Chapter 11: Banquet of Heroic Ideals
-103:11:39
Irisviel von Einzbern walked down a battered corridor of the Einzbern castle. She was making a conscious effort not to stare too long at her surroundings; though she knew they'd never meant to stay in this residence for the entirety of the War, it had reminded her of home. Seeing the once pristine walls and lights scoured with signs of battle pained her.
Saber was standing guard atop the roof, the homunculus sensed. Both had been a little tense the entire day. No trace of Caster or Archer X. The former, they'd come close to following a trail thanks to Assassin X's hounds Irisviel could now summon. Her lips quirked at the cuddly rascals and how they would light up every time they saw her. Sadly, they weren't called simply to play with her, tempting though that might've been. They'd gone after Caster's scent, but moving in the daytime slowed progress, and the female duo were even warier in their investigation since Rider X's ambush.
But they hadn't seen the foreigner once afterwards. Nor Archer X for that matter, though Kiritsugu had taken personal interest in finding her. Saber had learned from him that the new rogue might've made contact with Rider X, another worrisome prospect.
Her friend shared these thoughts. Are those two now working together? Saber wondered while gazing along the battlements. And was this spur of the moment? Kiritsugu said that Archer X wouldn't just kill her Master without some kind of plan. Could she have already been in contact with Rider X? She frowned. Rider X struck when it seemed as though we might stumble upon Caster's lair. He even intervened when we tried to end that madman two nights ago. Is this another alliance?
And if Kirei Kotomine truly is Rider X's Master and simultaneously in cohort with Tokiomi Tohsaka… Irisviel pondered with increasing worry, does that mean that Rider X is an ally to Tokiomi's Servants too? But… Archer had shown no indication of working with Rider X or even liking him that night at the docks. Or was that all an act? She sighed, wishing she had her husband's experience with this sort of shadowplay. She felt so naïve-
A surge of power rippled through her body. Shaken by the sudden sensation, the woman stumbled against the wall with a gasp. Her Magic Circuits registered rumbling, crackling lightning… and a lust for blood that was all too familiar.
Footsteps sounded through the hall as she slid to the ground. Her strength was continuing to fade…
"Irisviel!" Saber rounded a corner to see her "Master" slumped alongside the wall. She rushed to her side in-between a second to help her up. "Are you well?"
The Einzbern nodded, steadying herself. "Choosing to attack from the front now while Kiritsugu and Assassin X are gone…" she noted. "Not very polite."
Saber glared through a cracked window. "A frontal assault with lightning, monstrous pressure of mana…" She looked back at Irisviel. "It's almost certainly Rider's team." Berserker X's trademark bloodlust muddied her sense somewhat as the force drew closer, but she could still make out three different Servant signatures.
In hindsight, she wasn't surprised that her rival monarch was coming to fight. Even if their last encounter had ended on relatively peaceful terms, a confrontation had been inevitable. Such was the fate of two kings standing on opposite sides.
"Stay close while I give them a proper welcome," Saber told Irisviel, who nodded back without hesitation. They then headed together for the main hall, the King of Knights' suit transforming into her royal armor. Even if three Heroic Spirit were about to attack, the safest place in this battered castle was still by the side of the strongest Servant.
Saber was confident, though, not foolish. She knew she'd have lousy chances against the combination of her counterpart's prowess, Rider's chariot, and Berserker X's ferocity. So as she sprinted, she called out telepathically to her own partner. 'Assassin X, Rider and his team are at the castle.'
His answer came within seconds. 'Try to hold them off for a bit, I'm on my way.'
'See you soon,' Saber ended the conversation with fresh confidence. She could hear the heavy wheels of that chariot rolling into the entry area and a "Whoa" from Rider. Around one more corner, Irisviel panting slightly behind her, and Saber charged into the hall-
"Howdy, Saber!"
To blink in shock. Rider stood on the Gordius Wheel with a friendly smile and hand raised in greeting. "I'd heard your castle had sustained some damage, and I wished to have a look for myself. Bit depressing here, isn't it?" But instead of his regular attire of leather armor and massive cloak, he wore a white t-shirt with some fancy logo and a pair of jeans. "So many trees out there, we had to chop a couple of them down or else we'd have never found this place!" On his left was Berserker X in a black leather jacket and pants, noticeably less friendly smile underneath the eyepatch covering his right eye.
And on his right, instead of Saber X as she'd have expected, was- "Lancer?" Saber asked perplexed.
Indeed, the Celtic spearman stood next to the other pair, a smile in greeting on his face that would've made any ordinary woman swoon. He at least was wearing his standard armor but didn't appear particularly cautious next to two enemies. "A pleasure to see you as well, King of Knights," he said before his brow creased. "…Were you not expecting us?"
"…No. I was not." As Lancer shifted about in apparent confusion, Saber noticed that boy Rider and more recently Berserker X had for a Master behind them, right next to two large caskets and a redhaired woman eyeing her with hostility. The boy looked utterly drained of energy and wishing desperately to go home, and the woman kept glancing towards her, then Lancer, then Irisviel, then Lancer again with ever sharpening eyes.
Saber finally made to ask what was going on when Rider called out, "Say, why are you dressed in your armor, Saber?" He thumped his chest proudly. Specifically, against the shirt's logo. "You could've kept that stylish suit for tonight."
"Or maybe she's geared up for a fight…" Berserker X mumbled, the atmosphere tightening alongside his toothy grin. His sheathed nodachi appeared in his left hand even while he kept his biker attire.
Saber braced for an oncoming clash, but then Iskandar slung an arm around his partner's shoulders. "Oh, come on, Kenpachi! We didn't come here to cross blades."
Kenpachi? Irisviel pondered, perplexed that Rider would be so casual with his ally's True Name. The Servant only grumbled in disappointment before Saber spoke in a commanding tone. "Then why are you all here? Have you chosen to ally yourself with Rider and Berserker X, Lancer?"
He shook his head. "Not at all, Saber. Rider invited us to come along for a 'special event'." He cast a cold look towards the Macedonian Servant. "If this was all some deception, King of Conquerors, then I-"
"Relax, Lancer!" Rider waved off his warning, smile present as ever. He then hauled up one of the caskets he'd brought up onto his right shoulder. "I brought us here so we could share a good drink."
"…Excuse me?" Saber found difficulty processing the simply uttered statement.
Lancer finally sighed wearily before speaking again. "Forgive me, I have forgotten my manners." He stepped off the chariot alongside the redhead, helping her off with one hand (which she seemed delighted about) before moving to the bulls' side. "This is Lady Sola-Ui, my deceased lord's betrothed and my current Master." He introduced his companion with proper grace.
