with the same evil violet, a color his eyes now shared.
Megatron rolled his shoulders, fingers dancing about as they rose and fell. His smile widened as he took a single step forward, then he raised his arms again, purple bolts gathering inside his fists for a moment before he flung them down upon the sands. The energy instantly blackened the golden ground upon touching it and began to spread, more lightning erupting from where it touched. This energy preceded jagged crystals of the same violet that blazed in the Decepticon conqueror's eyes and chest, the tips bursting out of the blackened sand and in turn spurring the darkness on. Even the sky itself began to become shrouded in darkness, one inch at a time.
Eyes widening, Rider tugged on Bucephalus' reins, but the horse was already digging its hooves into an abrupt stop, nearly throwing its occupants off. Waver might've fallen if it hadn't been for Rider's arm, and the former Master was all the more grateful for it. One look at the ground slowly glowing with that darkness that chilled him right to his young soul, and he just knew If that touches me, I'm dead…
The army had done something they had really done in their time following their King: halt their advance. The vanguard forces stopped so suddenly at the borders they were nearly bowled over those behind them, but there was thankfully no infighting. All of the troops swiftly backtracked a couple of yards from the tainted grounds as it briefly slowed in its spreading. More crystals rose up sparking with dark bolts, but it seemed to have calmed. For the moment. Waver, though, knew Rider X couldn't be done yet and he peered up to Rider, hesitantly asking, "I-is he trying to destroy the Reality Marble?"
"No…" Rider breathed in a more subdued tone than the boy had ever heard from him before. His crimson glare focused on the now twisted, malformed land before him. "He's corrupting it."
Though he wouldn't claim he knew of everything that transpired inside the Reality Marble, it was the King of Conqueror's Noble Phantasm, connected to him and his followers by their collective dreams and prayers. He could therefore discern that these malicious-feeling crystals and energy weren't simply turning the sands black but burrowing deep inside the ground and the sky itself. If left unchecked, their corrosive touch may spread to every aspect of Ionioi Hetairoi. And I have no desire to see what it does to my men, Rider resolved and made to spur Bucephalus on. But the ground began to rumble, causing him to pause.
"Let me tell you a little story, Iskandar." He and Waver turned to where Rider X stood, him not having moved a millimeter from his spot. The area around him was the most corrupted, the plain black as night with violet fissures stretching across its surface and crystals of all sizes surrounding their progenitor like some twisted castle. "Eons ago, at the very dawn of my universe, there existed two almighty beings. Primus, Sentinel of Life," he raised one hand, "and Unicron, the Chaos Bringer." He raised the other. "Equals yet polar opposites to each other. They engaged in eternal battle across the cosmos, neither truly able to vanquish the other, until Primus changed the nature of the game. His disciples, the Primes, defeated Unicron where he could not, and Primus created my homeworld, Cybertron. His body provided a nurturing place for our Sparks, his blood, Energon, fueled us and our home.
"But Unicron…" A monstrous laugh escaped him. "Such a being could not be entirely destroyed. And he, too, had a certain kind of blood flowing through his all-encompassing veins." Megatron laid a hand over the Decepticon symbol in his chest. "During the war I led, I grew to hear legends of this incredible substance. I sent my forces out to find it, I led battalions to capture the station that held a portion of it, I personally scoured the depths of space itself. A power unlike any other…" His other hand clenched into a fist. "A power to achieve dominance over all I survey."
Another tremor rippled through the black sands, then a dark arm burst out from them. It clawed at the polluted air for only a moment before planting itself and pushing the rest of the body up. It was a woman with dark skin that was displayed through the few clothes she wore. Her eyes glowed violet behind the cracked white skull mask she wore, the same violet that pulsed through parts of her limbs and torso. Two malformed daggers hung from her hands. A moan came from her mouth that made Waver shiver involuntarily. Rider glared at the woman; she was one of the Assassins he and his army had crushed two nights ago. He himself had beheaded her, and on closer look, her neck carried that glowing scar.
And she wasn't alone. More corpses tore their way to the surface, many of them fellow fallen Hassan's, but not all. Others emerged as well, dressed in Persian, Thebian, Tyrian, Balkan or even Macedonian. Some carried chipped swords, others broken spears or axes or daggers or edged shields, a few had no weapons at all and simply clawed at those standing before them like animals. A handful even lacked one or both arms… But they had all fallen to Rider's army at one time or another.
Before long, hundreds of these corpses had arisen and were standing among the crystals, growling at the soldiers of Ionioi Hetairoi. A larger shard burst up beneath Rider X and formed a sort of podium from where he smiled down upon the masses living and dead. "Behold… THE POWER OF DARK ENERGON!"
Rider gazed along the line of rotting warriors with a solemn frown. "I see…" He glared up at his rival. "You've opened my eyes to a feature of Ionioi Hetrairoi I had never considered, Megatron. This world represents the lands I and my army marched through in times of old, an endless desert towards the horizon where we can all fight to our heart's content." His burning gaze travelled to the ground. "But on these sands, we cut down many a foe on our quest. The lives we ended as we marched on in pursuit of Oceanus have left… imprints even here."
"I had my suspicions from the moment I first came here. It's truly quite amazing what sort of resources are buried within a Conceptual Weapon of conquest, though unearthing them can be a task." A low chuckle rumbled between Rider X's teeth. "Why so melancholy, Iskandar? You are a conqueror and a King, after all. It is only logical that a Reality Marble shaped by the ideals of war you and your army believed in would have a few bodies tucked away. The foundations of the empire you forged into this world's history were built upon the remains of those who opposed you and drenched with their blood. Such is the iron rule of conquest that exists in all universes, yours and mine." He propped his left foot forward and leaned his arm on the elbow. "Were you so swept up by your glorious quests that you forgot this rule?"
Two corpses suddenly charged out of the crystal forest, their bodies showing less decay and the blades of Cossaean design. They lunged at Rider, but he bisected them both with one swing of his spatha.
He watched their remains tumble back into the sands before spitting in disgust. "I knew from the beginning what my campaigns would entail. I have seen entire fields strewn with fallen enemies, the vultures flying about to pick at juicy morsels. Do not think me a naïve fool like Saber, Megatron. I need no lectures on the darker necessities of conquest." He pointed his sword at his enemy. "And I certainly never defiled the remains of the defeated for my own amusement."
"My, such outrage!" Rider X tilted his head as more corpses shuffled forward, his taunting voice echoing over their moans. "But aren't your accusations rather cruel?" He gestured to the "freshest" group. "The Assassins, at one time my partner. I am simply granting them and all others who perished at your hands a chance to fight again. A chance at revenge."
More violet crystals erupted to further the tainted domain and, four of the skull-clad corpses sprinted out but evaded Bucephalus to attack the army behind its King. The real Hassan-i-Sabbah's personalities were long since dead, but these echoes still retained the originals' deadly skills. Five men fell to the sudden onslaught before spears pierced these ghouls, and even then, they succeeded in killing two more before they were put down.
And still more engaged. "Dismember them! The smaller the pieces, the better!" Rider ordered his soldiers while swinging his sword through another thin crystal that nearly impaled Bucephalus in the neck. They answered with a mighty roar, and he returned to his enemy. "You're a cruel creature and a liar, Megatron. You have no interest whatsoever in their desires."
"You know me so well, Iskandar," the founder of the Decepticons teased before sweeping his arm out. On that cue, all of his reanimated corpses truly charged at their foes, and as they marched onwards, so did the darkness as well. The lands grew corrupted, more and more crystals sprang forth like misshapen trees, and darkness spread over the sky while these monsters groaned and howled their fury out to the world.
But despite this nightmarish scene approaching them, not so much as a single shiver passed through the King of Conquerors and his loyal men. They readied their own arms and met the ghouls' charge with their own spirited one, smashing through crystals that were brittle enough and evading the larger ones. Even Waver Velvet forced down his fear and joined in their cheers; though he was useless in this sort of battle, he would not run away or even avert his gaze from this battle. Such was his duty to his bond with Rider.
Meanwhile, Rider X simply watched this clash of living versus dead from high above his perch, his smile emphasizing the edges of his denta.
Archer witnessed these proceedings, his lip curled in disgust. "Every time I believe that upstart cannot become even more repugnant…" he murmured as that violet corruption continued to spread, "he proves me wrong." He had been looking forward to destroying this Reality Marble, a world made manifest by a singular dream of thousands: unite the world by way of conquest. And now that otherworldly interloper had gone and contaminated it with his own trick. Dark Energon… Is this how he envisioned recreating his world's "Golden Age?"
His musings were interrupted by Berserker X rushing him again. Archer instinctively summoned two portals to counter his slash, then unleashed another three that made the bigger Servant pull back. "So eager to plunge headlong into your death… Should you not be heading down there to support Rider?"
"He's a big boy and doesn't need me to fight his fights for him," Berserker X waved off his taunts. "And if the rustbucket does manage to kill him with his freaky shit, I'll just take him down to avenge Kandy after I'm done with you." The second part of that statement made Archer's eye twitch, but the Heroic Spirit of Madness continued unbothered. "And on that note…" he slashed again, and the raw power behind his swing cut the air itself towards his opponent. "Why the hell are you letting yourself get distracted by another fight?"
The flying slash hurtled at such speeds Archer couldn't deploy the Gate in time and connected. But as the sand cleared, the golden King stood unharmed, having crossed his forearms over his face for added protection. He then lowered them to scoff at the brutish attack. "This armor was forged by Urukian smiths, the greatest of this world's history. That battered excuse for a blade you wield could never hope to cut what withstood the Bull of Heaven's charge. And why should I bother investing any real attention to your slaughter?"
Berserker X simply smirked at the challenge and crouched slightly, but then an array of portals shimmered into existence to surround him in a circular formation. He barely had a chance to raise his sword before the weapons blasted down upon him. Gilgamesh watched this deadly rain with a triumphant sneer. For all of his massive power, the brute was no Saber with how he swung his toy. All savagery, no technique.
"I can let my attention wander however much I wish… fool." With those words, he turned once again away from the massacre and back towards the other battle; the Gate of Babylon's barrage would've surely atomized the beast. Hmm, I may as well have a little wine while I watch… He raised his right hand to summon a goblet-
"My world's a pretty big place, too…"
Archer froze. No… That couldn't be possible. His head slowly turned towards the massive cloud of dust his barrage had created. "I've run into plenty of stuck-up bastards who'd tell me my sword could never cut them," that rough voice rang from it, not sounding so much as winded. The cloud slowly began to clear, permitting a better view of what should've been a mass of flesh and bone nailed to the bloody sand by his treasures. "But you know something, Goldy?"
Archer barely managed to make out Berserker X's body standing tall amidst the sand cloud before it was suddenly hurtling towards him. Jingle. With a snarl, he fired a Persian hero's spear straight at that blasted grin drawing closer. The aim was slightly off, so the tip landed between it and that deranged eye…
And sliced open his cheek as the beast pressed on and then Archer saw a metal tip-
He dodged and jumped back to safe ground, his hand pressed over the right side of his face. A little mirror with topaz lining its golden rims appeared in his free hand, and he slowly removed the other to let himself have a good look at the bloody rent just beneath his eye.
"I've yet to meet the guy whose eye or throat couldn't get cut." That wretched brute was leering at his blood smearing that battered piece of metal he called a sword. Then he turned back to him. "You've got so many goodies stored up your ass, and not one of them's a helmet?" He snorted. "Who here's the real fool?" Multiple cuts and gouges ran across his torso and limbs, blood staining the black and white robes, and even the gash along his left cheek bled profusely. And Berserker X acted as though he had been enjoying a nice shower.
