He quickly made to put the novel back, but too late. Saber rose stiffly to a standing position, right hand curling around her summoned invisible blade. Emerald eyes slowly narrowed to the slits of an irate lioness, and a growling mouth opened. "YOU DARE…"
Sweat pouring down his face, the Shadow Clone of the Man of One Thousand Techniques spoke hastily. "MylookatthetimebeseeingyousayhitoIrisvielforme!" He then released himself with a Poof! Just as Saber swung her sword. It cut only through smoke.
The King of Knights stood there for a little longer, trembling in feminine indignation, realizing that he'd played a little joke on her just now. His way of helping her release some tension and having a little fun at her expense. "Devious little blackguard…" she grumbled under her breath while relaxing her stance, hand dissipating her sword to retrieve a cookie. It's like having to deal with Merlin all over again. One day, I am going to vaporize that-
She took a bite barely noting her mutinous mouth had contorted into an amused smile.
"Saber?" The door of the storehouse opened up, and out stepped Irisviel before her. She was looking better now, stronger, but Saber noticed a slight tremor in her body language. "I've been sleeping for a while in the circle now, but I thought I heard shouting." She took on a concerned expression. "Are you alright?"
Saber returned her gaze… and smiled peacefully. "I wasn't," she admitted, "but I am now." She then held up the unopened bag of cookies, drawing a curious eye and a smile from her friend. "Greetings from Kakashi."
Heavy footsteps sounding and bells jingling close by stirred Waver from his reading, then a thick tome slipped out of the shelf he'd been standing next to and landed smack-dab on his cranium.
Ergo, the boy's Servants were inside the bookstore.
Shaking his head to regain his senses, he quickly made to hide the book he'd been reading when a familiar shape loomed over him. "There you are," Berserker X rumbled down at his Master. He straightened a bit to call, "Hey guys, he's over here."
"Not so loud, you spikey blockhead!" Waver hissed while succeeding in his endeavor.
But it went ignored due to another's arrival. "Ah, you found him, Kenpachi!" Rider came up to his partner's right with his usual smile. "You're so tiny, boy, it's hard picking you out amidst these bookshelves. It took us a while to find you."
Waver glared up at the two men, each standing over 200 centimeters tall. "Normal humans are shorter than bookshelves, Kandy-" he quickly cleared his throat, "Idiot." Judging by their teasing grins, though, he hadn't been fast enough from using Saber X's nickname. Lucky for the embarrassed boy, he noticed something to change the subject: a gift bag Rider was holding. "Please tell me you guys haven't bought another dozen bottles of sake."
"I would've," a particular voice rasped behind him, "but something else caught our resident royalty's eye." Waver looked quickly behind him to see Saber X leaning against the shelf.
(Further away from the quartet, a book wagon suddenly lost two wheels and crashed into a reading table.)
"Look!" The King of Conquerors fished triumphantly from his bag a video game with the same logo his t-shirt bore. "Admirable Tactics IV just came out today, and I managed to acquire the special edition!" He chuckled in delight. "My lucky stars are shining brightly!"
Waver opened his mouth… shut it and turned around with a confused/accusing look. Qrow shrugged incredulously before answering. "Hey, I was with these muscleheads the whole time, and Kandy didn't so much as slip over a banana peel!"
The Master stared at him, then back at Rider, before something clicked in his mind. "He's got A+ Luck, Saber X," he sighed. "It probably makes him immune to Misfortune."
The Huntsman stared straight ahead for the longest time before smacking the back of his head against the bookshelf, rattling it. Some novels fell out of their spot while he grumbled, "Now you tell me."
Berserker X had a similarly irritated demeanor. "That explains why that stupid escalator only started acting up after he got off it…"
Two Heroic Spirits and one human glared in grudging envy at an unrepentantly pleased King of Conquerors until the human finally got his mind back on track. "You do realize you need a game console in order to play that game, right?"
Rider hefted his sizable bag while replying. "Don't worry, I thought of that, too! I even bought extra controllers so all of us can play it together, boy!" He then added in a pouty grumble, "Well, I even picked out a fighting game to try and appease a certain party-pooper."
Kenpachi just huffed in boredom. "Why the hell would I play some strategy game on a box full of junk when I have more fun scrapping with others in real life?"
The Servant of the Mount turned his seemingly larger eyes to Saber X, who only sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I'll give the game a shot, now cut it out with the puppy-dog routine!" He then sighed into his open palm. "It's like I'm babysitting Ruby and Yang all over again…"
The image of two frighteningly adorable little girls popping before Waver's eyes thankfully shielded him from that same assault. That allowed him to say dismissively, "If you want to play your little games, fine, but don't bother me with it."
"Oh come on," the King sighed. "Why do you keep focusing on trivialities, boy? What's stopping you from living a little?"
"And here I thought you were finally starting to be a little fun," Berserker X muttered.
"Shut up," Waver grumbled. "A magus like me doesn't have the time or the brain cells to waste on such mind-numbing nonsense. It's my duty to search for the truth."
"Uh huh." Berserker X's hand reached for the book Waver had been reading before he could stop it. "So, what kinda truth did you find in that book there? Should've put it in the right way." He pulled it out so everyone in the group could see, gaining a sly look. "Well, well…"
As Waver's cheeks slowly reddened, Rider made an interested sound at reading the title. "Is that my biography?"
Waver wished he could teleport himself back to the Mackenzie's house, to England, anywhere but in this blasted bookstore! "Aww…" The hand patting his head only turned up the heat in his cheeks. He could feel Qrow's teasing grin. "I think you've picked up a not-so-secret admirer, your majesty."
"Really?" Rider blinked. "You're pretty strange, boy. The man you admire stands in the flesh before you, but you look into a less reliable source? If you have a question about my life, you can always ask me."
The eleventh bearer of the name Kenpachi laughed. "He's probably too nervous to talk to his hero."
The young scholar felt like every blood vein in his head popped, and adrenaline raced through his body. "Shut the hell up, you crazy brute!" He snatched the book out of that leering demon's hand (not noticing the twinkle of satisfaction in that eye). "Fine, I'll ask you, Rider!" He turned through the pages of English print; the reason why he'd chosen this mall in the first place was because it was bound to have non-Japanese content. "Here," he held up two particular pages for his group to see, "you're supposed to have been very short in stature. So, how come you're the biggest and dumbest of us?"
Saber X walked around to read for himself, his earlier teasing forgotten. "Huh, the kid's right. Says here, when you beat Darius III and took Persia's throne, they had to swap its footstool for a full-sized table just so you could climb up onto the damn thing."
