"Have you ever felt happy?" It was a simple enough question, nothing difficult by the end. No reading between the lines or some hidden context. Just a simple straightforward question.
"..." One that Kirei found himself unable to answer. Not just because he's still recovering from his throat being strangled for those brief moments. Even if he wasn't feeling sore, deep down Kirei knew that he wouldn't have been able to answer regardless.
"Hm. I see." Pity is what he received from Lancer. "How sad."
Any retort Kirei might have had died on his lips. He could say many things if he could, from admonishing her nature, or rightfully pointing out the crimes she committed. As someone who followed the same faith as Solomon, she has disgraced herself. Her family.
"Well, I can tell you that I, for one, have never been more satisfied with my life." None of her sins bothered her one bit. She lauded at the violations she perpetuated. Outright praised them. Telling him in an exhilarating tone that didn't betray any form of joy she speaks about.
"If anything, my only real shame was that I didn't find those treasures much sooner. But then again, I wouldn't have felt such great pleasure that made up for the two decades I felt nothing." As Kirei saw Lancer continue to speak, he found the emptiness inside him growing much larger.
Those who do good deeds are praised. For the act of doing good is a reward in itself. It didn't just extend to others either, but included oneself. Whether it'd be for self-improvement or succeeding in one's career. You can love yourself just as much as the neighbor next door.
So…what did it say when a woman who's an outright heretic found happiness when Kirei, after years of devout service, found none?
Swallowing, nothing came to mind.
"Heh." A reaction Lancer didn't miss out on. Gently grabbing his chin and forcing him to look in her eyes. "Still nothing? A shame. Although," With a playful mood, Lancer said, "Maybe that can change. All humans can be happy. It's just a matter of finding what interests them."
"Interests?"
"Naturally." Lancer laughed. Putting a hand on her hip as she leaned her head back. "Some people like helping others, others like helping only themselves. The free will humans have allows us to search for what it is that makes each of us happy in this world.
"In other words, you just haven't found out what brings you joy."
"..." It was difficult believing this, yet there is truth in her words. Just as some people find joy in one concept, another person finds it elsewhere. Humans have different hobbies after all, activities that please them. Anything that brings them excitement.
'Yet I…' He spent years trying. Doing everything he can within his reach to find what could make him happy. Executioner. Priest. He even took several classes on different subjects and learned what he could, putting in a considerable amount of effort for the slim chance this would bring him joy. He eventually quit when he realized he found nothing meaningful in the act, even though he was on the verge of completing his task.
But as Lancer told him, it simply means that he hasn't found the very undertaking that'd give him joy.
"I tried everything, though." Kirei acknowledged, voicing out his frustration. With only bits of envy that a person such as Lancer and other humans in general could feel what he couldn't. "Not even having a family helped." His wife's death being essentially… more distressing in ways he couldn't describe, yet never made him feel sorrow at the same time.
"Everything." Lancer didn't seem convinced. "So you never felt attracted towards any subject? Theme? Topic. Of any emotion?" Her eyes flickered dangerously. She would attack him if he lied, not to her, but to himself.
With his mind ruminating as he did know one theme that he's always attracted to. It came to mind faster before he could stop it. The only concern that ever grabbed his attention, no matter how many times he turned his head away from it.
Without even realizing, he then thought of the people who suffered from the attacks caused by the Servants-
His eyes lit up.
"Ahhh." Her response all but said she knew what he's thinking. Even if he didn't say it, it appeared that all she had to do was look into his eyes, the windows to the soul as some would claim. Going right near him, she suggested, "Tell you what, Master," Her voice dripped like honey. Unable to avert his ears or eyes from what she tells him. "I have an idea. One that can win us the war…and you can decide if we do it or not."
She stole from Solomon. She ignored the words of God. Her nature is that of a heretic. Anything she 'suggests' wouldn't be pleasing.
"...I'm listening." His heart quickened in anticipation to hear what she had to say.
The mall had been destroyed, mostly. The area where it had appeared was all but gone. Its arrival decimating this area made worse when it struck to make itself more room. As it hovered over those that witnessed its arrival.
