Chapter 24: How the Light Gets In
-37:31:43
Since its construction centuries ago, the basement of the Matou residence had always been its darkest area. One torch on each side of the foundation pillars spaced off from each other: no more was lit up. The hundreds of thousands of Crest Worms it housed needed little light to navigate their surroundings, their appetite more than sufficient for that purpose. Zouken's eyes could peer easily into any darkness even without magecraft, and any other humans who went down into this pit… well, seeing little was actually a blessing.
But now every corner of this room of shadow and torment was illuminated in sparse intervals as red struck blue and green again and again.
Were he in a calmer setting, Avenger X would've openly admitted to this room being the best place he could've hoped for in a place of battle. Aside from the residual mana and spiritual placement, every single stone in the basement sang a tale of agony, misery and fear. He drank it up with each passing second and let it rush through his limbs. Oh, he felt invincible down here!
Unfortunately, this was not a calmer setting, and his current company made some rather strong arguments against his sense of invincibility.
The Son of Dathomir roared as he lunged forward, Crimson Dawn slicing through where Lancer X's head had been an instant ago only to be stopped by Glamdring. Edenian Sojourner Staff was in turn thrust against his left knee with a metallic clang ringing out before the horned Servant lurched forward. He sank into a crouch and spun to fend off the attacks that followed, Berserker diverting the red energy for a riposte that nearly sliced off Avenger X's ear. He rolled to a safe distance before rising.
He didn't reach his full height, though, having to duck under a green whirl of death that clipped one of his horns. Lancer X caught Promise Keeper even as she lunged for him again, and the Sith parried her Staff, his own weapon a crimson blur that burned her shoulder even through the verdant energy flaring up there. Yet it failed to cut through the Staff itself. Fierce though its blade was, Crimson Dawnin its current state answered to the principles of all Noble Phantasms. Any armament or spell of at least equal rank couldn't be broken. Instantly, that is.
Lancer X took no chances, however. She weaved and shifted through his attacks like a sparrow among wind currents, striking with her weapons and limbs whenever she could. The Edenian's other Noble Phantasm was folded into a single blade and thrust at an opening, but Avenger X flicked his wrist to stop it with his lightsaber. The plasma should've melted Promise Keeper to slag, yet it flashed green under the touch. She's reinforcing it with her magic,Maul determined frustrated before kicking her away just as his other foe approached.
If Jade was a graceful sparrow, Lancelot was a ferocious hawk. Even without Mad Enhancement, he struck hard and fast, forcing Avenger X back. There was no carelessness in his attacks, though. Glamdring sang through the air as it met both searing blades in perfect, graceful steps that probed for faults. When the Son of Dathomir retaliated, he found his blows matched by a flawless guard. Even a surprise kick couldn't slip by the black knight's alertness. What's more, For Someone's Glory continued to veil his body, muddying Avenger X's attempts to read him even with The Force.
Moreover, Lancer X wasn't idle, either. As her ally locked blades with Avenger X, she sprinted low at the enemy's left while hurling Promise Keeper simultaneously. The spinning tri-blade arced in midair, aimed at the right side of Avenger X's neck, even as its wielder came in from the opposite side and Berserker pressed on from the front.
None of this escaped Maul despite his struggles against Berserker's strength. Gritting his teeth, he summoned The Force into his legs, the ground shattering beneath him as he leaped above the twin-pronged attack. At the apex, he shifted his leap into a forward somersault with a bloodthirsty howl, Crimson Dawn a flash of death all around him.
Jade flipped nimbly out of range while recalling Promise Keeper to her hand, and Lancelot repelled the twenty slashes aimed at him with a single stroke each. Avenger X landed scowling on his feet, frustration bubbling inside the hot black cauldron of his core while he pivoted in a fraction of an instant to meet his enemies yet again.
