The magus student angrily unscrewed a small sedative he'd acquired at the pharmacy. If anything, it was his fault that these two monsters were being held back so much. …Though Berserker X would definitely enjoy the handicap. It would be a lot like in those two days when he'd been roaming the streets of Fuyuki City without a Master, keeping mostly in spirit form, waiting for a chance to fight. Still, Waver was his Master now. "If you bozos aren't in top shape when I need you, then I'll be the one in serious trouble!"
He downed the medicine in one gulp while Berserker X laughed. 'Fair enough, you little shit. Can't enjoy myself as much either if I gotta worry about you biting it.'
Waver grumbled something, already beginning to feel drowsy from the sedative. Then he frowned. "Nothing to add, Rider?"
'Oh, I was merely considering if I can hold off a mite longer. You know, try being less consumptive like Qrow. But to be honest, the battle at Mion River did exact a hefty bit from me.'
"No surprise there," Waver agreed as he began to unroll the sleeping bag. "That Noble Phantasm's pretty costly on its own. But you needed to maintain it while your partner was fighting at full power inside, too. On that note, an average Servant wouldn't last long tearing through the battlefield like you do, Berserker X."
'Hence why I wear the eyepatch, kid. My fights would be over way too quickly one way or another.'
"And replenishing your mana's part of why I didn't figure out the Reality Marble's high cost sooner." Waver slipped off his shoes and wiggled into the sleeping bag, checking to see if the portable heater was in fact turned on. Nowhere near as pricy as the expenses his troupe had racked up with their "pub crawls." "It didn't affect my Magic Circuits any more than Berserker X, so I thought it was seriously practical. But in hindsight, you've been taking about as much as Saber X would since you took down Assassin."
Equivalent exchange was one of the most basic principles in magecraft. But even things as fantastic as Noble Phantasms followed it. "Rider…" Waver mumbled, the food, energy drinks and sedative taking its toll on him. "…Why have you been drawing mana from your own reserves instead of using mine? That's my job, remember? And now the two of you have been doing that since last night. What were you thinking?"
'Well, um…' For once, the King of Conquerors appeared to have difficulty expressing himself. 'As Servants, we're basically devourers of souls by nature.'
'Yeah,' Berserker X sighed in agreement, 'aside from me liking to take my time with a good fight, two powerhouses like us going all out with you involved would probably kill ya. And you've been put through the wringer enough just by adding me to the party.'
So, the bell-wearing barbarian had taken notice of the toll he took on his Master. Such consideration made Waver stare dully up at the sky above him. "Still, I'm ready to die," he muttered inside his bag. "Saber X was right about me not being ready for this War, but I joined it of my own free will, nonetheless. If I can't shed a little blood or make some sacrifices but still win in the end, then this will have all been for nothing." His eyes sharpened. "And like hell am I letting Qrow's death be for nothing. So, I'm going to take his advice, make the most out of what I can do, and keep moving forward."
He heard a deep hum from Rider. 'I'm certain he'd be proud of you right now.'
"I'm not doing this for just his approval." Though it means a lot to me from that grumpy old drunk, surprisingly, Waver added to himself before going on. "I don't care about the Holy Grail that much, I just want to prove myself I want to show the world that someone like tiny, weak me can beat the odds and take what he wants with his own two hands!" Like these three meatheads have taught me…
'You sure you don't wanna keep a white flag with you just so that you don't die?'
He could feel an irritated scowl on his face. "I'll admit defeat when I'm dead, not before."
Berserker X's chuckle swept over him. 'Well, you're not the same wimp you were when I first met you. That's a good sign.'
'But you know, boy, Kenpachi,' Rider interjected, 'all that only counts if the Grail actually exists.' Waver paused in surprise. Was the sleepiness getting to him or did the proud King sound doubtful just now? 'Everyone's fighting like crazy over it, but no one has truly seen Fuyuki's Holy Grail, have they?'
'What's your point?' Berserker X seemed taken aback, too. 'When have you ever let something like common sense stop you?'
Iskandar laughed self-deprecatingly at his friend's words. 'Yes, I too once battled for something that was of unsure existence.'
"Oceanus…" Waver mumbled. That word, that one concept, it always was synonymous with the King of Conquerors.
'Yes, I sought to see the endless water with my own two eyes, and I swore to my comrades I would show it to them. They were so enraptured by my stories they followed me without hesitation. Many even laid down their own lives for my sake, carrying the dream of Oceanus within to the very end.' Another sigh. 'Qrow is not the first of cherished friends whom I've had to mourn.'
Waver said nothing while processing this. So, the loss of his first partner had affected Rider. He hadn't noticed before between all the drinking and laughing, but now… there had been tears in those big red eyes.
'Near the end of my life, my conquests were stopped by those who didn't believe in me,' the King continued. 'I suppose that is good as well, or I may have suffered a blemish in my otherwise undefeated records. But when I came to this era, I learned that the Earth was round and contained. What a disappointment. You can take one look at a map nowadays and see there's no boundless ocean. I have to accept that it's all just a silly fantasy.'
Waver Velvet couldn't believe the same man who had proudly declared his dream was now dismissing it as just that so calmly. He wanted to refute it, say that he couldn't just give up like this, but the words stuck in his throat.
'I tire of watching people dear to me die for uncertain things. If the Grail's existence were factually proven, then I could race for it without hesitation, and you could both risk your lives with my blessing. …But I don't see any proof. I'm proud of the way I lived my life, but I would rather not repeat the mistakes I made then.'
'…Reality can be a pretty big letdown, huh?' Even Kenpachi Zaraki seemed more subdued than his usual battle-craving self. 'And here I thought you were the kind of guy who'd just ignore deep thinking like this.'
Rider barked a laugh that sounded more like him. 'I shall take that as a compliment, Kenpachi! But it sounds to me like you, too, have experience with seeing your dreams dashed.'
'Eh, kinda.' Waver could almost see him tilting his spiked head from side to side, bells jingling from the motions. 'Like I told you guys, I took the name Kenpachi because it's meant for the strongest Soul Reaper. The one who gave my first real fight, who showed me how exciting a battle can really be… she was the first Kenpachi.'
'Ah, and you sought to both prove worthy of this name and fight her again to the fullest.'
'Yeah, I spent a lot of time wandering around, picking fights with the toughest I could find.' Images flashed before Waver again, even if he hadn't fallen asleep yet. The many battles. 'But just when I finally reached the Seireitei, ready to see her again… it turned out she had retired from fighting. She was the captain in charge of the Medical Squad now, and there was some other guy walking around with her name. I cut that big dumbass down in one move and took his position… but she never accepted my challenge. Not once. All that time I had spent preparing myself for the best fight of my life, and she wasn't interested anymore.'
The bitterness struck a different kind of chord inside the Master, and he recalled his own days at the Clock Tower. Lord El-Melloi might've been particularly nasty, but there had been plenty of others laughing at him, dismissing him as not worth their time.
