Yanked to a halt, Lancer glanced back to find Assassin X holding the other end of the chain. "Many-" His gratitude was cut short as his limbs acted against his will again. His spear's enchanted tip easily split apart the links holding him, then his other hand tugged hard on the rest, pulling the other Servant closer. "Look out!" Even as Lancer yelled out the warning, muscles straining against each other, the red spear was already piercing Assassin X's hand.
Kakashi couldn't stop the "Argh!" that escaped his lips, and to make matters worse, he couldn't use jutsu like this. Not just because of his impaled right hand, but that tip dripping with his blood nullified all magic, even otherworldly techniques like the ones he used. Not… good.
But unlike Lancer, he wasn't alone. Before the spear could be pushed further up his arm, Saber grabbed hold of the shaft with all the strength in her left hand. Her iron grip halted it immediately, but it left her with only one hand to hold Excalibur again. A bit of a nuisance when knocking away missiles shot from an increasingly furious Archer X. "Get the hell away from him!"
Saber paid the other woman's raging little mind, her eyes focused on the agony written across Lancer's face. "Please…" her fellow knight whispered, shame etching across those amber eyes for his begging, "End this, Saber…" Then they traveled to her hidden sword.
Her heart nearly stopped at the request's meaning. I can't just cut him down like this… She wasn't stupid, she knew from the way his arm's muscles kept contracting that Lancer could just relinquish his final Noble Phantasm and leave for Gandalf's head. While he was still holding onto the spear was her best chance to run him through, she certainly didn't need Kiritsugu to tell her that. Archer X didn't look like she'd be letting up any time soon, either.
But… this isn't right... Artoria Pendragon didn't want to finish her duel with her rival like this. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne deserved better.
Behind her, Assassin X had much the same thoughts. He was also keeping an eye on Archer X stalking towards him, reloading that monstrosity of a firearm in the process, and having a mental argument with Kiritsugu about whether or not to just cut Lancer loose, though, so his tension was marginally greater. Maybe Kiritsugu's way was the correct one in this scenario.
But one glance at his partner's slightly trembling shoulders told him what the right one was.
The Man of a Thousand Techniques wrenched his right arm free of Lancer's spear with a grunt of pain, startling both knights, and hurled a trio of shuriken with his left at certain spot of Archer X's weapon that looked rather sensitive.
Tex didn't have time to react before her missile pod exploded in her hands, knocking her off her feet. "Oof!" She landed hard on her back, armor smoldering and her head ringing like crazy.
Lancer stared at his dazed enemy, conflict warring within him. Should he try to finish her now despite that one command? Or- "Lancer, look me in the eyes!" His head turned on instinct from the authority in Assassin X's words, and his gaze suddenly met the ninja's. That red eye seemed to bore into his mind, those red dots shifting into edged points…
Saber noticed the counterforce on Lancer's spear lessening and looked to her partner. "Are you counteracting the command over him?" She asked in awe. And a little hope.
Assassin X shook his head slightly. "Not sure even the Mangekyō Sharingan's powerful enough to do that, but I've got something else in mind." He inclined his head towards her, not breaking his stare for a second. "It's bound to work, so you better get ready to settle things, Saber."
His comrade blinked in surprise. "What-" Then the spear's shaft was wrenched from her grip, and Lancer suddenly hopped backwards. She made to cut him off, thinking he'd go for the river again, but instead had to bring up her blade to parry the spirited thrust at her.
Her shock at this action was only surpassed by Diarmuid's. "How…?" The verdant warrior whispered in shock. He'd stayed to attack Saber, really attack and not just force her aside so he could move on. His body also felt different; it wasn't straining to leave anymore but was focusing on hernow. And to Lancer's inner eye, the small blonde knight's form slowly warped into that of a familiar, robed, elderly man, sword and staff at the ready. Then she was Saber again… or was she? "Assassin X… what have you done?"
"I guess you could say I made you a compromise, Lancer," the foreigner replied while moving for the slowly rising Archer X. "You've been ordered to kill Caster X, and now he stands before you. Right there." He cast his left thumb backwards…
To where Saber stood. His partner looked confused for only a moment before comprehension settled into her features. "Oh, you sneaky, clever fox…" she whispered through an impressed (and very much relieved) smirk. Artoria had learned much of the Sharingan's powers during her time by Kakashi's side, including its potential for hypnotic suggestions. So, she had little trouble following her friend's thought process:
Assassin X hadn't been sure if his Mystic Eye Noble Phantasm would be able to overpower the absolute authority of a Command Seal itself… so he had chosen to use it in a way that would definitely work: manipulating Lancer's perception. Just now, the Mangekyō Sharinganhad likely captured the Heroic Spirit inside an illusion that made him believe Saber was Caster X, making him stay and fight her to fulfill his command.
Lancer began to grasp the situation as well; the sight of Saber, the words she spoke, even her scent itself, they all indicated that the wizard stood before him. And even with me knowing that it's just a trick, I'm still convinced she's him, the cursed knight noted in wonder. Such a simple but potent illusion…
And both knights understood why the crafty but deceptively compassionate shinobi had set up this scenario: he was trying to give them one last chance to finish their duel of honor.
The battle's audience slowly came to piece this together, Maiya Hisau and Irisviel von Einzbern familiar with their comrade's abilities as well and the latter relieved for Saber's sake. Kiritsugu Emiya assessed these developments with a discontented frown. He made to berate the Servant he thought he could count on when Assassin X preempted him. 'Saber can handle Lancer while I deal with Archer X, Master. Let her end this on her terms. …Please.'
He glared down at the red leaf-swirl symbol on his left hand before taking a breath. 'Fine.' In light of his Servant's persistent reliability up till now, the Master could throw him this bone.
He was still going to have words with him afterwards, though.
Regardless, nothing stopped Saber from releasing Invisible Air, revealing her fabled sword for all to see. There was no point in hiding it from Lancer who already knew its length and shape. Besides… "Well, your quarry stands before you, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne," the King of Knights challenged with a proud smile. "Are you going to run from your duties now?"
Laughter of mirth and joy escaped the First Knight of Fianna. "Accusing a knight of cowardice? I shall teach you the error of those words…" he winked amused one eye, the sparkle within making even Saber lose herself for just a moment, "Gandalf the Gray."
Saber regained her composure and hummed amused, grateful her opponent understood. The two warriors of chivalry moved cautiously forward, slowly closing the distance between them. They tapped their weapons against each other, a final salute, then they clashed.
Kirei Kotomine didn't have the foreknowledge of Assassin X's powers like the Servant's team, but he still managed to get the gist of what he'd done. Circumventing the power of a Command Seal instead of fighting it head on… A fitting tactic for a ninja. He also noted how Rider X beside him was thinking carefully.
"Cunning devil…" the Servant murmured to himself. "I underestimated his resourcefulness." His words carried grudging respect. Saber is the more powerful between the two… but Assassin X's mind can't be taken lightly either. He barked a laugh. A troublesome team.
Archer X was the only one unclear about what was going on; rattled as she was from the blast and her mind's unrest, all she could understand was that Lancer was now fighting Saber. For real.
And Tex didn't like that at all. She flipped to her feet, practically strangling the handle of the minigun that materialized in her grip. And of fucking course, Assassin X stepped in front of her. "Move or be roadkill," she snarled, flicking off the safety. "Only warning."
"Ignored." Assassin X flexed the fingers of his freshly healed right hand, silently thanking Irisviel for the quick work, then the hand blazed with lightning. "I'm not letting anyone interfere with their duel. And you and I have some unfinished business, too."
Between him and this Servant, there was none of the mutual respect that Saber and Lancer shared. To Assassin X, she was a short-tempered, trigger-happy thug who claimed to be a soldier but would even stab her comrades in the back without hesitation.
