Another particular specimen hurtled up high, then went spiraling down towards the spot where a certain Master had set up his sniping point. Damnit was all Kiritsugu could think as he moved as fast as he could to slide off the roof before the scrap metal crashed into the spot he had occupied. He landed near-silently on a catwalk and aimed again, but this new position was sub-optimal. He could still watch the battlefield, but El-Melloi was no longer open for him. Just my luck. Heroic Spirits can be such a damn pain.
"Maiya," the woman listened attentively at her spot, "My position's been compromised. I'm alright, but it'll take time for me to find a new one, especially if I want to avoid attention."
"Understood. Should I keep an eye out for you?"
"No, I should manage. Stick to our plan." She nodded, forcing down any worry for him. This was a battlefield. Its form was fluid as ever, and you couldn't allow yourself to panic.
The 11th Kenpachi paid no heed to the destruction he had wrought; he simply jabbed his blade downwards, Rider X deflecting it with his arm. Sparks erupted from the twin metals scraping against one another before the Cybertronian rolled away with remarkable agility.
Berserker X peered at the blue liquid dripping from his sword. "Got some weird blood there."
Rider X inspected the injury on his arm with some amusement. "I hope you don't think you've won just by giving me a mere scratch."
"I'd be disappointed if I did." And they clashed again.
As for the other Servant of Madness, his duel was ongoing as well. The final projectile, a lance with a lightning-charged tip, was met by Berserker's axe. The resulting explosion cracked the ground and unleashed a wave of smoke through which almost no one could peer through.
Archer had observed from his spot with rising indignation, then two of his own weapons came spinning out of the cloud. They sliced cleanly through the lamppost even as he jumped off his perch. The carved metal clattered against the gravel two seconds before the Servant landed gracefully on crouching legs, his earrings jingling with the movements. In this entire altercation between Archer and Berserker, neither had received a single injury.
Physically, at least. "You dare…" Archer's shoulders shook with rage. He knew he had not been the target for the earlier attack. This maddened mutt's graceful actions continued to taunt him. "You make me share the same ground as you? Where I belong at the zenith of heaven?!"
And then heaven seemed to deliver its anger as well. A laughing Berserker X crashed in between them, bleeding from a dozen cuts and burns, but rolled to his feet and slashed his nodachi so hard the air above him was tangibly cut. A deep grove appeared in Alt-Mode Starship's hull as it swerved away from the path of destruction.
Rider X reassumed his true form to land on one knee opposing Berserker X, not quite between the other two battling Servants. Archer still sneered at him. "Must you outlandish wretches tromp around in front of me?" He focused on his "ally". "At least try not to bleed out too excessively. I have little interest in polishing my armor free of that blue filth."
Indeed, his pristine silver armor was covered in scraps and dents, some more noticeable than others. Two bleeding slashes in an X-fashion on his chest drew particular attention. He wiped his left thumb against his mouth to remove the blood-like substance gathered there but continued to smirk through his panting. "Oh, my… apologies… King. Far be it… from me to cast… any sort of blemish… upon your luster. It is far too early for me to strip it away altogether."
Archer's nostrils flared, but Berserker X's chuckling cut through his retort. "You two are so fucking noisy…" he cracked his neck to either side. "If you've got energy to mouth off, then put it to use fighting. I'm getting bored here with your pissing contest."
"Oh, bored are you…?" The growl made both look at Archer, eyes like twin red suns. "I have suffered far too many aggravations for one night!" He spread his arms wide as not one, not two, not sixteen, but thirty-two portals appeared to flank him. "Your collective insolence shall be met with excruciating death! Not the smallest speck shall remain of you, mongrels!"
All of the non-fighting Servants started at the incredible sight. Even after the onslaught on Berserker, this one had still been holding back?! Even Rider had lost his smile in the face of such overwhelming power. No Servant, no matter how great, could expect to survive being on the receiving end of that.
Berserker merely stood in the same spot, not the slightest bit intimidated. In fact, he almost seemed to welcome the challenge.
Rider X sneered back at his secret "ally" but inwardly wondered what he should do. It is too soon for us to come to blows. And facing Berserker X has taxed me more than I care to admit. He loathed the idea of retreating, but unlike Archer, he was not eager to let the others see his full power this early in the War.
A laugh drew his attention and everyone else's. Berserker X threw his head back to roar in utter mirth. "Now this is my kind of fun! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Even with the blood flowing from him and the obvious fact that his power had decreased since his arrival, the Heroic Spirit looked happier than ever before. He slashed his sword to the side, blowing away rubble. "No more talking! From here on out, it's kill or be killed!" Despite his weakened state, he saw Archer's power and rose to face the field of gold with a smile. "Bring it on!"
He's insane, was everyone's thought at his delight. Followed by, definitely a Berserker.
Gilgamesh, King of Heroes, curled his fingers into fists. This bleeding deranged mutt witnesses my might, yet continues to laugh in my face?! Even more portals emerged, bathing the area in golden light. His lips twitched into a small vicious smile that sent a tremor through the non-Servant viewers. If he wants "fun," I'll give him "fun."
The atmosphere in the Tohsaka workshop had grown tenser than ever. "Gilgamesh is taking this seriously." As before, Kirei's neutral voice belied the tension of the situation. "He is forcing the Gate of Babylon even more open as events continue."
Archer's Master was not happy about the news. "How careless of him, throwing about his Noble Phantasm where everyone can see." Some of the Servants down there appeared to be quite clever, and nerve-grating though Rider X was, the War was still in its early stages. Far too early to kill off a potential asset. Of all the classes, why did it have to be Archer? Tokiomi was beginning to seriously regret the existence of Independent Action.
Lancer X was this close to pacing herself; she understood the risks. "Shall I go to retrieve him?" She asked, a part of her dreading the answer.
Tokiomi sighed. "Even with a Command Seal powering you, you're not strong enough to restrain Archer. You'd just be another casualty." Neither was happy about that fact, but it was a fact, nonetheless.
The Master knew there was only one sure way to stop this. But as he glanced down at the semi-circular Command Seals on his right hand, he wondered, So soon? This'll damage my relationship with him for sure. Tch, to think a Tohsaka must expend a Seal before any of the other Masters. How shameful…
"Sir, what's your decision?" His apprentice urged him.
Well, Kirei used one before to corral Rider X, so I technically wouldn't be the first, Tokiomi tried to console himself. He then lifted his right hand and spoke, the markings glowing with his words. "By the power of my Command Seal, stifle your anger, King of Heroes, and withdraw."
Archer was just about to launch his next bombardment when he sensed it. His red eyes shifted to glare in the direction of Miyama Town, where he knew who would be sitting around there. "Ordering a king to retreat from a battle like you would that harlot? How brave of you, Tokiomi." Regardless, even he couldn't disregard a Command Seal completely.
With a sweep of his right arm, the portals vanished, as did what remained of the many Noble Phantasms scattered about in a swirl of gold sparkles.
Berserker X clicked his tongue in disappointment. "Hold up, you're not really running off this late in the fight, are you?"
"Indeed," Rider X rumbled with a taunting sneer. He made to say something-
'That's enough theatricality for one night, Rider X.' Kirei's interjection stopped him. 'Gilgamesh is falling back, and I would encourage you to do the same at the earliest opportunity. Do not make me waste another Command Seal.' He suppressed a growl but conceded. Those Seals could be a shackle or an asset for a Servant, depending on how they were used. He'd enjoyed himself plenty in this battle.
And there was still a War to be won.
"Do not try your luck, feral dog." Archer snarled at the trio before glancing towards the others. He upped his volume, "Mongrels. Make sure to cull your numbers when I see you again. I only accept true heroes in my presence." He made to stalk off, dissipating slowly. "That crtieria includes those not from my world." Then the golden Servant was gone.
Rider hummed at the departure. "Looks like the Master is more reasonable than Archer."
"Just be glad he called him off instead of urging him on or sending Lancer X into the mix," Saber X replied, hefting Harbinger. "And we've still got a pretty full house."
"Aye." While they had been talking, Rider X and Berserker X had gone right back to carving away at one another. After sustaining a deep cut into his right side, however, the larger Servant parried the next strike and fired his cannon point-blank to buy himself some breathing room.