Archer barely registered his words, his attention fixated blazingly on his reflection. The cut was a straight line, going all along the side of his head. More than a few strands had been halved, and part of his upper ear was missing. If he hadn't dodged (dodged) the thrust, it would've been halved. No… the damage could've been even greater.
He'd nearly lost an eye to this thuggish cretin!
Needless to say, Gilgamesh, King of Heroes, oldest Heroic Spirit of this world and Wedge of Heaven, was not a happy person in this moment. "You dare…" He flung away the mirror away and spread his arms wide, rows upon rows of portals emerging from thin air. "Are you proud to still be standing after receiving my treasury's grace?" The Servant appeared to be bathing in golden light. "Are you proud that filthy steel of yours managed to slip past my armor?!" His teeth gnashed together. "Are you proud of spilling my blood?!"
"Kinda," Kenpachi answered while slinging his nodachi onto his shoulder. "But honestly, that you're not untouchable after all suits me just fine." He tapped a large gash on the left side of his chest and chuckled. "If something bleeds, it can be killed, right?" The first few Noble Phantasms began to fly in the same instant his feet pushed off the ground, and some missed him while his sword smashed others to bits. "I can get behind that!" Jingle.
Archer's face contorted from the rage burning inside his head, and he reached into one portal to withdraw a broadsword just before that savage came within striking distance again. Sparks flew from the swords' clash; the Servant of the Bow held the favorite blade of a European chieftain, but his arm strength paled in comparison to that of the Servant of Madness. And for all of Kenpachi Zaraki's disinterest in proper swordsmanship, he was by far the better combatant. Gilgamesh was sent staggering back, a light graze by his throat dripping blood.
The Babylonian monarch growled while calling forth a fresh batch of portals rocketing at his enemy. "If something bleeds, it can be killed,' eh?" He parroted as the Gate's barrage tore across the sands. "I should commend you for having just enough sense to realize this truth and aim for where my armor does not reach." He sidestepped another rush from Berserker X and swung his sword. "But it applies to you as well!"
Another truth: Though his ferocity had not lessened in the slightest, the Shinigami Servant now sported quite a few injuries, all of which leaked blood. Mana Burst had shielded him from the brunt of Archer's rain of weapons, but even with the Seals' power, he wouldn't heal from them so easily, especially if he kept charging recklessly into the fray.
Even so, Berserker X's attacks were only growing wilder. Jingle. Archer's sword was batted easily out of his grip, but he managed to block the slash that followed with his arm. The chipped blade ran screeching along the gauntlet's golden side before crashing into the ground, a pillar of sand erupting from the impact.
Archer inspected his gauntlet with a proud scoff. "As I told you, dog, this is among the finest armors ever constructed among this world. You couldn't hope to put a scratch in it with that scrap of a-" Metal flashed again, and he leaned his head away as the tip struck his left pauldron… and carved into it. "What?!" A golden war hammer materialized and slammed into Berserker X, separating the two.
But blood still leaked out of the fresh hole in Archer's armor. He stared at the damage in furious disbelief before a crunching sound drew his attention. "Sorry." He lifted his glare to where that blasted mutt had stomped his hammer into a crushed mess. "You were saying something about scratches?" He bit back a growl at the taunt.
Kenpachi made a few practice swings to the side, each one forming an even bigger crater in the sand. Took me long enough to get the hang of that tin can's toughness. He flashed a broad grin and cracked his neck. "Thanks for the workout, I think I've been goofing off a little too much with Kandy Bar, Qrow and the kid." He raised his sword to a ready position. "Let me say thanks…" He raced again towards his target. "With this!" Jingle.
New portals shimmered into existence around him and launched new weapons at Berserker X who only made minimal effort to dodge them. Most of them, he simply swatted away with his sword, or their trajectory was slightly knocked off course by the raw mana he was leaking. Some found their mark, but their cuts and piercing seemingly left mere superficial wounds.
Gilgamesh was practically radiating golden light as he opened the Gate of Babylon even further. But he wasn't simply "shooting" at random anymore, he had adjusted his tactics. Some treasures were released simultaneously, others at slightly different intervals, and the portals "aiming" them were positioned at different angles to lower the chance of that wretched blade swatting too many away in the same motions. He made sure to keep his distance from it, too. That barbarian was quicker on his feet than expected, and he took every opportunity to close the distance. It was wise of Archer not to test his armor's endurance any more than had already happened.
That said, the King of Heroes' wisdom was gradually becoming overwhelmed by his rage. The rich metal covering his body shielded it from the foulest of spells, even petrification from Humbaba, and for it to be damaged by a frayed piece of steel, scrap metal swung about carelessly by some foreign beast with more brute strength than reason; well, that alone rankled him, but there were other details about Berserker X that caught his ire.
Jingle. Those silly bells and their persistent little ringing inside his ears… That little black piece of reprehensible fabric taunting him from where it hung over the dog's right eye…
Eventually, the blood rushing inside Archer's head (and dripping out of the cuts in his cheek and throat) became too much to bear, and in his next barrage, he tracked Berserker X's movements and launched the fabled Chinese weapon, Hōtengeki, straight at his head.
Kenpachi had also been growing used to the speed those portals could things out, so he easily twisted his head out of the spear's path. It whistled harmlessly past his eye, the blade splitting a few hairs… And a certain black strap.
Something dark fluttered to the sand in Hōtengeki's wake. Jingle.
An instant later, yellow enveloped all of Gilgamesh's sight.
Rider was splitting a corpse down the middle when he noticed a familiar column of mana burn the distant sky. At the same time, a jolt ran through Waver's Magic Circuits. He gritted his teeth even as he heard his Servant mumble, "Finally getting serious, Kenpachi?" That made the boy nod to himself. Both he and his body painfully remembered the sensation of Berserker X removing his eyepatch and opening all floodgates on his power. It was why he'd spent the day binge-eating and sleeping out on leylines: to stock up on mana. And it was paying off, judging by how Waver's Circuits ached but kept going. He could endure this.
Rider X noticed the power surge as well. It seems you neglected to put enough effort into killing that brute, Gilgamesh, he gauged, focusing his senses. Yes, Archer was still alive… but not unscathed, from what he could tell. Best-case scenario is those two tearing each other to shreds, but if Berserker X survives, he may come to his partner's aid. If it's Archer, then he will seek both Rider's head and mine. Either way, it's high time for the next step of this campaign.
An odd thought considering the current state of his "army." Ferocious as the undead may have been, Rider's forces still outnumbered them by a wide margin. The twisted environment brought about by Dark Energon had forced them to move more carefully than the spirited charges they preferred, but under their King's leadership, the soldiers of Ionioi Hetairoi successfully routed their reanimated enemies and carved them into pieces too small to be restored. Not even a thousand of their own had fallen, and most of the troops, including the entire rear guard, hadn't even needed to engage.
Now they were marching to surround the crystal spire where Rider X stood. The antagonistic Servant didn't make any move to counterattack or leave his spot. His "territory" itself wasn't expanding anymore, allowing Bucephalus to trod along the dark space with little trouble. Rider breathed through his nose as he listened to the groans beneath his steed's hooves. "I had expected better from you as a fellow conqueror, Megatron," he called up, pointing his sword at the structure. "Surrender, and I may give you the dignified death you denied them."
Rider X leaned over the side enough for his expression to become visible. And disturbingly calm despite his current situation. "A courtesy I shall not extend to you, Iskandar," he replied in his rasp. "And I for one had hoped for a little more guile from the King of Conquerors."
"Steady," Iskandar ordered his spearmen and archers as they bristled from the slight. Better to save their projectiles for a coordinated effort and before he try any other tricks. Confident in their restraint, he returned to their foe. "Bold words from the being who threw the echoes he so cruelly perverted to their destruction. Now you stand alone, just as you claimed."
"Whereas you are supported by your treasured companions?" Megatron shot back, a dark smirk playing along his mouth. "Remind me, which qualities again did you deride me for implementing in my strategies? Ah, yes. Subterfuge…" His smirk widened. "And deception."
Rider frowned. Why was his rival so relaxed? Was he still hiding another Noble Phantasm? We shouldn't take unnecessary risks with him, he decided as he raised his free hand high, a signal for his troops to ready their weapons. Bowstrings were drawn back and arms bent to aim the lances, all within two seconds of the troops registering their King's action. Just as he made to give the order, however the screams reached him:
"M-my King-Arrrgh!" No, no, nIARRH!" "Wh-what is ha-HURK!" "Help us!"
Rider immediately ceased and turned his head in every way, concern marring his broad lines. He recognized those voices. They were his own men. Impossible! We destroyed all of his corpses! He whirled about among his confused men, they too, trying to pinpoint the cries.
Then the answer struck him in the same moment as Waver pointed a finger shakily. "T-the ground…" he whispered in horror. "Beneath them…" Rider saw it, too: an area of pitch-black sand much like the one Rider X had first conjured up, only with much smaller crystals spawned… and it was right under the main body of Rider's army.
Numerous men had collapsed onto these sands, writhing and screaming as violet energy seemed to spread across their bodies like a sickness. No, a sickness was the perfect way to describe this horror. Those who had a modicum of sense remaining desperately swiped their swords or spears at those yet to be infected, then they tried to hack off their own limbs or even impale themselves. Only those who had been at the forefront of the charge displayed no symptoms, and they quickly ushered over the others who'd evaded them as well.
But that was little comfort as they were forced to bear witness to these grisly scenes, hear their agonized cries slowly turn into familiar groans. Waver Velvet barely kept himself from regurgitating, all of this reminded him far too much of what he'd seen in Caster's hideout. Iskandar's heart clenched the most as his eyes trailed along the rows and rows of men, his men, suffering under this corruption. How could I have been so blind?!
Laughter rumbled down upon them as Rider X sauntered along the edge of his podium, eagerly watching these horrific proceedings. "How overwhelming the sounds of a battlefield can become, eh, Iskandar?" He shook his head in mock pity. "So easy to overhear cries for help."
He laughed again when his rival's red eyes glared up at him. "Did you actually believe that rousing the corpses of your enemies was the extent of my strategy? I admittedly had my doubts such a feat was even possible in your Reality Marble, but it provided me with a little more time to seize control of the soldiers I was actually after: Yours."
Waver's mind raced in a panic even as Rider's grip tightened on his sword and the reins. Of course… The boy's eyes darted from the crystal structure to the hidden patch of corruption. He put on a big show with the enemy corpses and these crystals to distract us. While the front lines were busy demolishing what was in front of them, he concentrated his power in the rear guard. He gulped as the thrashing slowly ceased and the infected rose moaning to their feet.
Iskandar had come to the same conclusions, his jaw clenching tightly at his own foolishness. He should have anticipated such treachery from Megatron, his rival had spent the entire duration of this War putting on an aggressive front while he gathered allies and resources from the shadows. One big diversion of darkness and corpses… and I still fell for it!
"Why so surprised, Rider?" His enemy's mocking tone only added oil to the fire. "Misdirection is a fundamental rule of warfare." Rider X placed his hand onto his place, and a ripple of dark energy spread through the crystals. "As is the exploitation of every resource you acquire." Master and Servant alike instantly realized what the smirking fiend meant.
The fallen of Ionioi Hetairoi, those who had died valiantly facing the undead, shuddered collectively and rose jerkily to their feet as well. Those soldiers still untouched by Dark Energon quickly clustered together, spears out to ward off men they once knew as brothers.
A hand with purple cracks along its length lunged for Waver, making him flinch away with a yelp. He held desperately onto Bucephalus neck lest he fall off, and Rider swiftly sliced away the tainted limb. He made to bring about the blade for a slash but froze upon seeing the ghoul's face. "Mithrenes…"
Bile involuntarily swelled up inside the boy's throat as he, too, recognized the soldier who had served as messenger in the battle against Caster. That face, once dignified and reserved, was now slack and utterly pale, even the violet glow of his eyes seeming rather lifeless. Yes, there was no life left in him. Just a twisted mockery of the loyal soldier he had been before.