And in Archer X's eyes, he was a persistent, smart-mouthed thorn in her ass, always getting in her way and making her look bad. She was honestly this close to cutting loose with- No. Not that. I don't need it to get rid of this bastard, not when I can snap his scrawny neck with my own two hands. "Fine. Your funeral." Then the two charged without further ado, weapons blazing.
Meanwhile, sword flashed against spear as Saber went for an overhead slash that brought Lancer to his knees. He diverted the blow, the sublime legend scraping along his weapon's shaft, and then diverted the edge downwards. She shifted away before it could've taken her eye, took half a step back which he copied as well, then they swung again.
Lancer stumbled back from the blow, tremors traveling up and down the length of Gáe Daerg. The strength behind her attacks was no longer constrained by the sealing of one arm, and he found it difficult to match. Incredible, he thought with a smirk before noting how Saber kept glancing down at her left hand. Oh, don't tell me…
"Handicapping oneself is Berserker X's game, Saber." Her eyes returned slightly shocked to a chuckling Lancer. "No need to tarnish your steel by emulating that savage. Your partner was skilled enough to deprive me of one spear, do not dishonor him by letting that go to waste." Then he was suddenly right in front of her, his spear having seemingly multiplied. "Nor should you dishonor me by thinking you can win without all your strength!"
Sparks flashed through the air as the radiant sword met that crimson tip. But Saber couldn't parry his multi-thrust attack perfectly, and her right hip was cut before Excaliburwas actually knocked from her grip and began spiraling high. It was true, she had been considering wielding her blade one-handed again to balance Diarmuid having only one spear. It would only be fair, she'd thought. But he clearly didn't need any more charity than already given.
A competitive fire flared up inside her. "Very well, Lancer." The King of Knights smirked back, unworried about the spear traveling for her again. "But you would do well yourself not to think you can triumph so easily!" She then leaped up, over Gáe Daerg's edge, and added an extra step on it to reclaim her sword in both hands. But her gauntleted fingers didn't travel around the handle but the blade itself.
Lancer tried to jump away, but Excalibur's cross-guard hooked him by the shoulder and reeled him in for his chin to meet Saber's left knee hard. She landed on both feet as he staggered backwards, barely able to stop the pommel with Gáe Daerg before it would've smashed his ribs to dust. He wheezed out a laugh. "Mordhau… later than our times, no?"
Saber deftly flipped her sword up, its luster shimmering in a circle before its handle landed once again in her hands. "The Germans may've named it, but in my kingdom, you could always find a knight or two grabbing their swords' blades for a little bludgeoning action." Mordred had a particular fondness for that trick, she noted to herself with a hint of melancholy before sobering."A bit heavy-handed, but you did say I shouldn't hold back." The King of Knights slashed a few times confidently, the air nearly singing where the "Sword of Promised Victory" cut it. "Remember, no excuses for when you lose."
He only snorted at the dry wit in her words. "Now I know for certain you've been spending too much time with Assassin X." But that's not necessarily a bad thing, is it? He admitted to himself, that silly envy from before flickering inside him again for just a moment. But he swept it aside; no sense dwelling on who could've been. Right now, there was only the duel.
The "Crimson Rose of Exorcism" danced about between his fingers like a ribbon through air. As it came to rest in a ready position, Lancer proclaimed, "Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, first spear of the knights of Fianna, has come for victory!"
Saber placed the prized symbol of her class before her, her face mirroring his prideful joy entirely. "Artoria Pendragon, King of Britain, challenges that claim!" And so they lunged for what both knew would be the final round of their duel.
Despite her current efforts to turn Assassin X into a sieve, Archer X couldn't help but overhear every word those two had said. Nor could she interpret the tone of their banter as anything other than respectful, even affectionate… even flirting?! Oh, she is so DEAD!
"Get the fuck out of my way!" Assassin X ignored the demand and continued to weave around the bullets. In contrast to the near-tangible hatred emanating from Archer X, he retained a level head and drew her fire away from the duelists. It wasn't easy, particularly because he was also making sure his non-Servant allies wouldn't get caught in the crossfire, but the odds were steadily shifting towards his favor. Archer X's temper is pushing her on, but it's making her sloppy too. She's not putting any effort into aiming that heavy thing or taking note of her ammunition.
Soon, the minigun clicked empty, but a Freelancer like Tex would only need six seconds tops to reload.
Kakashi only needed one to close the distance and cut through the armament with Lightning Blade.
She shoved the remains of her gun into him and backtracked cursing, making to call up another weapon… only to find Weapons of War was exhausted. She'd used up just about every last gun and bomb she had throughout this night's fights. "Ah, what the hell…" Texas growled before drawing a single combat knife. Getting up close and personal did have its appeals, anyway. But even as she made to slash into the oncoming Assassin X's neck, her gaze drifted again to the other battle despite herself.
Lancer swerved away from a lunge that still left a cut above his chest before cracking the blunt end of Gáe Daergagainst Saber's stomach. Her armor absorbed the brunt of the strike, but she still staggered back half a step, allowing him to adjust his spear's position and lunge. Saber's Instinctflared up, and she managed to divert the red point so it only went through her abdomen instead of her heart. Then instead of letting him pull it back out again, the King forced herself along the spear's length before her sword sliced off its wielder's right arm.
Texas' entire body froze for just a crucial instant, then it began to charge for the knights. "NO-" In her panicked state, she only registered Assassin X's electrified hand carving into her chest armor a second later.
Saber spun gracefully in a circle, ripping herself free of Gáe Daerg in the process, and cut Lancer down with a single stroke of Excalibur.
As the one-armed Celtic warrior slumped to his knees in defeat, Assassin X closed his eyes for just a second. A shame it had to come to this… "You…" He opened them again to stare at s twitching Archer X, barely on her feet from his Lightning Blade. "Kill… you…" She spat out. Huh, I thought I'd put enough strength in to run her through. No point dragging this out. The Copy Ninja made to force his Noble Phantasm through her spirit core…
Only to find his hand wouldn't budge. What the- He'd gotten through the armor and broken her skin, the blood dripping from the hole clear proof of that. But he couldn't go any further, nor could he pull his hand back out. He couldn't even move his other limbs… and his body was starting to hover above the ground. Assassin X only realized why just before flying.
Irisviel having swiftly healed her injuries, Saber had placed her sword before her and taken a solemn silence (a final courtesy for her opponent) when her partner suddenly crashed into her. Both skidded across the asphalt before flipping simultaneously to their feet. "Sorry about that, Saber," Assassin X muttered. "Looks like we have a late arrival."
"Impeccable timing, Avenger X." Kirei cast again a gimlet eye towards his Servant for the cheeky comment.
The horned Servant lowered his right arm as he stormed towards Archer X. She had crumpled to her knees similar to her dying onetime partner, but judging by the fire in her spirit, he sensed he'd acted just before the Assassin would've killed her as well. "Get up." He snarled at her. "Our Master has instructed us to retreat." Even with the closing of the wound that drunkard had inflicted, he was in no shape for another battle tonight. And neither was she.
"Kill you…"
A ripple of primal rage swept through Avenger X. Not a sensation he was unfamiliar with, but in a rare case, it didn't originate from him.
Archer X drew herself to her feet, shaking fists opening and closing again. Her helmet was fixed on Lancer where he was kneeling in a pool of his blood. "You bastards…" Then the visor shifted towards those two Servant that had kept pissing her off, that did this to Lancer. He was going to die Saber killed him Assassin X did something to make him fight that bitchthiswasalltheirfaulttheytookhimawayfromherblowtheirheadsripthemapartkilllancersdeadicouldntsavehimIlovedkillthemkillkill-
The Heroic Spirit would've lunged at them were it not for hornhead holding her back. "I'LL KILL YOU ALL!" She howled her hatred out for all to hear. "DO YOU FUCKING HEAR ME?! YOU'RE ALL DEAD!"