'So, I tried to settle for other opponents. A good number came after me and my title, and some of them did give me good time…'
'But none of them could actually defeat you,' Rider surmised. 'That dampened your enjoyment, I imagine, and as you grew stronger from those who made you work up a sweat, you in turn needed to restrain yourself in battle against those who were far weaker. And as the adversaries grew weaker, you had to continue stifling your strength more and more.'
'Gotta love irony, huh? I want to get stronger and fight even stronger opponents, but half the time, I've got to heap disadvantages onto myself or else my fights are over too quickly.' The Servant huffed to himself. 'Makes you wonder, yeah? Do we fight in order to gain more power, or do we gain more power in order to fight? I never figured it out myself, too busy just enjoying fighting period.'
Iskandar hummed again. '…I may've asked myself that question in life, but I don't know the answer either. We're both just too caught up in the excitement, eh?'
"Well, don't either of you forget," Waver proclaimed, "I'm still your Master! I'm not letting either of you surrender this easily!" In the presence of two such characters, he couldn't permit himself to show weakness. He was the Master who held their Command Seals, after all.
The two Servants remained silent for what felt like minutes before bursting in laughter. Though it rankled his pride somewhat, the boy was a relieved to hear more of their usual selves. 'Look at the pipsqueak prod us into action, Kandy Bar! I'm getting fired up!'
'Tell me about it, Kenpachi!' Rider chortled some more before continuing. 'You've absolutely developed a sturdy spine, boy. And your Magic Circuits are indeed supplying us with more mana. Between them and the good leylines of this spot, resting for a day ought to make us both strong enough for another round tonight.'
Waver could feel it; the energy he'd built up from the eating and drinking was gone now, as was the strength in his limbs. Sleep was nearly upon him. "Another round, huh? Anything in particular either of you want to do as the next move?"
'Hmm… Our first order of business would be hunting down Avenger X, naturally.' More of Rider's passion returned with each word. 'Regardless of my own doubts, I refuse to let Qrow's killer walk about unpunished!'
'Hell yeah, blood for blood! Him managing to kill Qrow at all means he's got to be at least a little strong.' Berserker X was undoubtably sporting that blood-chilling smile of his again. 'After that, well… I feel like taking a crack at Goldie. I wanna see if he's got some bite underneath all that smug barking.'
"If we keep it up like this," Waver mumbled, "how much are you guys gonna recover by tonight?"
'Lemme think…' Kenpachi would probably be cleaning his ear with his pinky right now. 'I ought to do just fine with my eyepatch on,' he determined.
'And if I wield only my Gordius Wheel, it shouldn't be a problem for me. But,' Iskandar noted, 'I suspect I can only call upon Ionian Hetairoi one more time.'
A long yawn escaped Waver. "Got it…" he stretched out, barely able to process the strategizing.
'In which case, I shall save it for my battle with Megatron.'
"So, Rider… you don't have a bone to pick with Saber anymore?"
'I would welcome a clash between Kings with her afterwards, see if she's moved on from her self-destructive dream, but for the time being, I think I can leave her be. She's in good hands with her comrade. Besides, Mithrandir would doubtlessly scold us again if we fought prematurely.'
'Or give us a whack with his staff. Still, I wouldn't mind taking Saber on if Goldie's unavailable. Test her sword against mine.'
The Master marveled at how respectful the boisterous Servants sounded over their potential opponents. But there was one last thing that kept him from slipping into his slumber. "Rider… why do you want to fight the other Rider so bad? I know he challenged you, but…"
'Indeed, it is a battle between conquerors. I must defeat him above all. Such is my responsibility as King of Conquerors.'
"Does it really bother you that your dream seems so small in comparison to his?"
'A little. But, in truth…' Iskandar hummed again, as though weighing his words. '…I look at Megatron, and I see a shadow of myself. A distorted reflection, representing the darkness and brutality of a conqueror's ways. Megatron is who I might've been, had I taken a wrong turn. Thus, we have no other choice but to face each other. He seeks to usurp my way of conquest with his own, and I must teach that greedy scoundrel the error of his ways. Such is my duty as the King of Conquerors. And… I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't face him.'
'Fair enough, he's all yours, Your Highness. I promise not to butt in.'
'Haha, much appreciated, Kenpachi! And I haven't forgotten my promise to bring you as many worthwhile battles as I can!'
"Yeah, yeah, do whatever the hell you Idiots want…" The next yawn seemed to take the last of Waver's energy with it.
'Yeesh, quit pushing yourself and just go to sleep already, kid.'
'He's right, rest is your battle now.'
With one last hum in agreement, Waver Velvet let his weary body succumb to the temptations of slumber. He felt like there was more to be said, more questions on his mind, one in particular for Berserker X, but that all… seemed so… distant… now…
Another Servant was concurrently in spirit form as well, but not so much to preserve mana. Lancer X drifted through the streets of Miyama Town, Presence Concealment rendering her beneath notice. She had already investigated an area saturated with traces of mana and utterly ravaged; a Servant battleground if she ever saw one. Discerning the combatants' identities had been a bit of a chore, but she was fairly certain Lancer, Saber and Assassin X had engaged Archer X there, and the battle ended with Lancer's death. A pity about the noble knight, even if he had been an enemy. Unfortunately, the trails for both remaining parties went cold quickly. Lancer X could at best narrow down their paths to somewhere in Miyama.
Something with a distinct Servant-presence had zipped down the streets beneath her a few times, but it had been too fast for Lancer X to spot, let alone catch. An odd phenomenon, though. As far as she knew, none of the other Servants were capable of superspeed…
As for Rider X, the Servant of the Speer had only found an alley not far from the prior spot where he might've been so far. The tyrant's vehicular form made tracking him tedious at the best of times, and the lack of progress these last few hours had only increased her annoyance. I might have better luck if I weren't searching alone, but the sky falling is more likely to happen than Archer offering me aid, Jade grumbled in her thoughts while flipping up onto a taller building. Assassin could've helped if Tokiomi hadn't sent him to be massacred.
Her scowl deepened underneath her mask; thinking of her Master didn't improve her mood. Who did that smug oaf think he was, questioning her loyalty after everything she'd done? What right did he have to mock her wish?!
Lancer X had briefly entertained the idea of disregarding his instructions, sneaking into the Matou manor, freeing Sakura from whatever torture she was enduring now, and then reducing the entire house to rubble with Zouken inside. But she had only gotten as far as in front of it before grasping the infuriating truth behind Tokiomi's reasoning. Zouken was bound to have taken precautions against even Servant-grade intruders, and that wasn't even taking into account the two Servants potentially contracted to him.
If desperate enough, the cretin could even use the poor girl as a hostage, and Lancer X would only get her killed then. You couldn't rescue Kitana on your own, either, she reminded herself. Like it or not, you need to work with others if Sakura is to live through all of this.