Irisviel curtsied reflexively to her in greeting, and Saber bowed her head to her. A little chivalry helped calm her mind, even though the situation still felt hopelessly awkward.
"Charmed." Sola-Ui said to them with passable courtesy, though her eyes remained narrowed at the two.
Lancer quickly cleared his throat and continued. "We were traversing the city in search of my lord's killer," his fist clenched despite his conversational tone, "and happened to meet Rider by chance at a wine store. He informed us that he had been planning to host a banquet at your residence and invited us to join," the knight sighed, "and being the fool I am, I took that to mean you knew beforehand of this arrangement. He retrieved us only a few minutes ago."
Saber fought to keep her face neutral. "I see…" She didn't doubt the word of Diarmuid Ua Duibhne for a second, and this somehow all sounded completely in character for that oaf of a King, but it still took some time to process. And whether she appreciated the circumstances was another matter.
"Correct me if I'm wrong…" Everyone turned to look behind the Wheel. Assassin X stood there, kunai in hand. Both of his eyes stared deadpan at the largest Servant present. "But isn't it proper etiquette to, you know, ask the hostess if you can use their place?"
"Particularly before you send out the invitations?" Waver Velvet mumbled half-heartedly. Ever since he'd heard of the death of his professor, he'd felt… tired. Bereft of energy.
"Yes, I should've done that," Rider scratched his head, "but I grew so excited at the idea!" His free shoulder shrugged. "I merely forgot to tell Saber we'd be having it at her place. My bad!" He roared in laughter while others felt a drop of sweat trickle down their heads. "Still, how good of you to join us as well, Assassin X! There's plenty for everyone."
"You better crack one of them open soon, Kandy Bar…" a new voice grumbled as he trudged past Assassin X into the hall. Saber X walked slouched over with his hands in his pocket and a resigned frown on his face. "If I gotta go through this crazy shindig, then I'm doing it hammered."
"I haven't even agreed to-" Saber's protests were cut off by another sword-wielder.
"Ditto," Berserker X huffed. "So many here, and I don't get to fight any of them. Least I oughta do is to drink." He grew wistful for a second. "Could always fight and drink…"
Most of the individuals present felt their blood run cold while imagining a completely drunk Berserker X on a rampage.
"Ha! Maybe we can do that next time around, my friend!" Needless to say, Rider wasn't one of these individuals present. He beamed over at his first partner. "Any others?"
Recovering from the images of a certain Oni tearing through Fuyuki City, sword in one hand, wine bottle in another, Saber X just hung his head with a sigh. "…Two more should be here any second now."
And on that cue, the sound of a car's engine could be heard by everyone present. Twin lights flashed outside as a black Toyota rolled into view. It came to a relaxed stop left of the exit, then out of the driver's side popped Caster X. The senior Servant removed his hat to the others with a friendly smile. "Good evening." Then he opened the passenger door for another to vacate the vehicle.
A tiny flicker of confusion broke through Waver's murky thoughts. How could a medieval-looking wizard drive a-Then he smacked his own forehead upon registering Caster X's parameters. Right. Riding Skill. In his defense, that ability wasn't usually amongst Casters.
Aside from Saber X, it was the first time anyone had met Kariya Matou before. Saber and Assassin X exchanged a glance at his hobbling, battered appearance. Not much resemblance to the man Kiritsugu had shown a picture of. Irisviel grew concerned upon seeing underneath the hood that concealed his bleached hair and scarred face.
Kariya just waved a hand in greeting, wondering how Gandalf had convinced him to come along for this… whatever the hell it was. Saber X had appeared surprised when the wizard had agreed to the invitation. "There is something amiss in this War…" Kariya remembered his friend saying, "and this is a fine chance for us to gain allies."
"Oho, happy you could make it, elder one!" Rider beamed at the newcomers before adding in a teasing tone. "Though you're almost a bit late."
Caster X stepped away from the car with a mirthful twinkle in his eyes. "A wizard is never late, Iskandar King," Irisviel grew curious at the odd way to address royalty while he continued, "nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
The remark earned a hearty chuckle from the King of Conquerors and his comrades while the King of Knights smiled in greeting. "A friend from my time would've agreed wholeheartedly with your statement." Circumstances aside, she had grown fond of this Servant of Spells.
A sentiment shared by the other Servants present. Assassin X as the closest one took the opportunity to shake hands with him. He gave a cautious look about. "Will your partner be joining us as well?" Aside from how his first encounter with Berserker had gone, his spirit core ached at how his own partner tensed ever so slightly; he was now positive that Saber had at least an idea who the mad Servant could be.
Caster X too noticed the minute signs of worry on the otherwise stoic girl, but like Assassin X, decided against mentioning it at the moment. He sensed that the situation carried much pain for both individuals, and this didn't seem the right company to discuss such personal matters. So, he settled for explaining, "Berserker is currently off in pursuit of Archer X." He raised a hand when another made to interject. "Whether or not he'd succeed in killing her, I cannot say, Lancer. We could attempt to call him back, but he may disrupt the peaceful nature of our gathering."
"And the problem with that would be…?" Everyone ignored Berserker X.
Lancer was moving with determination towards the exit. "Apologies, King of Conquerors. I fear I cannot partake in this event after all. Lady Sola-Ui." His voice carried just enough chivalry that the woman moved instinctively to follow him (though some noticed a vicious scowl twisting across her face for an instant).
"Oh, come now, you've only just arrived-"
"This is a personal matter that takes precedence." If Archer X was to fall, then it ought to be by Diarmuid's hand and not some mad knight's. Lord Kayneth wouldn't be able to rest easily otherwise. He glanced to the one next to him. "Wise one, I would be in your debt if you told me where they are now."
"And I wouldn't accept your owing me even if I could help you, sir," Caster X replied graciously. "Berserker was in swift pursuit of her, those two could be on the other side of the city by now. Besides, if you charge out there, you may be heading into a trap." Lancer gave him a mixed look of frustration and puzzlement, prompting him to sigh. "It was no accident she crossed our path, Lancer. I can explain the situation better to you," he cast his gaze to all of the other attendees, "all of you, if you remain here for the time being."
The others grew curious at what he could mean. The main addressee remained conflicted, though. I must fulfill my duty to my lord…
And as if he could read his mind, Caster X spoke to him in a soft tone. "Your adherence to your honor is commendable. But do not it let hinder your ability to think. Or to learn."
Something about the old man eased his nerves. He felt like a boy again in his presence, still learning eagerly before he could claim the title of a knight. Assassin X had moved a little closer as well. "Your ex-partner's a tough one, Lancer. I think she can survive a little playdate with Berserker." The word choice drew an amused snort from the other two Servants.