The Worms huddled away from the light and sound of weapons clashing against each other. Glamdring's blade shining blue was among the few clues to their presence. They had stirred momentarily upon sensing these new arrivals, these beings brimming with mana that had wandered into their home, but none dared to approach. What instincts each tiny abomination possessed warned them that any one of the three was too powerful to be consumed without wiping out half the horde. And Crest Worms aren't known for being self-sacrificing.
Besides, they all cowered from a fourth presence not far from the others, one that made every single sense of every single Worm scream: DANGER! THREAT! HIDE!
The tentacles of a Crest Horror lashed out to ensnare their prey, but Caster X battered them away with his flame-enshrouded staff, giving Kariya the chance to stumble out of reach. "Stay back," the Servant of Spells advised his Master. "I shall handle this." He then unleashed a burst of light that burned two more Horrors attempting to attack from the air.
Kariya nodded in bitter acceptance; for all his desire to see his "father" erased from the face of this world, he couldn't actually contribute much to this goal. His body was too crippled to take on your average street delinquent let alone one of these monsters crawling/buzzing/lurching about, and when he first tried to let loose Blade Wing Worms, Zouken had shut him down with a laugh. It made him realize that even with Gandalf's presence keeping those damn things from gobbling up his insides, they wouldn't ever turn on their sire. All Kariya Matou could do for now was watch.
At least he still had a Servant close by. Tokiomi Tohsaka had tasked Lancer X to deal with Avenger X alongside Berserker, believing the rogue foreigner to be a greater threat than Zouken. Now, as he grunted under the strain of shielding himself from a Horror's charge, Tokiomi considered the possibility of having miscalculated. It seems to be a bad habit of mine, he huffed to himself before setting his shield ablaze. The creature darted screeching away.
But then another lumbered over to his left, an unholy cross of a stinger and a tentacle aimed at his chest. The red-clad magus pointed his left hand and fired a Gandr right into its misshapen eye, frowning in disgust at the liquids that burst from it. "Intensive Einäscherung." His cane unleashed a concentrated fireball that incinerated the Horror's entire left side.
Whatever satisfaction he felt at it toppling over, thrashing in agony, was short-lived upon recalling that it wasn't alone. Tokiomi's frown deepened at the even dozen of Crest Horrors swarming the ante chamber, Zouken standing quite smug behind them at the far side, Sakura slumbering beside him. His turquoise eyes narrowed at her once radiant black hair, now violet. When I get my hands on him…
He stopped and took a breath, adjusting his defenses as the next Horror approached. Always elegant, the head of the Tohsaka family schooled himself. Such was their way in life. Always elegant… even while immolating your hated enemies.
Zouken's smile grew despite the glare shot his way. Putting on such a dignified front as usual, and yet Tokiomi was so easily pulled along by his passions. Like so many other youths the five-hundred-year-old had dealt with at one point or another, and a recurring trait in particular among Tohsakas. Credit where credit was due, Tokiomi had earned his status as proven by how his latest experiments had yet to kill him, but it was only a matter of time before they overwhelmed him. Kariya wouldn't even last three seconds against the Horrors.
Alone, that is. Zouken ducked instinctively as two of the beasts sailed overhead to crash through the walls. They would come down from the first floor soon enough, he'd made sure to increase their aggression above that of average Worms (so no being cowed by you-know-who), but the fact they'd been sent flying in the first place was a matter of concern. The Crest Horrors had been created and nurtured through the pilfered mana of an A+-rank Noble Phantasm, making the eight of them deadly to even an average Servant.
His smile fell away, however. There was nothing "mere" about that Servant.
Caster X returned the black-pitted glare bearing down on him with a coldness belying his own fury. He sidestepped the lashes of one Horror before unleashing another telekinetic burst that blasted it into two more, then struck his staff's crown against a fourth. Mana rippled through the wood and into the putrid body, blowing it to pieces too tiny to regenerate from. Counting the one Tokiomi had just finished incinerating, that meant two down, six to go.