A single tear trickled from Iskandar's right eye as he followed through on his motion.
But even as the helmeted head flew off his shoulders, the body still made to spear Bucephalus, and Mithrenes' King was forced to cut him to pieces, a swing releasing a ragged howl from the steel. All around him, his men were desperately trying to fend off attacks from those they had called brothers only a short while ago. Rider's heart wrenched at the mournful cries that washed over him, some in pain from injury, others when they cut down. He might've been imagining it, but even those infected by Dark Energon seemed to be suffering.
And this entire horrid situation was brought about by one abominable being. "I told you upon the end of your little banquet, Iskandar…" He raised his head to stare in utter hatred at the one responsible, and Rider X simply smiled back down at him. "When we meet on the battlefield again, I will teach you what it means to be a conqueror." He raised his right hand to show three fingers. "And I shall do it by taking your army," one finger curled down, "your kingdom," another finger, "and your title." The final finger became a single clenched fist.
The Cybertronian conqueror cast an arm out towards the sands yet untouched by Dark Energon. "Such a beautiful dream you have, King of Conquerors," he taunted the trembling Servant of the Mount with the title he sought to claim. "The very fields of golden sand you and your army marched across in life, preserved in this single moment of eternal sunshine and clear skies. A reminder of how far your path of conquest led, and in the same breath, a stimulus to push you and all who rally to you on to new adventures. Truly, one of the most magnificent dreams one could ever witness, perhaps even the most magnificent of all."
Those metallic fingers straightened, and the darkness spread over these lands, crystals and lightning defiling the once graceful desert. "But it seems you never grasped a simple truth in life, Iskandar:
"Any dream is but one step from becoming a nightmare."
A group of four "Darkened" soldiers stumbled towards the one they'd followed as their King, their spears nearly impaling Bucephalus' neck, but he evaded the tainted tips and kicked them away with his front legs. However, even the horse of Alexander the Great released a mournful whinny at what he had to do. And though his hooves had shattered bone, the soldiers rose to fight again.
"This is the truth of conquest," Megatron continued amused as he watched the desperate struggle between the living and the undead. By now, roughly half of the Ionioi Hetairoi were under his command. Under normal circumstances, he would have lacked the necessary mana to corrupt so many individuals, let alone the Reality Marble itself. But his connection to that Reactor Archer X had so kindly provided him with remained strong even in this false world. Whatever energy he expended was just as swiftly replenished. "We conquerors rise up above the masses and bend their souls to our will. Those who oppose us, we crush beneath our heels as we march on past them. We plunder what resources they have, strip them of their power, their will, their very hopes and dreams. We supplant their individuality and reduce their idols and homes to rubble so they can turn to only us for guidance. We give new meaning to their mundane lives by serving us. And once all we survey is under our might, we look on to the horizon and search for more to conquer. And so we carve out history in the blood of the fallen."
"How dare you!" Rider roared as he rallied his uninfected troops into more cohesive formations. "You tarnish the noble ideals of conquest and pervert my comrades into these broken forms merely to prove your point?! Your mind is more twisted than I thought. To win without destroying, to dominate without humiliating, such is the way of a true conqueror!"
But Rider X only laughed at his outrage. "Noble ideals? Win without destroying, dominate without humiliating? Oh, Iskandar, you are truly as naively mistaken as that child of a Saber." The Dark Energon's touch spread ever further, crystals shooting up from the ground that impaled more soldiers, some even multiple simultaneously. "Do you truly wish to pretend you inflicted no suffering during your campaigns? You only laid waste to battlefields, never the homes of civilian bystanders? Didn't you force the defeated to make a choice: join or die?" He laughed again. "No need to be ashamed, I did so as well in my time."
"There is a vast sea of differences between us!" Rider led a company into a mass that would've surrounded more of his men, reluctantly slicing apart the soldiers warped by Dark Energon. "I honored those who had fallen during the battles I led, friend and foe alike! The countries I annexed into my territory kept their religions and customs, I even incorporated some into my own beliefs!" Such was the origin of Alexander's alias, Iskandar. "No soul was forced to join my armies, they all did so willingly!"
"Did they?" Rider X countered. "Was there truly a choice for them in the matter? Could any of them have resisted the sheer charisma you exuded or were their fates sealed from the moment they met you? Look around." He pointed a single finger at his enemy. "I may have unleashed Dark Energon upon this world, but you are the one who led these brave souls to oppose me, Iskandar. In a way, you are equally to blame for their torment as I am."
The King of Conqueror's blood boiled so much inside him, he could only see red. That isn't true… He thrashed and hacked about him, the Sword of the Kupriotes nearly striking some of his still-untainted followers in his rage. He barely noticed, however, tugging on Bucephalus' reins to steer him towards the main structure. Yes. He would shove his sword through that smug grin, crush those teeth, beat his way of conquest through that despicable-
"You're wrong!"
He froze and looked down in shock, surprised at who had just shouted those two words. Even Rider X was taken aback by the interjection.
Truth be told, Waver Velvet was more terrified than he had even been in his young life. More than when Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald had threatened him, more than in the presence of Kenpachi's killing intent, more than even the nauseating horror show Caster had instigated in the sewers. Everywhere he turned, the living were fighting for their lives against twisted mockeries of the loyal warriors they were supposed to be. The sands had turned black and violet, sharp crystals stood tall like pillars of evil, even the sky was trapped in darkness. He doubted he would ever forget a single detail of this nightmarish scene until the day he died.
And yet he still raised his voice with nary a tremor, all to defend his Servant. "Rider isn't you, and he didn't send his army to their doom." He snapped his arms out to gesture at the warriors standing and fighting around Bucephalus. "All of these men are here not because Rider forced them to, but because they believe in him! They aren't slaves or puppets or tools to be discarded, not to him and not to themselves. Maybe they're all a bunch of idiots, but they chose to follow this King. They chose to follow because they knew he cared for them and he would stand by their sides just like they stand by his. No matter in times good or bad, even if it meant sacrificing their lives!" He glanced over his shoulder. "Every one of us."
Rider simply sat in his saddle, staring down at this foolish Master as he processed these words. It may have been a hallucination, but he could've sworn the fighting around them was slowing as well. Almost as if even the Darkened soldiers were listening.
The young man didn't notice even as he continued to speak his mind. "This isn't a battle, it's a freakshow! You haven't conquered this world or the Hetairoi, you're just polluting it with your own power," he yelled defiantly at the metallic monster leering down at him. "All you've done is defile a beautiful dream that united thousands of souls together! You claim you're a conqueror, Rider X, but what you really are is a cruel monster who wants to drag everything down into the darkness with him!"
Waver spat in defiance at the being who could eviscerate him in a fraction of a second. "You failed to conquer Cybertron in life, Megatron, and you'll fail to claim the title you seek! Why? Because there's not a single soul in this Reality Marble who'll let it happen!"
That statement swept through the Servants and the masses gathered here to fight. Rider's men had begun to despair at their situation. To be forced to cut down their own soldiers or risk turning against their King themselves… such thoughts certainly left little room for vigor. But in the face of this boy, no, this man riding on the King's steed… their newest member…
Waver Velvet's words was bolstered by a new, almighty cheer starting with one and carrying on with every last living member of the Ionioi Hetairoi. In fact, the undead ones might've contributed as well, it was impossible to pick out any individual voices in this mighty roar.
For a while, Megatron glared silently down at the cheering crowds, the noise stirring old memories at him. Then his flaming optics focused on the wretched human responsible… and he chuckled again. "My, my. How far the King of Conquerors has fallen if he needs a sniveling whelp to prop himself up against me."
Waver made to refute that insult, but Rider spoke first. "I suppose I have." He turned around in his seat in shock, but both the tone of those words and the Servant's expression was calm. As a matter of fact, he was staring down at the boy in pride. "I must be losing my touch if a young fool can counter a direct challenge to me faster than I can." He patted that small shoulder, Waver for once not keeling over, before aiming a new glare at his nemesis. The hatred remained in his red eyes, but they were much more tempered than before.
"Seeing as you've referred so much to your words from the banquet, I too shall allude to what I said then," Iskandar, King of Conquerors, called evenly to Megatron. "You have immersed yourself completely in darkness," he waved with his sword at the ravaged landscape, "and I do not mean this… 'Dark Energon' you use to pollute my dream. You may have walked away from the mines you were kept in upon birth, but their shadows remained with you throughout your battles as a gladiator, a revolutionary and eventually a tyrant. Even now, they linger inside your core."
He took a long breath, then continued before the other Rider could interrupt. "You are correct about there being more similarities between us than I'd care to admit, Megatron." His followers shuffled at these words, but he didn't stop. "Countless lives have changed and indeed ended because of either of us. We have in turn supplanted others' hopes to further our own goals." He locked gazes with those violet orbs. "But there remains one crucial difference between us:
"In you, there is only darkness that can never be sated no matter how much you conquer." Iskandar tapped his chest. "But in me, there is a brilliant dream I share with all who choose to follow me. A dream that inspires us to pursue it while holding true to ourselves." His eyes narrowed. "And we will not tolerate you defiling it any further!" His declaration was punctuated by a triumphant whinny from Bucephalus and another cheer from his army, though only the living members this time.
The other half was suddenly spurred on to attack them again. And the cause for that was Rider X issuing a mental command. "How very inspiring," he rumbled while straightening his posture. "It's become obvious neither of us can be swayed to accept the other's beliefs, no matter how many speeches we make." He rolled his shoulders, his smirk returning. "Ultimately, there remains only one way to determine who is right and who is wrong."
"On that, we agree," Rider replied before sliding off of his horse. Waver blinked at the motion, more so when he wasn't pulled off either, then a series of soldiers still loyal joined them, spears and shields out in a phalanx at a wordless signal from their King. He had one final matter to settle before confronting his nemesis, and it required privacy.
"Waver." Hearing his name stunned the boy already, but the words that followed and the sincerity they carried left him completely frozen. "Thank you for defending me. And because of the passion behind your words, I remembered a question I had for you:
"Waver Velvet, would you serve me as my vassal?"
It might've seemed like a foolish question for a Servant to ask of his Master. Given the circumstances, it was seemingly inappropriate for the Servant to divert his attention on something so nonsensical. However, tears welled up inside Waver's eyes as he heard Rider address him by his name and not just "boy," and glancing at the men surrounding them, the fealty they exuded… The offer laid before him seemed too good to be true. An unreachable dream.
He didn't think about the ramifications, he didn't even need to. "You…" They both knew the answer he would give even before he voiced it. "You are my King," Waver fought to keep his tone even, Saber X's "soprano" comment swimming into his head. "I will serve you and devote all I have to you. Please… show me the way. Share your dream with me."
A kind smile drifted across Rider's face. "Very well." A high-pitched whine forced them to look up and see Rider X had taken to his aircraft form and was firing upon the battlefield. The defensive phalanx around King and servant held for now, but both could hear dying cries from outside. This is no longer a battle of words. But, the King looked again at his newest vassal, enough has been said.
Rider nodded to himself before speaking again. "Then stay atop Bucephalus for now. I shall engage Megatron," he hefted his sword, "through other means." With a swing and a crack of lightning, the Gordius Wheel appeared in the hastily cleared space. Its wielder swiftly boarded it; never before had Iskandar wielded both of his Noble Phantasms simultaneously, but the three Command Seals' magic invigorated him to try deeds beyond the possible. Besides, he needed every advantage available to slay his hated nemesis. I will never forgive you, Megatron, for tainting my dream and violating my comrades!
He shelved his fury aside, though, to address Waver. "As the King, it is my duty to inspire others to dream and to defend the dream with all my might. And as my vassal, it is your duty to live on, see the dream through, and pass it down through the generations to come."