'I thought I told you to fall back, Rider X.'
'You did,' Megatron threw a roundhouse kick that brought Berserker X to one knee, 'but you also said at the earliest opportunity. If I leave immediately after Archer, it may raise suspicion, Kirei. Besides, while I am here, I might be able to get rid of at least one other Servant.' Judging by the silence, his Master had accepted his logic, allowing him to focus.
Saber watched the pair's match with caution, wondering if she was about to be pulled into it. At least she'd be more or less on equal grounds with the injured Servants. No healing spells had been cast to restore either's injuries, so perhaps both really were operating without Masters.
Then she felt someone staring at her. And not in a pleasant way. "Ur…"
-153:50:48
Caster X knelt by his Master, slumped against the wall with little whimpers. Despite his sympathy, the Servant took on a scolding tone. "I trust you are satisfied tonight?" They both recognized that one particular Heroic Spirit had vacated the area.
"Oh…" Kariya gave him a lopsided smirk. "Oh, I am… Archer fled…" he released a small chuckle. "Berserker beat him… my Servant beat Tokiomi's… a loser like me…" his laughter increased, "with only a year of this… this bug-magic training… beat the great Tohsaka magecraft…"
"Yes," Caster X cut through his gloating, "but at a price." He continued to eye Kariya with disapproval even while treating his internal injuries. "Usually, it is the Master that heals the Servant's wounds." He sighed as his magic flowed along the consumed flesh and bones. "Even with the decrease in mana upkeep, Berserker's consumption is ripping through your body. We must find another way, a safer way, for you to do this."
"…I know." Kariya admitted with his own sigh. He was getting flashbacks of his time back in school when a teacher would scold him for not paying attention or doing something stupid. Nevertheless, he couldn't shake the feeling of success. Still think I'm a loser, Zouken, Tokiomi? I'm not some weakling you can just step on. And I'll teach you to fear me…
Caster X huffed as he noticed the expression. His desire for revenge is clouding his judgement. This will mean trouble.But for now, all he said was, "Seeing as Archer is gone, I believe you can recall Berserker now."
"Hmm? Oh, right…" Kariya nodded to himself, noting how his body was in better shape again thanks to his other Servant. And he was right, the others could go slaughter each other for all he cared. He'd won the fight he'd wanted-
Pain suddenly shot across the Master's spine, drawing a long yell from him. Caster X was by his side, trying to help, but he quickly realized the problem. The Crest Worms had started up again, ripping through his insides. And that could only mean one thing.
"That's e-enough… Berserker…" Kairya pleaded, writhing on the floor. "S-stop!"
Artoria Pendragon had noticed that while one Berserker was embroiled in a bloody battle, the other was simply staring right at her. And something about that red visor sent a chill down her spine.
"Urrr…" Berserker's armor rattled as he hunched over, then the shadows around him seemed to expand with his straightening. Black, red-tipped tassels sprang out from his back, and a furious howl escaped his skyward helmet. "Arrr… Urrrrrrr!"
Saber's Instinct screamed "danger." "Irisviel, stay behind us!" She shouted back, readying her sword.
The dark one sprang from his spot, running past Rider's chariot towards the Servant duo in front of the homunculus and picking up the lamppost piece he had cut earlier. The male Servant tried to intercept him, but Berserker simply leaped over him to bring down the metal pole onto the other. Its blunt end slammed hard against Saber's veiled sword.
"What the-" Despite his surprise, Assassin X quickly spun around. I couldn't keep up with him! But why go after Saber? I was closer. Did his Master tell him so, or is it because of her injury? No… he doesn't look like he's thinking. But- his eye widened at the crossed weapons.
Saber too was surprised despite her efforts to parry: the rod of simple metal, something that should've been easily cut to pieces by Invisible Air, was now blackened, with crimson markings like veins across its surface. She swung it off and struck back, sending the dark knight skidding back a bit. Behind him, Assassin X moved to strike for his back, but Berserker crouched and spun his new weapon behind himself. The shinobi barely stepped back out of range before it could've concussed him. 'Saber,' he warned her, 'he's pouring mana into that pole. It's not just the outer surface, every single part is saturated with it!'
Saber absorbed the information even as she parried another lunge from Berserker. 'Then that must mean…'
"So, that's how it works," Rider muttered, having come to the same conclusion. "Anything Blacky touches becomes his Noble Phantasm."
Archer X watched the new fight with mixed feelings. She'd realized it as well and felt a little peeved. That's how Berserker could use the Noble Phantasms Archer shot at him that well. He can turn theoretically anything into his weapon. It's basically an upgraded version of my Weapons of War. Her fist clenched. What is up with this world's fucking heroes?
Warding off another strike, Saber grimaced while glancing down at her sword's handle. Only hand was gripping it properly, the other was mere decoration. How can I fight him like this?
"Saber!" Irisiviel's warning drew her attention. She looked up to see a snarling Berserker charging with his "polearm" extended right at her-
Only for a familiar red spiral to appear in front of her. Klang!
Assassin X brought four kunai, two in each hand, into an X-formation to block Berserker's strike… and skidded a tiny bit backwards.
"Well, now," Waver's Saber muttered. "Didn't see that coming."
"That's enough beating down on Saber," the Copy Ninja said to the growling knight. "She's not quite at her best right now, so why don't I take her place?"
"Assassin X!" Saber shouted, worried for her partner. Even with his abilities, she couldn't allow him to fight alone against one with this power and skill. "You don't have to-"
'Don't worry, Saber,' he calmly assured her over their link. 'I'm not as fragile as I look. Besides, this might actually be the most optimal battle conditions for me.'
Then he charged before she could ask or demand an explanation, ducking under Berserker's next swipe to jab his right kunai for the visor. The helmet shifted slightly so the blades only scraped ineffectively against the side, then the staff hurtled towards Assassin X's back. He dodged the blow, slashing a couple of times with his kunai at the chest armor, but still no damage. Berserker jabbed the tip in the ground and swung around his pole to kick at his opponent, but he ducked under the limbs and performed a quick Lightning Jutsu that forced the knight to return onto both feet. Spinning the polearm, he redirected the electric blasts and hurled kunai.
Then Assassin X leaped high to kick his right foot against Berserker's left shoulder, the blow sending him stumbling back a few steps. "Raaarrr!"
"No way!" Waver exclaimed in shock. His Servants, too, were impressed with the sudden power.
Lancer narrowed his eyes in surprise. He knew this Assassin was stronger than most of his class, but to actually knock back one in that heavy armor, let alone continue fighting on that level… Was he that strong while fighting me or Archer? No…
The student blinked as he registered the Servant of Assassination's stats. "W-wait a minute…" he mumbled.
Saber X paused in monitoring the brawl between Berserker X and Rider X to look down. "What's up, pipsqueak?"
"Assassin X's stats… They've changed. I-I don't know how, but… they're higher now…"
Both Servants traded a look, recounting the earlier scenes in their minds. Then they understood. So that's how that guy works, they thought in unison.
Assassin X jumped atop the pole thrust at him, running along its length for another attack, when Berserker suddenly dropped it and lashed up his right leg. The limb caught the metal, sending it spinning and forcing its passenger to disembark. He jumped back, crossing his arms, and spread them wide to toss a flurry of shuriken straight at the knight. They all broke apart like toys against the black armor, leaving behind not so much as a nick. That armor's too strong for simple weaponry. Even regular jutsu may not be enough. And whoever crafted it deserves to be rich because I'm having a hard time finding any chinks.
Maiya continued to monitor the observing Assassin, but the other's sudden battle prowess hadn't escaped her notice. "What is he doing, picking a fight with Berserker?" She asked Kiritsugu over the radio.
Having moved to a temporary vantage point (Still no clean shot), Emiya had started at the sudden intervention, but he realized in hindsight that this was to be expected. And he couldn't think of any reason to frown at his Servant's decision. "Don't worry, Maiya," Kiritsugu replied, noting the rise in his Servant's parameters. "That's just how Assassin X is wired."