With a struggle, Irisviel could only look up as dust covered her face, weakly calling out to her servant. "Rider."
The response wasn't assuring. "Sky Striker Ace - Zeke, online. Reviewing mission parameters."
A cold mechanical voice came from the source of the mall's destruction. It tore through the ceiling upon its arrival, Rider then leaping towards it and entered inside it. Now, under the slowly dawned sun, its appearance made itself known. Where Irisviel could only think of one thing.
Dangerous.
Kotone dropped the ball, and the game of playing catch finished abruptly. Normally, such an action would cause all the other kids to call out the young girl for ruining the fun. Or perhaps playfully comment on her clumsiness.
None of them, including Rin Tohsaka, bothered to say a word.
"Rin." Aoi Tohsaka immediately called out to her daughter. She wasn't the only one either. In the park, many parents immediately went to grab their kids. Looks of worry and fear etched on their faces while some began running towards their cars. Intent on leaving as fast as they could.
A great distance away, a pillar of smoke could be seen climbing into the air. Where if one walked towards the fence, then looked past all the buildings below, you would see something in Fuyuki City Mall. The park being a great distance away from the 'something' in question but had the perfect view to see it. Many people who hadn't run had already gone to check out what had happened.
For Aoi Tohsaka, she didn't wish to know what happened. Only that she knew the cause of it all. The second the explosion was heard by her and everyone else, Aoi knew what she needed to do.
Grabbing Rin, who had almost gone to the fence to see what everyone else was seeing, Aoi picked her up and began walking as fast as she could away from the source. Other parents wisely doing the same. "Ah!" Rin, who saw what was happening, immediately waved to her friend and shouted a quick bye, the girl doing the same. "Be safe!"
"Okay!" Kotone's parents had already picked up Kotone who waved at Rin as she left. As for Rin herself, she stared at the rising smoke. Like all the others in the park, which she had been taken for recreational activities, she heard the explosion as well. Like her mother, Rin also knew what the likely cause was.
'Dad.' She thought as Aoi took her further away.
"Hahaha! Well this got more interesting." With a grimy laugh, Zouken Matou couldn't help but be amused. Finding the current situation utterly absurd, even for one who had lived long enough to already bear witness to such incidents before. His pathetic son, Byakuya, shivering while little Sakura didn't seem concerned at all.
Oh, this was going to get Ruler upset. Though it wouldn't just be her, not that Zouken referred to the foolish creatures known as humans. No. They were already going to panic regardless.
"Let's see how the Mage Association and Church deal with this." Zouken gleefully whispered as his eyes all around Fuyuki informed him of the happenings in the city. With this being one of the most memorable events to occur since this war began. From Assassin assaulting the people in broad daylight , to Kayneth unleashing the might of his Caster with no regard for secrecy, this latest incident would change everything for all the players of the fourth holy grail war.
At times like this, Tokiomi seriously considered using a spell to simply knock himself out for an entire week. It's doable. While it would leave him undefended perhaps it'd be worth it. His headache growing as his jaw dropped at what had just happened.
"Archer…" He had only gone outside for a bit to buy a small meal to fill his stomach and perhaps get some new clothes. Maybe get the time and ask how Risei was doing. Archer materialized by his side, concerned.
"I felt it." She had already sensed what Tokiomi had felt.
"I see." It had been blatant like a man tearing off his shirt. No form of subtlety. It didn't feel as if what happened had been bothered to be covered up. It just…occured, without hesitation.
A Noble Phantasm had been used. Magical energy recognized from being used without holding back. Any thoughts of finding a cafe for a meal now removed and replaced with different thoughts in mind.
"Take me there…please." He is the Second Owner. He is one that believes magus should be responsible in how they use their power. This…this is unacceptable. He needed to move fast. Now.
"Follow me." Even if Archer held some reservations about Tokiomi still, the urgency she sensed and her own regards for the situation at hand pushed them all aside. The current disaster falling before them took greater priority than simple enmity.