Waver stared at him silently, dimly noting that between his seating and where Rider stood, he was for once seeing eye-to-eye with him. The King of Conquerors shifted briefly to his horse. "Keep him safe, old friend. This is bound to be one wild night." Bucephalus whinnied in return, a wordless affirmation, then Iskandar smiled again at the one who had brought him to this incredible time. "Live on, Waver. Survive this battle, witness it to the end no matter the outcome, and then tell this tale. Tell the tale of your King, of how Iskandar fought for the right to his crown!"
Waver turned slightly away as he began to cry again, but he acknowledged his King's decree with a nod. With that, Rider snapped his chariot's reins, "Yah!" and the Gordius Wheel charged forward. A dozen of his men turned ghouls were run down by Via Expugnatio, but he solemnly closed his eyes and steered upwards. Forgive me, my friends. I shan't let you suffer a minute longer than necessary. He tracked the flight path of Megatron, the would-be usurper moving far faster than normal (Another of his darkness' boons, no doubt) and moved to meet him head-on, as was the King of Conquerors' way.
On the sands, the war between conquerors began in full earnest even as Waver held tightly onto Bucephalus' reins. His ride was carrying him through the tainted sands to the area yet untouched, but the youngest disciple of the King made sure to watch he could while on the move. Regardless of which side prevailing, he would never forget this battle.
Berserker X patted the bare spot over his right eye, then clicked his tongue in annoyance. Both eyes shot an irritated glare at his enemy. "You dumbass," the Shinigami spat out. "I thought I told you, that Eyepatch Seal was the only thing keeping my full power locked up. Without it, I can't hold back that good anymore." He glanced around the golden sand, one of the few areas still unblemished by Rider X's freaky shit. "And now I can't find it," he grunted while searching, "so I can't fix your damn mistake, either."
"No… mistake…"
Those two words made him pause and turn back to Archer. The King of Heroes was hunched over, heavy pants coming from his mouth, while his blood was splashed out on the sand before him. The scarlet liquid mixed with the broken pieces of armor and Noble Phantasms scattered about. His legs didn't tremble, however, despite the obvious pain he was in, raising Kenpachi's respect for him marginally.
Archer slowly straightened a little, the motion revealing the vicious, bloody slash on his midsection. It began at his left shoulder, the pauldron there obliterated, and went diagonally across his torso. His armor's anti-thaumaturgic enchantments had been unable to withstand the full-power blow of Berserker X's sword, and if the Gate of Babylon hadn't summoned a defensive array of Noble Phantasms just before it had connected, it might've bisected the Servant completely. Some treasures inside the Gate could've completely absorbed the attack, but it had been so swift, Archer was left with no time to access them specifically. A nearly fatal miscalculation that irked him all the more.
But the proud Heroic Spirit's glare didn't diminish amidst his gasps for air. "I made… no mistake… ripping that… obscenity… off of… you," he growled as a portal appeared above his left hand and deposited a small diamond vial into his grip. He ripped the stopper loose and splashed the vial's contents onto his rent chest, steam wafting from the wounded area before it began to seal up. After ten seconds, the wound is completely closed; after thirty, the only trace of Berserker X's attack was the gash in his breastplate and the bloodstains.
Archer rose to his full height seemingly in perfect health again, but his blazing crimson eyes told a different story. "You scold me for letting my mind wander, and yet you continue to face me while still wearing those ridiculous bells and that revolting thing you call an eyepatch?" His fists clenched. "You believe yourself so mighty you can kill me without discarding the shackles you stifle your power with?! Do not mock me, mongrel!"
Seven weapons streaked through the distance between the Servants, the air burning from their velocity. Mana blazed around Berserker X for a moment before he slashed, and all seven were knocked out of the sky. The Servant of Madness seemed confused, though. "The hell are you talking about? I'm not mocking you at all. I just like to hold back when I fight, especially when I'm up against strong opponents." He raised his left hand and flexed his fingers while glancing down at them. "Besides, the kid's Seals are giving me one hell of a power-up, so it's not like I've been swinging my sword that half-assed."
Archer made to snarl something else, but then one part of the brute's nonsense repeated itself in his mind: "…especially when I'm up against strong opponents." Didn't he… acknowledge the power of the King of Heroes just now? "You know I am strong…" he questioned vocally, "but you still choose not to face me with your full strength? What sort of madness rots inside your brain, or did you have enough sense to realize victory was unobtainable against me?"
Kenpachi Zaraki leaned his sword against his shoulder with an easygoing shrug. "I'm a Berserker, remember? Madness is kinda natural for my class." Archer practically felt a physical blow against his skull from the brute's bluntness, but what he said next surprised him. "Sure, I knew you were strong from the start. Why do you think I riled you up so much back when all this started, Goldy?"
He smirked. "Every Servant on this world or another likes to make some big statement about why they're fighting in this Grail War, what the big special reason is. Me? I fight because I like to fight. That's the only reason I've ever needed. And the tougher the fight, the better."
Archer continued to glare at him, but his anger was slowly ebbing So… it truly was that simple with this one. There were no lies in this savage's words or body. He cared for nothing but how much he could enjoy a battle, even if it meant sealing away his full strength. His strength… He finally scoffed. "I wonder how feeble the denizens of your world must have been if they needed your handicaps to survive your presence." Gilgamesh snapped his arm out. "But worry not, Berserker X. You needn't restrain yourself against me, for even at your best, you stand no chance of matching me."
The proclamation stoked the Shinigami's own fire. As much as he preferred him and his opponents just hacking each other to bits, he wasn't half bad when it came to reading others. And this guy wasn't just running his mouth to look tough, he hadn't before, and he wasn't now. Goldy really believed he was the toughest bastard around.
Well, so far, it had been kinda fun. But the fight could be more exciting. "Big talk," Berserker X countered, "for a high-and-mighty prick who lets his magic toy box do all the hard work."
Archer's smile fell away as he crossed his arms. "And you presume yourself an expert on combat when your swordsmanship is no better than that of an ape swinging a rock about, mongrel?"
Berserker X by comparison took the insult in stride. "Oh, I don't care about that 'formal' bullshit, but come on, when's the last time you actually used one of those things? Hell, do you even know how to use them?" He sneered. "Or are you just a lazy little one-trick pony?"
The rage had returned in full force to Goldy's posture, and Kenpachi sensed it was because he was onto something. "You can't fight for shit yourself, can you? But then, why would you need to? Your fancy gate can just give you an answer for any problem, so you never had to put in any effort to get what you wanted." His blood boiled at the prospect before him. "Well, guess what, princess, you can't do a half-baked job if you want to put me in the ground." He laughed a little. "Hell, between the two of us, I've been the one having all the fun here."
Once again, the King of Heroes was trembling in rage. There was now a brand new goal before him: crushing this bastard mongrel so thoroughly even he couldn't hope to find any enjoyment in it. He would happily dredge the depths of the Gate of Babylon to achieve this goal and inflict the greatest agony conceivable. Oh, how they would tell tales of this beast's demise for generations to come…
Such was the King's prerogative. And he thought he could feel the corners of his mouth twitching. Interesting…
"If you keep spouting off crap that you're the Number 1 Servant around, you gotta expect somebody will come along to try and knock you down the food chain! Now, bring it on!" Sand burst into a wave behind Kenpachi from the swing of his nodachi. "Show me how a King of Heroes really fights!"
This time, Gilgamesh clearly felt the form his mouth was shifting into, but he did nothing to stop it. He couldn't be in dire straits if he was smiling, after all. "Well, seeing as you have asked so nicely…" Once again, an array of portals materialized around him, only this time, he reached into one and withdrew Durandal. "Who am I to deny a mad dog his annihilation?"
Further away, thousands of individuals were tearing into each other at the behest of two very different conquerors. Here at this spot, there were only two combatants.
Yet when they clashed, it felt as though the impact shook the entire Reality Marble.
Zouken Matou sat alone in his study, black eyes glaring out the window. Avenger X had returned safely even though it had cost a Command Seal and was patrolling the grounds fully restored again. Rider X had intervened just in time before those testosterone-pumped brutes could've inflicted permanent damage to his remaining Servant.
But that right there was the big problem: with Archer X dead, he only had one Servant left, and only one Command Seal. Not so good when there were ten other Servants still in the game, two of which were in a tentative alliance with him that could fall apart any day now.
And two more were still loyally aiding that useless spawn of his, Kariya…
His grip tightened on his cane. He'd let Archer X run amok and put the whole city at risk, even helping her to do so, and all for nothing! Not a single Servant had perished due to her, Fuyuki City had now garnered a hefty bit of attention both in magical and mundane eyes, and worst of all, Caster X still wasn't dead! How hard can it be to destroy one single shriveled-up wizard of a familiar?! The Matou patriarach struck his cane's head against his desk, causing the artifacts it carried to rattle about.
His nostrils flared as he panted from the rage, trying to calm down again. Avenger X had reported a rather disturbing detail about his attempt on the wretched Heroic Spirit's life: He had been stopped, not just by Rider and Berserker X, but Lancer X had been the one to lead that duo to the battle. His flyers had confirmed the Sith's report and added that the female had apparently engaged in discussion with Kariya's team while Avenger X was being chased off.
Zouken leaned back in his chair, frowning at this knowledge. During the battle at Mion River, Kariya and Tokiomi confronted each other with Caster X and Lancer X, respectively. My worms couldn't learn what they discussed, his jaw clenched, because of Caster X, but they apparently never came to blows. And now Kariya willingly agreed to a meeting with the Servant contracted to the man he hates more than any other person? Well, he sneered briefly, maybe except for me, of course. Then the sneer faded. It makes no sense. Unless…
The ancient magus bolted upright. Could it be that Kariya had told Tokiomi about Sakura's current… living conditions? Were they building an alliance? No, that couldn't be it. Tokiomi was too right-wing of a magus to ever trust the word of a pathetic deserter like Kariya. And Kariya had made it repeatedly clear he blamed Tokiomi for Sakura becoming a Matou. Those two made oil and water look like the easiest liquids to be mixed together.
…Still, he had already reinforced the Bounded Field, and he would instruct Avenger X to keep watch. Maybe it would be better to speed up his latest experiments as well. Zouken couldn't afford to be careless in a War this utterly chaotic. He hadn't considered the Tohsaka family a particularly great threat in the past: oh, they were certainly skilled in magecraft and carried a certain guile, but each member tended to overestimate their own cleverness. Choujirou Tohsaka had been a prime example in the past. In his case, he remained a sore spot for the family and the butt of joke among magi to this day.
And young Tokiomi was exhibiting much of the same qualities. So confident in the grand strategy he'd set up in advance he hadn't even considered it going off the rails. If he had any real brains, he would've had Rider X destroyed the very instant he met the Servant. Zouken Matou hadn't stepped on the battle in a long time, but he didn't fear the uppity twit in the least.
And best of all, he was the only Master who knew the truth of the Holy Grail War's prize. He'd known something was off about this War from the moment Servants like Caster and Rider X, Heroic Spirits with extremely unheroic personalities, were called forth, and Maul had confirmed his suspicions both through his summoning and in their conversation. Oh, how it would break all of those young fools scurrying about if they knew what slumbered inside the Grail, waiting for a worthy candidate.
It would be most prudent to purge the evil within before making any wish, Zouken considered before rising from his seat. He hobbled out of the room towards the basement; his experiments awaited. But then, wouldn't it be more amusing to watch the despair of the victors? I was planning on waiting for the Fifth Grail War anyway…
Regardless, there was still a fair bit of work to do if he wished to enjoy himself. Besides, tainted Grail or not, Caster X needed to die. Zouken Matou couldn't be satisfied otherwise.