Saber was unfazed by the furious female's declaration of war. Her eyes reflected no sympathy as she and Assassin X braced their slightly aching limbs for one last bout. Though the latter did have a glimmer of pity in his eyes.
Something shared by Lancer even as the last of his strength faded away.
"Let me go, you horned freak!" Archer X thrashed about like a caged beast in Avenger X's hold. "I'll tear them to fuckingshreds!"
"Not tonight," the Sith replied while freeing his left hand and stretching towards the approaching pair. "But soon." His fingers curled upwards as a large piece of the ground before him was ripped up. It hovered for only a second before hurtling straight for the two women on the sidelines. Saber and Assassin X wasted no time in summoning winds powerful enough to blast the projectile to dust, but by the time they turned back, the rogues were gone.
Assassin X's eyes scanned the area carefully. "They're on the move in spirit form. We could probably catch up to them even with their head-start, but," he rolled his right shoulder with a wince, "I'm not really sure I have any more energy to take both Servants on."
"Me neither," Saber sighed, her own shoulders slumping marginally. "Still, I'm not comfortable letting Archer X run amuck in her current state. Should we have one of the pack track them?"
"No need for that." Both Servants turned to see their Master stepping out of the shadows. "By now, it's a safe bet to assume that Archer X and Avenger X are both contracted to Zouken Matou. He'll have recalled them to his home where their wounds can be treated and their strength restored." Kiritsugu's mouth was set in a cold frown. "Matou's bound to have prepared for uninvited guests, so mounting an attack in your current states wouldn't go well." He spared a glance at his Command Seals in consideration before deciding against it. With our luck, Rider X could be there as well. The team needed time to prepare for a fight like that.
A wet cough drew their attention to where Lancer was beginning to sway at his spot. The Master's demeanor did not change even a little even as the knight almost toppled over, but Assassin X vanished for an instant before reappearing crouching beside him. He held his dying opponent steady by the shoulders, Diarmuid managing to give him a weak smile. "Yet another… courtesy… I must… thank you… for…" He wheezed out.
Assassin X shook forlornly his head. "You don't owe me anything, sir knight. But you and Saber have my apologies for interfering in your duel."
Lancer blinked in shock at those words and the sincerity behind them. "Interfering…? Heh, you… salvaged it… gave me… a chance to… honor… at least one… vow… before I fell." He managed to bow his head in gratitude. "Forgive my… bias… Kakashi… Hatake. You are… far more… noble… than I would… have thought… of an… Assassin."
The shinobi of the Leaf Village smiled back. "You wouldn't be the first." He glanced up to Saber who'd stepped closer, a hint of shame in her eyes. No doubt remembering our first conversation... So, he said to both, "Don't worry about it."
That drew a brief smile from her and the silent message that she agreed with everything Lancer had said to Assassin X. "King of Knights… I hope… to ask you… and your… comrade… one last favor…" Both gave the dying Servant their full attention as his body slowly began to disperse in spirit particles. "Please… stop Archer X… put her out… of her… misery…"
"...You sound more sympathetic to her now, Lancer," Saber noted without judgement. "Have you forgiven your partner for her transgressions?"
"Not… entirely," the knight admitted between a cough. "She committed… grievous… crimes against… my Master… and… my honor. But… I fear… I am not… so… innocent… either."
Assassin X tilted quizzically his head. "You're referring to your Love Spot?"
"Somewhat… it may have… affected her… decisions… and I never… really… took the time… to inter…act… with her. I… never even… learned her… True Name." Remorse crept into his weaking breaths. "Perhaps… if I had… tried… harder… I could've… made… a fine… team… with her." Those deadening eyes flickered up to the duo. "Like you… So… please finish… her… in my stead… not for ven…geance… but for… her sake…"
Saber absorbed these words carefully, then after exchanging a meaningful look with her friend, planted her golden steel, no longer stained with the honorable man's blood, in the ground before her and let both hands fall on the guard. "Rest easy, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. Kakashi Hatake and Artoria Pendragon shall fulfill your final request." She swore with all the candor of her title as King of Knights while the Copy Ninja slowly rose to stand one step behind her.
The first knight of Fianna gave these two marvelous, earnest, Heroic Spirits one final grateful smile as he faded into nothing. Not the ending I had hoped for… but there are worse ones, I suppose. Best of luck… Assassin X… Saber.
"Well," Kirei Kotomine noted, "that's the end of that." He'd seen more than he'd cared for and just wanted to head back for the church where his bed and a few lengthy sermons awaited. Anything to purge his mind of the strange fixation over watching Archer X's increasing rage and anguish. "You've got what you wanted after all, Megatron."
But as he made to send Assassin the recall order, he paused at a raised finger from Rider X. "Ah, but I feel the show has yet to end. Would you care to watch a little longer?" His smirk widened slightly. "I sense Kiritsugu Emiya is not pleased with his Servants' antics. Or have you lost interest in him?"
Kirei stared at the behemoth a while longer, his suspicions deepening, but nevertheless told Assassin over the link to maintain his position. "…Alright. Let's get this over with." He still couldn't suppress the excitement bubbling inside of him, though.
The two Servants remained where they were for a few more silent seconds out of respect for Lancer. Irisviel had walked quietly back to her car (which had by some inexplicable miracle survived the onslaught of explosions with only a few nicks in its carrosserie), not wanting to disturb her friends. She'd taken no joy in watching Lancer die, even if it meant another step closer to her and Kiritsugu's dream. An impassive Maiya kept a close watch on their surroundings while striding off, hoping that her own ride had remained undamaged as well.
Kiritsugu Emiya, however, simply lit a fresh cigarette and began to walk away. "Wrap it up. We've wasted enough time as it is."
The apathy in his voice rankled Saber, and she turned to glare at him. "Wasted time? Is that really the only thing you have to say about a hero's end? Didn't you understand the values of my duel with him?"
"All I saw was two Servants drawing out a fight unnecessarily," her Master coldly retorted. "Meanwhile, Archer X is still on the loose while all you two have accomplished is getting rid of an opponent that was going to get himself killed anyway. Even after I told you to leave him be." Those empty eyes sharpened towards the other Servant under his command.
Saber's temper burned hotter with each callous word that came out of the man's mouth; how could she have been foolish enough to hope that he would understand honor on some level? But Assassin X spoke before she could. "I take full responsibility for failing to kill Archer X. Avenger X somehow slipping past my awareness is no excuse, I'm aware of that." The ninja reaffixed his headband over his Sharingan before letting his hands slide into his pockets, his entire demeanor a mirror of Kiritsugu's. Including the forced calm. "But I won't apologize for making Lancer stay and fight Saber. It was only fair for both of them."
"Lancer's fate was sealed. There's no scenario where he could've seen another day."
"Obviously," Assassin X replied coolly. "But he deserved to die with at least some closure. Lancer was barred from attacking Archer X, most likely by a Command Seal." He shrugged. "If my eye's genjutsu was strong enough to counter that, I would've set them against each other, but I don't think it would've worked. Hence my opting for giving Lancer a chance for a somewhat honorable death."
A scoff escaped Kiritsugu's lips. "Honorable? How exactly is it more 'honorable' for him to get cut down by Saber than ripped apart by Berserker or Caster X?"
"He had no control over his actions. And Lancer and I made a vow to one another as knights that we would battle for the Holy Grail." Saber stepped forward, clenching her sword as Invisible Air enveloped it once again. "Upholding that vow was a matter of principle and respect. Lancer showed me respect when we first fought, so it's only right that I return it. Him being an enemy does not change that." Her eyes narrowed in suspicion at the one who'd summoned her. "But now I have to ask myself, how do we know you didn't orchestrate all of this, Kiritsugu?" Her glare darted to the side where a dark-haired woman stood, her face blank as stone. "You sent Maiya after Lancer's second Master, the woman, didn't you?"