Saber and Irisviel, too, traded a look of realization and then relief. They had just remembered that Skill. And Maiya grew to understand with Kiritsugu's explanation.
Indeed, though the talents of the Heroic Spirit Kakashi Hatake made him more than qualified for the Assassin class, in truth, he was at his best… when he was protecting his comrades.
Literally: The Skill, For One's Comrades, increased the ranks of the one who held it when they fought for the sake of their allies. Assassin X could fight stronger, faster, and last longer than usual because he wasn't fighting for his own sake, but because he was fighting to keep Berserker away from Saber. And even though none of the Masters could see because of Berserker's Noble Phantasm, For Someone's Glory, currently, the two Servants were nearly equals parameter-wise.
Then again, parameters alone do not decide the outcome of a battle between Heroic Spirits.
Assassin X grunted in effort as he parried another lash from the staff and evaded a thrust. Technically they stood on equal ground. But whereas Assassin X knew how his opponent would fight thanks to the Sharingan, Berserker was far more ferocious. And that wasn't all. I thought by watching him counter Archer's assault I'd be able to handle him. But his combat prowess is even more wide-spanning than I'd have believed. I'm not sure I can keep this-
Then the polearm twirled to strike down on his right shoulder, causing him to lose grip of the kunai in said hand. Before he could reclaim it, a gauntleted hand had snagged it. No sooner did black-and-red veins curl across its surface was Berserker hurling it straight at its original wielder. Kakashi only just twisted aside to reduce the damage to a gouge in his left side, just below his ribs. The kunai pierced clean through containers and traveled long across the river's surface before dropping into the water.
He grabbed hold of the black staff, kicked at a certain spot in Berserker's knee to make him lurch despite the armor there, and spun with a grunt of effort to throw the Servant over his shoulder away from him, Saber and Irisviel. Berserker fell with his shoulder first against the asphalt but instantly flipped back into a standing position. Others marveled at one's strength and the other's agility, but the combatants themselves were not happy.
Berserker seethed underneath his helmet. The king was there, right in front of him. He had to fight, he had to strike, but this other one just wouldn't move! He has to die! He has to DIE!
Assassin X exhaled, considering his next move and the gouge in his side from his own kunai. Me throwing one could never be that powerful. And he still kept it so accurate, so focused… Even with For One's Comrades, I can't beat him in a straight-up duel.
Right, then. 'Kiritsugu,' Assassin X calmly sent his message, never taking his eyes off his growling opponent, 'permission to get serious?'
'…Granted.' It said something about the level of trust the Mage Killer had developed for his unexpected Servant that he so readily agreed. It surprised both of them, really. But Kakashi was not one to let an opportunity go to waste.
"That is one scary Noble Phantasm you have there, Mr. Berserker," he called over, taking three steps back. The black knight gave no answer, he simply readied another charge.
Then the ninja performed three particular handsigns. "Let me show you mine."
He held up his right hand and grabbed hold of the wrist with his left. Berserker actually stopped in his tracks (as did the other Servants) to watch the phenomenon. Blue energy began to gather in a circle around his target before condensing into crackling electricity. The many arcs flowed together into Assassin X's curled fingers, emitting a strange noise that sounded like the chirping of many birds. Chirchirchirchirchirchirchirchirchirchirchirchir…
Incredible, the scholar in Kayneth witnessed the technique from his vantage point with grudging awe. Energy so dense it's openly visible, being converted into pure electricity that he holds within a single hand.
Irisviel analyzed it as well with amazement. Such fine control of that much od…
When the electricity had reached its peak, Assassin X pulled back a bit, then uttered the name of the jutsu he had crafted so long ago. "Lightning," he launched towards his darkness-enshrouded enemy at his maximum speed, "Blade!"
Something clicked inside Berserker's mind, deep beneath the swirl of rage and pain. He knew whatever this sort of move this was, he had to evade it. Assassin X had already closed the distance, far faster than he had been before, and was thrusting his electrified hand forward.
Through sheer unnatural skill and a massive dose of luck (Protection of the Spirits), Berserker managed to raise his staff in between the hand and his torso just before contact. The strike cleaved through the metal like it was only wind, but it diverted the blow by a tiny bit. Assassin X silently cursed at the development. But the knight didn't get away scot-free.
The shriek of rage and pain Berserker released rattled the eardrums of all in the vicinity. His blackened armor, hard as titanium, had been pierced by the lightning. And the lightning had not stopped even after drawing blood. With all of his strength and desire to make this strike worth something, the Copy Ninja severed the black knight's entire right arm with his thrust.
Lancer smirked in respect as he watched the armored appendage clatter to the floor, blood splashing from its severing point as it quickly dispersed into particles. He'd have stepped in to face Berserker were it not for Assassin X, but this was quite the battle. Diarmuid now looked forward to continuing his bouts with both Saber and Assassin X.
Next to him, Archer X's eye twitched furiously (luckily, no one could see it). All this time, he could've used that in our fight but didn't?!
Rider's red eyes twinkled while his Master had to once again pick his jaw off the floor (Saber X helped). "Concentrating all of that lightning into a single sharp point in his hand, then thrusting it like a lance towards his foe…" he laughed in respect. "Such a daring attack! Truly worthy of being a Noble Phantasm!"
The pained howls could be heard even from where Kiritsugu hid. He honestly marveled a bit at what Assassin X had just accomplished. So, that is the jutsu he invented, the one he once used to cut through a bolt of lightning, he recalled his skepticism of when he'd heard that story from his Servant. Heh, guess it's not that far-fetched.
Saber stared in total shock at what her partner had accomplished. The knight she had struggled against (albeit with a handicap), literally disarmed within minutes of battle. For the first time, she truly grew to appreciate that this man from another world was her ally. No… she reminded herself with a tiny smile, my comrade.
But Assassin X sensed danger. While still in the last stages of his thrust, he put his right foot back on the ground to change trajectory…
"NRRRAAAA!" But he was just a little too late. The danger to which his Sharingan had alerted him came in the form of Berserker's left gauntlet furiously slamming into the right side of his head. Wincing from the impact, he forced his body down with the blow and swung his crackling Lightning Blade up, forcing the knight to jump away lest he lose another limb.
Assassin X hit the ground and rolled into a crouch, panting as he held his still-charged right hand in front. Berserker landed by a piece of his broken weapon further away, blood spurting from where his right arm used to be. He twitched in agonized fury, hissing like a demon snake.
Kakashi's scalp bled profusely where the punch had struck him, dying some of his hair red. If I had been just one second slower, that hit would've caved in my whole skull. I couldn't kill him, either. Berserker kicked up the metal piece beside him and caught it, turning it into a makeshift black sword. He's so overpowered. I need to think of something new-
"Assassin X!" Irisviel's call snapped him out of his thoughts. "Watch out!"
A high-pitched whine drew closer. I hate war zones. Never any time to think.
While he had been thoroughly invested in his fight with Berserker X, Rider X still had the presence of mind to pay attention to the other battle. He too had witnessed the combat prowess and Noble Phantasms Berserker and Assassin X had had displayed. And the damage each had sustained. And Megatron had never been one to let opportunity slip by.
He parried a slash before backhanding Berserker X away, then shifted into Starship mode. The spacecraft streaked straight for the injured Servants, blasters powering up. Those two are dangerously versatile and immensely powerful under the right circumstances. And neither strikes me as a potential ally. I should eliminate them now before they become obstacles later. Violet bolts sundered the ground as he drew closer towards the duo.
Then a white barrier of light erupted in front of him, absorbing the blasts.
"What?!" Megatron snarled, but before he could do anything else, two presences appeared above him. Saber and Berserker X drew back their swords before swinging them down in unison. Both performed the attack one-handed, Saber due to her injury, Berserker X out of personal preference, but with Mana Burst, the dual blow smashed Rider X into the concrete below with the force of a meteorite's impact (Trust me, I know).
Assassin X watched in amazement as the force field around him and his opponent retracted. Between them stood a robed man with a pointy hat and a staff whose tip glowed with light.