-54:13:56
The war of the Riders had been raging inside Ionioi Hetairoi for over an hour now, and it showed little sign of ending. Under normal circumstances, the Reality Marble couldn't have been sustained for more than a few minutes at a time, but two external factors – the power of three Command Seals and the Prismatrix Reactor- made this impossibility possible.
Its occupants fought without pause against each other, those yet untouched by Dark Energon standing valiantly against what seemed a hopeless choice: death or corruption. The soldiers yet to face this choice fought without hesitation, some with tears in their eyes or screams in their throats at who they were cutting down, but not one ran from this danger. It pained them to fight their brothers but leaving them in this perversion of death would be far worse. Many who suffered mortal wounds proceeded to turn their weapons on themselves in their dying moments, seeking to make their corpses as useless as possible.
Living, dead or otherwise, they would serve only their King.
Even Bucephalus contributed to the efforts, kicking and trampling whatever ghouls approached him. It was maybe his way of compensating for his passenger's combative inability. Even if Waver couldn't fight, though, he still continued to watch this back-and-forth as much as he could, just as he had been commanded to. Nausea swept through him, but he refused to shut his eyes. No matter how this struggle ends, I have to see this through.
In the process, he began to notice a few details about their enemy. Those who had become ghouls felt no fear or pain whatsoever, but they weren't quite as agile as they had been before, and they seemed to lack independent thought. More than once, a group had charged-well, lurched headlong into traps rather obvious and then routed. Waver watched as three soldiers were seemingly surrounded, only for the tables to promptly turn as cavalrymen rode down the ghouls. He remembered then that each living being here was technically a Heroic Spirit well-versed in war. They could think; the dead could not.
Of course, not, thinking is Rider X's job, the student realized. This Dark Energon he's used to enslave them has sapped them so completely of their individuality they have nothing left inside them. He winced as a ghoul whose legs had been severed crawled snarling up a soldier and dragged him down. Nothing but an urge to destroy. He glared up at a silver streak far above. They're basically a bunch of rabid animals without someone telling them what to do.
And that someone was preoccupied with his own battle. Rider X in his aerial form had been clashing with the Gordius Wheel far above everyone's heads, either transport descending periodically to aid their respective side during a crucial step or because the other tried to pin it down. Blue lightning and purple plasma crackled across the heavens, neither conqueror letting up for a second in their clashes. Rider wouldn't be satisfied until he'd crushed his rival's body into scrap metal.
However, even he was forced to acknowledge Rider X held the upper hand. For one, Dark Energon was primarily an Anti-Unit (Self) Noble Phantasm that passively increased his parameters, allowing him to fly at even greater speeds than usual. Alt-Mode Starship also held the advantage in long range with its blasters while the Gordius Wheel's mode of attack was usually just "rush at the enemy in hope of trampling him."
Moreover, Iskandar had been a tyrant and conqueror of Europe three hundred years BC, a primitive era where battlefields only had two dimensions. He wasn't accustomed to adding up and down to his calculations, whereas Megatron had faced his enemies on lands of metal and rock, in seas, across the skies and even amidst space itself. The Wheel had already lost one of its side blades, and the bulls sported multiple scorching injuries that would've killed them (or worse) were it not for their divine natures.
As they passed one another, Rider X nimbly twisted himself out of reach of Rider's spatha, then he suddenly returned to robot form and slashed with his own blade. It sliced through the King's cloak and left shoulder, but Rider was able to lean out of the way just enough for it to only be a surface wound. He glared at the smirk his nemesis shot at him just before he reversed his transformation, and the two vessels turned in arcs to face each other once again.
Back on terra firma, the situation could be classified as "somewhere between tricky and precarious." While Rider's forces were slowly managing to corral Rider X's with a little tactical thinking, the battlefield wasn't helping matters at all. The spread of Dark Energon had halted again when Megatron took to the skies; apparently, he needed to be actively touching the ground or his crystals for the Darkening to continue. Still, that left a sizable number of crystals both large and small, solid and brittle, but equally jagged scattered across the dark terrain. Even receiving a light nick from one let you with the risk of turning into a ghoul, and the blasted things were everywhere.
Worst of all, it seemed the Reality Marble itself was beginning to strain under its defilement, or perhaps it was simply beginning to reach its limit, additional Magical Energy or not. Or maybe the source of its instability was Berserker X and Archer's destructive battle from afar. No soul living or undead dared to draw too close to that lest they risked utter annihilation. No matter the cause, the ground quaked often and created sinkholes and gaping cracks, both of which had claimed more than a few on both sides.
Waver held onto his ride as it made for the ground's rim between tainted and still clean sand, even Bucephalus treading lightly amidst the area. He watched anxiously how one of the Wheel's bulls managed to land a glancing blow against Rider X, the impact trailing with as it sent the metal form briefly spiraling out of control. The brief splash of hope he felt stilled, though, when that aircraft realigned itself just before crashing and sped along the ground.
Some soldiers had seen this development as well and tried to capitalize on it by shooting him down, but Rider X was too fast for their arrows and spears (and one throwing axe). He transformed in midflight and skidded feet-first to a stop, sand whirling about him, before striking his left hand into the ground.
Rider had been guiding his chariot in pursuit of his counterpart, but a cluster of massive crystals surged from around Megatron. They appeared so quickly at least ten of the Ionioi Hetairoi were impaled just by being too close to him. They hung limply from the tips, Dark Energon seeping into their bodies, then pulled themselves free. A deep crevice split open near the base of Rider X's crystal construction, traveling along the length of the battlefield.
Waver's eyes widened upon it drawing closer to him, and he nudged his ride's sides with his feet. "We need to-" A sudden tremor rattled him, and the horse's reins slipped through his numb fingers. A panicked cry escaped Waver as he slipped from the saddle, Bucephalus echoing the sound while his head tired and failed to reach him. The chasm awaited…
But then a slim arm wrapped around his midsection, and the boy was promptly hurtling backwards. Eyes blinking to clear the tears away, he found himself being safely carried and deposited back onto Bucephalus, who quickly continued to gallop away from the abyss. Waver realized a second that his savior was heading in another direction and tried to see who he was… and gasped at a short red cape fluttering in the wind.
A head with greying black hair reminiscent of a bird's feathers turned towards him just for a second, and he could make out eyes of a faded red and a familiar smirk.
As for Rider, the violet uprising had snagged one of his wheels, and even more branched off of them through their master's guidance to trap the rest. His bovines had luckily avoided any injuries, but for their strength, they couldn't pull the chariot free. Rider hacked at the crystals with his sword but only managed to chip off a few shards. Meanwhile, the newly Darkened soldiers were slowly climbing up the crystals' sides, ready to plunge their blades into their former King at their corrupter's behest.
Rider X smirked at this irony from where he stood, then changed into Alt-Mode Starship and blasted off into the skies. He flew into an arc that led back towards his enemy and could clearly make out the scowl sent his way. It looks like our little game ends here, he chortled to himself, his blasters priming themselves with violet energy.
Iskandar saw the energy bolts zipping towards him, but the first of the ghouls had already grabbed hold of the rails. He turned about at his spot, eyes darting from one threat to-
Something whirled through the air before it smashed through one crystal, then its arc continued straight through the others, freeing the Wheel. Rider had little time to process this development as violet energy bolts soared towards his spot. But they never reached him.
First, something small and black darted in from the corner of his sight, then a human-sized shape appeared before Rider X's strafe, absorbing the hit. The power of those blasts tore his body to shreds, but Rider remained unscathed. What struck the King of Conquerors, though, was the shock of registering the red cape over the grey tailcoat, the black pants, the massive silver blade in one hand before it faded into spirit particles…
"Qrow," Iskandar whispered before a grateful smile spread across his face. It seems Ionioi Hetairoi was capable of more than even its wielder had realized. Not bad for a "bad luck charm," he praised his old friend and partner. Not bad at all.
Megatron didn't have time to see what had intercepted his attack, and he barely managed to veer away from a collision with those two lightning-charged bulls. Sparks flashed from his chassis as Rider's sword scraped against it, drawing his ire. The damage was mostly cosmetic, but it seemed as though Iskandar wasn't ready to relinquish his crown just yet.
Then I'll just have to help him along to this decision, Rider X swore to himself as he soared onward. He'd been saving his final Noble Phantasm for Saber or Archer, but if the Reality Marble continued to deteriorate or Rider continued to have strokes of luck, or even if Berserker X suddenly jumped in… Decisions, decisions.
Rider X needn't have worried about Berserker X interfering, though, for the Shinigami Heroic Spirit was having the fight of his life and relishing in every second of it.
He bounded across the sands, ducking his head under four different weapons that sundered the area behind him. Normally, he might've taken the impacts with little concern for his life, but Goldy had slinging some pretty powerful shit at him in the last hour, some of which had left its mark. Like it or not, he had to do a little dodging or else this fight might be over too quickly.
Archer met him with a silver scythe in hand, the blade swinging in from the left. Berserker X parried it and counterattacked, the golden Servant quickly stepping out of range as five portals appeared behind Berserker X. Two swords nicked slightly his back, the mana throwing off their attack, but he turned around to smash aside the axe, spear and sword. Archer capitalized on the opening and swung his scythe at his back. The blade went clean through the Mana Burst defense and into Berserker X's side… but there was no entry wound or splash of blood.
Kenpachi grunted unimpressed at the attack and swung his sword anew, only to find his slash somewhat lacking. "Huh…?"
A summoned shield defended Archer from the blow, and he smirked upon hefting his scythe anew, the chain attached to its handle rattling slightly. "This blade cuts not through flesh but mana, mad dog. And there is no evading it." He promptly made another slash…
Only for the blade to be caught by Berserker X's hand. "So, I won't bother dodging," he retorted to Gilgamesh's shocked face. "Simple as that." With that, he sliced clean through the handle and cut him again, the King of Heroes now sporting X-shaped damage on his armor. Archer grunted in pain and fell back, blood splashing from his injury, and Berserker X crashed the scythe's remnant with a stomp.
By now, both Servants were sporting a fair bit of mileage after an hour of fighting. Berserker X's sleeves had been shredded, and his bloodstained haori barely clung to his body, slashes and pierce marks adorning his skin. He hadn't reclaimed his eyepatch, leaving nothing to cover the three separate cuts across his face, trails of blood across them as well. Yet he was still smiling broadly, and neither his mana nor the light in his eyes had dimmed.
Archer by comparison had received no time to replace his damaged armor, leaving the breastplate a carved-up a mess, his right pauldron still missing, a large gash along his right thigh, and a hole in his left gauntlet where that blasted blade had nearly speared him. He still sported the cut underneath his right eye and a new one underneath the left side of his lip that ran down his chin. Healing potions had stopped the bleeding, but he was not a happy King.
It wasn't just the fact that he'd received this damage in the first place, though that certainly contributed. No, what really set him off was how this uncouth beast's expression kept shifting between elation and another emotion. Not fear or frustration, mind you, but… Boredom.
Kenpachi sighed at the scrap metal beneath his sandal, grumbling, "I wasn't expecting you to be Qrow with that thing, but come on, a baby could use any of these weapons better than you." He rolled his shoulders and readied his blade again. "This is getting embarrassing."
There it was. That infuriatingly dry tone that grated inside Gilgamesh's ears and made him want to sunder an entire kingdom. He drew in a sharp breath and released it through his nostrils before sneering at the Servant of Madness. "Oh? If anything, I should feel embarrassment at having wasted my time with a half-dead beast begging to be slaughtered." His smirk widened. "Let us end this charade."
More portals emerged around Berserker X, making him roll his eyes. Wonder what he's gonna shoot at me this time, a giant sword? A castle? But what sprang out of the golden circles was… chains.