The foreigners also looked to the addressee curiously, but he only stared confused. "Me, short? Persia…" He scratched his head in confusion before slamming his fist into his palm. "Ah, of course! I must've looked quite short sitting in Darius' throne, but anyone would appear tiny compared to him!" He roared in laughter. "The man's physical stature was equal in size to his kingly qualities. A man worthy of the Persian Empire!"
Waver and Qrow shivered at the implications: Iskandar was a massive man by any metric, and he'd appeared tiny in comparison to another?! What kind of giant had Darius III been?!
Kenpachi of course was practically salivating. "I knew a guy back home, too, who was bigger than me. Wore a metal basket over his head, but I always wanted to fight him. Course, the old man never allowed it, but I bet it would've been fun." Then he chuckled. "Guess this is what happens when you let others tell your story, huh?"
Rider nodded jovially. "It appears so, look at King Arthur! I never thought he'd turn out to be a little girl, but life's just full of surprises! And you can only expect so much reliability from scribes who write of tales foreign to them."
Saber X, having regained his relaxed demeanor, added his own cents. "Yeah, and the more often a story's told, the more details tend to get warped. Sometimes, certain things are outright omitted or twisted beyond recognition." He remembered learning about the truth behind certain fairy tales from Remnant. And just how high the stakes truly were.
Waver looked between the three men before raising his voice. "Wouldn't any of you get angry at people writing wrong things about you?"
Rider returned his confused expression. "Why would I care about that?"
"You out of all of us should. Any ruler of any period would surely want to go down in history, and they wouldn't stand for falsehoods being spread about them." To Waver, this was simple logic. Something these simpletons ought to understand.
Rider cupped his chin at the thought. "Well, it's certainly nice to be remembered, that bestows some measure of immortality upon one." His eyes shined with memories of those wonderful days he'd lived in. "If your story continues to be told in books two thousand years later, then it makes what you've experienced a hundred times more worthful, I suppose."
Berserker X shrugged. "I've only ever cared about fighting. If others consider me an inspiring hero, a demon or a monster, that's their problem."
"Same here," Saber X admitted while scratching his stubble. "Sure, slander like calling me a rapist or something would piss me off," the other Servants nodded at that, "but I didn't pick this job for the fame." Then he smirked at a certain quote. "A former teacher and friend of mine once said, 'When the legend meets fact, print the legend.' That's just how it is."
"A wise quote," Rider hummed to himself, "and very true. We Heroic Spirits draw much of our strength from the legends told of us, after all." His mouth shifted into a bitter smile. "To be honest, though, I'd rather have lived another twenty years, added a little more to my legends then, than have been remembered for two millennia now."
That made Waver think about another detail he'd read of the King of Conquerors. "So, you really died at age thirty?"
"Yes, this is true," Rider confirmed without pride or shame. A simple fact.
"Really?" Saber X quirked an eyebrow at him. "I was in my mid-forties when I died, older than you. Go figure."
"I'd lived a couple of centuries before kicking the bucket…" The other two stared at a nonchalant Berserker X. "Hell of a ride…"
And while they chatted amongst themselves over their respective circumstances, Waver could eye each of these Heroic Spirits… these accomplished men who'd seen and done memorable things in their own times and worlds, who'd formed such legends that others had adapted for better and worse… and could only find himself lacking.
Caster stood (or at least appeared to stand) on the surface of the river, releasing an excited giggle. The time was nearly upon him; as the sun would set, so would he put on a show this world had never seen before.
He looked up towards the massive bridge before him, imagining dear young Ryuunosuke standing at the railing, cheering him on. The Demon Marshall's heart ached at the memory of losing him. I promise you, my dear boy, in your name, I shall give birth to the most cool thing you would have ever seen!
A snarl bubbled up from his throat upon remembering the faces of those who had caused him such grief in his time here: that wench in emerald robes and her infernal pole that had cut Ryuunosuke's life so short; the faceless demon commanding a pack of hellhounds, corrupting the mind of his pure Jeanne; and that despicable old priest with his false holiness and black monster. He was undoubtably the master of the rest, all the more reason he will pay the most for his transgressions!
Bluebeard opened Prelati's Spellbook and flipped through its pages; so engrossed in his work was he that he failed to notice the enchanted insects that had latched onto the fleshy Noble Phantasm and were now flying off to their master. No, he concentrated on the text until finding the right passage, then he began to read out loud.
And dark magic began to gather beneath the Servant's feet…
-85:47:11
The group of three Servants and one fledgling Master continued to spend a great deal of time in the mall; after enjoying the food court, Rider had spotted the arcade and dragged the rest along with him. He and Berserker developed a friendly, if spirited (and slightly destructive) rivalry over a zombie-shooting game while Saber X attracted a sizable crowd hitting all-time top scores at the dancing simulator. He proceeded to sign autographs with a hint of smugness even as Rider faceplanted four times in a row trying to beat him. King of Conquerors, yes. Waver mused sardonically over an overpriced iced tea. King of Dancing, not so much.
But all fun has to come to an end. …And Qrow accidentally blew out all of the arcade's electrical circuits at the exact same time, so they promptly skedaddled before anyone would get suspicious.
The sun was beginning to set as they took the long route back to the Mackenzie residence. It might've been an added risk, but Waver wasn't worried about enemies attacking. He had the strongest team in the Holy Grail War: the "weakest" of his Servants was an obvious master of swordsmanship and scythe-wielding and had a few surprises to boot; the other swordsman possessed enough brute power to pulverize half the city if he ever fought seriously (Waver shuddered involuntarily at remembering that one moment last night where he'd swung a (practice) sword with both hands); and the King of Conquerors wielded a Noble Phantasm far greater than any other Servant that walked this Earth. The boy could still feel the warm sands beneath him, the bright sky illuminating the Reality Marble, roars washing over him from the masses of heroes all standing to attention, awaiting their King's command…
With the power of Ionioi Hetairoi and Qrow Branwen and Kenpachi Zaraki fighting at his side, Iskandar would surely claim victory over all other Servants. Waver had no doubt whatsoever that this outcome was inevitable.
No, his doubts were aimed solely at himself, the scrawny little student from Clock Tower who gotten in way over his head. This trio walking in front of him, chatting and laughing with each other like they didn't have a care in the world, the Holy Grail practically already in the palm of Rider's fat hand… and him, dragging his feet a few steps behind them. Waver hadn't done anything to contribute to their success thus far. All three of them had taken the initiative into their own hands, Saber X in scouting enemy movements, Rider convincing Berserker X to join the team… all Waver had done was provide them mana, help them find Caster's (his stomach lurched) "base," and cower like a rat.
Even right now, all he could do was stare at their backs. He might be the future last Master standing in the Fourth Holy Grail War, but it wasn't due to his own accomplishments. He'd simply be feeding off of the spoils from these three. No one amongst the magus community would ever respect a "victor" like that.