Lancer was beginning to smile again. "To think you of all people would keep assuring me about her survival, Assassin X…" He shook his head. "Ah, the irony." Before he knew it, he was walking with the duo towards the others. Sola-Ui awaited him with a pleased smile. Saber X had already trudged over to his own team with a long drink from his flask.
The weary man accompanying Caster X (undoubtably his Master) limped to the Servant who in turn gave him a steadying hand. Lancer eyed the pair with one last concern. "Despite our standing on opposing sides, I hope your partner does not perish at the hands of the one I once called mine."
"Do not fret, sir Lancer." The wizard assured him without breaking stride. "Berserker can take care of himself."
"Hold still, you smoked-up son of a bitch!" Archer X roared over the cacophony of her minigun spitting ammunition in an abandoned construction site. The high-caliber bullets sailed through the air to shred any concrete and metal in their paths. Not another soul for miles. Perfect condition for a battle between Servants that couldn't create Bounded Fields.
"Rraaahh!" Berserker howled back as he darted and flipped away from the barrage. His armor had already shrugged off shots from her handguns and SMGs, even a sniper round had only rattled him for a bit. He somersaulted high to a partially formed house and wrenched a metal beam loose. A lunge forward brought him whirling straight for the Servant of the Bow.
The black-armored Freelancer rolled away before the darkened beam cratered the spot she'd been standing on. She brought up her minigun only for Berserker to drop his current weapon and cross the distance. His shadowed gauntlets grabbed onto the heavy gun tightly.
Archer X tried to wrest it free with a curse, but Berserker pulled back. They struggled against each other's strength for a while, changing footholds, trying to get a better grip on the weapon, but their strength was near equal. Finally, Archer X let go of the minigun, making Berserker stumble backwards from the sudden lack of resistance, then she grabbed hold of his helmet and rammed her own against it with a loud CLONG!
That crimson-glowing slit only glared at her, then surged forward. CLANG!
"Fuck!" Archer X hurtled head-over-heels backwards before crashing into a pile of supplies. She shook her head to stop the ringing in her ears, then glared through the massive crack on her visor. "Dammit, not again…"
Then she heard a familiar whirring. A glance forward revealed Berserker pointing her minigun at her.
She barely dived away as the first bullets were fired. The soldier rolled to her feet and began to sprint, the hail of lead right on her tail. At another time, she might've appreciated the irony of her position having switched with that of her enemy. But right now, Archer X was trying to will away the whirling gun. It was her Noble Phantasm, after all.
But the only thing that happened was the bullets slowly gaining ground on her. What the hell?! No Servant should've been able to wield a Noble Phantasm not their own like this. But it was like the minigun had ceased to be hers from the moment Berserker took hold of it. Should've dematerialized the thing while we were fighting over it. Stupid!
Okay… Archer X growled to herself with rising frustration as she ducked behind a bulldozer. The Servant of Madness' barrage shredded it in seconds, but it gave her time to call up something else.
"You want a gunfight?" Berserker registered the taunt a moment before something hurtled towards him. He ceased firing to jump away from the thing. A plume of fire erupted at the point of impact.
Archer X strode out into view, missile pod at the ready. "I'll give you a gunfight."
The two black Servants trained their arms at one another with matching glares. But as heavy ordinance blew the site around them to pieces, Tex's fury continued to grow. It grew from this bastard's inability to go down, it grew from her new Master's apparent disinterest in helping, it grew from a ridiculous thought in the back of her head:
Why isn't Lancer here?!
Rider for his part looked ecstatic that his "guests" were staying. "Wonderful! Now then, Saber," he hopped off his chariot, casket still over his shoulder, while a bored Berserker X snagged the other, "why don't you show us around? This castle ought to have a courtyard, right? It's sure to be a better place for us to drink than in this stuffy hall."
Saber just sighed and motioned for them to follow. 'Let me guess,' Assassin X's voice echoed in her head as the odd group moved, 'you didn't host many parties like this in your old life, huh?'
'Not ones where I was the last to learn about the parties. Much less that I would be the host.' Artoria's rare snark did little to distract her pondering. This couldn't be a simple get-together the King of Conquerors had come up with on the fly. Her fighting spirit told her that this was to be another challenge. A battle not of blades, but of wine and words. One glance back to Rider and his fierce smile confirmed her suspicions. The presence of their allies and neutral parties could make for a very interesting meeting.
The path through the Einzbern castle was mostly silent for those who were Servant and those who were not. Irisviel was unsure whether or not to engage in conversation while Sola-Ui remained as close to Lancer as she could, periodically casting a sharp look to her or Saber. Waver merely walked along in a weary daze, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
Saber X for his part was eyeing his surroundings much more carefully than his partners. It may've been misplaced paranoia, but he'd learned in his youth to be cautious. "Love what you guys have done with the place," he finally joked. "The damage and scorch marks really make it picturesque." His red eyes focused on a once-again one-eyed Assassin X. "This the real you, Mister Mask, or are we gonna be talking to a stunt double for the whole evening?"
"Who knows?" The shinobi shrugged in good humor. "Half the times, I'm not really sure myself." As a chuckle swept through the Servants, he discreetly checked his flack jacket while sending a telepathic message. 'Is the connection working, Kiritsugu?'
'Like a charm.' The Master replied inside his hotel room. He was sitting on the bed in front of his laptop, headphones around his neck. Maiya and a Shadow Clone of his Servant stood behind him, watching the proceedings as well.
Once Assassin X had notified him of Saber's alert, Kiritsugu had turned thoughtful. Both agreed that this didn't seem like Rider's style to mount a direct attack. So, before sending him to provide backup for Saber and Irisviel, he had equipped his Servant with a hidden camera and microphone. That way, he could monitor the situation without needing Assassin X or Saber to tell him what was happening.
'The equipment ought to work just fine so long as you don't get into a fight. Stay sharp.'
'Will do.' "Assassin X" upped his pace a bit to step beside Irisviel on her left. She acknowledged him with a nod and a smile, as did Saber from her right. He returned it with a pointed wink to let them know he was indeed a Shadow Clone, an added precaution for this little shindig. No shinobi worth his salt would announce his presence so blatantly without a plan, after all. The real Kakashi Hatake was silently following the group, Presence Concealmentallowing him to evade detection from even the sharpest Servants.
It said something about the level of understanding Saber had developed with Assassin X that she knew where he was. Or that she needed no verbal communication to understand his strategy. If a fight did break out, he could form a pincer formation with Saber to tackle the rest while the clone carried Irisviel to safety. A bit precarious, but they could pull it off.