"I did," Kiritsugu confirmed without a speck of regret. "Even if Lancer wouldn't think of betraying this precious respect you both had, Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri wasn't nearly as chummy. She could've decided to ally with one of the opposing Masters, maybe even the rogues if it meant winning, and she was too spellbound by Lancer's curse that she'd accept a partnership with us. Or did you really not notice the jealousy that practically oozed from her every time you and he interacted in front of her?" Saber held her tongue, unable to dispute that point.
The Mage Killer continued. "So, yes, I instructed Maiya to deal with her. Sola-Ui was a wild card too risky to leave unchecked in the Grail War." He then became more thoughtful. "…Granted, you have a point, Saber. I mighthave hijacked Lancer's Command Seals and sent him after one of our enemies. Caster X was a good target; even with one spear gone, Lancer was a natural enemy to magic-centric Servants. And regardless of who won, it would've resulted in the death of at least one Servant." He dropped his spent cigarette onto the ground and crushed it underneath his heel, not a trace of emotion on his face. "Smart. A shame someone else interfered before Sola-Ui could've be captured." But who exactly…?
Pulling up in her vehicle in time to hear, Maiya was unfazed by Kiritsugu's musings save for a little disappointment in herself. She still wasn't pleased with letting Sophia-Ri slip away. Assassin X saw the logic in what his Master had said, but he was still a bit unsettled by the glaring ruthlessness displayed. And he wasn't blind or unsympathetic to Saber's mounting outrage, either. Looks like I was too optimistic about them working together…
"Kiritsugu Emiya…" The King of Knights bit out with barely restrained fury. Her own Master so willing to turn a fellow noble warrior into his puppet?! "I'm finally seeing just how different we are from one another. It was idiotic of me to believe that our goals were the same even if our methods differed. Up to this point, I had accepted Irisviel's words and Assassin X's counsel that you could be a trusted ally.
"But I can't believe any longer that you seek to save the world with the Holy Grail!" Assassin X tried to step between them, but she brushed past him. Her glare abided as it briefly shifted to her friend. Forgive me, Kakashi… I can't accept this. Then it returned at their Master with full force. He had turned his back to her in dismissal, but that didn't deter her one bit. "Tell us right now, Kiritsugu! What are your true intentions? Even if we win the Grail, trusting you with it…" To Saber right now, the very idea was reprehensible. That scene two nights ago, him breaking down in his wife's arms… had all that been nothing more than a deception?!
"Answer her, Kiritsugu." Irisviel's soft but stern words cut through the air. She was leaning against her Mercedes to support herself, the full weight of what the man she'd loved had just admitted to. She knew in her heart that he hadn't lied about his dream… but to think the man she loved would so coldly consider such actions… "You owe your Servants a real answer this time."
The Mage Killer finally sighed and inclined his head slightly towards her. "Right… this is the first time I've really shown you my usual means, Iri." Guilt slipped into his otherwise emotionless tone at how she flinched. "If a Master still lives, there exists the possibility of them finding a new Servant, and vice versa. Therefore, it's best to dispose of both. Even with Assassin X's contributions, I only have so many resources at my disposal, so I can't let opportunities go to waste." His eyes traveled to another. "I thought heunderstood that, too."
The X Servant remained unfazed by the accusation. And Iri put a little more heat into her own words. "I don't need your words, Kiritsugu, I want you to explain yourself to Assassin X and Saber without just berating them! They need you to talk with them. For real."
"No." Something prodded inside Kiritsugu for refusing his wife like this, but he didn't back down. "Assassin X may be more naïve than I'd hoped, but he still ought to be smart enough to comprehend my decisions. And I won't waste words on a murderer bewitched by honor, glory and that sort of nonsense."
The last of Saber's restraint began to snap away, and it was only her partner's arm before her that kept her from lashing out. "How dare you insult chivalry to my face, you cretin!"
"Chivalry can't save the world." Kiritsugu Emiya only focused on his wife, not even deigning to look at the irate fool. "The knights who follow it call some ways of fighting good and others evil and then act like there's some kind of noble code in battle. How many young men have been swept along by the illusions of honor and glory that knights of old celebrated, only to lose their lives for nothing?"
Assassin X narrowed his eye; he knew he could detect some melancholy in what the man said. Saber recognized it too but felt an even greater urge to refute his accusations. "They aren't just illusions! Even if a human life is taken during battle, it must be done with ideals! Without exception! Otherwise, every last war on this or any world would make manifest hell itself!"
That final sentence made Kiritsugu scoff. But not in mockery… but disgust. "There it is." With a humorless smirk, he gestured towards the Servant he'd grudgingly summoned to win the Holy Grail. "You all heard her, Iri. Maiya. Assassin X. The great King of Knights here thinks that a battlefield is any better than hell." His eyes narrowed in bitterness. "A bad joke. A battlefield is hell itself. Hope is nowhere to be found there. There's nothing but endless despair. And a broken cry we know as victory, paid for by the life of the defeated. As long as people continue to ignore the suffering it causes, this world and all others will forever be doomed to perpetuate the cycle of war."
Saber slipped herself free of her partner's arm, her rage settling just a bit. Both she and Assassin X were finally beginning to see the entirety of Kiritsugu Emiya. This man… hated war. He hated the senseless violence that sundered fields and robbed men of their lives, families of their loved ones. He put on a cold mask and sealed his emotions away, but with all the tension this night had wrought, the Mage Killer's sorrow was being laid bare.
Kiritsugu couldn't stop himself from continuing his bitter lament. It was getting harder not to raise his voice, but he pressed on. "And yet humanity still hasn't understood this simple truth. Why? Because in every era, on every world, courageous, inspiring heroes arise to enchant everyone around them with their 'great' tales, making them shut their eyes to the sinful massacres they cause." He turned his back to these "Heroic Spirits," these embodiments of everything he'd come to loathe. "Thanks to them, true human evolution has remained stagnant since the Stone Age!"
And a new piece of the puzzle slid into place, why Emiya avoided interacting with Saber and tolerated Assassin X but kept him at arm's length. Ever since they'd arrived here in Fuyuki City, he had found himself surrounded by Heroic Spirits, proud representations of the ideals he believed doomed humanity. No doubt he felt even greater scorn at particular ones such as Iskandar, Megatron, Kenpachi Zaraki… and Artoria Pendragon.
Kirei Kotomine was frozen in shock. Kiritsugu Emiya… hates war? His memories resurfaced of when he'd first read of the mysterious mercenary; how Emiya had been spotted on battlefields, always when the fighting was at its fiercest. His actions could be considered suicidal, or at least fixated on death. But then… why would he pursue such battlefields… when he loathes them?
"All beings seek and act for the sake of pleasure," Archer and Rider X had repeatedly stated this truth. But in that case, why would Kiritsugu Emiya familiarize himself with a concept that brought him the exact opposite of what he sought? What was this answer he had discovered living among the Einzberns? Or… did he have it even before he'd met them? But then why-
"Confused, are we?" Kirei was snapped out of his mental running in circles by the voice of Rider X. Violent, sadistic, unfettered… just the sort of being that man would surely hate with all his heart. But he simply sneered. "Life and living beings are full of these little contradictions, dear Kirei. Just keep on watching." The priest frowned but did so, curious despite himself.
A Servant was first to speak in the wake of this soliloquy. "You make some fair points, Kiritsugu," Saber and Irisviel glanced in shock to Assassin X while the Master continued to face away, "but… you're oversimplifying things, too." That coated back stiffened slightly, but the Copy Ninja heard no rebuttal, so he continued while scratching his head. "War itself is a horrible thing, I won't deny that. But those who instigate it don't all seek honor and glory as you imply. Sometimes, it's for resources, other times, revenge, and sometimes, it's out of the desperate hope for survival. Heroes have perpetuated that, but there have been just as many individuals who stopped wars and were lauded as heroes for the lives they'd spared."