Saber landed gracefully next to him, having sprinted up the side of what few containers remained to gain altitude for her attack. Assassin X stared a little longer, then did his eye-smile. "Here I was, trying to ensure you could take it easy for a bit."
She smiled back while gently helping him to his feet. "What sort of comrade would I be if I let you fight for me but don't fight for you?" She asked her partner.
He chuckled. "I'll admit, your proposal sounds mutually beneficial, King of Knights." Then they sobered upon hearing more of Berserker's snarl. Even with only one arm and nearly being victim to a strafe from above, the black knight semed about to strike again.
Then the elderly Servant stepped in front of him and said, "That is enough for tonight, Berserker," in a firm tone. His staff's crown glowed again, and the other Heroic Spirit actually relaxed. Slightly. "Let us retreat for now, that I may tend to your wounds."
"Nnn…" Berserker rumbled, clutching his sword. "A… ur…" He almost sounded pleading.
Though his tone softened, Caster X wouldn't waver. "No more tonight, my friend. You need not extend your suffering. Let us leave." Saber and Assassin X watched in open shock as the Servant that had hounded them like a feral beast slowly consented with a nod of his helmet. A flash of darkness, and Berserker had taken spirit form.
Caster X turned to them with a sigh. "We may be future adversaries," he began, "but you nevertheless have my apologies for my partner's behavior." He doffed his hat to them. "Unless you wish to continue, we shall trouble you no further tonight, you have my word."
Saber answered with refined dignity. "Your intervention just now saved not only your partner, but mine as well. I see no reason to repay you with hostility tonight, sir," she promised. "On that, you have my word."
"And I'm still a little rattled from my tussle with your partner," Assassin X added, gesturing to his bloody side. "Please tell him I'm not looking forward to our next round."
Caster X chuckled at that. "That I shall." He bowed his bearded head to them, a gesture they returned, repeated the interaction to Lancer, Rider and Saber X nearby (Berserker X ignored him and Archer X flipped him the bird), and said in parting, "I hope our next meeting is under better circumstances." Then he faded amongst a shimmer of gray particles.
"Heh," the foreign Heroic Spirit of the Sword commented, "at least that guy seemed like a decent one." Rider nodded in agreement.
Then all of the other Servants turned to where Berserker X stood, in front of a hefty crater formed by a certain ship being smashed there. "You gonna come out now," the battered Servant snarled, "or do I have to go down there and drag you out?"
The sounds of metal grinding and clanking rumbled from the impact point, a far cry from the smooth signals heralding his transformations, before Rider X slowly pushed himself out of the rubble, now seriously banged up and "bleeding". His humor had long since faded.
Berserker X returned his glare, propping his nodachiagainst his shoulder. "Scampering away from our fight just to take a cheap shot at those two?" He spat in disgust. "And I was starting to like you, metal-head."
"To quote the words of another tonight," Rider X stepped out of the crater at a lesser speed than he'd preferred, "'this is a War, not a tournament.' And I believe another Rider present intervened in a duel as well." He inclined his head towards a certain chariot.
Iskandar's voice carried none of his usual joy as he replied. "I did so to extend my compliments and an offer to join my side." He crossed his arms in utter seriousness. "You, Rider X, however attempted to strike at two wounded adversaries. A shameful tactic for one calling himself a conqueror."
"Depends on how you define a conqueror, 'King.' But I suppose that's enough excitement for one night." Indeed, Rider X had taken more of a beating than he'd anticipated from this encounter. Berserker X had given him one hell of a fight, and he was clearly operating without an external mana supply. Time to leave. A pity, but there's at least one consolation.
Said consolation eyed his beginning to dissipate. "Don't tell me you're running away now." He stepped closer, sword scraping against the asphalt. "That's no way to end our fight."
"Perhaps," Rider X snarled in grudging disappointment, "but it is how our fight ends, nonetheless. And how your time here ends as well." He smirked again at the significant drop in mana around the other Servant. Yes… at the very least, Berserker X's odds of lasting another two hours or so, let alone the night, were slim-to-none.
Saber had little sympathy for the violent brute with spikey hair, but she agreed that this behavior was inexcusable. So she said, "You have no honor, Rider X. For all your posturing, you are a spineless brute at your core."
Those red eyes flickered over to her, glimmering with… not rage, but… mirth. "Keep believing that, King of Knights. I shall take great joy when our battle comes." Rider X's orbs shifted towards his counterpart, who met the stare with his own. Another benefit that came from tonight: he knew which enemies he would look forward to crushing the most. All in good time, he told himself as he shimmered into spirit form. All in good time.
Then only seven Servants were left in the mangled dockyards.
Berserker X clicked his tongue, directing one last glare at the spot where his opponent had been. "Big talker…" He stepped to turn towards the rest… and stumbled a bit. He let out a mirthless chuckle, shoulders slumping marginally. "Guess I'm running on fumes…"
The others only needed one glance at him to know what he meant. Bruises and cuts covered nearly every inch of his body. His clothes were tattered and stained with both his red blood and Rider X's blue. His mana, once a raging blaze of golden fire, was closer to dying embers now. Yet his right hand still gripped that longsword tightly, and a smirk played along his lips as he lifted his head to the rest. "So…" he straightened, "who's next?"
Waver made his first name proud at seeing that expression, but he glanced over to a chuckling Saber X. "Guy ain't gonna keel over without a fight, huh?"
"No…" Servant and Master looked up at a humming Rider, his eyes shimmering with interest. An eager smile stretched across his face, sending a chill down their spines. Uh oh.
Saber hadn't noticed, instead contemplating whether or not to answer Berserker X's final challenge. Much as his brutish demeanor clashed against her proper training (and her stupid thumb continued to bother her), she respected a wish to go down fighting. He is a warrior, and he did help me just now. I suppose I can repay him like this.
Lancer had similar thoughts towards the foreign Servant. He may be wild and destructive, but his passion for battle is impressive. Reminds me a little of my home's Child of Light, honestly. And he recognized the desire to finish his time here in one last battle. Then I shall oblige him. They opened their mouths-
Only for a gunshot to drown out their words.
Berserker X's nodachi flashed, pulverizing the bullet aimed between his eyes. "Not wasting any time," he sneered at the other black-armored Heroic Spirit. "I prefer up close, though."
Archer X continued to aim her sniper rifle. "Good for you. Now hurry up and die."
"What do you think you're doing, Archer X?" Lancer demanded in disapproval.
She didn't even glance his way. "Putting a mad dog out of his misery, Lancer. At least one good thing can come out of this night." The helmet shifted towards Saber. "Aside from crippling her." She glared right back at the visor.
Lancer still made to protest; there was no honor in simply shooting down a wounded combatant. But then his lord's voice cut him off. "For once, Archer X has a point, Lancer. That beast must be finished off before he causes any more trouble."
"My lord-"
"Enough." Kayneth had been silently furious at how this night had gone. First, his Servant's duel with Saber had been muddied by the interference of their partners (his distaste of Archer X grew with each passing minute), then just when his pair seemed to have the advantage, Iskandar, the Servant that should rightfully be his, had intruded. The King of Conquerors had dared to mock him alongside two others, then he invited even more Servants to appear and turn this whole night into a complete and utter chaotic mess. Rider X's technological nature, Archer's surplus supply of Noble Phantasms, Berserker's peculiar fighting style… and Berserker X's aggressive, nigh-unrivalled power; all of these unnerved hm.
But now, with three gone and the fourth teetering on the precipice of death, Lord El-Melloi had a chance to gain some measure of victory. His Servants would slay this monstrous, barbaric dog from another world and claim a clear win in his favor.
That was his decision, and he wouldn't stand for any protests. Kayneth removed his gloves to reveal his trump cards. "By the authority of my Command Seals," he chanted, "Lancer, Archer X…"
"Oh, this ought to be good." The Servant of Many Firearms traded her rifle for a shotgun again. Lust this once, she didn't mind being on that prick's leash.
Lancer didn't share her enthusiasm. "My Lord, please!" This was not how he had intended to finish off Berserker X. The odds were too stacked in his favor for this to be fair!