Heading in an alley, Tokiomi did and the two escaped from the sight of the ordinary civilians who commented on the explosion heard. Except one person had been watching Tokiomi the entire time.
Mouth grinning as he limped toward the alley. It seems the plan was a go.
Already outside, Waver and Saber were attracted to the noise just as much as everyone else. The magical energy that accompanied the explosion doubled their worry.
"That…that's not good." Gulping, Saber couldn't say much other than what he did.
Not that Waver disagreed, grabbing his face and panicking. "T-The hell!" It hadn't even been twenty-four hours and already another open-wide catastrophe is occuring. "Who in their right mind would even do this?!"
"Who knows. Someone mad I guess. They'd have to be." Ruler had already given her warning, making it abundantly clear what the consequences would be. That hammer she had wasn't for show, nor the Command Seals she had which could end them. Yet here they were. "What should we do?" asked Saber.
Swallowing his anxiety, Waver narrowed his eyes. Ignoring the shouts from other people and tried to focus on the current matter at hand. Breathing in, Waver calmed himself and made a decision. "Let's check it out." That's his answer.
"Understood." Already Saber is prepared to don his armor and sword. Even if this threat is stronger than him, he won't give in. If he perishes, he'll at least get his Master to safety. "Should we contact Rider and Irisviel?"
"Not enough time." Not that Waver could, seeing as he didn't have a number or any form of contact information to reach them. "Still, they might come themselves."
"Hm. Good point." The two then left quickly, heading towards the source. As they did so, Saber then had a thought come in mind. 'I wonder,' Pertaining in relation about the Servant they met just a bit ago. 'How will Ruler react?'
She had been summoned before she even knew it, yet took advantage of her current circumstances so that she could have a good time in this era she found herself in. Having ordered a third meal, Ruler had been enjoying herself and the pleasures of modern day food. True, as a Heroic Spirit Ruler didn't have any actual need or physical desire in eating. Not that it'd stop her, as only an idiot would not eat the great food modern society made.
Meaning every bite she had only made Ruler happier as she swallowed.
"!" Only to choke when she not only heard an explosion that shook the windows and caused the customers inside to stand in shock, she herself immediately vanished.
Finding herself, still in the civilian clothes she 'borrowed' from that woman, falling flat on her butt on some rubble. The sandwich slipped between her fingers and landed on the ground, making it filthy and unsanitary to eat.
Armor surrounded her and Ruler growled, hammer appearing in hand and slammed it onto the ground, cracking it like an egg. Standing up, Ruler turned to see just who caused her to teleport here only to pause in shock.
'That's…!' In Dogmatika, before she was exiled, Ruler had learned many things from their teachings. The primary one being, that there were different worlds out there, with some holding unique energies unknown to mankind.
Fusion. Synchro. Xyz. And as of recent, Link.
Outside the world of man, including this one, there are lifeforms out there who hold these unique energies which can grant them unique abilities and gifts. Although, as taught by the church, there are cases where beings from the normal world can gain these powers to change themselves. Perhaps even being born with it, the Tri-Brigade coming to mind.
Not that it's just living beings that can gain the power and energy of the other dimensions. With her skill, True Name Discernment, Ruler saw Rider's name and history.
Sky Striker Ace - Roze. Former agent of Spectra. A human created by a machine known as Zard to counter-attack another Sky Striker. Gifted a war machine that somehow was imbued with the power of Link itself. Safe to say this Zard character unintentionally tapped into the Link dimension, explaining why she was brought here. Her own skill, Interdimensional Protection, sensing the power of Link and bringing her to confront the Servant.
A good thing too, as Ruler couldn't believe what she's seeing.
Floating above rubble of a wrecked mall is none other than Rider's Noble Phantasm, Sky Striker Ace - Zeke. The top half was humanoid with a floating shield next to it, holding a massive sword in its right hand while the bottom half consisted of parts that Ruler couldn't identify. Unlike her friend Kitt, she's no mechanic.