The collection of Servants soon reached the main courtyard of the castle. No fighting had commenced there, leaving its carefully tended parterre undamaged and suited for this odd social gathering. Rider accepted the offered space with a pleased nod and led the way to the very center. The Servants sat down into a ring of suitable space, Saber and Assassin X on one side, Rider, Saber X and Berserker X on the opposite. Lancer and Caster X finished the cross, the latter entrusting his hat and staff to Kariya as a support. The Master smiled at the help; even just holding the wooden feature eased his body from the constant pain. He then joined Irisviel, Waver and Sola-Ui in moving to the side. They were simply audience for this event.
Not that it stopped a certain redhead from staying as close as she possibly could to her Servant.
Saber X opened up a bag he'd been carrying and pulled out a couple of wooden cups. Lancer rose an eyebrow at the collection. "Rustic."
The Huntsman snorted in response. "I'd like to see the guy who can transport delicate wineglasses across the city without smashing it to fragments. And that's if you don't get into a scrap. Besides," he swept his arm out for their surroundings, "it's not like everything else is super classy at this shindig. No music, no hors d'oeuvres, no sexy dancers."
Saber's mouth twitched, but her partner spoke up to forestall any premature violence. "Our sincere apologies. We weren't expecting guests to drop by tonight. Maybe if you'd have warned us, oh, two hours in advance, you'd get to enjoy the whole package. Feast and all."
Caster X was among those who laughed at the joking tone. "I've admittedly organized a few unexpected gatherings like this in my own time, so I'm not in any position to complain."
"Nor am I for starting this." To mark the beginning of the banquet, Rider smashed his casket open with his fist and plunged a wooden ladle into the red liquid within. An alcoholic fragrance wafted through the air. "But at least we brought the wine." Swirling it about, he withdrew the ladle to pour its contents into one cup, then repeated the process with another. "It is said the Holy Grail belongs to the one -or in this case, two- worthy of it. This war in Fuyuki is meant to discover which of us that is." Once the cups were filled and each had claimed one, he took a big gulp from his before sighing pleased. "But if the decision is so simple, we don't have to resort to bloodshed."
Berserker X and Saber X had already downed theirs and made to refill. The apparently one-eyed Servant clicked his tongue in irritation. "Hey now, some of us enjoy bloodshed, Rider."
"I know, Kenpachi, and I'm not one to discourage a good battle," Rider laughed. "I'm only saying that if we Heroic Spirits can determine our strength to one another, we needn't worry about who gets the Grail."
Saber eyed her cup before pointedly taking a long drink from it. She then held the empty utensil for more with a fierce expression. Her rival king lifted an eyebrow in amusement at the challenge. Lancer drank from his own to hide a chuckle at her demeanor. He shot a pointed look to his opponent's partner. Competitive one, isn't she?
Assassin X shrugged discreetly his shoulders as though to say You don't know the half of it. He'd learned by now that the King of Knights didn't like coming short of anything.
While her cup was being refilled, Saber asked, "Then you've set this up to find out which of us Servants is the strongest, Rider?"
"Correct." The King of Conquerors grinned. "We are all proud heroes, regardless of our origins. And most of all, we all have one wish that drives us towards victory over one another." He passed back her cup. "Consider this a sort of… 'Grail Dialogue'."
Caster X took a sip from his wine and tilted his head in thought. "I can appreciate the idea of settling this War with peaceful talks, if such a feat were possible."
"So would I," Assassin X admitted, lowering his goblet. A couple of eyes narrowed at the noticeable decrease of wine inside it as he spoke. "But we wouldn't be here if we each had something important to fight for, my friend. And I doubt anything up to and including negotiating with the Grail itself will help grant all of our wishes."
"I do not dispute that." The wizard nodded in concession while pulling a pipe from his robes. He glanced about as he prepared. "Does anyone mind if I smoke while we speak?" All shook their heads in the negative, prompting him to put the pipe in his mouth and snap his fingers. A spark of fire danced on his fingertip before it was inserted into the hole. "We all stand here for the sake of our beliefs and our hopes," he spoke while igniting his pipeweed. A pleasant-smelling smoke wafted through the air. "But we have all seen battle before, and I would tell you not to be too quick in casting aside peaceful moments. And at the very least, we can stand to hear of each other's motives." Waving away the flame on his finger, Caster X took a few puffs before exhaling a cloud that flowed around him like a circling stream.
Showoff, the others thought in unison. Then Rider leaned over with a curious gleam. "Say, elder one, could I try that as well? I'd heard of such a pleasure form from time to time in my travels, but I never had the opportunity to sample itself."
Caster X weighed it with another puff before nodding. "Very well, but only a taste. My supply is not infinite." He rubbed off the tip on his sleeve before handing over the pipe.
The King of Conquerors looked over the slim rod, the round chamber with burning weed within, then placed the tip inside his mouth. He sucked in a deep breathe that made his cheeks puff up like brown balloons, his eyes glazing over and his mouth shifting into a pleased smile.
"And out." The pipe's owner advised him. Smoke erupted from the big man's nostrils. And his ears.
Saber X barked a laugh at how his friend slumped into a totally relaxed manner on the spot. "Damn, this is the quietest I've ever seen of Kandy Bar! Makes me want to ask you for more of that stuff to keep him like this forever."
You and me both, Waver half-heartedly thought.
"Old Toby," Caster X quickly plucked his pipe out of Rider's slack digits with a laugh, "the finest pipeweed in the Southfarthing. A peaceful, beautiful area of my world." Behind him, Kariya smiled as well at the memories of Hobbits eating, laughing, and otherwise going about their humble lives there. Then the Servant quickly spoke up again. "But as I said, I only have enough for myself."
Life flickered in Rider's eyes again, red stars burning in the night. He thumped a fist into a palm. "Then I shall have to face you for the right to that delicious- OW!" Saber X didn't even acknowledge the stink-eye cast his way for clipping Rider's head. The Macedonian Servant sighed before conceding, "Or I could procure my own pipe and tobacco…"
"That is an option," Caster X replied amused. He looked over to the other monarch and noted traces of agitation in her otherwise prim posture. "I fear I've pushed away from the original purpose of this gathering, and I apologize for that." He bowed his head towards Saber.
She made to accept his courtesy with a nod when a new voice rang out. "Gathering is far too flattering a word for this shamble."
Everyone turned to see a familiar collection of golden sparkles arise on one of the stone paths. Then a fully armored Archer was striding towards them with tight steps and a disdainful expression conveyed by his entire body. All Servants except one braced themselves for battle; even if this one carried no weapon, he didn't appear even remotely friendly.