Jade needed allies then. The most obvious choice would be Kariya Matou's team. The man was even more invested in saving the girl's life than her, and Gandalf would surely help with his own ability and direct Berserker into striking down those who deserved it. However, she had already colluded with the wizard without Tokiomi's knowledge once. It had been for his sake, as well, but lingering bitterness about her subterfuge hadn't escaped her. If Lancer X allied with Kariya's group without his approval again, it would surely shatter what was left of her camaraderie with Tokiomi.
Then so be it! The hidden Servant crossed a rooftop angrily. To hell with him and his pride and his insistence about winning this blasted War for the oh-so-great Tohsakas! Is he truly incapable of acknowledging he made a mistake and put Sakura at risk?! I ought to-
A cracking sound snapped her from her internal raging. She looked down to see she had accidentally materialized in her anger and had been storming about so furiously the roof's shingles had shattered from her steps.
Lancer X forced herself to stop and draw in a long breath through her mask before returning to spirit form. You know it's not merely about pride with him, you fool, a colder thought bit through the haze of anger, allowing her to reconsider the situation. Tokiomi had three Command Seals aligned with her and he may've given off the impression of being perfectly composed at all times. But Lancer X had seen his emotions get the better of him, particularly when dealing with something unanticipated. If they both let their tempers loose, it could mean him wasting a Seal at the wrong moment and putting Sakura at risk all over again.
If he had just put aside his ego and kept his temper in check, I'd have been content to help him. Jade didn't bother pretending she wasn't still bitter about the final segment of their argument. She then released an incorporeal sigh. …You were no model for composure either.
She shouldn't have antagonized him. She had let her temper get the better of reason, even after all those times she had scolded Kotal or Kitana for doing the exact same thing. Elder Gods, I am such a hypocrite… Lancer X lamented before leaping off towards another roof, dully noting she had passed the church.
Keen though the Heroic Spirit's senses were, she could still miss things even when she wasn't caught up in her own thoughts. Such as another one with Presence Concealmentcarefully trailing her from a distance. 'Lancer X was here, but she's moving on.'
'Continue watching her as best as you can,' was the reply the Hassan received. 'Inform me immediately if she returns.'
'Yes, Master.'
Deep inside Fuyuki Church, Kirei was sorting through files on his desk, humming in contemplation. Lancer X had seemed suspicious of him this morning, but it looked like he was still in the clear if she chose not to stay and investigate. Or maybe she was just busy with another assignment. Sir Tokiomi seemed to have shortened her leash a bit since the battle at Mion River. A falling out?
He shrugged to himself. It could just as well be his teacher preparing himself for Lancer X's inevitable death. Either way, watching the elevated tension between them was a nice little treat before he had to return to his extended duties as the new overseer.
He checked a most recent report. Cleanup at the river had continued to progress smoothly, there was next to no chance of any witnesses stumbling upon the Grail War dealings from that angle. The Magus Association, too, was satisfied for now. Thankfully, Father had handled the most grueling parts of this organizing before his death.
His death… Kirei stared at his right hand which had driven a Black Key through the heart of his father. His father who had raised him, schooled him in faith and bajiquan, cared and provided for him even in the final moments of his life… and he had killed him.
Even now, the priest could feel the blood from his father's fatal wound trickling down his fingers, the tears flowing from his eyes, and the broad smile his mouth had made.
He had have felt revolted, sickened at himself; killing alone was a violation of the Ten Commandments, but patricide?! That was among the gravest of sins! Yet while he had still been reeling over the memory of his wife's death (and the lost opportunity within), his body had already begun to move of its own accord. And the shock on Risei Kotomine's whitening face, the utter confusion… It had only elevated the elation inside Kirei. He had felt happier in that one moment than ever before in his life. Merely recalling it made the corners of his lips curl.
Then they promptly slipped into a frown as he spotted a file of a certain Master. Kiritsugu Emiya… The Mage Killer's argument he had overheard last night still rang inside his skull precisely because it went against everything Kirei had surmised about the man. He knew what it was to feel joy and pleasure but deliberately shut down his emotions to engage in war which he despised? He had always charged into the thickest of those battlefields not in search of something but with a clear goal in mind? He sought the Holy Grail… to save the world?
Ridiculous! Papers crumpled inside his grip. He must've been lying. He was angry at Saber and Assassin X, he could've just said those things to rattle them, to coerce them into staying on his side. Yes, yes, that has to be it. It's impossible that I could've been so wrong about him…Kirei's teeth gritted at how lacking in surety his self-assurances were. He glared down at the picture snapped of this man he had tried to reach throughout the War. "Who are you?"
"Oh, come now, Kirei." His glare traveled to where Rider X shimmered into existence before his desk. The air around him seemed to be trembling, and a familiar shark's smile adorned the Decepticon's face. "Surely you're not faltering now out of denial, are you?" A single stake-like finger stabbed into the picture and lifted it to its owner to inspect. "No one is ever who you think they are, Master. Even if Kiritsugu Emiya isn't the kindred soul you believed him to be," additional fingers tore the picture to shreds, "it makes him no less your enemy."
The Servant of the Mount's Master leaned back in his seat, tilting his head. "Speaking from personal experience, Megatron? I imagine you've suffered your share of disappointments in life." Kirei baffled himself at how relaxed he felt despite this creature's presence. After everything Rider X had done to him… He smirked. "Orion Pax turned out different than what you'd perceived him to be."
A metallic eyebrow rose, but then both sensed another presence in Kirei's study. "So once upon a time, the upstart made an error in judgement?" Archer snickered into existence, stretched across the couch in his modern attire. "Now that sounds like a tale worth hearing. Just who is this… 'Orion Pax' you speak of?"
The latest arrival had been leering at his rival, but it was Kirei who answered him. "He was a librarian, a data clerk among many for the archives of his city." The human braced his elbows on the desk and steepled his hands together before his face while telling. "But when our gladiator-turned-revolutionary here began spreading his word, he became intrigued and met him. The two went on to refine Megatron's ideology and lead a movement for the abolishment of castes and freedom of choice for all Cybertronians. They were eventually called before the High Council with the chance to present their ideals." He certainly didn't feel guilty watching Rider X's posture tighten with each word. "The Council was so impressed with Orion Pax they named him the new Prime, spiritual leader of Cybertron."
Gilgamesh's interest had risen while noticing the increased tension as well (there was also something about the tale…), and his smile grew upon realizing the implications. "He was declared Prime…" his gaze traveled upwards to that sharp face, "…instead of you, upstart?"
"Yes indeed," Kirei confirmed when Megatron only gave a rather frightening hybrid of a smile and a snarl. "In the Great War that broke out afterwards, Optimus Prime would go on to distinguish himself as leader of the heroic Autobots." The Master had seen much of his Servant's memories. "One could argue he is the greatest hero in all of Cybertron's history, eh, Megatron?"
"One could," Rider X ground out the two words between his denta even as a grinding sound came from his fists clenching. He then chuckled softly while tilting his head towards the man. "My oh my, you have been paying attention during our lessons, Kirei. But yes, Optimus was a friend who became my most persistent enemy in all of my life. In this War, I have confronted other heroes who may come close to him," a crimson optic then flickered towards Archer, "but I have yet to determine whether they could be considered his equals. Or mine."