Saber wanted to step in, not wanting her new rival to have to dishonor himself in this fashion, but a telepathic order from her own Master sounded through her and Assassin X's skull. 'Don't intervene. Let those two kill off Berserker X, then strike when their guard's down.' She gritted her teeth in outrage, but Assassin X held a hand in front of her. One look in his eyes, the right stained by his blood, and she reluctantly relented. Only for you, my friend.
He didn't like the situation either, but between the other Servants and his brain still a bit jumbled from Berserker decking him, they couldn't act rashly. And ultimately, Berserker X came here of his own free will. If he died, that was that. Besides, there are few things more dangerous than a wounded beast backed into a corner.
Then they all heard the command. "Eliminate that beast."
A moment of tense silence…
Then the green spearman was suddenly locking his spears against the samurai's sword. Blood trickled down Diarmuid's lip, his head bowed, from where he was biting in anguish. Not like this… "Berserker X…" he whispered, "I'm sorry…"
A snort answered his apology. He looked up to see Berserker X smiling. "What the hell're you apologizing for?" With surprising strength, he forced away the Servant of the Spears and laughed. "No complaints on this end."
Lancer's mouth shifted to a pained smile. In hindsight, he should've expected that. "Well, in that case…" he twirled his spears and lashed them out, the tips clanging against the nodachi in rapid flashes of sparks. He briefly grimaced at more gunshots from Archer X running next to him, blasting her weapon repeatedly.
Yet Berserker X warded off spear strikes and laughed off the buckshot that hit him, striking the ground with such force that it blew both attackers back. Even this close to fading away, he still had plenty of strength for one last round. And he was gonna enjoy every second of it.
Lancer made for another charge; Gáe Dearg had gotten through his defenses twice, but Gáe Buidhe had yet to leave a mark. Were it not for the Command Seal, he'd be able to enjoy this a little more. Then he picked up a new presence, barely managing to stop a massive chop to his chest. "Saber X?!"
"Sorry, not my idea," the red-eyed Servant sighed. He pulled Harbinger and nodded behind Lancer, prompting him to look. As did the rest in surprise.
Archer X retreated a little and re-summoned her minigun. He's slower, now, and that mana shield is nowhere near like when Rider X had been pounding on him. A couple dozen of these will finish the job. She took aim and squeezed the trigger-
Just after a crack of lightning and an all too familiar shout. "ULULULULULULUIIII!"
Archer X turned in shock. Right in time to see two giant bulls in front of her. "OH, SHI-" was all she could say before she became the first Servant to face the wrath of Iskandar's Noble Phantasm, Via Expugnatio: "Distant Trampling Domination."
The massive chariot had raced thunderously across the field at its master's urging, lightning blazing from the wheels as they crushed everything underneath them. The bovines snorted while their hooves pulled them and their weight unyielding along. Urging them on with his reins, Rider released a cry of raw exultation (that mixed quite well with Waver's blubbered screech). This was the destructive force behind an Anti-Army Noble Phantasm. The Servant before them fell instantly, her heavy weapon crushed to scrap with a sickening screech.
Its wielder wasn't better off. "FUCK! THIS! BULL! SHIT-ARGH!" Archer X was quite vocal about her displeasure in her current situation until she tumbled out the other side, bouncing twice against the pavement until she stopped. Even Kiritsugu grimaced. That had to hurt. And it had. Very much so.
Her once fearsome black armor was severely cracked and outright missing in some places. Blood flowed from a dozen different wounds, her right arm had been broken in two different spots, and her left leg was twisted beyond use. Lifting her visor revealed a massive crack.
She had been very lucky, though, to have only suffered the bulls' hooves in that trample. If the Wheel itself had struck her, well… Lancer would've needed a new partner.
Clutching tightly to the rails, Waver stared at the utter power released by his Servant's weapon. How easily their transport could pummel another Servant to the brink of death.
Rider halted his mount with a snap of the reins and glanced back. "Oho, still in one piece," he laughed. "I suppose Servants that carry black armor are a naturally tough lot." Despite his mirth, the rest knew that he had been holding back his beasts in that charge. As an Anti-Army weapon, Via Expugnatio could've run them all down in two passes.
"F-fuck… you…" Archer X hissed, her left arm trying to push her up. "I'm gonna… shove… that whole… thing… bulls and all… right up… your-" Despite her threats, she slumped back against the ground with a grunt. Too much damage.
The others couldn't help but wince despite not liking the Servant. "She'll be feeling that tomorrow," Assassin X muttered.
"Tomorrow?" Saber side-eyed him. "She'll likely be sore for a week."
"Make that two," Saber X joked, intercepting another lunge from Lancer. Ignoring Berserker X's "Hey!"
You're all lucky, I'll have to put with her while she recovers. Instead of voicing his thoughts, Lancer leaped away from his current mission (suppressing a cringe from acting against the Command Seal) and moved to where Archer X lay. He asked her, "Can you stand?"
"Fat… chance…" Archer X growled back, barely able to prop herself up on her left elbow.
Saber X walked back to his partner, nonchalantly dodging a slash from the guy he just helped. "Satisfied?" Waver quickly nodded his head, eager to go now, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
Rider looked down at the pair but shook his head. "Not quite yet." He rose his voice for a shout. "Master of Lancer and Archer X. I haven't forgotten where you are cowering, and I cannot abide your tarnishing of a knight's honor with cheap tricks. Ordering him to finish off a wounded warrior. Disgraceful and foolish." He gave Saber X a significant look, earning a nod in agreement, then continued. "Call off your Servants. Archer X will need more than base healing after my attack, and Lancer alone cannot hope to defeat both of us, let alone Berserker X as well. The three of us would demolish them, and you would be next."
Kayneth grit his teeth at the threat while Saber X continued. "I don't like butting into another fight all that much, but then, I really don't like you, Teach, or Miss Potty Mouth down there."
"Eat… shit…"
"So, what's it gonna be? Go out in a bloodbath today, or give Pretty Boy a chance to fight fairly tomorrow?"
The lord's body shook with rage at these blatant threats, but like it or not, they were right. Rider had been the least active in the fights so far, leaving him close to full strength. If he pressed on, Kayneth's team would be utterly crushed. Frustration dripping from his voice, he said, "Retrieve Archer X and withdraw, Lancer. That's enough for tonight."
Lancer sighed in relief; he no longer felt the overriding urge from the Command Seal anymore. He stowed away his yellow spear and crouched by Archer X's right side to pull her up as gently as possible. "Apologies for the trouble," he told her softly. "I wish our cooperation were better."
"...Whatever." Archer X mumbled back. Her whole body was screaming PAIN, and her emotions was in even greater turmoil. Get over yourself, stupid, his honor crap got you into this mess! Stop freaking out about h-him t-t-t-touching you! Oh, I'm gonna butcher Rider…
Diarmuid Ua Duibhne sent a look of apology to Berserker X too, who just huffed in response, and finally said, "Thank you, Saber X, King of Conquerors."
Qrow Branwen waved his hand lightly. "It's cool."
"I simply enjoy watching battles blossom properly," Iskandar replied with a grin. The spearman finally gazed towards the other Servant duo, the first he had encountered tonight, and exchanged nods with both of them. His gaze -and smile- lingered on Saber, and the King of Knights returned it. Whatever else happened in this War, they would finish their duel.
As the Servants of Spears and Guns disappeared from the battlefield, Waver breathed out in relief that the fight was now over…
And tensed up at a familiar growl. "You boys better not expect a thank-you from me for messing up my last fight." Berserker X stomped towards them. He had maybe less than an hour left before this world never saw him again.
"Not at all, Berserker X." Rider spun around to face him with a fearless smile. "On the contrary, you have my deepest respect for fighting on despite your circumstances! And this needn't have been your last fight in this War!"
If Berserker X had eyebrows, his left would've risen. "Huh?" he, Saber X and Waver asked while Assassin X and Saber paled in horror. Oh, don't tell me…
Rider extended his right hand to the Masterless Servant. "Join us, Berserker X! Forge a new contract with the boy here-"
"…Wait, what?!"
"-and continue to charge into battle by my side!" Rider continued his speech over his Master's interruption. His smile was now almost bigger than his whole face. "With the combination of your raw strength, Saber X's swordplay, and my military might, we shall be a force that can conquer this entire world!" Charisma saturated every last one of his words, making it impossible to outright dismiss them.