That statement only made Kiritsugu shake his head. "And how long did their efforts last before someone else twisted their ideals and instigated new battles?" Sadness crept into his words, melding with the anger still present. "I wouldn't have thought you of all people would defend senseless bloodshed, Assassin X. Not after what it's cost you."
The Servant paused at the implication, visibly trying to keep calm. "…What have you learned about me?" Saber was perplexed before she recalled one spark of knowledge given by the Grail. Did Kiritsugu… see our lives? She knew of the possibility, but it wasn't an absolute.
"I've seen… glimpses." Kiritsugu sighed, finding no joy in what he was about to say. "You fighting for your life and your village in, what was it called again? Oh, yes… the Third Great Shinobi War. The Third. And based on how events seemed to proceed later on, your world was well on its way for the Fourth." A slight flinch went through the ninja, his partner turning to him in concern and sympathy, but Kiritsugu continued. "You first began learning the ways of the shinobi when you were what? Four, five years old?"
Maiya had been sitting patiently in her car's driver seat, ready to ferry Kiritsugu away, when her hands inadvertently tightened on the wheel. Her eyes traveled despite herself at the still Servant. "You lost both parents at a young age. You received your current rank, jōnin, at the age of 12 and had already become familiar with battlefields. You were practically groomed for war before you'd even reached your teens. A top shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village, feared and respected throughout your world… at the cost of a normal childhood. You weren't the only one of your generation either, nor would yours be the last. Team 7, all thirteen years old at most. What kind of sensible community would force children to fight for it?" She absorbed every word from Kiritsugu, everything that told her more of this odd man…
Who in turn grew ever stiffer. "…I believe I mentioned earlier that my home didn't practice drafting," Assassin X finally noted in a clipped tone, Irisviel and Artoria becoming even more worried at his indirect confirmation, "and it wasn't just because of tales of past protectors of my home that I fought for it, either, so don't demean our ways. I choseto become a ninja and fight for the sake of my village, for better or worse. From the sound of it, you've only seen fragments of my past, Kiritsugu." That cold anger of his was rising again. "But you clearly don't know everything, and I'd ask you as politely as I can not to draw conclusions too quickly." His glare hardened. "And don't ever use my students to justify your cynicism."
Saber's fury had returned again at seeing the minute trembling in her friend's posture. "And what right do you have, Kiritsugu, to pass judgement on a world not your own?! Is this how you repay this good man who's stood by our sides and defended your methods against my criticism time and again?" She noticed a tenseness inside Kiritsugu as well, maybe shame-
Then it was gone, and he merely shrugged. "True, that's all the business of your world, Assassin X. I'll retract my comments about your students, but it doesn't change the fact that no matter where you look in this… multiverse, there will always be another war waged and people dying for the sake of foolish ideals. From what I've seen of the other foreigners, this principle applies everywhere."
Irisviel couldn't bear much more of this clash between her husband and her friends. "Tell me, Kiritsugu… do you humiliate Saber and question Assassin X's beliefs so… because of your hatred of Heroic Spirits?"
Kiritsugu drew in a breath to calm himself before answering. "Of course not. My personal feelings have no place in my plans. I shall win the Holy Grail and save the world. And to achieve this goal, I shall employ the most suitable tools at my disposal." His tone was free of anger or sorrow again, just the words of an unfeeling machine. "Human nature makes it impossible to rid life of violence. Killing is evil, no matter what we say or do. So, it's best to see it through as quickly and efficiently as possible. So long as more lives are spared than lost. With this world the way it is, justice can't save it. Therefore, I have no interest in it."
Assassin X stared at the back of that black-haired head moving away, weighing his next words. "So, to sum up your modus operandi, you believe in sacrificing the few for the sake of the many, correct?" He shook his own head in disappointment. "Hate to break it to you, Kiritsugu, but that thinking's hardly any different from the ideals you look down upon."
The Mage Killer froze in mid-step, his neck slightly straightening. "By that logic, every war can be prevented just by killing off a few people every now and then," the shinobi continued in an even measure. "But do that long enough, and you may find there are just as many people dead as there would've been on a battlefield. Killing is evil, you said so yourself, but ultimately, evil ends up saving no more lives than justice would've."
Kiritsugu finally turned back his head to glare at the familiar. "Careful…"
But Kakashi Hatake didn't back down. "And in practice, how well have these methods worked for you?" The night's fatigue had caught up with him, too, and he was done pulling his punches. "Can you really say that wherever you gunned down a few key individuals or blew up a hotel then the world automatically became a little more peaceful? Can you claim with a hundred percent certainty that this world will ultimately be better once all the corpses have been disposed of?" He took out his hands and crossed his arms in finality. "You can't, can you? I know you're not that naïve."
Naïve?! Me?! The Mage Killer's teeth began to grind together so he wouldn't rage like that Archer X.
"If your methods were so efficient, you wouldn't need the Holy Grail in the first place." Assassin X's gaze softened again. "But you still hope for your world's salvation, just like how every soul that perishes on a battlefield hopes that their actions weren't futile."
That final sentence struck a chord inside the Master, his temper suddenly rolling back into itself. He straightened slightly, eyeing the silver-haired man carefully though he didn't for sure why. Signs of weakness, maybe? Or falsehoods? No, no trace of those. But there wasn't any spite or sadism, either. Assassin X had been brutally blunt, yes, but he wasn't interested in hurting Kiritsugu.
Then Saber, herself having cooled down once again, took over. "Kiritsugu Emiya, my partner isn't wrong. And… neither are you entirely." She closed her eyes with a silent sigh as both looked at her in shock. "Recent events have forced me to extensively scrutinize my own ideals, and I won't deny that it was only through Assassin X's kindness tonight that I could even settle my duel with Lancer."
She straightened before opening his eyes again to stare levelly at her Master. "I don't know who it was that betrayed you or what drove you to despair. But I still know using evil to defeat evil doesn't necessarily mean that all evil is erased. Rage and hatred will only bring about new battles. And that anger you show, the way you lament the loss of lives and childhoods… those all prove that you, too, once believed in justice. Like Kakashi, you chose in your youth to fight for what you held dear.
"You, too, once believed in a Hero of Justice who can save the world, didn't you?"
Kiritsugu's eyes were like guns loaded and primed to kill. His knuckles tightened increasingly inside his pockets as those two Servants stared levelly at him, no anger but sadness in their eyes. They thought they could tell so well who he was, dismiss the sacrifices he'd made as just another foolish ideal?! Do I look like I want your damn pity?!
"We're not your enemies, Master." Assassin X's words cut through the haze inside his head swift as Lightning Bladewould through flesh. "Just because we disagree about ideals doesn't mean this team has to fall apart like El-Melloi's did." The masked Servant of Assassination was wearily scratching his head as he spoke. "And sadly, life isn't so simple where one can solve every problem by being absolutely chivalrous or absolutely ruthless all the time." That earned him two cold looks, making him grumble barely audibly, "Honestly, just my luck to wind up with a pair of morally polarized dunces…"
Neither King of Knights nor Mage Killer were sure how to feel about that comment.
Another couple seconds, though, and Kiritsugu's irritation abated. He turned back to Maiya's car while speaking conclusively. "Think whatever you want of me, Assassin X, but I will break this endless cycle. The Holy Grail will make such a miracle happen. I swear that the blood I spill in Fuyuki City will be the last spilled of humanity in this world's history. And if I have to stain my hands with every last evil in this world, then so be it. If that will save this world, I accept it." He then opened the passenger door while his driver seemed to snap herself back to attention.