…So, what was even the point of Waver Velvet taking part in all this insanity?
"Something on your mind, pipsqueak?" Saber X had been one step from breaking away from the group. Fun though the day had been, it was high time for him to get back to work and find the rogues. He still owed Caster a carving up from Harbinger for that sight the kid had to witness. But then he'd noticed a familiar expression his Master was wearing. It had been one he'd seen in the mirror more than once.
"Good point." Rider turned around with a bored smile. "You've been awfully quiet for once."
Waver looked up at the trio eyeing him from their full heights. He almost made to scream his frustrations but averted his gaze instead. "It's nothing," he finally answered. "I guess I'm just bored having you three around."
That earned him a gimlet eye from Qrow. "Bored," the Corvid Reaper repeated. "You're the Master of three Heroic Spirits participating in a supernatural war, and you're bored?" He crossed his arms, deciding to play along. "What exactly qualifies as exciting in your mind?"
"It's not like anything exciting happened today," Berserker X cut in. "We didn't even run into one of the other Servants, let alone fight them. I'm feeling pretty bored, too…"
Rider lifted his shopping bag to chest level while contributing. "Which is why I've brought us so many games. I understand that Qrow wishes to go on patrol now, but the three of us can still have some fun-"
This casualness finally knocked something down in Waver's spirit. "None of you get it!" He blurted out before his voice lowered again. "It's just… the idea of me winning the Holy Grail only thanks to monster Servants like you…" he lowered his head in defeat. "What do I have to be proud of? Working with an Assassin would've at least made me earn my victories."
Rider gave him a scrutinizing look. "I doubt that would've worked well for you. Then again, if we were talking about that Kakashi fellow who's comrades with the King of Knights…"
Berserker X was more skeptical. "No offense to that guy, but you'd still be roadkill even with him, kid."
"I know!" The boy yelled in his frustration. "But I'm not afraid of dying for fighting my own battles. You're not the only one who thinks like that, 'Kenpachi!' It's the risk I took when I became a Master of the Holy Grail War!" He sighed, running out of steam. "I knew that."
That earned him a scoff. "Don't go getting all melodramatic on us, pipsqueak." Saber X snorted unimpressed at the scowl he received. "Of course, you're having a hard time keeping up while we've been doing things our way. You've still got a ways to go before you could put yourself at my level, let alone Spiky or Kandy Bar's." Waver's breath hitched; so, the drunkard had seen right through his whining. "All three of us have been fighting battles and living through crazy times before you were even born. That's just a fact. No use getting worked up about letting us take the reins."
Qrow's lip quirked. Time for a little fun. "But hey, if you've got some super-amazing wish that can impress the King of Conquerors, big bad Kenpachi and yours truly, we'd have no problem dancing to your tune." The teasing tone made Waver's body tremble. "What was it again?" He patted the shorter boy's head. "Oh yeah, you wanted the Holy Grail to make you a little taller, maybe buffer, too." Waver's fists tightened.
Rider snorted while continuing the joke. "Hold up, I thought his wish was to cure his soprano voice."
"Really? Why not try to go for both and see if you have enough left to swing for a bigger di-"
Waver's patience snapped in half at Berserker X's taunt. "THAT'S NOT IT, YOU IDIOTS!" He instinctively swung his fist before realizing what he was doing. No way a puny strike from him would so much as tickle any of them.
Sure enough, Saber X caught the appendage effortlessly. He then rolled his eyes at it before grumbling, "Oh, for the love of… You really are hopeless, kid." He shifted his grip on the fist so the others could see. "This little dipstick can't even throw a half-decent punch."
Two more Servants grumbling affirmatives at that made Waver hang his head in despair. Couldn't he do anyth-Puick! He yelped at the pain rippling from his forehead. Not again.
"Pay attention, pipsqueak," Qrow scolded him while retracting his finger. "How are you gonna learn anything if you just curl up in a ball and cry every time you mess up?" A snarl escaped his lips. "Did that asshat of a professor ever teach, or was he too busy putting you down?"
Waver flinched at the memory of Lord El-Melloi's scathing him before the entire class for his ideas. He forced himself to calm down and change the subject. "I-it's not like I need to waste time with physical nonsense, not when I'm buy honing my magecraft-"
"Thinking like that's probably what got Ello-Mellow killed." Once again, he was bluntly cut off. But the look the Huntsman gave him had lost some of its sternness. "And even if you turn out to be a late bloomer genius at magic or something, knowing some practical stuff is always smart. Trust me, having a good right hook has gotten me out of plenty tight spots."
Saber X then pushed Waver's hand closer to in front of his face, then pried it open. "Iron rule, kid: never keep your thumb inside your fist. You're gonna break it that way." He gently made the boy's right fingers curl into his palm but tellingly kept the thumb out. Then that was placed on the outside. "See? Like that." The man then stepped around his Master while still holding the freshly made fist and took hold of his forearm as well. "And a good punch is all about speed. Throw it fast enough, and you can knock the other guy for a loop."
Waver gave no resistance as Qrow first moved his arm into a simulation of it, then snapped his own right fist forward. The air seemed to ripple when he "struck" it. The boy's mind drummed up memories of when this Servant of his had been disarmed, only to fight his opponents, even kill them in one Assassin's case, barehanded. As well as his own wonder at witnessing how fluid the change had been. Well, he did grow up in a bandit tribe surrounded by Grimm. He had to learn how to fight from a young age or he'd have died long ago.
Then all of a sudden, Iskandar was on his other side. "Make sure to move the muscles in your shoulder as well." Those massive fingers drifted over his tiny shoulders. "Not much there in your case, but your fist is connected to your arm, and your arm is connected to your shoulder. All three must work in harmony to bring out a blow's potential." His left shoulder was then pulled back while his right was pushed forward. "Shifting your upper body with the attack increases its potency even more. But be mindful you don't pull anything."
"And keep an eye on your stance," Even Kenpachi chimed in. He gave a light kick to Waver's right leg that still made him lurch. "If your footing's too rigid or unstable, you'll fall on your face from swinging too hard." He knelt down and pushed Waver's legs further apart, then made him bend his knees. "Keep them apart and make sure you've got a sturdy base. You might not weigh a whole lot, kid, but you can still break a guy's jaw if you put your mind to it. Still, it wouldn't hurt to put in a little fitness work in your case."
"I've always been more of an intellectual…" Waver defended himself with slightly red cheeks. Didn't stop himself from internalizing all of this advice. If there was one thing all three of these brutes surely knew how to do, it was fight.
Unlike him.
A familiar heavy hand thumped against his hair. "You really need to learn to loosen up, boy." Rider said cheerily next to him. "Another thing Qrow was trying to tell you was that the Holy Grail War doesn't have to be the defining moment in your life."