And they all knew he didn't need to carry weapons to use them.
Rider, however, lifted his goblet in greeting. "Ah, welcome, Archer! I'm happy you've accepted my invitation."
Saber curled the fingers of her right hand as though to summon her blade. "Invitation?"
"We ran into him prancing like a fuckin' peacock down the streets earlier today," Berserker X lazily explained, his own sword already half-materialized. A bloodthirsty smile began to spread on his lips. "Kandy kept us from duking it out back then, but the sun's down now."
Archer only sneered at the challenge, but before either could make a move, a voice behind him spoke up. "Five seconds since your arrival and a brawl is about to break out?"
A familiar aircraft slowly drifted out of the sky before restructuring itself into Rider X. "I wonder how my presence shall stir up the pot." He eyed amused the further increase of tension at his appearance.
Saber X's massive sword expanded to its full length. "I don't recall you getting an invitation, pal." He cast a glance to Rider who shook his head in answer.
"There is little you can keep from me, Saber X," Rider X replied smoothly, "once I have a mind to know it."
Electricity began to crackle in Assassin X's hand as he eyed the steel titan warily. Assassin… Lancer and Saber had risen to their feet while Berserker X's nodachi was halfway out of his sheathe. "Now this is where the fun starts," the latter laughed.
But the metal behemoth rose his open palms towards them. "Tempting though clashing with you again would be, Berserker X, I have no intention of facing all of you at once. Such overwhelming power in one place… how could any Servant hope to survive?" His eyes carried not a trace of fear despite his words. "And doesn't your honor, little knights, compel you to carry out battles one-on-one?"
"Not all of us are mere knights, mongrel," Archer drawled, eyeing his opponent sideways.
Gáe Daerg and Gáe Buidhe gleamed at the ready in the moonlight. "And an exception could be made in your case," their owner warned.
Rider X didn't so much as flinch at the hostility. If anything, his amusement grew as he took in Saber X and Caster X drawing their own swords. Berserker X cracked his neck, blade held high above his smirk. So wary in my presence, all of you… But out loud, he alluded to a little something he'd read about his colleague's culture. "Is this the fabled hospitality of this world's kings? Openly threatening a guest recently arrived?"
"A true guest does not simply barge into a gathering without invitation." Saber had summoned her sword, its windy shroud swirling about like on the cusp of a typhoon while Assassin X maintained the charge in his hand. "And I am certain this one can continue just as well," her tone was ice cold, "after we've dealt with you."
But then a large hand reached in front of her. "Stand down, all of you," a solemn Rider told her. "While I cannot applaud his methods, Rider X is correct." Saber wasn't the only one who turned to him in disbelief, but her rival monarch kept his gaze on the foreign newcomer.
Hospitality had been a sacred custom in Greece. Zeus himself, King of the Gods and alleged father to Iskandar, held dominion over this and the protection of guests as well as thunder and lightning. The King of Conquerors couldn't in good conscience welcome Archer into their dialogue while turning Rider X away simultaneously. And Rider X knows that, he mused. It's as I thought; he's a clever adversary. The metallic sneer directed at him; another challenge.
Rider chose to answer it with a fierce grin. "Though you did indeed barge in, you remain a guest as well." He waved his hand to the wine caskets. "Come and sit. You will not be attacked while this Grail Dialogue is underway." His eyes sharpened. "Provided you mind your manners, of course."
"I shall be on my best behavior." Rider X's chuckle did nothing to soothe the tension.
Saber X stared at his partner a while longer before collapsing Harbinger with a huff. Berserker X grumbled but sheathed his nodachi as well while the Huntsman warned, "Fine. But if you step out of line, Buckethead, all bets are off."
"So feel free to step out of line," the Soul Reaper added grinning.
Rider X simply laughed off the threat as he stepped towards the circle. The Masters (and Irisviel) instinctively shied away even though he did nothing more than sit cross-legged on the ground and accepted wine from Rider. Caster X didn't take his eyes off his seating neighbor but sheathed his sword all the same. Guest right had been sacred on Arda as well. He gave a telling look over to the last trio still armed.
Finally, Saber willed away her class weapon before nodding to the others. She too understood the rules of hospitality. And Lancer and Assassin X('s clone) respected her enough to follow suit before sitting down again. Didn't mean they'd lowered their guard, oh no.
Meanwhile, the real Assassin X hung his head with a sigh. 'I could try to kill Rider X now, but from what I know of him, he's not careless or stupid enough to do something this brazen without a plan. I could be jumping into a trap.'
'And even if he hasn't set one up, Archer might interfere if their Masters really are in an alliance,' Kiritsugu continued in frustration. Right now, both wanted nothing more than to remove that steel Servant from the Grail War, but one wrong move, and this whole thing could turn into a blood bath. With Irisviel and Saber in the middle. '…Only observe for now.'
'Affirmative.'
Everyone was waiting for the moment Rider X did anything to abuse their hospitality.
Including Archer. But the King of Heroes merely gave an insulted scoff that drew the collective attention. "Being invited to such a dreary place, having to bear the charade of mongrels snapping at one another…" His red eyes set on Rider's. "Is this utter shambles your idea of how to conduct kingly discussions? Especially with inviting common riffraff to the table? How do you intend to redeem yourself for wasting my time?"
But it was another who answered. "The night is still young, Archer." Caster X puffed from his pipe anew to steady his nerves. "And though having certain standards is the mark of a great king, wouldn't you agree that carrying an open mind is one as well?"
Gilgamesh shifted his piercing gaze to the interloping dog… and paused. His eyes narrowed, though not really in anger, before he said, "Do not presume to lecture me on what makes a great king, apparition." Assassin X and Saber, Rider and Saber X traded curious glances while Caster X's eyebrows arched at the appellation. "Be grateful that I continue to grace you with my presence."
Rider X drank from his cup to mask his frown, eyeing the old man smoking his pipe. "Apparition?" Not "mongrel?"He'd suspected that there was something about this wizard from the moment he'd saved that black beast at the dockyards. Despite his fragile appearance, Rider X was surer than ever that this one spelled trouble. Moreso with a certain ally's testimony in mind.
But he couldn't strike him down now. Not with so many present, and only Rider's rule keeping them from attacking him. Oh well. May as well enjoy the wine and the tension.
From the side, Kariya glared full of disdain at the golden Servant. His Servant. His arm ached to rise and call Berserker here with Command Seal. His team would crush Archer and score another victory over-
'Steady now.' Gandalf's deep voice echoed in his mind. 'This is not the place to battle him. Too many others are present, and he is under guest right. Rider may step in to stop us.' The words cooled the Master's temper like a clear spring. 'Do not let anger triumph over reason.'