But just as his Master slid in, Assassin X spoke up. "Hopefully, it needn't come to that."
A second passed, then the door closed, and the car drove off.
Kakashi's shoulders slumped; what a night, and sunrise was still a couple hours off. A pat on his back drew his attention to his side, where Artoria stood. "Thank you," was all she said. "For everything."
She needn't say anymore, she knew by how his own expression brightened that he understood her meaning. No matter what grievances she carried with Kiritsugu Emiya now or in the future, she was at least grateful to him for summoning Kakashi Hatake as her partner.
"Kiritsugu… is he… gone?"
Both turned in time to see Irisviel sway by her spot, then she began to fall. Both Servants were on either side in a flash, holding her steady. "Irisviel!" Saber adjusted her grip, her gauntlets fading away so her hands could feel her temperature. "She's feverish."
"Breathing's becoming erratic, too," Assassin X noted while wiping away some of her sweat. "Start the car, we need to get her back to the house."
Saber nodded and released her, a Shadow Clone of her partner immediately taking her place as she slipped into the Mercedes. Then as the original Assassin X released her, Irisviel gripped his arm (hardly any strength, he noted) and whispered. "Please… will you… watch over… Kiritsugu…" Her crimson eyes flickered with weakness but still carried that deep love for the man.
"Of course, I will." Assassin X eye-smiled reassuringly back at her. "He's my Master and my comrade." She managed to smile back as he faded into spirit form, knowing he was sincere, before darkness overtook her.
-80:41:27
The doors of Fuyuki Church opened, and Risei rose from the altar where he'd been praying to turn around. His eyes swiftly widened at seeing who entered. "Kirei!" The overseer's legs swiftly carried him across the hall where he wrapped his arms around his son in a tight embrace. "Thank goodness…" He whispered, burying his head into Kirei's right shoulder.
Kirei slowly returned the hug, patting his back lightly. "…Forgive me for worrying you, father." It came as a hesitant whisper. "I went to assist Tokiomi as you asked, but… I was led into a trap. I survived, but recovery from my injuries took… some time."
Risei sensed a tautness in his muscles. He pulled away to have a closer look at Kirei, gently prodding his body. "Well, you seem to be in perfect health now. Can't see so much as a scratch anymore." He looked up at Kirei's face with a proud and relieved smile. "You've developed your healing skills impressively."
But what was meant to be praise made his son glance away, as though he was nervous. "Please, father. I am not half the magus my teacher is." Then he started. "Is sir Tokiomi well? The last I saw of him, he and Lancer X battling Caster's monsters. Alongside Kariya Matou and Caster X, surprisingly."
"I've heard of that as well," Risei agreed. "Based on the reports from my sources, sir Tokiomi departed from the Mion River following the destruction of Caster and his obscenity. Neither he nor his Servants seemed to have sustained any lasting injuries, but…" His gaze flickered towards the church's doors. "Tokiomi has yet to arrive. We could reasonably argue that his Servants' contributions played a significant part in eliminating Caster and forcing Rider X to retreat." A sliver of satisfaction crept into the priest's voice before he frowned. "However, even with almost four hours having passed since then, Tokiomi has neither come here in person nor contacted me. I can't even reach him."
Aside from where his son could be, the patriarch's absence had been the biggest worry on the elder Kotomine's mind these last few hours. Tokiomi Tohsaka was one of the most composed magi, no, people Risei had ever known in his life. A firm believer in his family's teachings, having refined his magecraft and emotions through years of training, it had been little wonder why he was the Master trusted and aided by the church in the Fourth Grail War. Not to mention Tokiomi himself had set up this entire scenario against the rogues to replenish his Command Seals. But for him not to claim his prize… something must've happened.
But Risei Kotomine had a difficult time imagining just what his patron might've witnessed at the river that could've shaken him so. Could he have had a falling out with Lancer X? No, sir Tokiomi harbors no illusions about the nature of familiars. If there was a problem between them, he'd have dealt with it decisively. Besides, she's the reliable Servant.That meant Archer could've been responsible, somehow; Risei didn't trust or like the hedonistic King one bit. …Except if Tokiomi was having problems with his Servants, then he'd have all the more reason to want more Command Seals at his disposal.
He looked to his son for answers, but Kirei seemed deep in thought. "I noticed him having a heated argument with Kariya Matou, but they didn't actually come to blows. Nor did their Servants…" Finally, he gave a slight shrug. "We would have to ask him. But what about the other Masters?"
"None of them have arrived, either. You are in fact the first person I have seen tonight, Kirei." The father would have gone to visit Tokiomi or find his son, but his position as overseer dictated he remain inside the church at all times. Someone had to be present for tasks like monitoring the War and granting defeated Masters asylum, after all. On that note… "At least the sightings of the Mion River battle has been resolved for the short term."
Despite appearing deep in thought, Kirei nodded at that. "Yes, checking on the area is part of why my return here was delayed. One of our agents told me that the temporary cover story is a mixture of heavy fog and toxic chemicals having leaked from factories not far from the bridge." A bit flimsy, but the story ought to keep the masses sated until the church devised something more concrete. "What about the Magus Association?"
A tired sigh escaped Risei. "Given the situation, they proved cooperative in obscuring the truth. Their enforcers aided in spreading the story amongst eyewitnesses and news reporters. Hospitals have also been placed on standby to pick up supposed victims of chemical poisoning." He shook his head; there was still bound to be a fair bit of politics after the War. "As for the military, the two fighter pilots sent were safely recovered and had their memories altered. All they will be able to report is severe weather conditions that ultimately made them crash their planes." Better than having to evaporate their budget buying two new F-15s to make it seem like the pilots had never been dispatched in the first place.
The overseer of the Holy Grail War had only finished all the most crucial negotiations a while ago, and plenty more time with the telephone still awaited him. But for now, Risei Kotomine was simply relieved his son had safely returned.
Kirei, though, still appeared conflicted. His father knew he'd never been particularly expressive even as a little boy, but his lessons in bajiquan still exposed signs of anxiety: a slight tremble in the arms, heightened avoidance of eye contact, a deepening of his usual frown in the right corner of his mouth…
Risei reached up to place a hand on his shoulder. "Is something the matter, Kirei?"
His boy flinched slightly before taking in a deep breath to recompose himself. Just like I taught him… "…I'm worried about the way the Grail War is going. I can't stop thinking about one Master, Kiritsugu Emiya. Or how most of the rogue Servants are still at large… there is even a new one, he protected Caster and battled others at the river…" He glanced down at his left arm. "…And I'm afraid of what Rider X might be up to."
The mentioning of that monster made Risei's blood go cold. Now it all made sense why Kirei was so visibly worried: he must have been exposed to just how evil that metallic titan truly was! Had he threatened Kirei? Had he attacked him? Risei quickly lifted his son's left hand to see all but one of his Command Seals for Rider X had faded. Only one left…
"Kirei…" He slowly lifted his gaze to his son's eyes, filled with conflict and self-doubt. "You know that I care for you more than anything, don't you?"
"I-I…" Those eyes blinked befuddled before glancing to the side in shame. "Of course, father…" he whispered.
Risei nodded to himself, all the thoughts that had been rummaging about in his head now coming together for a clear picture. He hadn't forgotten his responsibilities as overseer of the Holy Grail War or his duty to the Tohsaka family or his old hope to see a miracle with his own two eyes… but he knew what he had to do. "Hold your hand still." He pushed up his right sleeve, exposing the many Seals spread across his arm.
Kirei froze in shock. "Father-"
But Risei placed his right hand over his son's left. "Drink from it, all of you," he intoned. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." The Seals on his arm flared brightly, then upon returning to their dormant state, two had faded away. Meanwhile, that foul symbol of the tyrannical demon was fully restored on a stunned Kirei's hand.