And then the Matou patriarch rapped his cane against the carpet, an additional dozen Crest Horrors scuttled, slithered or otherwise surged out of various places to join their brethren. These were less developed specimens, Caster X noticed; some were of smaller size, others lacked features such as wings or stingers, but they were in no way less malicious.
With a chant, Gandalf struck his own staff against the ground, calling forth a massive bubble of light that forced back the monsters before they could rush the trio. Tokiomi took the opportunity to move over to the Servant's side, Kariya hanging close as well. However, this respite allowed Zouken to regroup his forces as well, all twenty wriggling and thrashing against one another to tear the humans apart and feast on the being brimming with magic.
If such a task weighed in any way on the Gray Wizard, one look at his companions, both Kariya and Tokiomi repeatedly glancing towards the young girl in that cretin's clutches, blew away the load from his shoulders. He simply squared them, gathered the forces bestowed to him by The One, and set about his newest mission.
The entire Matou mansion continued to tremble from the forces battling within.
So great was the twin clashes inside the Matou residence that their Magical Energy reverberated across Miyama Town. Waver Velvet got up from his bed and quietly walked over to open the window. He couldn't help but find this prickling against his Magic Circuits familiar. They would've rushed heads over heels to join the bloody fight…
Not that the ex-Master was going to do that. Just because Waver had been galvanized by the three heroes that had been his Servants didn't mean he'd inherited their stupidity.
Kirei Kotomine actually stopped his car for a moment, the Einzbern homunculus unconscious in the passenger seat, as he felt the sensation wash over him. Impressive that even someone like me can sense the conflict despite it being far away, he wondered. It must be quite intense… Or perhaps the Dark Energon heightens my awareness for this sort of phenomenon. Looking for more things to pollute, maybe…
He spared a glance at the "prize" an Assassin had hurriedly delivered in just before its competition would've caught it in the act, and a little sleep spell had sufficed to keep the woman from attracting any attention. The priest noted the large gaps between her pulses, her labored breathing: Her time was running out, just as sir Tokiomi had explained to him.
Tokiomi… his teacher. Kirei could feel his presence within the ripples of mana, a sort of personal Tohsaka signature, he supposed. Lancer X as well, but not Archer, that much was astonishingly clear to his enhanced perception. Well, the King of Heroes' presence would've been more surprising than the lack thereof. His Master active in Miyama, by contrast, that wasn't what Kirei had anticipated; Tokiomi had told him little more than there being a "small but important matter" he needed to see to personally.
Looks like he isn't as transparent as you believed him to be, Megatron, Kirei smirked to himself even as he continued towards his destination. He couldn't risk taking the Einzbern to the church, it was too obvious and Kiritsugu Emiya wouldn't let a little thing like sanctity stop him. Fortunately, he had another place in mind.
And whether or not his dear teacher survived whatever ordeal he had gotten himself and Lancer X into, Kirei Kotomine's mind was made up.
His airborne Servant held similar thoughts even while he deftly adjusted his flight to a blast of Strike Air. Judging from the glare aimed at him, Saber hadn't noticed the signs of battle, and it seemed even her partner, annoyingly astute though he was, was too preoccupied. That suited Rider X, though. Better they don't realize their little friend isn't around anymore and rush off to assist Tohsaka and the Matou brat. Megatron wouldn't shed many tears over the passing of Zouken or Avenger X (assuming he had tears to shed), but so many Servants united would pose a significant problem.
Conversely, he couldn't break off to assist his business partner. The ruse he'd concocted wouldn't work on those two forever, and Kirei needed more time to reach the hiding place. Of course, if Zouken let himself, his Servant and his foul little experiments be bested by a gaggle of Servants, a cripple and an aristocrat, then it meant one less complication for the Decepticon.
Meanwhile, Gilgamesh, King of Heroes, sauntered along Miyama's alleys in spirit form, eyes drifting lazily from one area to the next, wondering who would be left standing to face him.