The streetlamps flickered on around them; the sun was slowly disappearing on the horizon. Waver barely noticed it in slapping away the hand. "What are you-"
"You weren't put on this Earth just to get your ass kicked in this Grail War." This time, it was Berserker X who interrupted him. "You don't really need the Grail for a wish like we do, it's just the prize for fighting in this thing." His smirk wasn't as terrifying as usual. "I can respect fighting for the sake of fighting, and all you need to do is fight for your own sake."
"And you can continue to search for your own battlefield after this one is complete," Rider concluded. Iskandar… the man who sought the Holy Grail only so he could reincarnate in this world and continue to conquer as he did long ago. It was an utterly ridiculous idea, total stupidity… but his drive in pursuing it, what Waver had read and seen with his own eyes… It made this Heroic Spirit command awe and respect in those around him. Even Saber X, a lone wolf, and Berserker X, a violent beast, were inadvertently drawn to him, the boy realized.
And it hurt his own pride all the more. "You cannot seriously tell me I'm the only one dissatisfied with this arrangement?" Rider looking confused, Berserker X clicking his tongue and Saber X rolling his eyes fanned his flames. "None of you are happy being contracted to me!" He slapped his own chest, his voice dripping in self-mockery. "Me, some useless brat who needs three teachers just to learn how to throw a good punch, is your Master? We all know that any of you would be able to go even further with a different, proper Master." He twitched at a snort from one among his audience. "That's right, laugh at me!"
"Take it easy, kid," Saber X wheezed out through his snickers. "It's just that this scene here is pretty familiar." He smirked at the way the boy flinched. "Yeah, I said plenty of stuff similar to what you just spouted off more than once when I was around your age, Waver. And my team didn't let me off the hook that easy either."
"I-it's not the same thing, Qrow!" Waver sputtered. "I wasn't ready for this War, you said so yourself! Besides, you have the least to worry about me stifling your potential, but what about Rider? He doesn't want some whiny brat following him around, spoiling his conquests! Or Berserker X? He threatened to kill me not long ago if I got in his way!"
"I made that threat to make you man up a little, kid," the spiky-haired man replied in a bored tone. "And like you said, I had a problem with you getting in the way of my fights. That doesn't mean I have a problem with you being my Master." He barked a laugh. "A wimpy guy like you with underdeveloped Magic Circuits is way more of a challenge to have as a Master than some stuck-up magic genius. And you're still better than my first one."
"Like that's an accomplishment…" Waver grumbled. But he should've expected this. A monster who regularly held back in half a dozen different ways to fight would probably be delighted having a weakling as his mana source.
But one Servant had yet to answer. The one who stood from him the furthest.
Said Servant suddenly got up in his face before reaching around to rummage in his backpack. A little fiddling, and Waver was released while Rider flipped through the pages of the atlas he'd swiped from the library. Then he turned around the book to show the depicted double-spread of the world. "Here, boy," he pointed at the image, "have a look. This is my true enemy I have sworn to fight." Waver stared at it despite himself. "Now, imagine lining all four of us up in scale to it. You, me, Qrow and Kenpachi as we are now."
Waver sighed at the idiocy. "How could I-"
"You can't, can you?" I just keep getting interrupted today,the boy grumbled internally as Rider continued. "You couldn't put us in scale to this enemy no matter how fine the pen's tip you use. We are all tiny points compared to the world we stand on, so why compare ourselves to each other in scale?"
Waver said nothing while grasping the surprising logic.
"But this tininess is precisely why I fight!" The King of Conquerors laughed. "Regardless of size or might to one another!" He rose to his full height, his words inadvertently drawing in the other Servants as well. "My body," he thumped his chest proudly, "is just another tiny dot on this world, but I want to rule it all the more! It excites me to no end…" he held his fist over his chest. "This right here is the beat of the King of Conquerors' heart!"
Sure enough, no matter where they stood, they could all hear a steady rhythm, like the thumping of a heavy drum. The sound beckoned their spirits to come closer.
Iskandar then swept his arm towards the sky. "And as my rival pointed out, this world is far from the only one in existence! Two others from two separate worlds stand before me, bearing clothes, armaments and abilities unlike anything I've ever seen! Megatron may be my sworn enemy, but I cede to him that my dream is small in scope to his if he truly seeks to conquer all worlds!" He laughed ferociously. "I admire and loathe him in the same breath! It makes me all the more eager to crush him in battle, to prove my title worthy!"
In the face of such optimism and vigor, Waver felt himself all the further away from the Servant. "In order words," he mumbled, "you don't care at all who you have for a Master? No matter how weak I am, you'll still beat Megatron and claim what you seek?"
An incredulous laugh escaped Saber X a second before Rider's did. "Okay, do you practice twisting everything into a way to put yourself down or are you my reincarnation from Remnant?" The foreigner shook his head. "Look, we weren't born the badasses you see before you. We've all felt inferior or helpless at some point in our lives, trust me." Waver made to say something when he gestured to himself. "I was born among nomadic bandits in a world full of soulless monsters that would've ripped you apart for this kind of negativity. Plus, I've got a Semblance that makes me a bad luck charm. By any standards, I should've been left in the woods to die.
"But others gave me chances, encouraged me to see if there was more to me than just my Semblance. So I did. I learned how to fight with the best, how to save lives instead of just endangering them, and most importantly, how to live." He shrugged. "Sure, I'm still pretty bent on finding out how my life might've turned out without Misfortune," even as, Qrow admitted to himself, this day had reminded him of the happier times with his team, his family, "but I don't regret taking those chances. And I'll never regret meeting the people who gave me a home on Remnant." His heart panged; he really wanted to see Ruby and Yang again.
Now it was Berserker X's turn. "I never had a family, hell, I never even had a name." He briefly summoned his sheathed nodachi. "I picked this sword off a corpse when I was… almost smaller than you because it somehow drew me in." He willed it away with a sigh. "But no matter what I cut with it, trees, animals, people, all it made me feel was bored. I might as well have been swinging in darkness." His mouth curled into a nostalgic smirk. "Then I fought her…"
A woman with long, raven-black hair, a curved sword and an eerie demeanor appeared before Waver's inner eye. He continued to hear Kenpachi's voice. "That was the first time I had to put in real effort. The first time I ever was unsure if I'd survive the fight. The first time I ever lost. She left me with my life and an understanding of feeling weak. Of wanting to grow stronger." Then they were back by the river. "I hold back because it's more challenging, but I don't stop looking for those who are stronger than me. I can't help but want to face them." Ah, how he longed to see Yachiru again…
"We are all like that," Rider nodded to his friend's words. He then patted Waver heavily on the back. "We've felt this sort of inferiority inside you, boy. And that is a fine quality for a ruler. You might complain a lot, but you are at least aware of your own shortcomings." He pulled Waver into a one-armed hug. "And you strive nevertheless to reach new heights!"