And Risei wasn't done yet. "Use these to stop Rider X from whatever evils he might try to call forth on this world." He then clapped a hand on his son's right shoulder. "And should you require any more aid, or should anything happen to me," Kirei drew in a heavy breath at that, but his father continued, "remember this: Jn 424."
His dutiful son, one who had dedicated his youth to the studies of God, mouthed this code that would make little sense to any normal person, his eyes glimmering with comprehension. They continued to shimmer as liquid gathered inside them, Risei patting his shoulder again. The father was relieved he understood; even if his overseer status prevented him from actually using the Command Seals, he could at least provide his boy with the means to stop that devil from another world. And was there any better way to show him who much his father trusted him?
"Th-thank you, father…" Kirei touched his cheeks where the tears had begun to flow, studying the drops on his fingers. He began to mumble as though in a daze. "I… the last time I cried… was three years ago."
Risei's face fell. When Claudia died… "I'm so sorry, Kirei," he said with all the sympathy his heart carried. "Claudia was wonderful. I was happy to consider her a daughter."
"She said I loved her…" Kirei was mumbling tearfully while he glanced down at his hands, looking much like a confused little boy. "Even after I denied it. Even after… what I had intended for her… my heart ached… so much…"
Risei was about to pull him into another hug but stopped. Something about the words sounded off. "What you had intended for her?" he parroted, placing both hands on his son's shoulders. Had he been trying save her life? "Kirei, what do you-"
Sh-shk.
Risei's eyes widened inadvertently. His breathing grew unsteady, his vision was blurring. He could feel something wet on his chest. With more effort than it should've normally taken, he looked down… at the bleeding spot in his chest.
Where a thin blade had pierced it.
"I felt so sad when she died…"
His fingers' grip weakened and began to slip away, but an arm curled around his shoulders. "K-Kirei…" Risei gasped out as he was pulled into his son's chest, the blade being pushed further through his heart in the process. A-a Black Key… His mind recognized the Executor armament's shape easily even now.
"I was so sad, father…" Kirei whispered while little drops fell onto the crown of Risei's head. "Sad I couldn't kill her myself…" A strange sound began to ring in the father's ears, tinged with his boy's voice but unclear. Was it sobbing… or laughter?
K-Kirei… what did this... to you? Those were Risei Kotomine's dying words. Regrettably, he failed to understand his son right up to the very end.
A shiver traveled through Kiritsugu Emiya in his hotel room. He turned away from the dossier of Kirei Kotomine and scanned his surroundings, but there was nobody. Even the windows were shut.
After a minute of wariness, he put down the file and leaned back with a sigh, lighting a new cigarette. After Lancer had been disposed of, Maiya had driven him back to the hotel, Assassin X trailing them carefully as ever. He'd initially meant to stay for only a little while, an hour at most, to consider a new target. The night was still young, and the other teams were surely still recovering from the battle against Caster. Prime targets for removal.
But his thoughts had kept running in circles. He'd checked and rechecked and re-rechecked the files he'd compiled, the map of the Masters and Servants' probable locations, the guns he'd stashed in the room, and before Kiritsugu knew it, almost three hours had passed. Strange that Maiya didn't alert me. Worst of all, he still hadn't formed a decisive plan.
No, worst of all, he knew exactly what was distracting him, but he couldn't push it aside like normal. The clash with his Servants reverberated inside the Mage Killer's skull, key words and moments standing amongst the cacophony. Saber and her self-righteous outrage, he could shove aside easily. But Assassin X's…
"…you're oversimplifying things…"
"…hardly any different from the ideals you look down…"
"…I chose to become a ninja…"
They just wouldn't leave Kiritsugu alone. That final sentence in particular, the rebuttal to his resolve… "Hopefully, it needn't come to that." It'd have been easier to dismiss if it had sounded condemning, but no, the masked, sneaky bastard had sounded sympathetic. As if he understood. Ridiculous, the Mage Killer spat to himself while burning through his cigarette. How could a man who acts that casual and jokes around know anything about what it means to dedicate yourself to a mission? How could he ever understand the sacrifices I've made? The lives I've taken?
Her face inadvertently flashed before his eyes before his mind banished it. "Those who abandon the mission are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are even bigger trash, huh?" Kiritsugu recited with a bitter scoff. He glared towards the room's door, where the foreign familiar's presence could be sensed. "Should've known he's an idealist at heart."
He stood up with a sigh to put out his cigarette, then let his back hit the bed. Regardless, he was mentally in no shape to head out for another mission. Maiya was in another room down the hall, keeping watch alongside Assassin X. Kiritsugu tried to get up, but his legs just wouldn't respond. So, he told them over the phone to call it a night. Might as get a little sleep. He began to cast the same hypnotic trick from last night on himself. My head ought to be less cluttered come morning...
In front of another room, Assassin X had just stepped out to stand guard (and admittedly avoid those odd looks Maiya kept sending him, it was like she was frustrated at him yet curious simultaneously). He wasn't having an easy time staying focused, either, though, not with the argument still fresh on his mind. He hadn't meant to let his temper slip, he'd just been trying to help his partner. She was already dealing with enough grief, and despite being an opponent, Diarmuid was a good man. Kakashi didn't regret his decision to facilitate their duel, but now it looked like that had come at the cost of Kiritsugu's cooperation.
Was I really too naïve in thinking those two might be able to work together? I know a lot is weighing on Artoria, but just what the hell happened to Kiritsugu? What could've shattered his trust in heroes like her that he'd rather throw every last moral out the window to save this world? Those questions just wouldn't leave his mind. Couple that with Irisviel suddenly collapsing, and the jōnin was growing worried that he'd failed another team. Third time's the charm, I guess…
Assassin X cracked his neck and slumped against the wall; even with his mana replenished, there wasn't a bone in his body that didn't ache. Maybe a little meditation won't hurt.But the shinobi hadn't lasted this long by being careless. He pricked his thumb and sped through the Summoning Jutsu's signs, a certain pug appearing in a burst of smoke. "Mind keeping watch for a bit while I rest, Pakkun?"
"No worries, Kakashi," the pug waved his paw in an easygoing manner. "You know I got your back." He then sniffed curiously about, his stubby tail wagging slightly but eagerly.
His trainer and alpha rolled his eye in amusement. "Maiya's right behind that door, and I doubt she'd mind a little company." He then held back a laugh as the dog eagerly slipped past the door into the room, most likely trotting up to the stoic woman for some snuggles. Irisviel spoils my boys, but they seem to like Maiya and Saber, too. Even Kiritsugu's okay in their book. He propped himself against the wall, his head hanging in pre-slumber. Thank heaven…
Rider X twitched for a moment, Zouken noticed even while inspecting some spoils of war, and it didn't seem like it stemmed from yet another tremor rippling through the mansion. "Something the matter, Megatron?"
"Hard to say." The largest occupant of the room the Matou patriarch and three Servants were in tilted his head from side to side. "For a moment, I thought I felt something… stirring inside of me. Perhaps a premonition of sorts." He strode over to one of the windows, peering out at the clouds above. "I'm not sure, but… I believe it has something to do with my Master."
"Our Master," a Hassan perched atop the desk corrected him before he could stop himself. Thankfully, his partner only appeared by the outburst, so Macour cleared his throat and continued. "I-I mean, is he well? I do not sense his death or anything fatal."
Those spiked shoulders rose briefly before coming down again. "Neither do I. And despite my… contribution to his recovery, Kirei is not nearly under my control as you or he seem to think he is." He cackled to himself. "But he does seem to be making progress on his own journey. I am practically giddy in anticipation, it's been so long since I've felt this way."