And much to the collective horror, Berserker X was eyeing him in consideration. He finally pointed at Saber X and said, "I saw a bit of you swinging that thing in between my fights. You're definitely good."
"I ain't one to toot my own horn," the Huntsman drawled, fooling no one.
"But you…" The finger pointed now at Rider. "Are those muscles just for show?" Berserker X was grinning wildly again.
"But of course not!" Iskandar answered without hesitation (or acknowledging Waver's desperate protests). He laughed. "How could I call myself the King of Conquerors if I couldn't back up my boasts?"
Assassin X tentatively stepped forward. "N-now hold on a minute…"
But the Servant of Madness was too busy chuckling to listen. That alone dashed any hopes Kakashi had of trying to stop this crazy recruitment. Saber had already resigned herself to this; they couldn't stop it without a fight, and neither was in any shape.
Saber X blurred suddenly, just before Waver jumped for the second time that night at gunshots headed his way. He timidly tracked his Servant's sword as it deflected round after round from two different sides. Saber X paused briefly to glare towards the north. "Cut it out or I'll shoot back," he yelled. Two Servants sighed in unison, knowing who was responsible.
Further away, Kiritsugu reluctantly lowered his Walther. "That's enough, Maiya," he instructed her. "Fall back to the rendezvous." She confirmed her orders, and he sighed. Ordering his Servants via Command Seal seemed an option, but this was too risky. Like it or not, no Masters were dying tonight. Still, we have a surplus of information now.
Maiya swiftly bolted from the mangled building, noting without expression that Assassin wasn't following her. Guess even if she had been noticed, she wouldn't have qualified as a threat. Her face showed no emotions towards what had transpired, be it disappointment, trepidation, relief … or curiosity.
Once he'd calmed down, Berserker X leered up at Rider. "Sticking around with you would invite all kinds of battles, I'll bet. Excellent." His left hand dug around in his hakama before chucking over something that Rider caught. "Good thing I kept that." Waver looked at what his Servant was holding and almost vomited on the spot.
Rider eyed with delight the full set of Command Seals on the rotting, severed left hand. "How wonderful! This ought to simplify his joining us, right, boy? Boy?"
Waver just stared up at the lone hand, eyes like saucers, then at the trio. The trio that would be bound to him… Saber X's drinking and snark… Rider's insane stunts… Berserker X's bloodlust… he'd have to endure all of that… for the entire War…
The student collapsed into a sobbing mess on the chariot's floor, foaming at the mouth.
Saber X bent over to poke his cheek in idle curiosity. "…I think you've officially broken him, Kandy Bar."
A sigh. "Really wish he would toughen up a little."
"That'll be the day." Qrow glanced over to their newest partner. "Still wanna team up?"
"As long as he keeps me charged and doesn't get in my way," Berserker X grumbled before snapping his blade to the side to get rid of the blue liquid there and sheathing. He then accepted Rider's offered hand and got pulled up onto the Gordius Wheel. "We gonna move?"
His new King nodded. "Better we forge the contract with no other distractions."
"Wait, King of Conquerors!" Rider paused in snapping the reins to glance down towards his fellow monarch. "Was this the reason you interrupted our battle?" Saber glared up at him. "To simply bolster your ranks?"
"Not really." She blinked as he casually scratched his beard. "I merely saw an opportunity just now and seized it. My actions have been all spurs of the moment, really."
"He's not kidding…" Saber X grumbled between his facepalm while Berserker X barked a laugh. He had a feeling he was gonna enjoy this partnership more than the first one.
Saber sighed, detecting no lie in Rider's non-committal words. Assassin X stepped next to his partner, scratching his head. "This world has very differing Kings, it seems."
Rider laughed. "Naturally! Though we may both be Kings, Assassin X, Saber and I are as different as water and fire. It is law that our wills shall clash. But no need to worry." He glanced down at the blue Servant's trembling left thumb. "Saber, settle your duel with Lancer. I shall not hound you until either you or he have won." He glanced back to his partners. "As for them, I'll ask them not to, either."
Both shrugged. "No fun going after someone that's handicapped," Berserker X muttered.
"What he said."
Rider gave them one last grin. "I bid you and your retainer farewell for now, King of Knights. When next we all meet, I hope we shall all enjoy the event." Then for a brief moment, a frown crossed his face. And it seems fate has sent a challenger my way, he mused, recalling a certain metallic foe from another world. That meant serious business, even for him.
"Well," the curious masked man's voice cut through his musings, "one thing I think we can all agree upon, whatever or wherever our next meeting looks like," he smiled at the trio through his mask, "it definitely won't be boring."
All three Servants laughed at his joke. "Ah, Saber," Rider commented between his chortling, "you've been given an extraordinary partner."
"I'm well aware." Saber herself couldn't keep a smile away. The two winked at each other.
And so, tonight's battle ended with the Gordius Wheelcarrying away not two, but three Servants and one nigh-catatonic Master to parts unknown, lightning trailing in its wake.
The last two Servants watched them go before Assassin X loosed a handful of shuriken up towards a certain container, forcing his colleague to scamper away. "That gets rid of our snoop," he commented with a sigh, releasing their tension.
Then Saber said, "You needn't worry anymore, Irisviel. The battles this night have concluded for us."
"Oh, thank goodness." Irisviel ran over to where "her" Servants had gathered. She shut her eyes in concentration, spreading her healing magecraft over Assassin X's battered body. His head injury, side cut and other scrapes and bruises faded away after a minute, prompting the woman to open her eyes in a squint. "Please take care of yourself a bit more, mister!" He flinched away from the finger jabbed towards his face. "I appreciate you protecting Saber, but those were some serious injuries. Be careful!"
"Y-yes, Mrs. Irisviel," Assassin X clapped his hands together in apology, giving her a panicked smile. "I'll do my best, cross my heart." She smiled beautifully at him for the promise, then both looked toward the third. "Your arm's still out of commission?"
"Indeed," Saber answered her partner's query, eyeing the blood-soaked bandages over her tendon. Guilt flashed in his eyes again, but she continued calmly, as though discussing the weather. "This is by no means your fault, Assassin X. The error was mine, and it has cost me. Rider's right, I need to defeat Lancer to lift the curse, lest my performance against the other Servants is hampered." She smiled. "Nevertheless, thank you for aiding me."
Though he marveled again at the resolute, unyielding stance the young girl before him assumed, Assassin X shrugged in good nature, obscuring his Sharingan with his headband once again. "It was the least I can do. And I suppose I ought to double my efforts until you have your left hand again." Though they shared a laugh, he meant it. I need to do better, for their sakes. I should've done better. Too much could've gone wrong tonight.
He cast a little glance of admiration towards his partner. But to maintain your composure despite your handicap… you're more than worthy of your kingship, Artoria Pendragon.
Irisviel shined in the moonlight before them, an angelic smile on her face. "Saber, Assassin X." She took one hand each. "Thank you, both of you, for saving my life."
They smiled right back. "Thank you for supporting us." Saber answered for both of them. "With you, we could focus completely on the fights."
"Though we may've all been a little too excited." Assassin X nodded towards their surroundings. The women winced as they followed his line of sight. The dockyards were utterly ravaged. Containers, cranes, asphalt, not a single square inch hadn't suffered damage from the various skirmishes. Though only twelve Servants had gathered in total, it appeared as though armies numbering in thousands had clashed with all their might here.
'The Church will handle cleanup,' Kiritsugu told Assassin X. 'No need to worry about collateral damage. And if you're in good shape again, then we can continue with step two. Call them together.'
'Right.' Assassin X lifted his head to release a shrill whistle. The sound echoed throughout the ravaged yard, traveling to nearly every corner. Exactly one second later, eight shapes leaped out from different directions to land in front of the trio. Irisviel let out a tiny squeak in delight at their arrival.
The Servants shared a laugh at her reaction before the ninja asked, "Enjoy the show?"
"This Grail War stuff is crazy," a little orange pug mumbled from his perch atop a large black bulldog. "Not a second went by without something over-the-top happening."