Granted, it didn't take a mechanic to see that for whatever reason Rider broke the rules. The Servant in question, inside the massive building-size machine, who now wears a white dress of some kind over her usual outfit is causing trouble just by existing, breaching the rules of the Holy Grail War. "Rider!" Holding her left hand, Ruler knew what needed to be done. There will be no excuses for this. "By this Command Seal, I-"
It then happened.
Whether it's because Rider knew what Ruler would do, or simply because she considered Ruler an enemy, the Saint of Dogmatika realized too late what would happen next. With a speed surpassing what Ruler had assumed, Sky Striker Ace - Zeke had immediately raised its blade and brought it down on Ruler. An unnatural light came out of it as it aimed down at her.
In Rider's original world, when Zeke was first utilized, in the eyes of a girl known as Raye she felt that if she was hit by the attack she would vanish. Now, as a Servant, the Noble Phantasm itself has been distorted and changed with abilities it certainly never had in life. In this case, the power to make someone 'vanish'.
The sword slammed where Ruler was and a white light lit up the surrounding area. The ground cracked in half from the force of the blow and when the light settled, all that's left is Zeke and a destroyed mall.
"Uaaaghhhhh!" With Rider screaming inside it as she felt her mind under pain from the 'order' Zeke is giving her.
[Command inserted: Destroy all potential enemies]
[...Enemy banished]
[Priority List: Review]
[...Destroy all enemies of Karma]
[...Return to Spectra]
More orders were given, overflowing in Rider's mind. Zeke, her most powerful Noble Phantasm, was also the one she most disliked. Despite its design being a powerful weapon, it's also considered a brainwashing device. One that forced Rider into following its primary command.
Naturally, it hurt her a lot. "Uuuhhhh." Gripping her head, forced to 'listen', new commands were already inserting itself into her. The basic AI inside Zeke is already reviewing the disconnection between it and Spectra main command. Unable to detect any local Spectra base. Of anything, really.
After a quick review, the basic AI in Zeke then decided only one alternative remained.
Eliminate all enemies in the vicinity and pave way for Spectra's return.
With pupils shrinking, Rider immediately obeyed. Under the control of her own Noble Phantasm which brainwashed her into obedience, Rider focused her efforts and on her hub, energy signatures were detected. Each one represents a Servant who gave off enough magical energy that the machine itself could detect. But also…
There are smaller signatures.
Due to the machine itself being new here, the basic AI running Zeke had no idea that these smaller signatures are, in truth, either other magus in the city, or bounded fields themselves. Not that it would care regardless, as these are potential threats that needed to be dealt with. Now.
The massive floating machine then began turning, already pinpointing where it should head off towards. Only for a ping to be set off where on its radar multiple enemy combat units have been detected. Or in truth, the countless humans who had just left the mall and somehow miraculously survived. Now bearing witness at what could only be described as something that came from a sci-fi show itself.
Where in turn, Zeke saw them as enemies to be killed.
With the face-plate glowing, the machine turning across from all the humans, it was only then the crowd who had been forced to leave the mall realized that standing around isn't a good idea.
"Enemies of Spectra detected." It got worse when, in a low robotic tone, the machine spoke with the sword being raised. "All shall be eliminated." The sword then swiped at the now running crowd.
An arc of wind followed by countless missiles launched from below came right at them.
"Now this is certainly something." In the ground behind Zeke, lowering her magical energy as much as she could, Lancer watched with Kirei at the very threat they unleashed. At the explosions heard and the screams that followed soon after. "It seems Rider is targeting all those poor people." Her words held no emotion in them.
"Interesting." The same applied to Kirei, who felt no urge in rushing and calling out for the people to run and leave. Not that it would help, seeing as 'Rider' is now floating towards whoever survived to eliminate them. "And why is that?"
"From what I read, her enemy had been a human. And she's now seeing many humans. Her Noble Phantasm must be confused." She spoke as if the many casualties occurring now are of no concern. How the only person that could have stopped her, Ruler, is now gone.
"And you know this, how?" With Kirei looking detached from such dreadful news. His eyes dull only for the tiniest bit of conflict seen inside them. Only spotted when he heard the sounds of terror happening just a bit on the other side from where he was. His mouth slowly twitched.