The King of Heroes shifted to a sitting position, his upper body bending towards his challenger. "Bold words for a disgruntled dredger who believed he was fit for greatness only to discover such a fate was reserved for another."
(*) The Lord and Master of the Decepticons faced him fully and lessened the distance with one broad step. "I rose to greatness on my own terms, little King. Optimus may've taken credit for the end of the castes, but I lit the spark of the blaze that burned the system away and forged him into he became." He spread his arms out and away from him. "I paved the road for the return of Cybertron's Golden Age, a time before castes stifled our race in stasis.
"We had constructed technological marvels eons ahead of anything this world's paltry inhabitants could cobble together. We had built spaceships and bridges which carried us out to the stars above and to planets for us to colonize. We forged an empire that spanned entire galaxies." His open hands became fists again that Megatron held near his ecstatic grin. "That was the history of my people, a pinnacle I would surpass." He let his hands fall to his side with a scoff. "Can you even imagine it, King of Heroes?" He barked a laugh. "Gilgamesh, ruler of one little city, a dot of land on a tiny planet. Even if this entire Earth and the insects crawling across it fall under your domain, it is infinitesimal in comparison to my vision."
Kirei had risen from his chair and leaned around to see Archer's reaction. He was also bracing to invoke a Command Seal and have Rider X get him away from the Servant's wrath and the consequent devastation… But the golden King merely leaned cackling against the couch's back and spread his arms along the length. The priest watched in befuddlement that even his Servant shared.
The Wedge of Heaven finally recovered from his mirth before speaking with a proud grin. "A fine jest, upstart. I may spare you yet if you continue to provide such exquisite comedy." His expression broadened as the grinding sound returned. "Cybertron's Golden Age sounds impressive, but I cannot help but notice you spoke of its glory exclusively in the past tense. Oh, I can envision how it happened: Your scientists scrambled over each other to expand their technology to the point it outpaced your garden's resources. Your explorers' reach for the stars exceeded their capacity to hold them. Cybertronians pushed themselves so much their empire, this beloved 'Golden Age' of yours, collapsed under the sheer strain.
"My territory may not appear gigantic, but I can look upon it and be satisfied. As I've told you before, stagnation is only to be feared by those who are imperfect. You, Megatron, would ravage gardens to steal them for your own, fueled by an endless hunger for that which you believe you deserve. Your vision would inevitably trump your ability to hold all you try to claim," he tilted his head, "and that is how your old life ended, I wager." Kirei merely copied his head tilt, amusing Archer. "I am content watching over my garden, even if it has let itself degrade in my absence. But because of what it was and shall be again, I would take this tiny planet over all the stars and galaxies above us. It is mygarden, after all, therefore it is without doubt the greatest in all of existence." (*)
"…Flawless logic," Rider X finally sneered, "for a pampered fool who had everything he could've desired dropped into his lap as an infant." Archer simply folded one leg over the other in overwhelming smugness. "But you may yet be surprised at how much I can hold."
Mana emanated from him with that statement, a sort of aura not unlike what normally surrounded Berserker X. Kirei eyed him warily; his earlier claim in Tokioimi's office that his "former" Servant had found a way to sustain himself without his Master had been no lie. He had felt the change last night even through the euphoria of killing his father. Kirei retained Command Seals that would work on Rider X, but he needed him no longer to manifest in this world. And if I had to guess, this isn't the extent of his newfound power.
Archer had surely noticed it, too, but he gave no indication of being worried. Most likely confident that nothing can match his power, the sole human in the room thought. "Ah, but I did not come here only to cross ideologies with you. Kirei," the addressed started at Rider X's words, "what have you developed aside from your new talent to discern another's vulnerabilities?"
Despite their animosity, the two Servants now focused on Kirei Kotomine, visibly eager. He in turn sighed while walking to in front of his desk. "You want to know how I feel about my father's death, is that it?"
Archer rolled his eyes from where he sat. "Do stop dancing around the truth, mongrel, Tokiomi and her pet are nowhere near us. Killing your own father and then covering up the truth is quite a big step for you." He turned his head slightly. "You wouldn't have had anything to do with this, would you?"
"I never so much as touched Risei Kotomine, Archer," Rider X professed, placing a hand mockingly over his chest. "In fact, I was on the other side of Miyama when this murder occurred. Though I wonder, did my little… contribution from last night play a role in this?"
Kirei pulled back his frock's left sleeve and concentrated. His Magic Circuits flared dark violet across the face of his bare arm. "I honestly can't say," he responded pensively. "The fact that I can hide telltale signs of your 'gift' like this suggests that I am in control of it rather than the other way around." He traced one of the purple lines up along his forearm. "That doesn't exclude the possibility of Dark Energon subtly influencing me, though."
The Cybertronian Servant inclined his chin. "True, I won't deny my own experience with this power hasn't always been on my terms. And this is the first time a human has been ever been exposed to Dark Energon." He paused. "Well, other than the time I poisoned a youth with an attack containing traces of it. But that had been unintentional, and he was swiftly treated."
Archer's face had scrunched up in distaste at the arm. "Dark Energon, you say? You truly are a despicable being, upstart, polluting your own Master's body with something like that." Despite his words, his smirk reemerged. "But circumstances aside, how do you feel, Kirei?"
"I feel…" Furious? Terrified? Exuberant? The adjectives and many others rushed through Kirei's mind in the short silence before he finally settled for, "…I feel different." His Magic Circuits' twisted glow faded. "I have changed since I first joined the Holy Grail War, and oddly enough, I want to learn more about these changes. I suppose if I hadn't," he now rolled up his right sleeve, displaying the many Command Seals adorning his arm, "I would've let sir Tokiomi collect these."
The final gift of Risei Kotomine to his son. Kirei wasn't sure if uttering the scripture his father had hinted at and obtaining the Seals had been out of acknowledgement of his final sentiments, simple practicality… or a desire for more power. Either way, between these Seals and the Dark Energon coursing through him, he now had thaumaturgical power at least equal to that of the oldest magical families in this world. Such an accomplishment meant nothing to him, though.
Rider X eyed them carefully. His Master could enforce absolute authority over him more than just thrice now. Theoretically. But the Servant had taken steps with Dark Energon and the Reactor he'd linked himself to that could counteract said authority. …Theoretically. Either way, the duo had reached a delicious stalemate inadvertently.
Archer glanced between the two with similar ponderings and amused in turn by them. Out loud, he said, "Well, there you have it, Kirei. You are instinctively drawn to the Holy Grail and the fighting. Why else would you be continuing your participation?"
Kirei could've claimed that Megatron wouldn't allow his Master to run now when the climax to the War was approaching, but it was a hollow excuse. The extraterrestrial Servant's newfound independence aside, Kirei didn't fear him enough to be bullied into cooperating. "For my entire life, I have pursued one single thing relentlessly. After everything I have done up till now, all the times I have struggled with my questions, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I just gave up my search for my answers."