"…You're all just making fun of me, aren't you?"
"Of course we are, boy," Iskandar confirmed without shame. "You're an incorrigible fool, but you strive for a goal that is far too large for your abilities." He nudged him to look towards the water. "In my time, we believed that greatness lay on the horizon, and it pushed us all forward."
"Is that why you charged like a lunatic ever towards east?"
"Exactly. I wished to see Oceanus with my own eyes. But I sadly died before fulfilling my dream." Rider smiled even as Waver realized: that mass of water, waves rushing towards him and his followers… he hadn't actually seen it. That was just a representation of Iskandar's dream.
"Oceanus… remains the place I strive to reach," The King of Conquerors intoned. He was joined by his newest comrades. "Just as Qrow strives to define his life beyond his Semblance," the Corvid Reaper give him a two-fingered salute, "and Kenpachi strives to find ever-stronger opponents for him to test his strength against." "The Man Who Cannot Fall" smirked. "Our dreams which remain unfulfilled. Go ahead and laugh at us, but we continue to hold ourselves by these dreams, hopeless fools that we are."
They leaned over their Master in a way that strangely didn't intimidate him. "With that in mind, boy, I'd say we're all quite happy with being contracted to you."
"Besides," Qrow added, "it always feels better when you're doing something with others than if you go at it alone. So," he chuckled, "might as well keep moving forward as dreaming fools together."
Iskandar nodded with a laugh, and even Berserker X snorted. "Would be nice for a change."
Waver tried to find some distraction from the warm feeling these morons were stirring inside him-
When a supernatural tremor swept through him. His Magic Circuits reacting to something thaumaturgical. Something powerful. Something… monstrous.
The Servant trio continued to look towards the horizon, but with fierce glares now. Especially in Saber X's case. "Down by the river…" Rider murmured.
Berserker X rolled his shoulders. "I'd never forget that sensation…"
Saber X had already shifted into combat gear. "I'll see you guys there," he called back before jumping up. Then a large black crow was flying swiftly towards the sensation's source.
It was time to rejoin the War.
-84:34:58
The pen slipped from Kariya's fingers and clattered to the ground. He clutched his chest in pain from the Crest Worms' sudden frenzy, trying to understand. "What now…?"
Berserker was trembling where he stood next to his Master, the rattling of his armor melding with the growl directed skyward. Kariya wondered through his pain why this seemed so familiar, then he latched onto a memory. Five nights ago, when a great ripple of mana had washed out over the city, the Worms, the Servant and anyone else with magical knowledge reacting to it. And this nauseous feel to it, he recognized as well. "Caster…"
"Yes, he has finally stepped out of hiding." Beside them, Gandalf tapped his staff once against the ground. A pulse of light emanated from the crystal in its crown and flowed over his team. The light didn't last long, but Berserker relaxed and the Crest Worms stilled upon registering it. "And he is preparing something massive, otherwise we would not be feeling this power. No doubt everyone magic-affiliated within the city can sense it." The wizard glared outside their alley. "It must've come from the river."
"Then that's where we're headed." Kariya closed the notebook he'd been scribbling in and put it away. It hadn't been anything more than a way to pass the time while his friend had been walking about, and he'd stumbled upon a mental block. Writing stories is a lot harder than most people think.
But now was the time to fight again. And with Caster doing something this brazen, there was no doubt Tokiomi or his Servants would be making an appearance. Meaning, this was maybe his best chance to knock down two birds with one stone.
The Matou Master scowled at a particular misshapen fly circling a nearby streetlight. A bolt from Gandalf incinerated it, but Kariya had still seen it. Something that hideous could only come from Zouken, and if it had been fluttering about so noticeably, then it was surely meant as a taunt from that old bastard. A cruel reminder of what was at stake.
Not that Sakura ever left his mind. That sweet little girl, her eyes once full of life and wonder, but dulled into a sickening purple, like those of a broken doll after spending more than a year in that infernal house…
Because he had given her up. The crippled man drew himself to his feet with no small amount of anger. No matter what Gandalf said or how much Kariya appreciated the Servant he'd been blessed with, he couldn't forget the fact none of this mess he and Sakura were trapped in would've happened if Tokiomi Tohsaka hadn't handed over his daughter to Zouken Matou.
So, as he limped towards the Toyota they'd… acquisitioned, the Master addressed his Servant. "Gandalf." The elderly sage inclined his head towards him. "When we get there, and if Tokiomi himself shows up… promise me we'll confront him." He only received a stare, making him quickly continue. "I'm not blind to the threat Caster poses or those of whatever allies he may've picked up. But like you said, whatever spell he's cooked up is too big for any team of the Holy Grail War to ignore. We won't be the only one heading to his location." He swallowed and looked down at the pavement, hatred for that man and respect towards the one before him meshing inside his mouth. "I know I sound callous right now, but-"
"Very well."
Kariya snapped his eyes back up in surprise. "W-what?" He'd hadn't dared to hope to hear those words.
The Gray Wizard gave him a mysterious gaze before sighing. "I've been considering your grievances, Kariya, even if I have scolded you for being too obsessed with them. But you are correct about us not facing Caster or whatever else awaits us alone." He walked over to the car and opened a door, beckoning. "So, I concede it is time for you and Tokiomi to meet."
Relief flooded the man's heart as he walked with much less pain than usual towards the offering. He'd noticed Gandalf looking quite thoughtful ever since he'd returned from his walk two hours ago. Maybe he'd finally come around to Kariya's thinking. "Thank you," he said with the sincerest smile he had upon reaching the Toyota.
The Servant of Sorcery returned the smile. "I only hope if we survive this night that I may ask of you a favor later."
"Anything, my friend," Kariya promised without hesitation before slipping into the car.
Caster X closed the door and made for the driver's seat just as Berserker did as well. "I can get us there swiftly as well," he said with a twinkle in his eye. The black knight stepped away with what might've been mistaken for sulking. But before he could move for the passenger seat, a hand caught hold of his shoulder.
"I've come to some measure of understanding your pain, sir knight. And while your King will undoubtably step onto this battlefield…" the maddened Servant stilled, fists tight as stone, but the wizened man continued. "I ask you as your friend, do not let her presence blind you to greater dangers. Can you do that, Knight of the Lake?"
The visor of that dishonored hero stared at his partner, the wizard who had been an ally and friend better than he deserved… and tilted downwards. "Hvv… m… wwrrd."
And with that, the knight-wizard duo slipped briskly into their transport, driving straight towards the looming danger.