A golden chain of apparently infinite length wound itself around the tall Servant at a speed greater than lightning, emerging from one portal and leading into another over and over again. Before he could react, the many segments grew taut and forced his arms and legs to the side. A surprised Berserker X's head was forced back from the links under his chin. He tugged against them but could barely move, let alone get free. "The hell is this thing?"
Gilgamesh watched his prey's struggling smugly while sauntering towards him. If there was any Noble Phantasm he could count on above all, it was the one named after his only friend. "Resistance is futile," he taunted, retrieving a special sword from "The King's Treasury." "This chain captured the Bull of Heaven itself and is designed to bind beings with divine essence." The King of Heroes barked a laugh at the sound of heavy rattling. "Though such a trait appearing inside a savage animal like you is among the highest of comedy."
Gram's tip was aimed at Berserker X's bare chest, the demonic blade humming with anticipation. Perhaps it sensed the familiar bloodlust inside its target. The Captain of the Soul Society's most feared Division began to glow yellow as his struggling continued. Archer closed his eyes, scoffing at the fiery aura burning inside Enkidu. "I told you, there is no-"
Jingle. His eyes snapped open to his chains' hold… ever-so-slightly loose. "Impossible!"
Berserker X tugged his arms again, his entire body alight with feral power. He smirked at the lesser resistance, then at the Servant in front of him. "What're you gawping at, King?" Another pull with all of his limbs, a little more leeway. "You think a savage animal would appreciate getting chained up?"
The greater the captive's Divinity, the stronger and more durable Enkidu became… but as a Shinigami turned Heroic Spirit, Kenpachi Zaraki carried this Skill at merely D-rank. And his Magical Energy was so great, he himself had trouble containing it at the best of times.
Cursing to himself as he discerned these two facts, Archer quickly grabbed Gram with both hands and made to shove it right through Berserker X's chest, but he was too slow.
Jingle. Once again, all of his sight lighted up yellow as Kenpachi slipped his right arm free of the now slack chains and struck Gram out of his grip. "I sure as hell don't!" "Dawn of Ruin" went spinning through the air, a slight whine coming from its steel. A lament at its lost chance to taste blood? Either way, the other blade ran right through Gilgamesh.
He just barely bit back an agonized howl as the worn edge grated along his ribs. Ever-reliable Enkidu managed to pull Berserker X back before his stab could finish the journey, allowing Archer to pull himself off the blade and stagger out of reach. Temporary reach, though, as Kenpachi succeeded in slipping completely free of his bonds and leaped high. Archer tensed, one hand over his wound, as that spiked shadow descended upon him-
Only to land a couple meters behind him. The dune was crushed flat by Berserker X's sandals before he turned his head to side-eye Archer. "Seriously?" He scoffed. "You get me all wrapped up in those pretty chains and still can't kill me? And by the way, I don't know a single guy who's got a lousier grip on his sword. One good smack and it went flying."
"You're… a fine one… to talk… about holding… a sword… properly," Archer shot back amidst his panting. He placed a sort of shimmering dust on his wound, breathed out and straightened. "One can swing a sword harder with both hands than with just one…" he growled. "I know that much about combat. Just as I know that throughout all of your battles in this War, mongrel, you have never placed both hands upon your sword's handle."
"So what?" The Eleventh Kenpachi shifted in his to face him completely. "I'm not a fan of all that formal crap, and I don't want to finish my fights too quickly."
That made the King of Heroes chuckle bitterly. "Yes… That's the great reason behind your ridiculous habit of burdening yourself with countless handicaps. You draw out your battles so much it beggars belief, and even now, knowing what power I have at my disposal, you ignore chances to strike me down." He tapped his chest. "I do not enjoy repeating myself, mad dog: There is no need to hold back against me."
Berserker X scoffed. "Look who's talking. You can't fight worth shit, and aside from that leash of yours, you've still been slinging stuff you couldn't care less about." An eager hunger danced in his eyes. "You've got one more trick hidden away in that toy chest, don't you?"
The King of Heroes glared back at him. Does he know of Ea? Or is it simply instinct? He couldn't tell which, another irritating little detail about this brute. But unleash something so great… against him? A ridiculous concept, especially when the Gate of Babylon provided plenty other ordinances- "If you want me to take you seriously," the brute's growling cut through his thoughts, "you might wanna do the same. Of course, I can always start chopping off body parts." Kenpachi's fingers danced against his sword's hilt. "One way or another, I'm getting the fight you promised me, pal."
…Oh?
A calm and very cruel smile emerged. "…Very well. Let us see, mongrel…" Archer lifted his left arm, palm up, and a small portal materialized above it. A small, oddly shaped dagger with a broad labyrinthian guard settled into his grip. Despite its blade, this object was no weapon to be used in the conventional manner, yet it was in its own way far deadlier. This was Bab-ilu, the key which unlocked the deepest areas of "The King's Treasure" where its absolute greatest secrets lay: the treasures the King of Heroes held dearest in his heart.
"…How your savage strength stands…" He twisted his wrist slightly, and the "Key of the King's Law" began to shift starting from its guard. A series of thin red lines spread up from the blade's rectangular tip and into the sky, a massive pattern of lines that branched out and intersected in multiple directions. Beads of light shimmered along its surface, then one particularly bright sphere began to travel from where the very top of the lines began. It sped down along its path before all of the lines' edges suddenly faded away. They swiftly retracted into Bab-ilu, and it in turn transformed into an orb hovering before Archer. It reminded Berserker X a little of a miniature sun. Is he gonna shoot that thing at me now…?
But what Gilgamesh had in mind was something far more destructive than simply hurling a condensed star about. "…In the face of true power," he finished as the orb traveled upwards to reveal a new weapon. "Behold, the mightiest sword you shall ever lay eyes upon."
His right hand now clutched a handle over which there was a conical guard, but the weapon could hardly be considered a "sword." Berserker X scoffed. All that big flash and pomp for some weird toy? It didn't even look like a sword but a big round pole with red markings all over. And the tip looked blunt as hell. What's he gonna do, try and bash me upside the head with that… thing?
He finally noticed something weird in that moment: a tingling in his fingers. The wildest fighter in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads raised his right hand with a frown and saw the fingers wrapped so tightly around his sword's handle it was starting to creak. And that wasn't the end of it. When he lifted his left to try and pry them loose, the fingers there were twitching like crazy, as if they wanted to grab… something?
Berserker X could feel his hairs slowly stiffening, even more than they were in their usual style. His throat had turned all dry now. His heartbeat had suddenly kicked it up a notch and was hammering like crazy in his chest. All of a sudden, the whole world seemed slower now, or maybe it was just that his senses had kicked themselves into overdrive.
"The hell…?" He'd never felt this way before, not even in life. No, wait… Not true. He looked back at the smug golden bastard and the weird weapon he'd conjured up, and his eyes saw in one moment her again. That moment in the rain where she had shrugged off him stabbing her and slashed at him. The first time something hadn't died immediately after his blade went into it. The first time something had challenged him, where his instincts had screamed at him to keep going, he needed to put all of his strength into this fight!
His first brush with death. That single, wonderful moment…
Gilgamesh frowned. His ultimate treasure had been unveiled, he has about to strike down two birds with one stone: destroy this blighted world and finish off this unruly dog… victory was his, as he had known from the beginning. Even Kenpachi seemed to be growing aware of this fact.
"Heh…"
So, why?
"Hehehaha…"
Why was that fool not cowering in the face of his might?
The Kenpachi from Zaraki threw his head back, blood gushing from his many injuries, and released a sound that would echo across every corner of Ionoi Hetairoi:
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The laughter rumbled inside Rider's ears even while he furiously steered the Gordius Wheel around for another charge, and despite the fury pounding inside his heart, a happy smile briefly crossed his face. At least one of us is having a good time, Kenpachi.
Archer could only stare in shocked outrage as the other Servant howled in seemingly endless laughter. Has the unveiling of Ea finally shattered the last of his sanity? His teeth ground against one another as he trembled in rising indignation. What is the matter with this blasted dog?! Does he not realize I hold something that can erase him from this plane of existence?! "Why are you STILL LAUGHING?!" The King all but screamed at the fool before him.
Then that head snapped forward, and Archer actually took half a step backward as his eyes locked with Berserker X's. They blazed with a singular emotion, not fear, not despair, not even anger… but excitement.
"This is amazing!" Kenpachi cackled out through his manic smile. "I don't know the hell that weird-ass sword of yours can do, but it's giving me goosebumps! Hahahahahaha!" He swayed about at his spot, that smile frozen on his bloody face. "How long…? How long has it been since I've felt this way?"
He gestured to his left arm as it rose shakily. "Look! When do you think's the last time I got so jittery just by looking at something?!" Then the hand drifted towards its counterpart, and the Heroic Spirit of Madness practically whooped in delight. "When do you think's the last time I wanted to swing my sword with all my strength?!" He threw his arms out and sighed up at the sky, happy as can be. "How can I not laugh when I'm having so much FUN?!"
Those words, mad and idiotic though they should have been, made something click inside Archer's mind: It wasn't that this interloping barbarian couldn't comprehend the magnitude of the weapon he held, the one that had once split Heaven and Earth apart. Kenpachi Zaraki did understand to a degree what lay before him…
And he was delighted by what he saw!? Men, gods and demons alike would have trembled in the face of Ea, but despite his own pitiful divine nature, this one… this savage, instinct-driven, blood-mad beast of a Heroic Spirit… He looked upon "The Sword of Rupture" and felt only the primal desire to test his might against it. Not even because he was certain he would win… but simply because this was his nature.
The Wedge of Heaven's heart began to beat faster. "Pfeh…" The flow of blood, adrenaline and mana inside his spiritual veins spontaneously increased in speed, and something bubbled inside his throat. "Pfeheh…" Then Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, covered his face with his free hand and burst into mad laughter, echoing his opponent. "PHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
His fit didn't last quite so long as Berserker X's, though, and he soon doubled over, his left hand bracing his aching stomach. "Truly…" Archer breathed through his own grin. "In all of my memories, I can think of no other being who has vexed me quite so deeply as you… Kenpachi." He spat out the name, his grin widening as he straightened. "So, you think standing against a weapon that contributed to the very creation of the world you were summoned to is… 'fun,' do you?" He hissed the word. "Well, let's see just how much 'fun' you will have in the face of its wrath."
Those three segments Ea's "blade" was comprised of began to turn, the upper and top ones counterclockwise, the middle clockwise. "Let me teach you the feeling of utter despair."
Berserker X continued to smile even as he sensed something. A stillness in the atmosphere, like the calm before a storm. "You know, you're doing a really bad job of ruining my good mood… Gilgamesh."
He raised his right hand to the front of his chest while it still held his nodachi, then his left hand grabbed its handle as well. He cackled one final time, then proposed, "One last round."
"To the victor go the spoils," Gilgamesh agreed before raising his sword aloft. "It is time to awaken, Ea! A beast has risen to foolishly challenge you! Teach him your glory!"
As Berserker X lifted both hands gripping his nodachi tightly over his head, and Archer pointed Ea straight at him as its three segments began to spin, each Servant, one native, one foreign, had the exact same expression on his face: eyes opened as wide as they can be and screaming promises of violence, mouth stretched into a broad rictus of unbridled joy.
Yellow power erupted around the Eleventh Kenpachi's form, first shooting to the sky before gathering at its source again, consolidating into the form of a colossal howling skull.
"The Sword of Rupture's" segments continued to revolve with increasing speeds, crimson energy swirling about with each revolution into a all-powerful vortex centered at its very tip.
Inside the skull, two arms swung a single sword down, and it surged forward, fangs bared…
The revolutions reached their apex, and space and time itself began to warp into the vortex…
Two grinning mouths opened.