"So, you acknowledge at least there is no turning back from your path." But Rider X noticed something off about his tone. "Why does this depress you then?"
Kirei leaned against the front of the desk, hand over his face. "I have a bad premonition, I guess… for some reason, I feel like learning the answers will precede my destruction."
"Perhaps," his Servant replied without sympathy. "But remember, destruction always precedes creation, Kirei. That isn't just something your world's alchemists would spout, it is a cosmic fact." He leaned over to wrap his massive arm around the man's shoulders in an almost fatherly manner. "When I seized the name Megatronus and won my first gladiator match, I was casting aside D-16, the nobody I had been before. Who you were may not survive the Grail War, but who you become following 'his' death? That remains to be seen."
Those fingers drumming against Kirei's chest alongside the words might've sent him into a righteous fury if he had been the same man when he first summoned Megatron. Now, though, they made him think. Kirei Kotomine still was that man for a large part, but he had taken large steps away from him. The destruction of that man… it terrified him to a degree, but he was simultaneously intrigued. How much more could he change? Who could he become?
One thing hadn't changed, though: he still had a matter to settle with Kiritsugu Emiya. Regardless of what he'd said last night, Kirei was going to confront the Mage Killer for his answers. No matter how many corpses he had to step over. …Megatron would be proud.
A familiar cackle battered away those musings for the time being. "Touching though your little moment is there," Gilgamesh drawled from the couch, "I still have one crucial question for you, Kirei." Even as his body remained slouching, his eyes and grin sharpened ever so slightly. "If you're truly committed to fighting in the Holy Grail War now, doesn't that make you an enemy of Tokiomi? And here you stand in the company of a priority target, before a Servant of his, with little protection. How dreadful."
"Quite dreadful." Rider X retrieved his arm and inched closer towards his opponent. His fusion cannon glowed, and violet energy began to crackle around his eyes. "Tokiomi might even weep at the loss of his least favorite weapon." He'd have preferred this confrontation occur later and with Archer X and maybe Avenger X as backup, but Megatron refused to cower before this pampered snob of a King.
But then Kirei stepped bafflingly casually between the two with a raised hand. "Easy does it, Megatron. You aren't my only weapon." He sat down in a chair positioned parallel to the couch. "And I've prepared a way for us to resolve this matter with you peacefully, Archer."
"Oh?" Even the King of Heroes was a bit nonplussed by the intervention. Much to Kirei's delight. It felt good having the upper hand for once with these two.
But he kept his voice emotionless. "Now that I am an enemy of sir Tokiomi, I don't need to keep his secrets any longer. Gilgamesh, Megatron, I believe it's time you both knew the real truth of Heaven's Feel." They were now silent and granting him their full attention. "The battles conducted here in Fuyuki is just to hide the Founding Families' actual intentions: opening a path to the Swirl of the Root. This miracle requires the sacrifice of seven Heroic Spirits, who in turn were baited into joining this event with the possibility of a miracle. Such was how the very first Holy Grail War was envisioned. It failed, though, and since then, its purpose has been lost to the memories of nearly all save for Tokiomi. The way the current Grail War is, his plan means he must activate the Greater Grail by killing all fifteen Servants gathered here."
He smirked as the two Servants' bodies almost imperceptibly stilled. "You heard me, all fifteen. Archer, you always knew that Megatron here would be cut down once he was no longer needed, but you understand now what Tokiomi has been hiding from you, don't you?" He received no reply from the Servant of the Bow, so he continued. "This is why he's been making such an effort to save his Command Seals. He can only afford to use four at the most against the other Masters, but once the fighting is over, he'll need at least one for each of his own Servants to make you and Lancer X kill yourselves."
Rider X rattled as his shoulders shook with quiet laughter, but Archer hadn't moved a millimeter during this revelation. "Do you mean to tell me" He finally asked in a low tone, "that all the loyalty Tokiomi has shown me and my 'partner' was merely a deception?"
"I suppose Lancer X has come to develop a genuine rapport with him," Kirei tilted his head in thought, "though I could be mistaken. As for you, Tokiomi sincerely has the highest respect for the King of Heroes Gilgamesh." After three years, he completely understood his Master's thought process. "But the Servant Archer is a different story. You're a likeness of him, a portrait or icon made in his image that people visiting a museum would look at in admiration. Once it's moved into storage though, it loses all respect. And in any case, my teacher is a magus through and through. He may admire Heroic Spirits, but he doesn't delude himself about his idols. Servants are ultimately just tools to him."
Dark laughter erupted from Megatron's lips and bounced all across the Kirei said, he had known from the beginning that he was to be disposed of once his usefulness had come to an end, but to learn the little twit was planning to betray his own Servants as well was utterly exquisite! So, another little secret Zouken kept from me is revealed! Even if he didn't care about this Root nonsense as well, he'd be making doubly sure I get killed. He ceased his cackling with a delighted sigh. "I wonder what Lancer X would think about all this… On second thought, she would never believe any of us. What a missed opportunity!" Oh well, Archer's reaction to this knowledge pleased him as well.
A predator's grin stretched across Gilgamesh's face. "Tokiomi…" he growled, "it turns out you had some potential after all. Even a bore like him can entertain me." He left an unspoken promise of violence hanging in the air, and if he were still his mentor's ally, Kirei would've felt pity for Tokiomi Tohsaka.
But then, if he were still his mentor's ally, Kirei would've never divulged such a damning secret to these two in the first place. And Rider X was happy to support his Master like the loyal Servant he was. "In light of this, King of Heroes, what will you do?" He loomed near the couch with his hands clasped behind his back. "Will you continue to be loyal to Tokiomi despite the truth and punish poor Kirei for stinging you with it?" He was ready to deploy his blade, just in case.
Archer pretended to hum in thought; he wasn't unaware of the danger but had no fear of it either. "Hm, quite the puzzle I'm in once I leave this room," he muttered. "Even though he seeks to betray me, Tokiomi is the one who offers me mana. I could denounce him as my Master, but it would leave me without a stable source. And there are no Masters left with open slots, let alone one fit for my standards…" He sighed melodramatically. "I suppose even a King must tighten his belt from time to time." He made to rise. "Do excuse me, Kirei, I have an apostate to discipline."
"There may yet be an alternative, Archer."
Kirei remained seated, but his smile had widened just a bit. "A certain Master carries a few Command Seals yet to be put in service, and one of his Servants has found a stable mana resource autonomous from him, which should leave him capable of sustaining one more."
Ah, he wished he had a camera for the stares both gave him now. "…You do realize we despise one another, Master?"
"Oh, I'm quite aware of that, Rider X. Why else would I be extending the offer?"
Gilgamesh's smile slipped away. "You know us and expect us to work together nonetheless, mongrel?"