"Simple." Lancer held a book, a scripture. It now made sense. "While I heavily dislike reading his work, it's rather useful to know my future on occasions."
"Solomon's prophecies." So that's how she knew of Rider's Noble Phantasm. This certainly solved one question, only for another to open up. "I thought using these Noble Phantasms drained you?"
"Ah. It seems you were mistaken about something." As the scripture vanished, Lancer gave a few more details on her Noble Phantasms. "I can technically use all of them however I want. It's only when I invoke their name and release their true power that my Saint Graph is…damaged." Damaged by a being that would never forgive her, even when she came from another world.
"For the scriptures, I can truthfully read what Solomon left behind, including his prophecies without issue. It's using its self-defense mechanism that counts as 'abuse' of its usage." A very clever loophole then. That explained how she could take out the Noble Phantasms and use them from time without invoking any demerit from them. Because she hadn't spoken their name at those times.
"I understand now." Kirei turned back and stared at the retreating form of Rider inside Zeke. "Using these prophecies, you discovered Rider's Noble Phantasm and made a plan ensuring she'd use it."
"It's not like I can take the full credit, master." She finished with a smirk. "After all, you were the one who suggested using Rider's Master as a hostage."
"Nnn." Both heard a sound, where on the ground Irisviel is seen on her stomach. Glaring hatefully at them for considerably justified reasons. "You," She began. "You purposely did all this."
As if it hadn't been enough that she had been held hostage. They also forced Rider into using this Noble Phantasm. Where now Irisviel heard her Servant's cries when using it, with Rider attacking civilian lives that shouldn't be involved.
All that had been done on purpose.
"Why?!" They had to realize this doesn't serve anybody well. If anything, all these two did was dig a hole for themselves to be tossed into. "The Mage Association…they won't-"
"Allow this. Certainly." Despite his actions, it wasn't as if Kirei is blind. "Although…one could say that what Rider has unleashed isn't technically, in a sense, unveiling magecraft." Difficult to consider a massive machine magical in any sense or form. "Such an excuse wouldn't work, of course. We all know that it's the power of a Servant, as advanced as it is." A detail the Mage Association won't care for.
"They'll be coming." Irisviel hissed. She was furious at what they've done. At what they did to Roze… With her greatest rage aimed at how powerless she herself had been, who could only watch and nothing more.
"I know." Kirei agreed with his fellow Master. Knowing that this final act has driven the hammer against all Masters, including him. The coffins wide open for them all. Soon, very soon, the Mage Association will act and come for the participants of this war. It didn't matter if he had been the true culprit of this. If anything, they'll target every Master who is involved in the ritual and deal appropriate punishments.
Things had been bad enough with all the 'terrorist' attacks across the city. This? They'd never let this go. Once the news reaches and the shock overcomes them, outrage with livid eyes will take over.
Still, time is on Kirei's side. "This war will end before the day is over." Only confidence came out of Kirei, as he looked up where Rider had left off towards. "The Mage Association will act, but it'll still take them time."
A truth that Irisviel couldn't deny, much as she'd like to. Which meant only one thing for her. Kirei and Lancer surveying her meant they held one purpose for her. "Lancer."
"Right away." Lancer quickly knocked the homunculus out and then proceeded to carefully pick her up and lift her gently.
"Let us go before Rider gains any semblance of sanity and targets us." Had it not been for the countless people who had been made into leaving the Fuyuki Mall, it would have been him and Lancer who Rider first targeted. A possibility he couldn't allow, not until he set out for what needs to be done.
"Master." Hearing Lancer call out for him, he turned. A playful smile greets him. "Tell me, how does it feel? Knowing what you will do, and the sacrifices made." Another explosion is heard.
"...I'll find out very soon, won't I." The conversation he had with Lancer still dwelled on his mind. One where after Kirei willingly put himself onto this path when Lancer told him what they could do. Both to win the war and find what made him happy.