Eight dogs of varying sizes and colors sat to attention in front of the trio. Though of different breeds, they all wore a sort of coat with a face drawn on it, as well as a forehead protector just like Assassin X's. They were his ninja hounds, trained by him since they were pups in the ways of the shinobi, and summoned as pseudo-familiars through a particular jutsu.
And they all eyed the white-dressed woman with glee, awaiting her gentle snuggles once again.
Kakashi had first summoned the pack at the Einzbern manor as a further demonstration of his talents. Saber had openly gawped in shock at the sudden appearance of the strange dogs, a starry-eyed Irisviel had pounced on them almost instantly, showering them with affection that they all happily returned, and Kiritsugu grew attentive about their tracking abilities. Any single one of them had excellent senses of smell; they could follow a scent across a continent and back if need be. Perfect for locating other Masters and Servants.
"We're up against Heroic Spirits, Pakkun," Assassin X reminded him. "They're naturally a cut above the shinobi I'd usually call you for." He had summoned them in his Kiritsugu guise and ordered them to spread out across the dockyards just before moving in. "I trust it went well?"
Ūhei, an auburn greyhound with bandages on different parts of his body, spoke up for them. "Yup, we've picked even more scents than Kiritsugu had anticipated." He sniffed experimentally and nodded. "Tracking the ones that were here should be a cinch."
"Except for that spooky feller that lost an arm to ya," a smaller dog with tan fur and whiskers named Guruko added. His snout scrunched up. "Couldn't get so much as a whiff from him."
The other rumbled in agreement, clearly disappointed in themselves, but brightened when a certain pair of white-coated arms started petting them. "Aww, don't look so down, boys!" Irisviel cooed, giggling as her skin was touched by their tongues. "I'm sure you did your best, and this is great work from all of you! We're going to have it much easier thanks to you!" The biggest, Bull, happily rubbed his head against her stomach, allowing Pakkun to climb onto her shoulders. Her giggles grew. "Now, now, I'll get to all of you eventually, I promise!"
Saber gently scratched behind the ear of one Assassin X had called "Akino," drawing a pleased whine from him and a smile from her. She admittedly preferred cats to dogs, but these were a friendly lot. Useful, too. "I only knew they were here because you told me, and even then, I barely noticed them," she praised their owner.
Assassin X smiled at her in pride. "They were all great pupils." Then his mood turned serious. "Of course, tracking down the other Servants is the easy part."
"Though all of different times and lands, the enemies were all powerful," Saber agreed, surveying the damage again. "We can't underestimate a single one."
"And we still have two unaccounted for," Assassin X finished. "Lancer X and Caster…"
Irisviel looked up at the sky while Shiba licked her face. Despite her fun with these doggies, she understood the Servants' concerns all too well. "This really is the Holy Grail War, then."
Back to the outskirts, Caster X's staff glimmered as it waved over Berserker's stump. "There," he murmured, "at the very least, your bleeding has stopped. I shall need more time later to fully restore your arm, sir." The black knight rumbled something that may've sounded like a thank-you with a little effort. That done, the two continued to where their Master awaited.
On their way, the wizard asked, "Why did you attack Saber? Archer was gone, you were supposed to retreat. And out of all those present, why her?"
"Rrrrr…"
"Did you know her? In your old life? Have the two of you fought before?" Berserker merely continued to growl, a certain edge slipping into the sounds. Caster X understood; this topic was not good conversation for the maddened Servant.
Nevertheless, he felt not fear, but compassion. "Well, regardless of whatever your reasoning, you should more careful, sir. Your impulse cost you an arm and likely worsened our Master's condition." Berserker slumped a bit, obviously taking his partner's chiding to heart.
They found him doubled over in a coughing fit. Blood spat out from his mouth, mixed with wriggling worms. Caster X was immediately beside him, casting his healing spells. "T-thanks…" Kariya grunted, glancing down at his bloodied hand. "Dammit, can't last much longer…" He forced himself to his feet. "But if I can get through this, I can win…"
That's when Kariya's last functional eye saw Berserker's state. "…What did that to you?!" he asked in horror. "Was it Archer?"
"No," Caster X answered for the still knight, "it was another defending his partner." He sighed at the worry in Kariya's eyes. The Master likely worried not so much for the Servant of Madness as for his chances of victory if another Servant could cut off his arm. But Caster patted him on his uninjured shoulder and simply said, "We have much to discuss." The three began to depart while he continued. "I shall do my best to treat you both, and we can hopefully find a better way to conduct our parts in this War."
Right." Despite his pain, Kariya found relief in this old man's reassurances. Just hold on, Sakura.
-153:44:26
Kirei opened his eyes within Fuyuki Church, his report complete to Tokiomi. The Hassan that had been warded off by Assassin X was uninjured, but his departure left things slightly incomplete.
Nevertheless, Tokiomi seemed to have other concerns at the moment. He'd already told Kirei to have one of them trail that boy who had Rider and Saber X, and possibly Berserker X now, under his wing; that group was the riskiest. It seemed like he would take further steps as well. Then the Tohsaka head would have to explain himself to Archer, of course. Though it would technically be the other way around with a regular Master-Servant relationship, this was not the case here.
Risei was in another room, conducting the covering up of the dockyard's utter devastation. Damage had been expected, but not from so many Servants appearing. Thankfully, Lord El-Melloi's Bounded Field had prevented witnesses, but there was still a lot of cleanup to take care of.
And a cover story had to be implemented. The usual "gas leak" excuse probably wouldn't cut it this time around. Terrorists? Maybe. Aliens attacking? No, too far-fetched, even for this Grail War.
Speaking of which… "Quite an exciting night, no?" The massive Servant beside him commented beside the priest. He had arrived only a minute ago, looking as though someone had dropped a building on him, but pleased nonetheless. His injuries now healed, Rider X had simply listened to the strategies discussed, offering advice every now and then, but otherwise not interested in Tokiomi's plans. That calculating gleam irritated his Master.
Kirei would assist his father in the matters shortly. For now, he had a few other things to consider. Aside from the basic strategies of which Servant would naturally counter the abilities of which, there were a few other concerns. Rider X being chief among them. Sure enough, the titan was more than just bluster, as he fought on equal ground with a Berserker that could've sundered the entire docks single-handedly (part of Kirei involuntarily flinched when he remembered that killing intent-induced hallucination). And he was intelligent and willful, judging by his interactions with those King-Servants. Unreliable, perhaps.
So, why was a part of him fascinated by this Servant's actions?
And moreover, why did he still feel so disappointed about the rest of the War overall?
"Master Kirei," the female Hassam spoke up behind him. He'd barely registered her presence. "My apologies."
He and Rider X turned to her. "What is it?"
"I discovered something right on the church's boundary." Asako walked closer to her Master and partner, offering something furry to be seen. "Here."
Kirei eyed the dead bat with some interest. "A familiar?"
"Yes. Though it moved just outside the Bounded Field, it had been clearly sent to monitor the church."
Kirei accepted the winged rodent and turned it around a bit before his eyes focused on a curious detail: a tiny camera with battery affixed to its leg.
Rider X tilted his head in curiosity. "Oh? So someone risks violating their relationship with neutral ground to keep an eye on this place?" His eyes noticed the camera as well, then shifted towards his Master. "How… unorthodox. Sound like anyone you know?"
Kirei Kotomine didn't need to be a former valedictorian to discern his Servant's implications. Technology and familiars, unconventional behavior… his mind recalled a certain report Tokiomi had loaned him after he'd first introduced Rider X. A report of the Einzberns' potential Master. "Freelance assassin…" the Tohsaka's words echoed again in his mind."Specializing in hunting down and killing magi… non-magecraft methods… not a hint of a magus' pride in him…"
Something blossomed in Kirei's heart. Could it be…?
Megatron sneered at the man's reaction, his sudden stiff posture. He too had learned of the infamous "Mage Killer" and his methods. Part of him had been amused that might be at least one Master in this War who truly understood the meaning of the word, and he was deemed a heretic.