Kariya relented with a silent sigh. For better or worse, he was just a spectator. First seeing Rin again and now this encounter, and always the Crest Worms… he needed to rest before his mind exploded.
"Easy now." Rider had filled up a cup and offered it to Archer. "Relax and have a drink."
The wine was taken and pointedly downed in one gulp, much like how Saber had answered Rider's "challenge." But Archer gave him a derisive frown in addition. "What kind of swill are you giving me? You'd bring such cheap excuse of wine to establish the ranks of Heroic Spirits?"
Rider didn't appear insulted, though. "Huh, these were the best caskets we could find at the market."
Berserker X took another drink before shrugging. "Good enough for me. What, you can't drink it without mixing molten gold or crushed diamonds in it or something?"
"Now that sounds like something that needs an acquired taste." Assassin X joked.
"Don't be ridiculous, mongrels. I see none of you have the slightest idea of true wine." He lifted his right hand and summoned a golden portal over it, prompting the others to brace themselves. But what came out wasn't any weapon, but a large golden pitcher that he placed proudly on the ground.
"Ooooh…" The Rider trio released as they eyed it, Saber X even licking his lips.
Archer smirked proudly as nine pristine goblets emerged in his hands. "Behold and learn of your folly. This is drink befitting the true king." He closed his eyes in satisfaction…
Then opened to find the cups out of his hands and arrayed in front of Saber X. The dark-haired man was practically drooling as he grabbed for the pitcher. "Don't mind if I do…"
But Rider beat him to it with a laugh. "I shall pour the wine so we can sample it equally, Qrow."
He scoffed at that. "What, you don't trust your own partner?"
"In battle, with my life. With alcohol, not so much."
"Wise move," Assassin X and Lancer chorused, receiving a halfhearted scowl from Saber X. Either way, the King of Conquerors poured the wine into the golden cups, making sure not to spill a single drop of the precious liquid. High above them, an Assassin watched all of the proceedings with great care. As did the real Assassin X from his own hiding spot.
As did yet another Servant with Presence Concealment. 'Well, it seems to have grown peaceful again,' Lancer X reported from the shadows, hazel eyes trained on the collection. 'No thanks to Rider X or my partner.'
'There's no point worrying about Archer, he does what he wants.' Tokiomi grumbled inside her mind. Little time had passed since their return to Fuyuki City, and no sooner had the Heroic Spirit of the Spear finished debriefing her Master of her adventure with Rin did Kirei report of multiple Servants converging on the Einzbern castle. While the Hassan's were on watch as ever, Tokiomi had decided he wanted to see whatever occurred for himself. Therefore, he dispatched Lancer X to the mansion, her primary orders being "stay hidden and gather intelligence."
And this time, he had enough clarity of mind to invoke shared perception between them before her departure. Even within his family's workshop, the Tohsaka patriarch could see and hear everything happening inside the Einzbern courtyard. 'Maintain watch like Assassin for now. Let's see if anything happens.'
'Very well,' Jade confirmed her instructions, noting that he'd at least become cordial with her again. Still, she wished she'd had more time to question Tokiomi about this "Sakura" Rin and Kariya Matou had spoken of…
All nine Servants in the circle had now received a goblet with the supposedly superior wine. Caster X raised his before asking, "Shall we have a toast?"
Some eyed each other warily, but then Rider hoisted his drink high. "To the Holy Grail and the Servants who shall claim it!"
His Charisma prompted the others to emulate his action, Assassin X adding, "To an unusual Grail War full of surprises."
"Hear, hear," the Sabers, Rider, Lancer and Caster X chorused to his sentiment. Berserker X just grunted while Archer and Rider X merely sneered. Then they all drank the wine.
Saber stared at her wine in open surprise. Her partner whispered next to her, "Oh my god…" and she couldn't blame him.
The taste of this wine was… was… "Brilliant!" Rider roared in delight before taking another gulp.
"Incredible," Lancer mumbled bewildered.
Though he had no lungs, Rider X exhaled explosively. "Unmatchable." Though wine tasting was a pleasure he'd only discovered as a Servant, he felt this liquid was the finest he'd ever sampled and ever will sample.
Saber X cradled his wine almost tenderly. "Where have you been all my life…?" he whispered.
Berserker X gulped down the rest in his cup like air. "Best damn wine I've ever had."
Caster X was silent, but the shimmer in his eyes made it clear he agreed with every sentiment uttered. And so did Saber. The wine… every drop of it felt like it carried every single pleasurable sensation within. Sweet yet sour, relaxing yet invigorating, tastes that should've been contradictory but instead came in a perfect balance. Even the smell alone was captivating. It was like all of the tastes the samplers had enjoyed in their varied lives had somehow been pressed into a liquid and served.
The Gray Wizard swirled about the delicious bounty in his goblet. "…I have never tasted an equal of such wine among the Men of my world," he finally proclaimed. "Not even the finest from the Elves could've hoped to match it." He turned to the gathering's host. "Apologies, Rider, but Archer claims victory here."
"I'll second that." "Agreed." "Ditto." "No shit."
The verdict was unanimous. And Rider chuckled in good nature at his defeat. "I couldn't argue if I wanted to."
Archer had sat down, twirling his goblet with the smuggest expression one could imagine. "Blades, wine, only the best is kept within my treasury," he declared before having another sip. His free hand lashed out to smack away that of another reaching for the pitcher. "And it most certainly will not be housed within that filthy flacon of yours, mongrel." Gold began to shine behind him. "Do not test my generosity."
Saber X withdrew his hand and stowed away his flask with a pout.
Once done, he continued. "This alone proves who the greatest among us is."
That earned him a derisive scoff from Rider X. "Good taste in wine, no matter how supreme you collection, does not guarantee your claim of the Holy Grail." He leaned forward, baring his teeth in a confrontational smile. "Drinking from that cup is a privilege I will let no other claim."
Saber shook her head, the wonderful feeling in her mouth having soured. "This posturing from the both of you tires me," she told them. "I'd expect more restraint from respectable rulers."
Megatron barked in laughter. "Bold words from the King of Knights, yet your appearance does your legend little justice."
That sparked a fire in her, but Lancer spoke first in defense of his rival (Sola-Ui twitched at the interaction) "Considering you've failed to kill her twice, Rider X," the knight noted in a cool tone, "I'd say you have little room for bluster." He toasted his cup to her, and she did the same as a sign of thanks.
"A mere knight has no place to speak in the matters of rulers."