High atop the Fuyuki Center's roof, yet another team, currently the smallest, was beginning to assess the situation. The building was still under construction, assuring they wouldn't be disturbed. "Can you make out what's happening, Lancer?" The Master asked her Servant.
The knight's keen eyes pierced the distance between them and the Mion River. An unnatural mist had begun to gather around the water's surface, making observation difficult. Finally, he nodded. "It's Caster without a doubt. He's begun some kind of spell by the river." His eyes narrowed. "I can't make out any exact details, though. Nor do I see Rider X or Archer X anywhere."
Sola-Ui kept her face neutral despite wanting to twitch at that Servant's mentioning. Instead, she reminded herself that such a brazen use of magic before public eyes could never be sanctioned. Caster wasn't even bothering to hide his activities. The other teams were sure to be on their way. "Regardless, this would be the best opportunity to take him down."
"I agree. It would be best to stop him before he enacts whatever he has planned." Besides, Lancer added to himself, there's still the possibility that the other rogues are close by. He knew jumping recklessly after Caster could mean setting off a trap. But the first knight of Fianna had no doubts about the arrival of the other Servants or their providing aid.
And sometimes, risks simply had to be taken to achieve your goals. Or slay your enemies.
As for Sola-Ui, she was focusing on the crimson markings her fiancé had… entrusted to her. "Moreover, this is a chance to replenish a lost Command Seal." The prospect of having a full set of Lancer's contract filled the young woman's heart with ecstasy.
But the Servant was currently of a more practical mindset. "I'm taking the initiative. Please remain up here, Lady Sola-Ui, and bear witness."
"No," she protested immediately and with a hint of desperation. "I'm your Master now. I should stay close by to assist." Her hands went for the fashionable handbag she'd brought. "I'm prepared in case of an enemy strike, let me come with you."
Lancer shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Unlike Lord Kayneth, you lack experience in actual battle. Mystic Codes cannot compensate for that so easily, especially when you've had little time to understand how they work." He nodded towards his target. "There's bound to be a bloodbath by that river, and I can't fight to my fullest while worrying you may be in harm's way." His tone softened. "Please understand."
The argument was a tactically sound one, but Sola-Ui couldn't stand the thought of him being away from her even for something like this. Not to mention with so many Servants running about. Certain Servants in particular. She tried not to scowl while imagining Saber, Lancer X or Archer X…
Diarmuid wasn't blind to the lust within those eyes. He didn't want to get cross with a lady, but there was no time to waste. So, he added a little strictness to his next words. "Lady Sola-Ui, do you have any doubts about the keenness of my spears? Are you worried I may not be taking this battle seriously?" He wasn't really as affronted as he sounded.
But his words had their intended effect. Sola-Ui Nauda-Re Sophia-Ri shook her head before adopting a more professional tone. She didn't want to risk damaging whatever relationship they had. "Lancer, I trust your assessment of the battle completely. Go fight without concern or hesitation."
He placed his right hand before his chest and bowed his head to her. "You have my thanks." Then the Heroic Spirit of the Spear crouched at his spot before clearing part of the distance with a large leap. The natural swiftness of his class ensured he would reach the river before long.
Sola-Ui watched him go with a forlorn expression. Part of her wondered if she was being selfish, longing to share love with this wonderful being when they were to be fighting in this Grail War. But the life of a magus woman like her was rarely a happy one. Born second to her brother Bram, she had learned early on that she would never be the one to bear the Sophia-Ri family crest. And with her brother proving to be rather graceless in his work, she had been arranged to marry Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, a man of prestige among the Magus Association. A loveless union, first and foremost out of obligation. Kayneth may've held affection for her, but all Sola-Ui ever saw in him was a reminder that she was merely a tool for her family. A fancy trophy for presentation. Such was the life of a magus.
And then with the Holy Grail War came the arrival of Lancer, a handsome, noble knight who had captivated her from the moment she'd first laid eyes on him. His gallantry when he conversed with her, his grace in every movement he made, his amber eyes amplified by that vexing little spot… her heart would skip a beat every time he'd smile.
Then, for once in her life, Sola-Ui was granted a chance to decide her own fate when Kayneth had gotten himself grievously injured. She had seized that chance with both hands, a decision she continued to have no regrets about. Then Archer X had finally grown sick of her Master and made her own decision, leaving Sola-Ui without a fiancé and making a sworn enemy out of Lancer.
It had seemed so… perfect back then. Sola-Ui would aid Lancer in ridding the Grail War of that uncouth traitor, thereby claiming his love in the process. If they won the Holy Grail, all the better, she could wish that they'd be together forever. Except… Lancer had shown her only his usual chivalry, there seemed to be something more than warriors' respect between him and that little Saber, and last night's revelation of his wish… worried her. If Kayneth truly were to be restored the way he had been, it would also mean the return of their marriage. Going back to what awaited her when she'd been blessed with a taste of something else…
Sola-Ui could surely be forgiven if that prospect garnered little enthusiasm from her. She had been considering during their earlier search if she may need to take certain steps to… convince Lancer of a better way. The current situation was a chance to replenish her supply of Command Seals, and those could always come in handy. Sola-Ui was reluctant to take any steps that may be considered drastic, but magi needed to make sacrifices for their goals.
But for now… "When you return victorious, Lancer," she whispered longingly to herself, "please present me your smile."
The tires of Irisviel's Mercedes-Benz squealed as they rounded another corner. Saber spun the steering wheel clockwise and stepped simultaneously on the brakes. Even as the car halted next to the riverside she sprang out of the driver's seat and sprinted up the grass. She saw her enemy immediately amidst the fog. 'As expected,' she dispatched to Assassin X, 'it's Caster.' The robed lunatic seemed to be standing on the river's surface, mana of a sickening violet pouring from that accursed tome pouring like liquid into the waters.
'I'll be there in thirty seconds,' her comrade reported. Meanwhile, Irisviel had reached her side slightly winded.
'Please make it twenty.' Saber said mentally while explaining out loud the situation to her friend. "He seems to be in the process of undertaking a spell of large proportions, based on the massive levels of mana emanating from him."
In that moment, one of Gilles de Rais' bulbous eyes opened to peer at her. He subsequently turned, the mana stream from his book ceasing in the process, and bowed his smiling head towards the women. "I bid you welcome, Holy Maiden! It brings my heart joy to see you once again."
"Incorrigible creature!" Saber only had a glare for this Servant. "What are you up to this time?"
"Forgive me, Jeanne, but tonight's performance is not dedicated to only you." Caster's teeth glinted eerily despite the fog increasing around him. "Nevertheless, you honor me as always with your presence."