"Oh, I never said anything about that, Archer," Kirei replied in what might've passed for cheerfulness, shocking them even more. "I'd be satisfied simply seeing the two of you on the same team." He adjusted his sitting to have a better look at both Heroic Spirits, their debate from before replaying in his head alongside what he knew of them.
Gilgamesh, born two-thirds a god and ruler of Uruk, had been blessed from the beginning. He had claim to all riches of the world and was beloved by all of his subjects. The gods prior to their falling out with him had ensured he would be a successful King and hero of great deeds.
Megatron had begun his existence as an unremarkable miner, the very lowest of social standings of his world. Unacknowledged by those of higher status, he had battled every step of the way to power. First as a champion among gladiator, then as the leader of an army.
They are both cruel tyrants, but they remain opposites in nearly every other category. Megatron is probably nothing more than a noisy would-be usurper like Rider in Gilgamesh's eyes, but for Megatron, Gilgamesh symbolizes everything about the upper castes he loathed, holding all the power and prestige he felt cheated of. These two could never be anything except the most bitter of enemies.
His pulse was surely quickening by a heartbeat or two at the prospect before him. "I've decided to fight in this Holy Grail War with all my conviction," he explained while remaining seated, "but I wouldn't say no to some entertainment on the side. For example, here's a chance for me to learn who would win in a clash: one born into greatness," his gaze rested on Gilgamesh, "or one who fought for greatness." His sight travelled to Megatron. No matter which one wins, it's bound to be quite the show.
"Besides, both of you have been nudging me around as your personal toy for some time now," he rested his back against the cushion, "why shouldn't I have a go at this game?"
For what seemed like hours, the two tyrant familiars did nothing but stare at the seated priest. Then in the exact same instant, both burst into full-throated laughter. Rider X had thrown back his head, almost scraping the ceiling in the process and roared in delighted humor. Archer could barely remain on the couch due to nearly doubling over, holding his side from the cackling bubbling out of him. The instigator of this simply sat content in his chair, waiting for the levity to pass.
It took about a full minute before either managed to regain control of himself, and the Decepticon warlord was the first to comment. "Dear me, Kirei, you are learning so quickly it staggers belief! And the worst part of your little joke is that I am honestly in agreement with you!" He turned with a dangerous sort of joviality. "What about you, Gilgamesh? Can you stomach sharing a Master with me even if it's solely so we can kill each other in peace?"
"Our pupil has indeed progressed a step past my expectations." Archer wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, smile back in place. "And the idea is maddeningly appealing…" He huffed to himself while flopping back against the couch. "I shall have to give it some thought. Meanwhile, Tokiomi gets to breathe a while longer until I've made my decision."
"Very well," Kirei bowed his head in respect to this. He held no grudge against his old teacher, though he did have a few ideas himself. "I only make an offer. Besides, there's still the question of whether this potential candidate is worthy of the King of Heroes' approval."
"Another point to consider." Said King stood up without hurry. "He's a bit rough around the edges, but he's already grown exponentially in our time together, and I suspect he has even more potential. Perhaps we can entertain each other should the time come." He sneered at the other Servant occupant. "Though I'm vexed by the company he keeps."
Megatron returned the expression. "The company is more than patient with waiting. There are a fair number of other targets scurrying about out there," he pointed a finger upwards, "until the final game can commence until interruption."
"I await that time eagerly, upstart. And I will grant you this…" this world's oldest King began to flicker away. "Thus far, you have never bored me."
Then only Kirei Kotomine and Megatron remained in the room. "The same to you," the latter muttered before flashing the former his broadest grin yet. "It looks like we are in for a show to remember, dear Master."
The priest returned it inch for inch. "And for that, I truly thank you, my loyal Servant."
-59:45:58
Byakuya Matou had never known much luck in his life.
Born first "son" to Zouken Matou, he lacked enough potential to be a decent Magus, let alone heir to the Matou family. Said role was passed to his younger and oh-so-more promising brother Kariya who looked at this "glorious" honor and promptly left. Thus, Byakuya became the family head by default and only on paper, anyway; anyone with a little background information would know that Zouken was always in charge.
Still, Byakuya had tried to make the best out of a shitty situation. He married a woman, Yui, whose bloodline carried an "inheritor" sorcery trait like that Fraga family. Because, hey, even if he had been a dud, maybe he could at least make some kids worth the Matou "prestige." But no, poor boy Shinji seemed to have inherited only Byakuya's cosmic loser genes and was even less adept in magecraft than his old man. This failure cost Yui her life, and to this day, Byakuya couldn't even glance in the direction of the worm pit without his insides wrenching.
Old man Zouken found a way to salvage the family mess, of course, when the Tohsakas decided to dump one of their daughters on them. A nice little girl, Sakura was, kind of shy, but who could blame her? Too bad for her she was bound to be the perfect heir in the old cockroach's black beady little eyes. Byakuya still remembered her screams from the first three days.
He usually had to work his way through at least two bottles to drown them out.
Yet even as the family joke, Byakuya wasn't allowed to just kick up his feet and have a good dozen drinks. He was expected to help the kid get used to the Crest Worms rummaging about in her, even while the goddamn Grail War was happening.
For a little while, he'd worried about Zouken changing his mind about playing the long game and having him participate. He'd sent Shinji to study abroad so he wouldn't get caught up in this bullshit, but that still left Byakuya. That's when his baby brother slammed open the front door and decided that now would be a good time to accept his responsibilities. He wouldn't deny enjoying some schadenfreude at watching Kariya trying to bear the Worms this year.
Then the War finally began, and Byakuya had hoped he could enjoy some peace and quiet with Kariya heading off, taking that psycho monster and fairytale geezer he'd summoned with him. But then Zouken apparently decided to mix things up a bit, and now he'd had the questionable pleasure of interacting with Servants at the house on a daily basis.
First it was that giant metal devil, next came some bitch all wrapped up in black armor, and then the bug-eyed lunatic who acted like he was in a Shakespearean tragedy, but Zouken must've still felt lonely or something because he went and summoned up another demon in the basement.
Byakuya had eventually asked why he was suddenly so invested in this War. He'd thought the plan had been to groom the girl so he could make them some top-notch champions for the next Grail War.
Zouken had just sneered at him and said, "Just continue training little Sakura. If you try using your head a little more, you'll figure it out, Byakuya. Ah, but that's asking a bit much, right?"
Smug old bastard…
And just when he'd thought he couldn't have a lousier week, the following happened:
He'd pulled Sakura down to the basement where they could continue her usual training, but the Servant Zouken referred to as "Archer X" was already there, tinkering with a lot of what looked like explosives. She'd told them to scram even after he explained that they needed the underground room, and after five minutes of arguing with her, he gave up and made to leave.
He couldn't resist grumbling, "Roided-up bitch of a familiar…" under his breath, though.
And just his damn luck, it turns out Servants have pretty good hearing.