A fully recovered Avenger X nodded by his spot before a bookshelf. "The dark side is more powerful and seductive than most realize. Even after it becomes too late to turn back." The room shook again, and this time, a furious, distinctly feminine howl accompanied it. The Sith's lip twitched at that. "Speaking of which…"
Assassin turned warily to the doorway, then to the sole human in the room. "How long are you going to let her rampage about like that? She's liable to bring down the entire mansion at this rate."
"I expressly made sure my basement was built to last." Zouken waved off the split personality's concern, not taking his dark eyes off the tecpatl he was looming over. A halfwit Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald may have been, but he did have good taste, the older magus granted him that. The energy from that Lancer-besotted woman's Magic Circuits as well as the many Mystic Codes she'd carried and Assassin had collected made fine spoils of war. "My darlings will intervene if she deploys any of her weapons, but otherwise, she can't cause more damage than some of my unrulier creations."
Something heavy could be heard being smashed underneath them, making Matou raise a hairless brow. "That said, I might give her a little sedative later. Just so she doesn't burn herself out before we set her loose again."
"Do not underestimate the power of a hatred as great as hers, Master," Maul hissed. "I saw firsthand how committed she was to avenging the one she lusted for. If I hadn't forced her to retreat, she'd have thrown herself at those Servants without regard for her survival." Those yellow eyes shifted towards the silver titan to his left. "How fortunate for this team."
The grin that Rider X gave the fallen Sith was eerily similar to the ones his Master would show during one of his schemes. "I couldn't help but notice, Avenger X, that you intervened in exactly the last second to save her life. Could it be you had already arrived sooner but waited to act until Lancer fell?"
"Lancer was bound to perish one way or another," the Servant of Vengeance sneered back. "But witnessing Saber do the deed has made her the main target for Archer X's wrath." His eyes narrowed at remembering Zouken's instructions while his chest was being healed. "Most ingenious, Rider X."
Macour shifted uneasily, a dagger dancing between his fingers. "Why make her snap like this? Her current state is little better than that of a Berserker. Wouldn't she be even more difficult to work with now that she's become this volatile?"
"Volatile is Archer X's default state, Assassin," Megatron countered unconcerned. "She's always carried a fierce temper ever since her first battle in this War, perhaps since her first moments after being summoned. Thanks to the late, bewitching Lancer and their pompous Master. We simply added a little more fuel to the fire and gave it a target. Two, in fact.
"Besides," the Servant of the Mount turned away from the window and sauntered over to a nearby table with a chessboard set up. "Archer X is only allied with us out of convenience. She undoubtably would've attempted to double-cross us and take the Grail for herself once enough of the other Servants were out of the picture. And by running ourselves ragged to kill them, we might've been easy pickings. She could've been a major concern…" he chuckled while picking up a knight piece and inspecting it, "were it not for one little weakness."
Zouken leaned delighted back in his seat, twiddling the tecpatl in his fingers. "Which is why you had me and my Worms trap Sophia-Ri and take control over Lancer." His smile widened at how Assassin shifted again at his spot. "I sent him after Caster X while forbidding him from killing Archer X until he completed that task, thereby confusing her and unbalancing her emotional state even further. She couldn't help but chase after him…"
"And Saber and Assassin X, compassionate, earnest fools that they are, couldn't help but intervene." Rider X laughed at the playful glare the Matou head gave him. "Oh, I had no hand in that, Zouken, I assure you. Those two would never be free of guilt if they hadn't tried to help that gullible fool. And even if they hadn't stopped him, it would have changed little. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne did have a slim chance of slaying that wizard, especially if he'd stopped being reluctant about his orders, but he'd have been slain one or another. Which ties up a loose end in the process."
"But the key part of your plan was ensuring Archer X witness his death," Darth Maul surmised. "Seeing the man that had enraptured her would drive her over the edge, and I sensed a preexisting hostility towards that knight and her partner in our dear soldier's heart. Now she is consumed by rage, her only thoughts being to destroy the ones who killed 'her' Lancer."
"Thereby directing her full attention to our enemies and reducing the danger of her stabbing us in the back." Zouken finished as he rose from his chair and hobbled over to the small liquor cabinet in his study. Retrieving a few glasses and an unopened bottle, he poured out some amber liquor and raised his glass in an impressed toast. "An exquisitework of art, your scheme, Megatron, even if I still believe Caster X and Berserker in place of Saber and Assassin X would've made it perfect." They shared a good chuckle while the bigger being accepted his own glass. Avenger X claimed one as well, but Assassin waved it off. "What was that you said during our first meeting?" Zouken clinked his drink against theirs before taking a satisfied sip. "'A good strategist is half psychologist and half sadist,' yes?"
Rider X took a hearty drink himself, savoring the taste with a laugh. "Merely understanding how an enemy thinks is not enough, as I'm sure all in this room know. One must also learn how to utterly crush them… and then cherish their agony." He then eyed the newest member of this little cabal he'd put together. Though he kept his guard up, the Decepticon didn't lose his pleased smile. "Congratulations on claiming the first kill amongst us, Avenger X."
The black-and-red foreigner returned his suspicious but savage expression. "And may we see just who ultimately claims the most." A veiled hint that even if Archer X was too distracted to contemplate treachery, the danger for Rider X had not disappeared entirely.
Excellent. I knew there had been a reason I kept Starscream around for all those millennia, the Kaon champion snickered to himself as he stepped away from the others. He then strode out of the study, satisfaction bubbling inside him despite the persisting noise from the basement. The pieces of the Holy Grail War were all slowly but surely sliding into place: on his side, tentative allies just as invested in eradicating the rest before turning on him and each other; opposing him, three Kings, two with loyal allies, and one wizard with a savage but tamed beast. Boisterous Iskandar, prideful Gilgamesh, chivalrous Arthur… All of them fated to be crushed underneath his heel, one after the other. Assuming they haven't torn each other apart, he noted in mirth while that passionate argument a few hours ago came to mind.
Witnessing that little row had amused Megatron to no end. So, the great Mage Killer, the man who has spent his life chasing battlefields actually despises them? He is willing to shed as much blood as needed to wish about a world without bloodshed? Such irony! Hilarious little delusions of an idealist fancying himself a cynic! Oh, the fun I might've had with you, Kiritsugu Emiya, if you had been destined to summon me as your Servant.
That wasn't to say Rider X was displeased with the Master he had, far from it! Kirei was developing quite beyond what his Servant had expected; the little glimpses of his inner desires, the fascination with sin and those who indulged in it… Emiya's revelations had visibly rocked the priest. And the way the Dark Energon had reacted to him, ah how intriguing he was for a human!
Megatron was actually surprised at how much he was investing in helping his Master along his journey. He'd even granted him a bit of his own power, something that might provide him some leverage later. But for now, Kirei Kotomine himself deserved say over how to use this "gift" which now lurked inside him.
In the meantime, Rider X had something else on his mind. A sort of… investment. He stepped through another doorway that led to what he sought: the Prismatrix Reactor. Embarrassing title aside, this little device symbolized too much potential to simply let it gather dust. Finishing his drink, he set the glass aside and hefted this contraption, the details of its inner workings as Archer X told echoing inside his processor.
"I still haven't tested it yet." Zouken stood within the doorway, black pits on the Reactor. "You're not a scientist or a magus, so perhaps you might reconsider tampering with that. The stakes are already high enough." Cautious words, yet they came from a rather excited grin.
Rider X flashed him a smirk of much the same kind. "Ah, but the higher the stakes, the greater the prize, Zouken." He then twisted the Reactor's valve counterclockwise, a metallic hiss escaping it. Then his right hand released it for the fingers to curl into a clutching motion, a familiar crystal materializing in his grip for only a second before it was shoved inside the glass part.
Every last evil in this world, Kiritsugu Emiya? Megatron's grin couldn't grow any wider as the Reactor began to glow violet, energy being visibly drawn to its center. Before this War is over, I just might show you and all the others a few you could've never fathomed.