But whereas one released a wordless roar of exhilaration, the other shouted two significant words:
"ENUMA ELISH!"
An almighty shockwave erupted seemingly out of nowhere inside the Reality Marble, rippling through the ground and air to every single corner. It rapidly reached where the two Riders waged their war, knocking warriors both tainted and not off their feet and shattering even the largest crystals of Dark Energon.
The moment had finally come where the Marble reached its limit. The ground splintered apart into massive chasms where countless soldiers began tumbling in, sand pouring down like waterfalls and mixing with their screams. The Darkened ones fell the quickest, unable to recognize the danger in their stunted states, but the living followed eventually, try as they did to escape on their own legs or riding their horses. Bucephalus alone, the horse legendary for carrying Alexander the Great through his many battles, managed to evade the cracks and keep his rider safe.
Waver could only stare up in shock as gaping holes appeared in the sky itself. Bright blue and tainted purple alike began to give way to the black of night of the real world, stars glittering about. "H-how… all of a sudden…?" A chill swept through Waver that interrupted his stunned thoughts, but he knew somehow it had nothing to do with the Reality Marble's collapse. He'd felt this kind of coldness in his Magic Circuits before, only once.
"Berserker X…" He turned in mounting horror to the spot where those massive mana surges had been wafting about, but the complete devastation of the Reality Marble hindered any chance of sensing specific presences. Still, he just knew these two things were connected. Oh Kenpachi, you Idiot… Tell me you didn't goad Archer into using an Anti-World Noble Phantasm… The boy himself wasn't sure if he was scolding his King's comrade or praying.
High above him, both Riders were having their own problems with this catastrophe. Their flights had become erratic and out of their control due to the atmosphere itself breaking apart, and they tumbled through the holes in the sky out into the true world. As the more experienced flier, Megatron found his bearings first and rounded on his opponent, blasters blazing.
The Gordius Wheel was torn to shreds from the strafing and its prior mileage, forcing Rider to jump from the chariot. He fell for a brief while before landing hard onto Fuyuki Bridge with a grunt; even for a Servant, the impact hurt. Still, he pulled himself to his feet and glared about, sword at the ready. Rider X soared straight towards him, transforming in midflight to slash at him. The two blades' collision released a keening wail across the bridge, but the Cybertronian's momentum sent his opponent hurtling backwards.
Rider flipped to his feet with astonishing agility for his size, loosening the strap of his cloak. When Rider X closed the distance again in four broad strides, he threw out the large cloth to tangle up the arm blade and bashed his spatha's guard against that metallic face. However, Megatron was still empowering himself with Dark Energon, so he only laughed the strike off. "No army, no chariot, no dream," he taunted while striking back. "Now you're but a naked King, Iskandar."
His fusion cannon flared with energy before it blasted the cloak off, and he slashed again. Iskandar ducked under the attack and thrust his own sword, but the blade was easily caught. "There's only one thing left to your name," Rider X retracted his blade and materialized a small crystal in his open hand, "and I shall relish stripping it from you." And so he plunged the crystal into Rider's shoulder.
A howl of pain escaped the King of Conquerors as the malevolent energy seeped into his body. His veins began to glow that twisted purple, his breathing became ragged, he shut his eyes in the agony. His would-be usurper watched the process in sadistic glee, letting Rider's sword arm fall limply to the side… only for it to suddenly surge up and slash his chest armor.
Rider X stumbled briefly, shocked at this, then Iskandar opened his eyes again to reveal they were the same lively red as ever. He fell to one knee but his nostrils flared like those of his bulls, the Darkening symptoms briefly disappearing again. Megatron regained his bearings with an impressed laugh, one hand over his bisected Decepticon symbol. "Impressive, Iskandar. Few have resisted the effects of Dark Energon. But you only delay the inevitable."
"Perhaps…" Rider growled, sensing the war within him over every single cell of his body. "But at least I make the effort to resist its temptations," he retorted defiantly before trying to rise. "That is more than you ever could." After seeing the destruction this power wrought and experiencing it himself, he could safely say it was something he had no interest in seizing.
Rider X's smirk twitched as he loomed over his nemesis. "Why would I ever resist something that was rightfully mine… former King of Conquerors?" He telepathically spurred the effects on: impressive willpower or not, Iskandar couldn't escape his fate-
An odd sound rattled his thoughts, and a dual blow rattled the back of his head.
The effects suddenly slowing, Rider looked over his enemy and smiled at what he saw. "Bucephalus!" His faithful steed whinnied back and continued to hammer Rider X from behind with his hooves.
Further away, Waver Velvet stood where he had slipped off of the horse and urged him to aid their King, tentatively wringing his hands. I have to do something, he thought in desperation, but what? He glared helplessly at the backs of his hands. I used up all of the Seals, stupid! B-but Rider can't die here… Not by his hands… He glanced about in the hopes of finding a way, maybe his other Servant(s), when a high-pitched whine made him look back at the fight.
Bucephalus had tried to kick Rider X with his hind legs, but the larger familiar seized him by the throat and lifted him with both hands upward. An attempt from Rider to intervene, but Dark Energon flared up inside him again at its master's reinstated command. Then with a furious growl, he tore the large horse in half. Blood and entrails splattered across the bridge before fading away, Waver nearly losing his dinner at the gruesome sight.
"You!" Rider angrily tried to get up and make Megatron pay, but he was paralyzed.
The other Rider meanwhile slowly walked closer to the petrified ex-Master, his violet eyes blazing. "You should have known better than to interfere, insect." He took aim with his fusion cannon.
"No!" His King called out, but it was too late.
The plasma struck Waver before he could think let alone dodge. He cried out from the heat and was flung backwards, his body tumbling across the asphalt. That one blast, empowered by Dark Energon as it was, should have meant the end for him…
His body came to a rolling stop hard… but intact. Rider X, who had been about to turn back to his foe, saw this and released an angered yet confused, "What?!"
Iskandar, too, watched with eyes wide as dinner plates at his Master slowly pushing himself with a groan off his back. He then saw for a second time a sheen around the boy's body, but now he realized what it was.
Waver Velvet, too, finally noticed it through his pain: a strange energy field of a grayish green flickering briefly over his chest before it dispersed into tiny particles. Wh-what was that? He didn't know anything about shielding magecraft, and no ordinary spell could've protected him from Rider X's attack. It hadn't felt like magecraft, either, but there was something familiar-
New tears emerged as he recalled where he'd seen such an ability. It wasn't one of this world, but another: "Aura…" he whispered, staring at his left palm. A memory of last night surged forward, that of a Servant dying in front of him but rubbing his head… mumbling something. "S-Saber X…"
"Well, well…" He stilled at the rasp. "It seems you, too, received a gift from your foreign Servant." Rider X was still glaring at him, and he hadn't lowered his arm yet. "But a miracle only happens once, boy."
The cannon's muzzle glowed again, and Isakandar redoubled his efforts to fight off the corruption inside him. "No more…" he snarled, forcing himself to his feet and lifting clumsily his sword. "I won't let you…" Megatron had already twisted too of his ideals and beliefs. He took a step towards his enemy's back and stopped upon registering a familiar presence.
Jingle.
The Clang! of a blade striking Rider X's cannon echoed across the bridge. It shot went wide, streaking harmlessly away from Fuyuki Bridge. Waver's spirit soared as he saw a familiar white and black fluttering in front of him, the lean build of Rider's partner… Then it fell again upon registering the interloper's state.
Simply put, Berserker X was practically a walking corpse. A massive hole gaped open where his upper body should've been, only some measure of his right side remaining. Waver and Rider could stare clean through him. His left arm was gone, and both of his legs were splattered with his blood. The once long blade of his sword had been reduced to barely the length of its hilt, still tightly clutched in Kenpachi's remaining hand. By all accounts, the upper half should've collapsed onto the lower, the Servant shouldn't even have been standing. It was only through sheer strength and willpower this was possible, and even then, anyone could tell with a glance that Berserker X would die soon.
"Yeah…" He rasped out, blood dripping down his chin. "Bit off… maybe a… little more than… I could… chew." He turned slightly to flash his friend an exhausted version of his usual smirk. "Fraid it's… end of the road… for me… Kandy."
Rider winced as he smiled back, his vision slowly turning violet. "I wish I could say the same, Kenpachi…" He grunted from the erosion, "but fate has other plans for me, it seems."
"I think not," a voice not belonging to either X Servant interjected.
Iskandar barely had a chance to realize who was standing in front of him before something burrowed its way through his chest. He slowly took his gaze away from the rent golden armor and down towards the thing that had pierced him: an odd cylindrical thing with sections that were slowly whirring to a halt. Inside of him.
Rider X whirled about from where he'd been staring at the mangled savage (and considering corrupting his corpse) and felt a new fury washing over him. There stood Archer, his once fabulous golden armor a cracked mess, holding something that was running through Rider. He stretched out with his senses, but somehow, the Dark Energon inside of his enemy had been… erased. He couldn't corrupt Iskandar or control his corpse, and with it went the final proof of his victory. He hissed out two tiny words in absolute fury. "You dare…"
"You steal my battle…" Archer's right eye leered at the irate behemoth. "I steal your kill."
Rider barely registered these words, his head clear again from the tainted touch. He could also hear that bountiful sound, the crashing waves of Oceanus. How sweet it was, and what a shame to hear it upon his defeat. "But you can keep that pitiful excuse for a royal title, Rider." Archer's voice came to him again. "The King who stands above all has no need to be renowned as 'King of Conquerors'."
That drew a smile to his lips. "How char… charitable," he grunted out. "I would go… and toast my thanks… but you'd… have to… bring the wine… again."
An old reflex surfaced inside the sole human there to snap at the big lug. How could he joke about in this state?! Then as despair began to settle in again, Berserker X opened his mouth, too. "Sounds good… could use a drink… myself… Whadaya… say, Goldy?" An exasperated yet broken laugh escaped Waver. These two Idiots… All we need is Saber X for the punchline.
"What a truly despicable beast you are…" Only then did Waver notice blood dripping from Archer's head. He slowly turned his head upwards and gasped at the sight.
A long, vertical gash lay on the King of Heroes' forehead, just a bit right from the center, preventing most of the blood flowing out of it from running into his left eye. The entire left side of his gloriously blonde hair was beginning to dye crimson. Needless to say, he saw red, and not just literally. "To inflict such an ugly mark upon my brow and somehow retain part of your form after receiving Ea's grace, then expect wine…" He spat contemptuously. "You do not even have the decency to fall to your knees despite teetering on the precipice of death."
Kenpachi staggered slightly as though to comply with his expectations, but then he stomped his foot against the concrete and pushed himself upright with a bloody smirk. "Man… Who Cannot… Fall, right? Gotta do… my name… proud."
Archer's grip tightened around Ea's handle at the practically casual defiance in the brute's words, and his fury only grew when Rider gurgled out a laugh behind him. Even more blood splashed out from his injuries, the one upon his head all the more so, and this world's oldest King would have screamed his rage out to the heavens, for it reminded him of an utterly loathsome truth he had glimpsed in their final clash:
"The Sword of Rupture's" power had indeed eclipsed this mad dog's blade even with both hands spurring it on… but the latter had reached its target first. And if it had been so much as a single step faster… Berserker X would have split Archer's skull in half.
The mutt's demise was still assured, of course, but to have felt the shadow of defeat, of death, hovering over him even for only an instant… Never before had a fire burned so furiously inside the King of Heroes since his coming to this era. "For these travesties, I should restore and kill you a thousand times over… Kenpachi Zaraki."
And yet despite the venom in his words, the vicious smile stretched across his face was nearly equal to the one Berserker X wore.