-36:29:18
Green flashed beneath Avenger X right before his lightsaber pierced the floor where Lancer X had been standing an instant ago. He freed his right hand to block the kick that followed and slashed, but Berserker was there to block his attack while she flipped out of range again. That accursed tri-blade came in spinning again, nearly taking Avenger X's eye out. He snarled as he forced away his foe's blade and slapped a palm against the floor. Concrete and stone rippled like water from The Force flowing through it, buying him seconds to breathe.
Neither of his opponents were shaken long enough for him to exploit, though; they were far too skilled for that. And he'd already determined during their lengthy battle that direct application of The Force had no effect on Lancer X. The fallen Sith thrust his hand upwards, tearing up the ground beneath her, but the female herself was untouched as she flipped backwards and pulverized the rocks hurled her way. He'd tried pushing her, reeling her in, snapping her neck, all for nothing. No doubt because of that irksome Magic Resistance the knight classes were blessed with. It was probably equal in rank to his own Skill, and as he was reminded by deflecting a bolt of green energy, this one had her own magic tricks.
Jade's arms whirled about with magic dancing along her fingers, firing more magik blasts from the tips of Edenian Sojourner Staff at her enemy. Avenger X's own Noble Phantasm became a circular blur that redirected them at her or across the basement, but it allowed Lancelot to close the distance once again. As much as the Edenian warrior took pride in her skills, she couldn't deny the knight was her equal in melee combat, if not superior.
The Son of Dathomir backed away with a growl, blood trickling from his side where he'd been too slow to parry a thrust. His arms were beginning to ache from the many strikes of their weapons, so he channeled that pain and frustration into his anger, his desire for destruction. Crimson Dawn struck again and again, its blade trying to find an opening and increasing in ferocity when it couldn't. Then Avenger X remembered this knight wasn't technically of the knight class.
Sidestepping a lunge, he forced the sword down and kicked out against Berserker's chest. The armor absorbed most of the impact, but it still made him stagger back. Avenger X seized the chance and made a lifting motion, The Forcecurling around his prey to send him flying…
Then the jewel centered on his sword's guard lit up, and The Force promptly dissipated. How?! It should've worked on him, I saw-! Avenger X was left with no time to be shocked as the black knight charged him anew, but his sight drifted to the blade pressed against his lightsaber, the intricate details seemingly glowing…
Maul snarled anew upon recalling just who this weapon's original wielder was. The wizard… He must have placed a protective enchantment on the sword before passing it on. I will have to destroy that blade then. But even though Crimson Dawn's fury clashed against the white steel of Glamdring, such a feat was by far easier said than done.
The "Foehammer, Bright as Daylight" had been forged by Elvish hand in Middle-Earth's First Age. Turgon, King of Gondolin and High King of the Ñoldor himself, had wielded it against the forces of darkness, countless Orcs cursing and fearing it as "Beater". For over six thousand years, this sword had been lost to history, yet when its current wielder found it among a filthy treasure hoard, its blade had not dulled in the least. Gandalf the Gray would go on to further its legend with his own adventures, right up to when he slew the Balrog of Morgoth, an empowered Glamdring delivering the final blow.
Now as a Noble Phantasm, this sword continued to serve the Gray Wizard well. Still, while he certainly stood leagues above most Casters in swordplay, Gandalf as Caster X limited Glamdring's base strength to C-rank. It would rise to B in the hands of a Saber, though.
And in the hands of Lancelot du Lac, one of the greatest and most renowned knights this world had ever known?
No mere plasma would ever suffice to melt the B+-ranked blade of Glamdring.
A fact an increasingly irked Avenger X was beginning to find out as his twin-bladed swordplay continued to be perfectly countered by that single length of sharp steel. Not a single Jedi, Sith or pretender to either he had crossed lightsabers with throughout his old life could hold a candle to the darkness-enshrouded Servant of Madness.