And his Master's fixation on this Kiritsugu Emiya hadn't gone unnoticed, either. Another interesting detail to Rider X about the man. Looks like all he needs is a little nudge here. And isn't it my duty as a Servant to aid in the fulfilment of his wishes?
"Well, then, Master, in light of this development…" Kirei Kotomine felt those metal fingers drumming gently on his shoulder, sensed the dark grin behind him.
"…How do you wish to proceed?"
"Whoo! That was totally amazing just now!"
Ryuunosuke Uryuu was bouncing around like a child in the bloodstained hideout he and his new buddy had picked out. Some rubble here, a stink in the air, altogether a couple of nice homey touches.
"And that was all real, right, Mister Bluebeard?" Ryuunosuke asked excitedly, gyrating on his heel. "No over-the-top special effects or something? This is awesome!" He jumped high. "Mister Oni was totally badass out there! I was laughing the whole time with him!" He sighed in a little regret. "Really wish he'd have stuck arou- Whoa!"
Something long and thin lashed out close to his head, but he didn't lose his grin. He snagged the slimy appendage with a laugh. "Man, it is not easy getting these things to behave…"
Six blue tentacles writhed about from the stump where the freeter's left hand had been. Caster's totally awesome gift to celebrate their alliance, and another part of the awesome things that have happened since he did those killings. Uryuu cradled them with sick joy. "This Grail War thing is the coolest thing I've ever seen in my damn life! And you're joining in on that stuff, too, right? Maybe we'll get to win over Mister Oni again!"
"…"
Uryuu paused in stroking his tentacles and looked over at the lack of an answer. "Mister?" The Caster was hunched over the crystal ball that had shown them all these wicked fights.
Then he whispered, "…It's come true," his voice breaking.
"Uh…" the serial killer almost scratched his head with his left hand before remembering that kinda didn't work now. "What's come true?"
Bluebeard turned to face him, tears streaming from those big fisheyes. He looked so happy. "The Grail's blessed me with victory…"
"Already? But, uh, didn't you tell me that we've gotta go kill all the other Servants before-"
"Look!" Caster interrupted him with a screech of elation. "There she is," he gestured with his long fingernails to the image of that blonde knight chick that first showed up, "in all her grace and nobility!" Come to think of it, Uryuu wondered, he got super quiet the first time he saw her…
The Servant covered his sobbing eyes in utter delight. His wish had truly been answered. "That is without a doubt the maiden who shaped my destiny!"
His Master blinked before sauntering over to get a better look at the maiden of his dreams. "Oh, you know her?"
"Of course!" Caster clenched his fists so tightly they nearly drew blood. "She slipped out of God's grace and was sundered in damnation!" Rage gave way to joy again. "But now she has been reborn! A miracle, a miracle! There's no other word to describe the granting of my heart's deepest wish!
His trembling hands cupped the ball, playing with the image that lifted his heart to the heavens. "Dear maiden, o holy virgin…" he pushed aside an image of that silver-haired peasant chattering at her and focused on her beautiful smile…
"I shall come for you soon…"
…Yup, Waver Velvet officially has the strongest Servant team in the Fourth Grail War. How do you like me now ;-)?
No way was I gonna remove Berserker and Archer's fight. One of my all-time favorite moments in the Nasuverse, regardless of its light novel, anime, or manga adaptation.
Anyways:
Berserker X-
Class: Berserker
Master: Ryuunosuke Uryuu (formerly)
True Name: Kenpachi Zaraki
Titles: Captain of the 11th Division, 11th Kenpachi
Sex: Male
Source: Bleach
Region: Zaraki
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Strength: A (B)
Endurance: A (B)
Agility: B (C)
Mana: B (C)
Luck: C (D)
NP: D (E)
Class Skills-
Mad Enhancement: Raises basic parameters and strengthens one's physical abilities in exchange of hindering mental capacities and/or in exchange for their sense of reason.
E: Many of his home deemed Berserker X a deranged monster and he himself laughingly claimed he never had "anything as stupid as sanity". However, he can speak, think, and reason; he simply prefers to fight. None of his stats are augmented by Mad Enhancement. Berserker X is just that powerful.
Divinity: Is the measure of whether one has Divine Spirit aptitude or not. At high levels, one is treated as a mixed race of a Divine Spirit, and the level declines when the Heroic Spirit's own rank as a Monster or Demonic Beastraises. It can also decrease due to one's dislike for the gods. Those who have A-rank Divinity or above have reached the Throne of Gods.
D: Berserker X was a Shinigami in his past life, responsible for maintaining the spiritual balance between life and death. His sword can send souls to the afterlife either by tapping them on the forehead with his hilt, leaving a shining emblem like a seal print which envelops them without harm, or by cutting down wrathful spirits in the traditional manner.
Personal Skills-
Battle Continuation: Allows for the continuation of combat after sustaining mortal wounds. It will also reduce mortality rate from injury. This Skill represents the ability to survive and/or the mentality of one who doesn't know when to give up, consisting of one's strength of vitality in predicaments.
A (B): Berserker X is delighted when his opponents manage to wound him, for this means the battle grows more difficult for him. Aside from incredible durability, he has survived severe blood loss, impalement, and point-blank explosions, only to continue fighting. Even if his brain and spirit core were to be destroyed, he will laughingly swing his blade for as long as the battle continues. After all, his name literally means, "The Man Who Cannot Fall."
Instinct: Is the ability to instantly identify "the best personal course of action" during combat. Because this Skill allows for the prediction of trajectory, it is possible to avoid attacks from firearms.
B (C): Berserker X may care little if he suffers injury, but he possesses the reaction speed to avoid attacks even if blinded or deafened. He also has a good eye for an opponent's physical or psychological weaknesses, though he may not take advantage of them for added challenge. However, Berserker X has terrible mana detection abilities. He gets lost easily.
Mana Burst: Is the increase in performance caused by infusing one's weapons and body with Magical Energy and instantly expelling it. Simply put, recreating the effect of a jet burst by expending large amounts of Magical Energy.
A+ (A): Even with Eyepatch Seal on, Berserker X radiates aggressive power on a regular basis. He had monstrous amounts of Reiryoku (Spirit Energy) when he lived, even beyond that of an average Captain-class. This has now translated into a metaphorical ocean of Magical Energy he can call upon, which renders him invulnerable to low-level attacks and allows him to create devastating shockwaves with a one-handed swing of his nodachi when coupled with his brutish fighting style.
Uncrowned Martial Arts: Is arms competency that was not recognized by others due to various reasons.
-: Berserker X received no proper Shinigami training save for exactly one day of formal Kendō, only for it to be halted upon his superiors fearing he could grow too powerful and thereby unstoppable if he chose to rebel. The latter fact is unknown to most, but Berserker X's lack of formal discipline has made many look down on him as a barbarian unworthy of his position. His parameters as well as Mana Burst, Battle Continuation, and Instinct Skills register as one rank lower than they actually are until he reveals his True Name. Berserker X himself hates and only uses Kendō as an absolute last resort, preferring to wield his nodachi one-handed and without discipline. But the rule, "a sword swung with both hands is stronger than swung with only one," applies to him as well…
Noble Phantasms-
Eyepatch Seal: "The Demon's Restraint": D (Anti-Unit (Self)): A seemingly ordinary black eyepatch has been affixed over Berserker X's right eye, despite the organ being fully functional. At first, it appears he only wears it to limit his line of sight and depth perception as an added challenge, but in truth, this object is a seal designed to restrain the bulk of his massive power. Now as a Heroic Spirit, Eyepatch Seal affects his reserves of Magical Energy. Upon removing it, Berserker X's Mana stat rises to A+, and yellow power radiates freely from him to the point where it can be felt across a moderate city. Onlookers will note that this energy takes the form of a roaring skull at times, perhaps a symbol of Berserker X's lust for battle. Should another with mana wear Eyepatch Seal, a large portion of their Magical Energy would be sealed until it is removed again. An average magus or even a weak Servant may even die from the loss of mana. However, Berserker X would never use such a tactic.
?: Berserker X does not know the True Name of his nodachi; therefore it seems to be merely the equivalent of a C-rank Noble Phantasm.