"He's a Heroic Spirit," Assassin X countered. "On that ground, everyone sitting here is an equal." He rolled his eye as a certain Servant made to laugh at his statement. "Yes, yes, you stand above the rest of us, Archer. Though I fail to see how you think fine wine…" he paused before conceding, "exquisitely fine wine is reason enough for you to have the Grail."
Berserker X laughed. "Maybe he's trying to bribe us 'cause he can't fight for shit."
Archer glared at him before sneering in answer of Assassin X's inquiry. "I'd have thought a mongrel wearing a mask would know not to bark, but you disappoint me." His eye twitched at the noncommittal shrug he received in answer, but he pressed on. "As for you, mad dog, I have no need to 'fight' any of you for the Grail."
"Why's that, Mr. High-and-Mighty?" Saber X drawled while drinking more of the good stuff.
"Pay close attention, you outsiders who have intruded upon my garden…" Archer cast his gaze upon all of the other Servants. "The Holy Grail is my property. Every single treasure of this world comes from my collection, no matter time or place."
Rider cocked an eyebrow in amusement. "You're telling us you know the Grail by sight? You've held it before?"
"No," Archer answered simply. He didn't even bother to acknowledge the inquisitive and/or disbelieving looks he received. "None of you could begin to understand. The total scope of wealth in my treasury has long since grown past my own knowledge, but as it is a treasure, the Grail naturally belongs to me." His eyes sharpened as a warning. "Anyone else that attempts to claim it is nothing but a worthless thief."
Further away, Lancer X rolled her eyes at her partner's arrogance, wordlessly praying alongside their Master that he not give any more clues as to his identity. A pain he was, but like it or not, Tokiomi insisted on keeping him. Better to have a humanoid weapon of mass destruction and not need him than need him and not have him, I suppose…
He basked in the silence following his proclamation, but it was short-lived. "No point in fighting you, because the Grail belongs to you already…" Assassin X cocked his head towards his comrade. "Haven't you told me of someone else who used similar logic?"
"Or lack thereof." Saber agreed. "Caster too claimed in his delusions he'd won the Holy Grail." She sipped her wine in dismissal. "It seems another shares his madness."
Berserker X, Saber X and the Riders burst into laughter that only grew when Archer growled in irritation. Even Lancer and Caster X traded an amused look while Assassin X sent the Heroic Spirit of the Sword a telepathic message. 'Yeesh, you can be vicious.'
'Every knight has a cruel streak. We simply learn to hide it.' Only he could see her smirk.
Then Caster X raised his voice (one second before golden portals might've appeared). "Just to fully grasp the weight of your words, Archer, you lay claim to everything of value in this world? What of treasures that come from other worlds?"
Archer waved his hand in dismissal. "Those do not interest me in the slightest. My dominion is over this world, my treasury carries all of its riches. These rules are my decree and thereby absolute. I will not have my collection contaminated with foreign trash."
All the while, he made sure not to look at one drunken dog and his amusingly odd weapon.
Rider scratched his beard with a relaxed smile. "I might have an idea what your True Name could be, Archer…" The golden king gazed at him without change in his demeanor while everyone else grew attentive. Lancer X was slowly reaching for Promise Keeper at her Master's (minutely panicked) behest, then the big Servant shrugged. "But back to our old topic, you're saying that we must first receive your permission to obtain the Grail?"
More than a few were disappointed at the change in topic (and one or two were quietly relieved), but Archer only clicked his tongue. "Correct, but I see no reason to bestow such a gift upon any of you."
Saber X rolled his eyes before taking another drink. "Oh great, the king of this world's a total cheapskate."
"Imbecile. My grace is limited to my subjects and my vassals alone. You, an outlandish animal, have the least claim to such an honor." Archer smirked haughtily. "Then again, if any of you pledge allegiance to me, I may loan you a Grail or two."
Saber X scoffed. "Goldy, I'd sooner brush a live shark's teeth with my tongue."
The smirk shifted to predatory. "That can be arranged."
"Though I lack the creativity to word it like that," Lancer cut in with slightly self-deprecating humor, "I too have no interest in swearing fealty to another. But if I understand you correctly, you yourself have no wish to make upon the Grail, Archer?"
"Of course not, mongrel. But I cannot allow someone else to run off with my treasure. It's the matter of principles."
Assassin X tilted his head. "And on what grounds are these principles established?"
"This is the law. The law I set in stone as the King." The most attentive of Archer's audience picked up on the subtext. Each and every word now had been spoken with utter conviction. Calling it arrogance wasn't quite right; the word seemed too small in its definition. To this unknown King in golden splendor, his word was fact and iron law. No trace of self-doubt or second-guessing. A bit intimidating, in its own way.
But none of these Heroic Spirits could be so easily intimidated. "The laws of my own world were not enough to hold me down," Rider X proclaimed after drinking from his cup again. "And as you've said, Archer, I and four others who sit here, plus two more, do not come from your world. We simply choose to abide by 'your' law for now as a…" he leered, "courtesy."
Rider crossed his arms with a nod. "My colleague raises a fair point there," he conceded, "and though I share this world with you, Archer, I still desire the Grail with all my soul. And if you won't give it to me, I'll simply take it as I always have."
His voice rumbled with conviction as well, surety in its own way. Berserker X laughed before slapping his partner on the back. "Knew I liked your style."
"How else do you think I became the King of Conquerors, my friend?" Iskandar laughed.
Saber X slapped his forehead but grinned all the same. "Yeah, I can't be mad at the enthusiasm, even if your idea of right and wrong looks a little crooked."
Archer was unfazed by the blatant challenge. "Right and wrong mean nothing to me, I offer no chance for discussion."
"And none of us have any interest in one," Rider X shot back. "Which leaves only the battlefield to settle this matter."
The declaration hung open in the air, a certain intensity rising among the Servants gathered. "Smartest thing you said…" Berserker X was absolutely delighted; he looked about one second away from lunging at Archer or Rider X. Or both. And while none of the others close to matching his appetite for a fight, they shifted however so slightly in preparation.
Then Rider cheerily reached for the pitcher of Archer's heavenly wine. "But for tonight, let us simply enjoy this fine drink." He shook it slightly so everyone could hear its sloshing.
The more cautious guests glanced in worry to the most violent one present, but he shrugged in good nature and offered his cup. "Fine by me."
That is some good wine… The Sabers, Lancer, Assassin X and Caster X observed in unison.
But they allowed their own goblets to be refilled all the same. Archer gave no protest, for the enjoyment of his wine only proved further his superior taste.