Madness… He drew upon The Force and studied the Heroic Spirit before him more carefully, ducking under a swipe in the process. Yes, the darkness did not just surround him, nor was the fury of a Berserker truly gone. It still lay within him, sedated and caged in the deepest part of his soul. All it would take to reignite the blaze and burn down the bars was a few sparks. And as one taught in the ways of the Sith, plus some very interesting conversations with Zouken about the tales of this particular Servant… Darth Maul knew where to strike.
All he needed was an opportunity. One that was soon provided for him.
Tokiomi Tohsaka had worked hard to master this world's ways of Thaumaturgy. He'd cultivated his affinity for fire, the many burning streams he directed at these loathsome creatures opposing him. The red jewel adorning his cane, carving magical lines into the air that summoned barriers to repel attacks, was a crowning achievement of perfecting the Tohsaka jewel magecraft. He tossed out a few more gems from his coat pocket, and with a chant of, "Kettenzerstörung" the mana within connected with each other to form a chain of power excruciating to anyone touching it. Two more Horrors were incinerated and another split in half from this sequence, a further tribute to the success of the magus' studies.
And yet he still felt like a newborn with second-rate Magic Circuits when he glanced over to Caster X.
They had been forced to separate about twenty minutes ago due to the battlefield's damage. Small fires had broken out splattered over this side of the large house. Rubble was strewn across the ground, parts of which had been ripped open, the ceiling itself was splintering from the onslaught. Electricity sparked from sockets and exposed cables, the brief sparks swiftly being drawn along with the flames and debris towards the Gray Wizard's staff. They swirled together into a great mass around him and Kariya; it was as though the duo had been enveloped by a miniature hurricane. Neither suffered so much as a scratch, though, so fine was Gandalf's control as he directed this storm at their enemies. Horrors were battered, burned, blinded and shocked with each sweep of his staff.
Gandalf swung once, twice, thrice, then he held the staff aloft, gathering his collection into a swirling orb above the knotted wood, before snapping it forward. Seven Horrors were vaporized from the typhonic assault even as it carried their remains straight through the house and out the other side. The grounds' Bounded Field remained intact, however, a testament to the Servant's restraint and thankfully keeping others from noticing the house's destruction.
The latter Kariya had assured his friend repeatedly and vehemently about not minding one bit.
Any other time, and Tokiomi would've felt… impotent in the face of such Thaumaturgy. Right now, staring at the old man catching his breath, he was just very relieved the two teams never actually came to blows. Such thoughts were then put aside for the sake of priorities.
Different though the respective family heads were, Zouken was having similar thoughts. Of the twenty Crest Horrors he had lovingly spent time and mana cultivating, only sixremained, and they all showed signs of wear and tear despite their regenerative powers. He couldn't reinforce their numbers anymore, either, it had nearly burned out his body getting the ones ready to become cannon fodder. Not to mention his base crumbling around him… Who knew what condition the basement was in with three Servants using it as their damn playground…?
He took a breath and hissed it out. The game wasn't over yet, and the opposing players weren't in top condition, either, after an hour of fighting for their lives. And Zouken had taken precautions in case the Matou home were to become compromised. You didn't live for five hundred years without setting up some emergency provisions.
And as his black eyes traveled up to the severely unstable ceiling, he decided the best course of action was to vacate the premises while his "guests" were still being entertained. Besides, he still had two Command Seals left with which to recall Avenger X, and with a little sweet-talking, Megatron could be convinced to assist in a retaliatory strike… at a later juncture.
But as his bony hand curled around the arm of the unconscious young hostage by his side, Zouken had neglected to factor one crucial detail into his decisions: his own family.