He looked as though he had more to say, but a caw from above drew his and their attention. One second, there was a dark bird diving straight for the deranged Servant, the next, a glaring Saber X had taken its place, sword unfurled. "Here's another honor for you, Fisheyes!" he spat out in disgust while hurtling towards his target.
Simultaneously, Assassin X materialized behind Caster. Od glowed beneath his sandals, allowing him to stand atop the water, and his Lightning Blade crackled at the ready. "You're finished." Two Noble Phantasms sliced through the mist for Caster's midsection.
But his smile only widened. "Am I now?"
Two massive tentacles lashed out of the river, one batting Saber X out of the air, the other nearly slamming down on Assassin X hadn't his Sharingan alerted him. The shinobi sliced it in half with his charged hand, but more rose to join the appendage, forcing him to flip out of reach. He landed disappointed in front of Saber and Irisviel. "Fifteen seconds, still too late."
Qrow Branwen jumped back on his feet close by with a grumble. "Just my luck…"
Amidst the mist and writhing tentacles, the Demon Marshall continued to smile despite the increase in enemies. "How good of you to join us, warriors!" His eyes focused on Assassin X. "Particularly you, demon." They twitched furiously. "And if you're here, then that foul monk is not far. Wonderful! Please enjoy to the fullest this banquet of death and decay I, Gilles de Rais, have prepared tonight!"
More of those slimy things wrapped around their invoker's legs, then traveled higher as he spread his arms out. The three Servants readied themselves for whatever would come next. "Let us wave the flag of salvation anew!" Caster called out amidst these grotesque proceedings. Then an even larger mass of flesh arose beneath him, polluted waves splashing onto the coast.
Irisviel stared at all this in horrified shock. "Caster's being… absorbed?"
Indeed, the one who had brought about all this madness was pulled inside this new creature even as his voice could still be clearly heard. "Gather, ye condemned! I shall lead you! I shall command you!" It continued to rise out of the water, its size far greater than anyone could've anticipated. "The rage of us cast aside and held down will reach God without doubt!" His audience watched in mounting horror as this colossal abomination rose to its full height, its size dwarfing the Fuyuki bridge with ease. "Our Lord in Heaven, I praise you with condemnation and offer my own body!"
By now, it was clear that Caster's earlier use of his Noble Phantasm had only been the tip of this revolting iceberg. It was almost as if a crack in the sea floor had allowed a creature to escape from Hell and rise up to devastate the city. The Horror before them was far greater in size (and depravity) than any summoning Kakashi had seen in his life, for one. That provoked a worry in him. "Can he actually… control that thing?" He asked out loud.
It was Irisviel who answered even as fear gripped her form. "I-I doubt it. Even for a Servant, there's sure to be limits on how much they can exert control over familiars. This isn't like your hounds who retain their autonomy but follow our instructions when you summon them. Caster lacks the mental faculties to command something like that, and even if he did, this ritual of his was merely an… invitation." The Servants turned to her in disgusted confusion. "Practicing magecraft means looking over evil works at times, but this… monster is unmistakable evil. It wasn't brought here to fight but simply to terrorize all around it."
"Oh, arrogant God! Merciless God! We shall unseat you from your splendid throne! Revel in the madness, rage and cries of despair with which we shall break down the gates of Heaven!" Caster's maddened proclamations continued to echo from the slimy, writhing mass of tentacles and flesh, punctuating the homunculus' observations.
"Likes the sound of his own voice, the crazy bastard…" Saber X grumbled, fingers drumming along Harbinger'shandle. His ears then perked up as a familiar snap of lightning sounded behind him, and he turned back with a tight smile. "You guys stop at a drive-through?"
Rider spared him a quick laugh before raising a hand from the Gordius Wheel's reins to greet Saber. "Not a very pleasant night, King of Knights."
"We have little time for jokes right now, King of Conquerors," Saber replied, glancing between him and the Gigantic Horror.
Berserker X was the most excited about this development, hopping off his partner's mount to direct a bone-chilling smile at the river. "Caster… you've been holding out on me, you freaky son of a bitch!" No one was the least bit surprised at his lack of fear.
Assassin X stepped a bit closer. "I hope our truce still stands despite the circumstances."
"But of course, Kakashi!" Rider assured him. "You don't think I'd betray Mithrandir's trust because of a mere monster, do you?" He looked up before adding, "Granted, it's certainly not 'mere' in any way, but even if I hadn't agreed to his counsel, we wouldn't be able to conduct any Grail battles rightly with that thing fouling up the place. That is why we've been making rounds to strategize with the other Servants. Lancer is on board with fighting alongside us, of course. He'll be here any second now."
Saber didn't have any objections to fighting on the same side as the spearman again, but she remembered another ally and his Servant. "What of Gandalf and Berserker?" She silently commended herself for not hesitating this time at the latter.
Even if her trepidation at meeting him remained.
Rider pointed ahead. "We met Mithrandir and his Master on the other side of the river. He's promised us his aid and that of his partner's. Didn't see Berserker, but he's likely not far." Saber and Assassin X exchanged a glance; they could (hopefully) trust in the wisdom of the maddened knight's partner. "I haven't seen Lancer X or Archer, either, but well," the Macedonian Servant grimaced in the middle of his briefing, "none of us really expect any cooperation from the latter, do we?"
"We don't," everyone else present replied, Master, Servant or otherwise.
But back on track, Saber and Assassin X turned towards their supposed "Master" while telepathically bringing up their real one to speed. Irisviel nodded wordlessly and even Kiritsugu gave no objections given the circumstances. He most likely would be planning to capitalize on the situation, but the King of Knights chose not to dwell on those thoughts now. Her partner nodded to her as well, prompting her to place her hand before her chest. "I speak for my team when I agree with you. Let us put aside whatever grievances exist between us and end this threat together, King of Conquerors."
Berserker X's sword gave an almost predatory hiss as it left its scabbard. "Just nobody get between me and that hunk of meat," its wielder sneered, "not if you don't want me to kill you." He then crouched a bit at his spot, an excited shiver travelling through his body.
"Hold up just a second, Berserker X." He grunted but waited as his Master turned towards the pale-haired woman. Waver had zero objections to pooling resources for this battle, but he had a few questions left. "Einzbern Master, do you have a plan? Saber X told me that you and your team have the most experience in battling Caster. He's been targeting Saber, right?"
"That's correct," Irisviel replied. "It's due to a misunderstanding, but the important thing is that we can't afford to waste any time stopping this!" She directed their attention towards the river and its dangers. "Right now, that monster is still being fueled by the mana of Caster's Noble Phantasm, but if it discovers an external source and becomes self-sustaining, then the battle will be lost. We have to kill Caster before that happens!"
As always, Rider's brutish appearance belied his keen mind. "True, so we'll have to make sure Caster's pet doesn't reach the shore and begin its dinner."