He wondered how his father would feel about this? The reaction he would make, especially if he knew this was all caused by his own son.
His lips twitched further.
The two began leaving the area, ready for the next part. Kariya should be out doing his own job, where win or fail, it wouldn't deter Kirei or Lancer one bit. Still, as they leave, Kirei is curious about one last thing.
"What reasons did you give those items to Rider?"
"Ah, those." Lancer giggled. "I just thought that they'd be useful for her. I'm sure she'll put them to good use." With the prize in their hands the two left.
Indeed, as Kirei had spoken before, the Mage Association was already preparing to visit Fuyuki and deal with the masters once their spies revealed what had just occurred. Even if normal humans didn't understand the truth of what was happening, they did. Regardless, the fact is they wouldn't arrive for a while due to the sudden attack made by this servant. More so due to travel time and political reasons. Meaning that by the time they'd arrive, the situation in Fuyuki very much might have changed.
"All enemies of Spectra will be eliminated." Assuming Fuyuki is even left standing considering the devastation being caused. Already any buildings that had stood in Zeke's way had been cut down and sliced, leaving the remnants to collapse and crush anything beneath it.
The humans closest to Zeke; cut down or reduced to ashes. The missiles doing a fine job at causing destruction where the sword couldn't reach. Ensuring that all enemies were swiftly dealt with one way or another.
Not that the people of Fuyuki were simply lying down and willingly letting themselves be killed. No. For those who survived or are distanced enough away, calls had already been made in panic. Assisted by the fact that the constant ground shaking and explosions heard ensured that helicopters, police, and many more were already aware a disaster is among them.
As such, all this led to one result for those frightened and wondering what the hell was going on.
"-we're keeping a distance away, but as you can see, it seems the c-culprits of these terrorist attacks have shown themselves!" From the false answers and altered memories the Church had done in hiding the genuine culprits of the war, the people had come towards a single conclusion. "We don't have all the answers, but it seems the terrorists are known as Spectra!" That the giant machine is another attack like all the others. One masterminded by the organization the machine called out and revealed as Spectra.
"All shall be placed under Spectra's rule." With Zeke continuing its lifeless montage as it sliced down another building. Slowly making its way towards the nearest energy signature it found with the full intent of destroying it.
Gulping, the man in the news chopper shook in fear. A cold sweat dripped down him as he and everyone watching from their televisions at the catastrophe that had come down upon them. A gigantic machine that appeared from nowhere and destroyed the Fuyuki Mall and anything in its vicinity. Making its way east where those living were cut down or bombarded.
"People in the east district, please, all evacuate as fast as you can." This is a complete emergency. There isn't any time for snappy lines or jokes. What's needed now is for the people to get to safety and run as fast as they could before they are next. This ..this thing was destroying everything, with more people being killed or injured as it continued its path of devastation.
With those watching doing just that, a panicked evacuation is underway. Unaware that for many, they would actually be safe seeing as Zeke is only coming for one person.
"Oh…shit." Or two in this case, Waver feeling the need to simply run away without looking back. "This…this is really happening. Isn't it?"
"It is." His answer being confirmed didn't make Waver any happier. If anything, he'd prefer waking up right now and wishing all of this is a nightmare. One that'll go away when he wakes up on his nice comfy bed.
"Energy signature detected. Less than 100 meters." The sound of a building collapsing and the ground shaking like an earthquake hit said this was reality. A frightening one at that.
"It's coming for us." By mere instinct, Saber knew. "I don't know how, but it's heading our way."
"Damn!" Waver believed him. As he struggled to not trip over from the constant shaking, Waver just knew Saber's words were no lie or delusion. What's coming for them is a Servant, one that isn't even holding back. "Saber!"
"On it!" Grabbing him, Saber lifted Waver who held back the embarrassment of being lifted and just allowed his Servant to run inside an alley and jump up. Landing on a rooftop where the two could get a much better view of what's coming for them,
The sight of a giant machine with a just as equally giant sword only made Waver's distress grow.
"Oh crap!" And it seems to have noticed them.
"Targets spotted." Yep, it did.