Soon enough, the pitcher was empty and faded into golden dust. After he took another sip, Rider sighed in delight. "Now then, I confess a curiosity towards the rest of you foreigners." He eyed one after the other: the sharp, brutish man with an eyepatch and bells, the hulking being of metal, the greybearded elder in robes, the silver-haired man hiding nearly all of his face from the rest, and finally, the one that had been his snarky brother-in-arms since his arrival. "Kenpachi and Qrow I know by name, but I would also like to hear yours." He raised an open palm. "I understand you as Servants might value hiding your True Names from us, but in this time and place, I don't think revealing it would come at great risk."
"And the reason you want to know who we are would then be…?" Assassin X rolled his hand with a curious glint in his eye.
Iskandar beamed at him. "It's simply easier to address you than by your class! Assassin X and Rider, it gets so stuffy after a while. You already know my name and Lancer's, Saber is the King of Knights, and Goldy's not going to share, but you have nothing to fear, I think, from letting us enjoy some familiarity!" If this were an anime, more than a few present would've had a large drop of sweat trail down their heads.
Irisviel and Sola-Ui traded incredulous glances before the latter remembered who she was really here for. Waver could only sigh in exasperation. Then he felt a hand patting his shoulder and looked up to see the hooded man next to him. "Thanks…" he mumbled halfheartedly.
"Don't mention it," Kariya replied before wincing. "I've got a handful for a Servant, too."
"…And the one that doesn't come from this world is more manageable for you?"
"Oh yeah."
Meanwhile, Caster X enjoyed one final puff from his pipe before putting it away with a chuckle. "Very well." Flavored smoke wafted through the air, Rider gazing at it almost longingly.
Archer sniffed, not out of distaste but in curiosity. Hmm, better quality than the excuse for wine I was given… Then he turned his attention to the apparition as he cleared his throat. "I need make no great secret that the Men of my world knew me as Gandalf the Gray."
Lancer tilted his head in thought. "Gandalf… that has a ring of Old Norse to me."
Saber nodded beside him in agreement while Irisviel wondered about its connotation. "And it's no wonder where your epithet stems from…" the former noted, taking in the foreign Servant's humble robes. "I take it you were known as the Gray Wizard as well?"
The old man nodded pleasantly to her. "Ah, you have experience with wizards as well, King?" He chuckled at the King of Knights' poignant smile. "Yes, there were five of us during my time there, and we all carried our epithets by the colors of our robes. Some Men also referred to me as 'Mithrandir,' or the 'Grey Pilgrim' in Sindarin."
Iskandar let out an interested sound. "A fitting name from what I've come to learn about you, friend! But what exactly is 'Sindarin' for a language?"
"Sindarin is the most common tongue Elves have spoken in Middle-Earth. They gave me this name long ago."
"Middle-Earth, huh?" Saber X scratched his stubble. "Weird name for a world, but hey, I come from one called 'Remnant,' and this one's named after dirt." That provoked a short round of laughter before he spoke again. "And you've got Elves there? Pointy ears, silver hair…"
"Immortal and are known to answer both yes and no when giving advice?" Caster X finished with a fond smile. "Yes, I have many old and dear friends among them, as well as among the Dwarves, who gave me the name 'Tharkûn,' staff man."
"Real imaginative," Saber X quipped. "So, which one do we call you?"
He received an easygoing shrug in answer. "Gandalf was the name others used the most, but whichever you prefer. Caster X suits me as well…"
Saber nodded firmly. "Then in recognition of the War we must still fight, I shall refer to you as Caster X." Then she adopted a friendlier expression. "But as one who has fought by my side and earned my respect, you are Gandalf."
"I agree." Lancer grinned in good humor. "It's fairly easy to remember, anyway."
Rider weighed his head before delivering his verdict. "True, Gandalf is a fine name, but I prefer Mithrandir. It rolls so nicely off the tongue and sounds similar to others of my time."
Berserker X cleaned noncommittally his ear with his pinky. "Don't really care."
"Apparition fits you best," Archer sneered, drawing a tired sigh from the wizard and more curious looks from others. He offered no answer; these foolish mongrels had been too distracted to notice the little riddle this one had been playing…
"Oh, I wouldn't say that." Everyone else cast an apprehensive glance to Rider X. "Calling him 'doomed' would also be appropriate."
Kariya scowled at the monster, but another rose to his friend's defense. "Easy with the boasting, Rider X," Assassin X returned the gaze from those crimson glowing eyes without fear. "Where I come from, anyone that's lived to an age like Gandalf's," he shared a fond nod with Caster X over his own choice in name before continuing, "isn't one to be taken lightly."
That said, he'd grown curious about the Servant of Sorcery sitting close by. Archer's choice of identification, a strange presence his Sharingan had glimpsed of while fighting Caster… and how Caster X had so far only given names that others had called him, but not actually what was his own. There's more to him than meets the eye, the Copy Ninja surmised. But… I don't really get a sense of danger from him like I would with Archer or Rider X or even Berserker X. It's almost like I can't help but respect him or listen to him. Curious…
But he simply gave an eye-smile. "Well, seeing as I butted in, I suppose I'm next." His right hand rose in greeting. "I'm Kakashi Hatake, pleasure of varying levels to meet you all."
"Scarecrow?" Berserker X snorted in amusement. "Looks like we come from similar worlds… Candy and Qrow already know it, but I'm Kenpachi Zaraki."
"Kenpachi, huh…" Assassin X nodded to himself. "Eight Swords… or alternately, it can mean 'The Man Who Cannot Fall,' right?"
"Yeah, that's about right," the 11th holder of that name rumbled, sparking a sense of challenge in certain Heroic Spirits. "Back in my world, there was a squad that fought on the front lines, and its captain would always carry that name as a sign of their rank and them bein' the strongest fighter around." He then glanced irritated to the side. "Or at least that what the fatass said before I chopped him in half and took his name…"
That drew Saber's attention. "So, you claimed your name and rank in battle, then?"
She got a shrug as an answer. "I was just looking for a good fight, and I ended up with a job. That's just how it worked in Squad 11." He smirked. "Though I'd already taken the name for myself before that fight…"
Rider slapped his comrade in the back. "The way of a conqueror! I knew we were meant to be friends, Kenpachi!"
Were he more motivated, Waver's heart might've skipped a beat at the others' learning his Servant's True Name. Sure enough, Kariya and Sola-Ui both started. As Masters, they could clearly make out the stats of the Servants gathered. Which made for a bit of a surprise when Berserker X's suddenly changed.
Even from a video camera/shared perception, Kiritsugu and Tokiomi respectively noticed the increase in the Servant's parameters as well. Or rather, it wasn't so much an increase but the reveal of his true parameters. Uncrowned Martial Arts, the Tohsaka Master recalled in comprehension. With that barbarian blurting out his True Name, there's nothing left to obscure his capabilities.