Byakuya crashed through the basement door and into a hallway, pieces of wood raining about him. He coughed up blood as two, maybe three black shapes stormed closer. "Got something you want to say to me?!" Then an iron grip wrapped around his throat, and he was hauled off the floor. "Huh?!" His back hit the wall, and he felt something in his chest crack. "Spit it out!"
That orange helmet-thing of hers kept getting blurrier. He tried to speak, but the fingers at his throat squeezed so much he figured it'd look like a crumpled-up dish rag. "Uh…Aggh… Kkk…" All that came out was a bloody gurgle.
Agent Texas scowled inside her helmet as she drew the little shithead closer. "That's what I thought." She tossed him down the hall until he smashed into a stand and crushed it. The mirror hanging over it got busted, too, glass shards tinkling over the drunk sap as he groaned pitifully. "I'm sick and fucking tired of you damn mages," she snarled after him before spinning around back to the basement…
Only to find someone blocking her way. "There a problem, twerp?" Someone very small.
Sakura blinked up at the burly person towering over her. "N-no…" she mumbled, trying not to wince. A Worm had just brushed against her stomach.
"Then get out of the way, kid," Archer X snapped. "I'm busy."
The girl barely heard her as more of the Crest Worms began to act up inside her. It had been happening a lot more today, ever since last night. A-am I being punished?She whimpered while bending over. A-and I h-h-had such g-good dreams last night…
"Hey, kid, you deaf? You're in my way, move it!" Tex reached growling for the purple-haired girl only for her to collapse on the stone floor. "H-hey, what's wrong with you?" A tiny groan was the only answer she got as the girl curled up, hands wrapped around her stomach.
Slowly, Archer X knelt down to have a closer look. The kid was gripping her own shoulders like she was hanging on for dear life. Quick gasps escaped her mouth while her closed eyes teared up. Something seemed to be rummaging underneath her clothes… or her skin.
"What the hell is wrong with you…?" She'd seen this little tyke once or twice around the mansion. Zouken had referred to her as his grandkid, and even though Texas was the Servant with the weakest understanding of magic in this Grail War, she could still connect the dots when seeing that… wriggling under the girl's skin. "What is that sicko doing to you?"
This Holy Grail War was hell. Just a load of suffering for her and everyone else. It was with that conclusion in mind that Archer X plucked a handgun from Weapons or War. Tough break, kid, she noted in pity while thumbing off the safety. But it won't hurt any longer, I-
A hand not hers pushed the gun away from the girl's head. "No need for that." Archer X turned to glare at the interloper, but Avenger X ignored it. "There are other ways to help," he rasped before holding his other hand over Sakura and concentrating. Slowly, the movements inside her lessened and then ceased completely.
Sakura felt the Worms inside her had stopped. A small comfort, but she'd take what peace she got these days. She opened her tear-filled eyes to see the black one and another kneeling over her. The other one looked pretty scary with his red and black face, horns, and bloodshot eyes. But he only offered her a hand, which she took hesitatingly, and pulled her gently to her feet. "Run along now, little one," he whispered to her, nodding down the hallway. Not where Uncle Byakuya was lying about, but the other way.
Maul kept his voice soft as he repeated his action, returning the stare of those hollow violet eyes. Such sad, beautiful little things… "Go on. The day is ending, and I'm sure you have one or two things you would like to do before going to sleep."
Sakura hadn't liked going to bed since the past year; too many nightmares. But she didn't want to make the scary man angry, and the big woman moved her hand away with a huff. Had she been holding something…? Either way, she walked off, not wanting to anger the…
Servants. That's what they were. Why else would they be brimming with mana, especially the horned man? Please be safe… Uncle Kariya…
Avenger X watched her scurry down the hall, noting the life force inside her. My, such potential… and already so broken. My master would've loved you as a brother, Zouken Matou, before killing you in your sleep. He tilted his head even while a black hand snagged his tunic. She could make a fine apprentice-
Click. A barrel pressed against his temple. "Why'd you get in the way, and what the hell did you do to her, hornhead?"
The former Sith flinched from neither the gun nor the anger the brute was barely holding back. "I merely eased her burden a little, Archer X. Through The Force I can exert my will over lesser minds such as those of animals, which matches well to her… condition." He gazed right back into that visor. "The girl herself is unharmed, and the creatures inside her ought to leave her be for a little while."
"But you didn't get rid of them," Tex snarled at him. "Those things are still inside her, and they're gonna eat her up from the inside out, aren't they?" Her fingers tightened around the fabric. "If you can't or won't do anything to fix her, then she ought to be put out of her misery." This damn world… The people who walk these streets… The things that happen to the ones you-
"Should I then do the same with you, Archer X?"
She snapped back to attention. Avenger X had slipped free of her grip but only stepped closer despite the gun still trained on his head. "I can see your suffering… your anguish… your hatred…"
"Shut up…"
"Lancer is dead, and the one who killed him… the ones responsible for taking him from you… they still walk about in this city unpunished. But you don't know where they are… You've pressed the Assassins, but they have yet to discover their location… This inability burns you, doesn't it? Perhaps it is time for you to end your own life, end this agony…"
Her hand shook from the fury inside her, but this close, there was no way he could dodge or do that freaky bullet-cutting trick. One shot, Bang! And he'd shut up…
"But then again, you do know what it is they seek, don't you?" The horned jackass had snagged her full attention now. "The same thing that drew all of us here to this city, for this War."
"…The Holy Grail." Archer X lowered her gun; he'd earned himself a little extra breathing time. Besides, Zouken would throw a hissy fit if she gunned down his newest pet.
"Yes, the Holy Grail…" Darth Maul spread his arms out. "Slumbering somewhere in this city, waiting for someone to claim it. And the one who does… they will bear witness to a miracle." Though not the one they might've had in mind, he chortled to himself. Such a savory secret he knew, and only he! None of these other fools of Heroic Spirits had the slightest idea of what lied in wait within that "chalice." None, save for him.
Like recognizes like, after all…
"Yeah…" Archer X was rumbling to herself. "Any wish I want granted…" The bait which kept them all from seeing the truth. "But first I gotta kill them… gotta kill that little sword-swinging midget and her mummed-up stooge… They have to pay…"
"Then what are you waiting for?" Avenger X whispered, leaning over to her. "After all, there are still too many Servants running about. The Grail needs to be fed… and you must have your revenge." He retreated, arms behind his back. "So, I ask again, Archer X: what are you waiting for?"
The Servant of the Bow didn't move an inch. Then even though the helmet faced away from him, he still heard, "…That's the wrong question, pal."
Agent Texas, best of Project Freelancer, rolled her shoulders before walking towards the stairs. "The right one is, are you all ready for what I've set up?" She'd wasted enough time throwing around the bug geezer's punk, there was still a lot to do, and the sun was almost down.
The spooky bastard was right about Assassin having no luck finding Saber, Assassin X, that Mage Killer rat of a Master, or his doll. But the shadow posse had uncovered a little something that she'd put to good use tonight. The Holy Grail was the bait to lure them all out into the open.