"This isn't good."
"You think!"
"No, Master." Saber cut in. "What I meant is that I know the cause. Rider."
"...whu?" Pointing at the machine, Saber explained.
"It's tricky, but I can see Rider inside." The Servant winced. "And I believe she's in pain."
"Seriously!" Rider did this! Einzbern did this!? W-Why would they even do that?! "T-That makes no sense!"
"Indeed, you're right." None of it did. "But it is. Right now, we're facing what's undoubtedly Rider's Noble Phantasm." Standing straight, Saber gritted his teeth. Angered. "I don't know if something has gone wrong, but the fact is lives are now at stake."
In wars, Saber always saw someone die. By his hands or by his comrades. But to involve those who didn't want any part of such tragedies - it wasn't right. The people of Fuyuki shouldn't be a part of this. Dying at the hands of beings that don't belong in this era.
"Master." Which left only one thing. "I want to put a stop to this." Gripping the hilt of his sheathed sword, Saber's eyes narrowed.
By his side, watching, Waver gave a grunt. "Seeing how Ruler hasn't shown up yet…well, I guess this is technically self-defense." No way was Rider going to kill him and Saber. Not without a fight anyway. "Think you can handle it?"
"...honestly, no." Even so, his voice didn't waver. Let alone resign to defeat. "But I have a trick or two that might just help." Even if it had been only a glimpse, Waver had seen Saber's past. Dreams of a man who survived against those who were superior to him in every way. Be it physical, magical, or position.
Yet here Saber is, standing. Unyielding against the power of a Servant who is greater than even him. Saber may not consider himself a hero…but he held the resolve of one in Waver's opinion.
"Alright then." With Command Seals ready and at hand, Waver felt very much they'd be needed. I guess we're gonna have another Servant fall."
"One step closer for our wish, eh." With that small joke and confidence, the two men smiled at one another before looking back at the encroaching threat. That menacingly had stopped attacking the people and now began coming for them.
"...Ready?"
"I'm ready."
Sighing, Waver held a steady gaze. "Then, by these Command Seals," Raising his hand, the power of an absolute command was ready to be used. "I command you t-"
Only for a burst of blue energy escaping the clouds to interrupt his command and slammed against the barley positioned shield that protected the machine from total destruction. It slowly cracked.
The light then vanished, leaving only the massive machine with a very burnt shield to look up and claim, "Potential counter-attack from Karma. Preparing immediate combat response."
In turn, a roar is heard from the blue skies.
Alright then, it's finally happening. We're nearing the end of this story, and as Kirei said, this will be the final day for the war as it ends. Some Servants are about to drop.
All while Japan is under attack by the terrorist group known as Spectra. Guess manipulating the masses has worked after all. Thankfully, it seems another group (Servants) known as Karma is fighting back against them.
Jokes aside, it seems Tokiomi is joining the fray, with Waver following behind. Kariya…unlikely. Irisviel, captured. And Ruler is seemingly gone. Anyway, hope you enjoy this as we're about to reach the finale. Also, here's Rider's Noble Phantasm.
Sky Striker Ace - Zeke (Anti-Unit) (B):
A massive combat-based machine made in response to the many versatile weapons and forms against Karma's Sky Striker. Sky Striker Ace - Zeke is a Noble Phantasm that provides its rider, Roze, an increase in offensive power and support weapons. While classified as Anti-Unit, Zeke is capable of attacking an army through its potent, if limited, armaments installed.
Due to Zeke being crystallized as a Noble Phantasm, similar to a Servant, its own abilities have been distorted to gain new ones. One of which is to temporarily banish a single enemy-target elsewhere for an unknown duration of time. The second is to boost itself at a greater cost. The latter two abilities can only be used when Zeke is summoned in full.
Rider can also either summon its full form or simply summon its lower half for mana preservation. However, regardless of which mode she utilizes, Zeke will immediately connect to Rider's brain and forcibly brainwash her in following pre-commands installed by Spectra.
Zeke's destruction or a Command Seal is the only thing capable of freeing her from its control.