"Yeah… got me good… with that thing… Boring as… fuck, though…"
"…What did you say?" Gilgamesh felt a nerve inside his brain snap at that word. "You have the privilege to be felled by Ea… the greatest treasure in my collection… the mightiest weapon this world will ever know… and you dismiss it as… 'boring?'"
Drops of blood flew from the cackle Kenpachi made. "Well… yeah. C'mon, one shot… from that thing… and you win… just like… that. Where's… the fun, the… challenge?" He laughed again. "You really… don't know… a thing about… fighting. A one-trick… pony of a… King." Iskandar joined in the chuckles while Archer's X smile grew more threatening.
Rider X stormed closer to the doomed Servant. "As much as I delight in watching you deflate the King of Heroes, he is correct that you should be dead by now." His arm blade slid out to the side, ready to decapitate the first opponent Megatron had battled in this Grail War. "Perhaps I can help send you on your way."
"Too late… for that…" Particles of mana began to drift off of Berserker X's body. "Time's up…" He glanced down at his broken sword before releasing what could've been a regretful sigh. Guess I still ain't gonna learn your name, huh… Oh, well.
Then a final boisterous laugh rumbled from Rider, somehow not choking off. Red was drifting into his vision, his limbs felt so heavy. Breathing was growing more difficult. "A pity for… you as well… Megatron. Even… after all… you've done… Archer claims… the kills… you sought… and you stand… with… nothing."
Archer relished in the silent indignation oozing off that massive steel form. How true, upstart. No matter what sort of plans you concoct or how much power you amass, you shall remain my inferior. His own temper cooled again; he had, after all, won in the end. Kenpachi would soon be dead, he'd denied the upstart true victory, and… one last thing to settle. He faced the one still hanging off of Ea's blade. "Have you finally been roused from your dream, King of Conquerors?"
Iskandar hummed at the question. "…I suppose I have." Yet he could still hear those waves crashing. The sun glimmering over the bountiful ocean, beckoning for him… Yes. His dream remained untarnished despite Megatron's best efforts. He would die here… but he didn't regret pursuing Oceanus for a second time. And he probably couldn't resist a third, either. "It's been… an ex…exhilarating… campaign… in every… way…" He looked over Archer's shoulder. "Have I… kept my promise… Kenpachi?"
Berserker X's smile was big as ever, even though he was nearly gone. "Hell yeah… Got no regrets… joining up… with you… Iskandar."
Gilgamesh's head turned one way, then the next, quietly accessing their expressions, searching for any lies in their words or satisfaction… and finding none whatsoever. He drew in a long breath, then released it as his mouth shifted into a straight line. An infuriatingly amusing lot to the bitter end. His gaze first alighted on Kenpachi Zaraki. "Man Who Cannot Fall…" Then it moved to Iskandar. "King of Conquerors…" Finally, it fixated on the hand holding Ea. "Come challenge me as many times as you see fit."
Archer withdrew his treasure, and blood splashed out of the hole inside Rider and onto the asphalt. "This world shall ever be my garden until the end of time. I thereby assure both of you violent fools… you shall never find it monotonous."
Both dying Servants let out delighted "oh's" at the promise. The King of Conquerors even added out loud, "Happy… to hear… that," As he closed his eyes for what he knew was the final time, his thoughts turned to the comrades he'd made. Qrow… Kenpachi… Let us meet again… in this world… Remnant… the Soul Society… the Throne of Heroes… or elsewhere. Share with me and my army a drink… as we wait… for his arrival. The roar of Oceanus filled his ears. Ah… It's been inside me… all this time…
Thus, the time of Servants Rider and Berserker X came to an end in the Fourth Holy Grail War.
Waver Velvet witnessed all of this from where he had risen and stood now. He'd managed to stop his crying, but his body felt like the whole world was crushing down on it. The events inside the Reality Marble and on this bridge were burned inside his soul as the greatest thing he had ever seen… and a testament to his own shortcomings. I failed again, was his conclusion to these events. I tried to do for them what I couldn't do for Saber X… and they're still gone. I'm the worst Master any of these three could've been burdened with.
He mentally slapped himself. No time for that kind of thinking, pipsqueak, he could hear a voice inside his mind. Don't go making their deaths any worse than they already are. Besides, the night's not over yet. One look up told the young fool exactly what his subconscious(?) meant.
Rider X was stalking across Fuyuki Bridge, the violet glow finally fading from his eyes and damaged symbol again. With his final victory over Iskandar denied, he would have to settle for the insect who'd summoned him as a consolation prize. He assuredly wouldn't need Dark Energon for rending that tiny body into pieces, and that pleasure, he'd be sure to stretch out through the night.
Waver's legs were anchored to the spot. He'd just gotten a first-hand look at what this "Heroic" Spirit was capable of, and he could tell that he couldn't count on his Aura, newly discovered as it was, returning to protect him. But the former Master refused to close his eyes or show the slightest sign of his inner fear. It was the least he could do in memory of his King and his other Servants.
Megatron chuckled at the expression. Crushing a young fool's bravado always carries the sweetest taste… But his smile became a frown as someone stepped between them.
Waver, too, stared at Archer's sudden movement. A golden ring emerged at the King of Heroes' feet, then it swiftly traveled up along his body before stopping as a sort of halo over his head. When the shine faded, the King of Heroes stood in a fully intact suit of armor, not a speck of blood on his immaculate appearance. All of the damage had been completely erased.
No wait, a wary Waver amended his observation as he focused his sight. The wound on Archer's forehead, the final one inflicted by Berserker X, had become a slender scar from his hairline of restored blond to his left brow.
Archer's expression gave no indication he was aware of this detail. He simply stared at the human standing in front of him. "Child," he finally said, "are you the Master of Rider and Berserker X?" His tone carried an emotionless quality that was still somehow awe-inspiring.
Waver hadn't thought he'd be able to get a single word out, the fear gripped him so tightly. But the question made something inside him rise. "N-no," was his whispered answer. "I am the student of Saber X and Berserker X. And Rider's vassal."
The words drew a hum from Gilgamesh as he assessed the fist trembling by the little body's side. "I see. Then as a loyal pupil, is it not your duty to avenge the deaths of your superiors?"
"…If I fight either of you, I will die." Despite the cold truth of these words, Waver voiced them calmly.
"Certainly." Archer shifted slightly in his stance so the upstart could clearly see what his right hand was still holding.
Megatron halted his actions upon seeing the odd drill-like weapon. Despite having never seen it before, he recognized it from Tokiomi's boastings. "The Sword of Rupture" itself… The Reality Marble's destruction had spared Rider X the need to draw his own ultimate weapon. He could draw it now…
"Then I can't." He paused in his tactics to look alongside Archer at the frail fleshy being before them. Those green eyes were shining full of fear as they returned the Servants' gazes. "I've been ordered to live." Full of weakness…
And yet, full of courage. A courage the leader of the Decepticons had seen many times.
Gilgamesh, King of Heroes, judged the eyes staring unblinking into his and decided to turn away. "Your loyalty is splendid. Do not taint it." Such was his decree, and as his gaze narrowed up towards the metallic face before him, a clear warning. If you seek his head, I shall take yours.
Megatron's jaw clenched at the unspoken threat- no, a promise. This was perhaps his final chance to strip Iskandar of his crown by corrupting his one remaining vassal in this world… But he relented. A dull ache was spreading across his limbs. It seems even the Reactor's connection cannot fully negate fatigue, he noted idly. And it was doubtful Archer had exhausted his treasury while trading blows with Berserker X.
Very well. The night had been exciting enough, and the boy posed no threat to him anyway now that he'd lost his guardians. One insect scurrying away from his heel was trivial in comparison to him defeating the King of Conquerors.
Besides, he'd learned some very interesting things about his final opponent. He focused on that single scar still adorning Archer's head before finally turning away. "Your time is coming," he made his own promise over his shoulder. "King of Heroes carries as lovely a ring as King of Conquerors."
Half of a smirk drifted across Archer's mouth as he watched Rider transform. "Do try to make it exciting, upstart."
Thus, one Servant blasted off towards the night sky while the other simply dematerialized. And Waver Velvet finally felt the strength in his legs give out. His knees hit the pavement, but he felt no pain. A pity, he figured as he braced himself with his hands. It might've distracted him from the agony inside him.
He had survived. Not by any skill of his own, but simply because neither had deemed him worth the effort. But he now had nothing left. No Command Seals, no Servants, just a last gift he knew almost nothing about… and a vow he'd made to his King.
As he kneeled on that bridge, hands over his moist eyes, the young man uttered a single phrase inside his mind over and over again: I want to get stronger.
…Well, that's a wrap. Goodbye, Iskandar and Kenpachi Zaraki, you guys made for a whole lot of entertaining scenes. Sadly, you're both gone… but never forgotten. And whether or not either of you truly lost your final battle, I'll let the readers decide.
Team Waver was undoubtably one of the strongest teams in this version of the Holy Grail War, with three Servants who all liked and trusted each other. But it still had one crucial weakness: lack of teamwork. Sure, Iskandar, Qrow and Kenpachi all got along, but they all had a preference for one-on-one battles. They might've walked to the battlefield together, but they didn't fight together. I think Rider and Berserker X as a team MIGHT have been capable of defeating Megatron and maybe even Gilgamesh. However, they chose to fight solo, which unfortunately cost both of them.
Some of you may question how Kenpachi was able to pressure and even injure Archer when Heracles in Stay Night canon couldn't so much as touch him, so let me point out two key differences in their battles: 1) Waver empowered Kenpachi beforehand with two Command Seals, so he was fighting at more than 100%; 2) Kenpachi didn't need to worry about collateral damage. Remember, Heracles had a handicap of needing to protect Ilya while fighting, that hampered the big guy's performance. But in the end, Kenpachi died, too (albeit while possibly leaving a lasting impression on Gil).
As for Enkidu, Heracles broke the chains while Kenpachi just pulled himself free of them.
I almost included a scene of Saber arriving at the bridge to witness the outcome of the battle, her trading a farewell greeting with Rider ("King of Knights…" "King of Conquerors.") to show their mutual respect, but this chapter's already long enough.
Oh, and seeing as quite a few of you have been expecting to see Waver's Semblance, I'm afraid it's not gonna appear in this story. I mean, come on, he just had his Aura unlocked by Saber X and wasn't even aware of it at the time. Back in RWBY canon, even quick learners like Jaune and Oscar don't discover their Semblances right off the bat. Ren is arguably an outlier due to unlocking Tranquility as a little kid, but those were… pretty drastic circumstances. Besides, I suspect his Aura was already unlocked and a little trained by his father, a precaution due to their environment.
So, sorry, but for now, Waver's only just realized he has Aura. But he does recall Qrow's memories and words, and after what he just experienced, you better believe he'll be training to discover his Semblance. I admittedly have a couple of ideas of what it will turn out to be, and it won't just be a carbon copy of Misfortune, either. Qrow might've been summoned because he reflected Waver's inner nature, but like Rider X noted a few chapters ago, "a reflection is not a perfect copy."
None of this means I won't show what the future Lord El-Melloi II can do in the Paradox timeline eventually, though. He will have a fully trained Aura and Semblance, just not right now. The Fourth Holy Grail War is Waver's coming-of-age story, and his growth will only continue from here.
As for Avalon returning to Irisviel… why wouldn't the King of Knights loan it to a good friend, especially after it has already saved the life of another? In canon, Kiritsugu never let Saber in on his strategies like letting Iri carry Avalon or Iri later giving it to Kiritsugu, so she never had the chance to reclaim it until Fate/Stay Night. Seeing as she knows in this timeline, and Avalon wasn't implanted inside Assassin X for ten years like with Shirou, reclaiming it from him ought to be a piece of cake for her. That she goes ahead and loans it back to Irisviel because her need is greater is something I feel Artoria would do. After all, she doesn't doubt Iri would return it just like Kakashi did.