And this time, she wasn't holding anything back. Tex was going to pulverize the ones who'd murdered her partner in front of her… even if she had to turn this entire fucking city into a pile of rubble.
Avenger X watched her storm down the basement stairs with a pleased smirk. Rider X wasn't the only one who could trick another Servant into doing his bidding. Nor did he have absolute control over this… alliance.
No matter what the outcome tonight, the Son of Dathomir would be sure to revel in the chaos.
Well, here's a Thanksgiving slice of a chapter for all my loyal readers! Took me a bit longer to finish up than I'd hoped for, and I've had to cut one or two scenes Like Irisviel telling Maiya the truth about herself, but that would've mostly the same as in canon anyway. Those of you curious about Kiritsugu's reaction to his X Servant's life will sadly have to be patient for a while longer. I can tell you, though, he has been processing it. Meanwhile, things are about to get crazy again even with our resident fish-eyed psycho dead.
Please note that while this story is bound to diverge from canon Fate/Zero and its sequel, I am NOT trying to write a Fix Fic. The characters I included aren't intended to be Mary Sues or Fixer Sues or any other kinds of Sues, and while I can assure you all that the situations of some characters will be better than in canon at the end of this story, some will have it worse.
(*) Special thanks to Dis0rd3r and kreuzritter from Spacebattles, by the way, for inspiring this little segment in Archer and Rider X's argument. It's all thanks to you guys! (*)
…On a final note, Kevin Conroy regrettably passed away not long ago. The man who gave THE voice for one of the most famous heroes of all time. With him in mind, I've made a little non-canon sheet in tribute to said hero.
Assassin-
Class: Assassin
Alternate Class Validity: Saber, Archer, Rider, Berserker, Ruler, Avenger, Saver
True Name: Bruce Wayne
Titles: Batman, Dark Knight, Caped Crusader, World's Greatest Detective
Sex: Male
Source: DC Comics
Region: Gotham
Alignment: Lawful Good
Likes: Children, his family, cat-themed thieves
Dislikes: Guns, killing, musicals
Talents: Deductive reasoning, stealthily appearing and disappearing, willpower
Natural Enemy: Gilgamesh, Kiritsugu Emiya, EMIYA
Strength: C
Endurance: B
Agility: B+
Mana: C
Luck: D
NP: A
Class Skills-
Presence Concealment: The capacity to hide one's presence as a Servant. It is a common skill to the Assassin class.
A+: Assassin trained himself for years to hide among the shadows and strike when no one expects it. He can avoid detection from even the most observant of Servants and infiltrate or escape facilities that boast top technological and/or magical security. Chances of detecting Assassin raise when he prepares to strike, but even then, it may be too late.
Independent Action: The ability to remain independent even when rejecting the mana supply from the Master.
A: Assassin was accustomed to going through life alone, so he naturally has a high rank of this Skill. He can operate without a Master and remain in the world on his own mana supply for approximately a week, though heavy use of the Batcave will deplete this time. Even if Assassin's spirit core takes damage, he can still survive for a brief period.
Personal Skills-
Mind's Eye (True): Is a heightened capacity for observation, refined through training, discipline and experience. A danger-avoidance ability that utilizes the intelligence collected up to the current time as the basis in order to predict the opponent's activity and change the current situation. This is not a result of talent, but an overwhelming amount of combat experience. A weapon wielded by none other than a mortal, gained through tenacious training. So long there is even a 1% chance of a comeback, this ability greatly improves the chances of winning.
A: Assassin has been cited as the greatest detective of his home world, a feat stemming from his prodigious analytical skills. His cowl is connected to a special digital analysis system Assassin designed and named "Detective Mode", which provides him with extensive data on his environment, opponents, and other factors. Still, this tool is only a supplement to Assassin's own mindset that can form logical, accurate deductions from the information gathered. He can even determine the identities of other Servants within far less time than most could, as well as devise ways to neutralize them and their Masters.
Expert of Many Specializations: Access to and expert use of many Skills.
A+: Assassin dedicated his youth to learning as many different skillsets as he felt he needed to fight crime. This culminated in polymathic expertise: his knowledge (at least B-rank for any field) extends to multiple different forms of armed and unarmed combat, marksmanship, investigation, infiltration, acrobatics, sabotage, psychological warfare, forensics, languages and their mythologies, interrogation techniques, riding of various vehicles and animals, engineering, medical practice, and perhaps even modern Thaumaturgy. He can also instruct others competently in any of these fields.
Valor: Is the ability to negate mental interference such as pressure, confusion and fascination. It also has the bonus effect of increasing melee damage. Not usable under the effects of Mad Enhancement.
A+: Assassin's greatest weapon, besides his intelligence, is his sheer strength of will. Once he has chosen a course of action, no amount of argument or obstacles will dissuade him from following his path to the end, though this version grew weary of the seemingly endless nature of crime in his home. Nevertheless, breaking Assassin's resolve is nearly impossible.
Golden Rule: Is a Skill that refers to the measurement of one's fortune to acquire wealth.
B: Assassin inherited and was the very successful leader of a multi-billion-dollar corporation, which in turn funded his vigilante activities. Making money is of little trouble for him.
Noble Phantasm-
Batcave "Never-ending Crusade Against Crime": E-~A++: A Reality Marble forged from Assassin's soul, modeled after the headquarters he constructed in life to honor the promise he made on his parents' grave. It is a dark cave of rock, with multiple levels constructed within that each serve a purpose for crimefighting. Bats of mana flutter among the countless stalactites and stalagmites while a supercomputer network provides Assassin with Detective Mode's information and analysis abilities. This Marble, however, is unlike others; instead of drawing in enemies to a battlefield best suited for its creator, it serves foremost as a base of operations and storeroom. Assassin can namely summon from the Batcave the tools he wielded in life to fight others in the true world. These gadgets are classified in ranks of individual strength: a grapnel gun, bat-shaped shuriken, smoke pellets, concussion grenades and other mobility and portable forensic equipment are E-rank; his armored suit, the utility belt he carries at all times and that supplies him with E-rank equipment, a resilient cape with glider properties, special spiked gauntlets that dissipate energy attacks, stronger explosives and upgrades to the grapnel are D-rank, an armed motorcycle and a special armor that grants him A-rank Strength and Endurance are C-rank, the Batmobile, Knightcrawler, and Batwing, three armored vehicles with extensive weaponry ranging from nonlethal to sufficient for destroying city blocks are B+-rank, and an armed troop carrier, the Flying Fox, is A-rank. Damaged equipment automatically returns to the Batcaveand is gradually repaired with mana, while Assassin can further modify them while inside to increase their effectiveness. Vehicles have remote control modes while tools D-rank and below are in surplus supply. Others can be brought into the Reality Marble with the flash of a bat-shaped signal. However, Assassin's mana reserves alone cannot support multiple high-rank tools in the real world, requiring strategic use. Still, this Noble Phantasm stems from the popular belief that given time and enough preparation, its owner can counter any threat.