Saber X frowned in distaste at the titanic mass. "But Caster's still its source, and he's dug himself in somewhere underneath all those levels of putrid crap. What do we do?"
A chuckle drew his attention to his friend. "Ain't it obvious?" Kenpachi grinned at him. "We chop that thing to pieces and drag the nutjob out of what's left." A simple solution; the King of Conquerors' favorite.
Same for Qrow. "I can get behind that." He hefted Harbinger onto his shoulder.
"So can I." Lancer's voice rang out as the green-armored Servant stepped out of spirit form before the others. He gripped both weapons as tightly as he smiled. "All I need is to stab his Noble Phantasm with my Gáe Daerg once," the red spear was brandished before him, "and I can shut down his witchcraft."
Assassin X crossed his arms while scanning their target. "Sounds good, but it's not going to be easy finding Caster." The Gigantic Horror and the dark power it radiated was reflected in his Sharingan. "That creature is so drenched in mana it'll take even me a good while to discern its creator amidst the tentacles. Especially if he has enough wit not to stay stationary." He shrugged. "So, I too agree with Berserker X about tearing it apart. Otherwise, we risk wasting too much time before it hits the city."
Saber considered her comrade's advice before speaking to her rival. "Lancer, could you reach Caster if you threw your spear from the shore?"
"All I need is a clear line of sight. I trust I can count on your help, Assassin X?" The shinobi nodded, sharing his silent confidence.
The ground rumbled and bells jingled as Berserker X finally launched himself towards the river. "Enough talking already!" The bloodthirsty Soul Reaper roared as he drew ever closer, propelled by the strength of his bound. A giant tentacle snapped like a whip, the Horror having registered its presence. But a single slash from Berserker X's nodachisliced it in half.
He found a perch upon the writhing remnant and released a howling laughter. "HAHAHAHAHA! I HOPE THIS SIZE OF YOURS IS WORTH SOMETHING, CASTER, 'CAUSE I'M COMING UP TO SAY HELLO!" Another leap, and the Servant of Madness went even higher, laughing all the way.
Frankly, none of the onlookers were surprised, though Rider was the only one laughing in tune with his partner. Waver could only sigh at the night of exhaustion that awaited him…
Assassin X for his part focused more on something else their ally had done. "Interesting…" he pointed at the severed tentacle. "That limb should be regenerating by now." Three of the other Servants started at his words; Saber, Lancer and Saber X were familiar with how difficult it was to make Caster's Horrors down. A simple chop shouldn't have caused such damage without being restored.
Waver snapped his fingers in realization, making the other instinctively look to him. "I-it's part of his Divinity Skill," the boy stammered off-guard by the increase in attention towards him. "Berserker X has a special trait that increases his effectiveness against beings with demonic properties."
Saber capitalized on that knowledge to take the reins. "Another advantage to use against Caster. And Gandalf will have surely come to the same conclusions as the rest of us, so he and Berserker ought to be guarding the opposite side." she began to rally the rest. "Lancer, ready yourself for when the opportunity comes. Assassin X, provide support and keep searching for Caster. The sooner he's found, the sooner all this can be stopped." Both men nodded at receiving her orders. "Rider, Saber X and I will join Berserker X as the vanguard." She turned to her fellow monarch. "Any objections, King of Conquerors?"
Rider wasn't the only King in this War to carry the CharismaSkill. "None from me. My chariot needs no road to advance, and as you've noticed, Qrow has his own method of flight."
On cue, Saber X transformed into his namesake and back. He then gave a smirking Lancer a flat look. "I guarantee there's no joke you can make, Pretty Boy, that I haven't heard before."
Rider joined the spearman in chuckling before continuing. "But do you and Assassin X plan to battle in the middle of the river, Saber?"
The Copy Ninja simply sauntered towards the water, took a couple of steps onto its surface with his od-charged feet and didn't sink by so much as a millimeter. "I think I can manage," he drawled.
Saber followed her friend with a proud smirk. She, too, remained atop the water effortlessly. "As for me, my body has been blessed by the Lady of the Lake," she explained. "No body of water poses a hindrance to me."
Iskandar made a big "O" with his mouth. "Quite the interesting powers you have." He smiled at the duo. "Now I wish all the more the both of you would join my banner."
Saber's smirk faded as she gave a long stare. "I haven't forgotten the words you said to me, King of Conquerors." There was no anger in her tone, only a quiet determination. "After we've pried Caster free of that disgusting monstrosity's innards, there will come a time where I can properly address your accusations."
Irisviel and Kakashi weren't the only ones relieved to see their friend so calm about this subject.
Rider gave a happy laugh at the strength within her words. "I look forward to that." He leaned forward, gripping the reins to his bulls tightly. "But for now, Kenpachi has already claimed the first blow," he snapped the leather in his hands, prompting bolts to dance around his chariot, "and I refuse to fall behind anymore!" With that, the Gordius Wheel took off into the sky. A screaming Waver held on for dear life as it raced through the heavens and curved towards the Gigantic Horror currently trying to crush a certain Servant, cackling as he swung his sword.
Saber X rolled his shoulders before giving a tight smile of his own. "I might not be in the mood for seafood, but I'm still joining this buffet." He then leaped forward as well, his limbs shifting into black feathers that carried the crow towards the enemy.
Irisviel remained where she was. She knew this was the closest she could stand to such a battle. But it didn't stop her from calling down to the Servants she'd befriended. "Saber, Assassin X, good luck!"
"We'll need it," the latter quipped before sharing a confident nod with the former. He then summoned two Water Clones from the river (they required less od than Shadow Clones, something that would need to be used carefully), and one Assassin X returned next to Lancer and Irisviel.
Saber broke into a charge towards the center of the river, her two comrades right behind her. Her black suit flashed brightly before the armored dress she had worn in times of old and throughout this Holy Grail War took its place. The moon made her clothes shine silver, and her fabled sword appeared in her hand, wreathed as always in the "Barrier of the Wind King." Tentacles erupting from the water were cleaved apart as she passed them, allowing the shinobi to follow unimpeded with their own techniques at the ready. "It's time to settle this, Caster!"
And further away on the Miyama side, one particular Servant tracked the movements of his enemies from the ledge of a nearby rooftop. Especially those of two rivals of his. 'Archer X,' he called out mentally, 'what's your status?'
'In position,' the telepathic reply came a second later. 'Stand by for now?'
'As we discussed,' he confirmed. 'Let Caster have some fun first. But be ready to strike.'
'Roger that.' Then the link was silent as though radio comms had been shut off.
So, she does have a professional side, Rider X mused to himself with a smirk. That smirk widened into a bloodthirsty smile as the first sounds of battle reached him. And so the real Holy Grail War begins.