Kariya Matou had grudgingly accepted his limited ability to contribute to the monster-crushing, so he left that to Gandalf and focused on keeping an eye on dear old "dad." He therefore knew immediately what Zouken was up to when he made to snatch up Sakura. Oh, no, you old cockroach, you're not getting away after everything you've done! Kariya's body raced ahead of his thoughts, his right arm rising. He was still a Master, after all… Then he paused. His first instinct to summon Lancelot would mean leaving Jade alone to deal with Avenger X, and if Zouken sent him a power up in turn, that could mean trouble. Gandalf couldn't be in two places at once, though, and…
As though he could read his Master's thoughts, the Gray Pilgrim turned for just that moment in between tossing Horrors around telekinetically to look back at him. He didn't say a word and soon had to realign focus again, but that look gave Kariya the nudge to his next decision.
"Tokiomi!" The other Master staggered away from a tentacle cracking his shields, Magic Circuits burning slightly. This was proving to be a busier night than he'd expected, but he pushed aside his exhaustion and spared a glance to Kariya. I'm a little busy at the moment were the words on his tongue, but he held them upon registering the raised index finger. He followed its trajectory to Zouken and frowned at Sakura being dragged. "Call her!"
It took Tokiomi only an instant to realize who Kariya meant with "her." And given the circumstances, he couldn't disagree; Lancelot could surely handle Avenger X one-on-one, especially if Kariya would do as he suspected next.
Thus, Tokiomi reinforced his defense and lifted his hand to beside his face. Some of his ruses had worked in this Grail War, such as having Command Seals to spare. And even if calling a disinterested Gilgamesh into battle would be riskier than setting off a nuclear bomb, Tokiomi had options. His left hand shined with vibrant red mana. "By the power of my Command Seal, protect Sakura at all costs, Jade!"
At the same time, Kariya Matou crossed his arms over his chest, his own two sets glowing brightly. Good thing I've managed to save them. "Gandalf, Lancelot, by the power of my second Command Seal," he intoned with all of his strength, "defeat your enemies!"
The Knight of the Lake continued to pressure Avenger X, providing Lancer X an opening to move in and aim a low strike at their foe's foot. The Edenian Sojourner Staffcracked loudly against Avenger X's right ankle, sparks flying from the suddenly warped metal. He howled in fury; he felt no pain from the damaged prosthetic, but it threw off his balance. A fact Lancelot wasted no time in exploiting by batting his lightsaber away and ramming his shoulder into his stomach. Jade followed up with a pole-vaulted double kick that sent the Servant of Vengeance sprawling.
No sooner did the Edenian Heroic Spirit land on her feet than did fresh energy wash over her, a sensation she had only experienced once before in this Grail War. A Command Seal. What fatigue that might've begun to settle in her limbs was washed away, but in its place came a drive, an urge for her to step away from this battle and protect. Jade could think of only three people proud Tokiomi would want her to protect, and one was upstairs.
She hesitated despite the pull; they were finally seeing tangible results for their efforts, but this horned fiend was not one she liked leaving alive. "Go, Jade," a distorted voice shook her out of her worries, and she turned to see Lancelot similarly invigorated. "I can handle this alone from here." He spoke with all the confidence and integrity of a noble warrior.
I think you would've liked this one, Kotal. Lancer X smiled beneath her mask before nodding. "Don't take too long, sir."
She teleported away, and Maul couldn't help but bare his teeth at this golden opportunity dropped in his lap.
Lancelot's grip tightened around Glamdring at the expression. "You're a strange creature to smile in the face of your own demise."
"In many cultures, warriors are expected to meet their deaths with a smile." Avenger X rose somewhat unsteadily to his feet, calling Crimson Dawn back to his hand with The Force. He didn't reignite its blades yet, though. "It is considered the highest strength, a sign that you face the end of your life with no regrets." He chuckled. "Of course, a man like you can hardly make such a statement, no?"
That dark human-sized shape blurred for a moment before appearing right above him. The Sith leaped away from the sword as it carved a deep rent in the ground. "…So, you've read of my past, have you?" Berserker straightened at his new spot, visor aimed at the ground. "Reminding me of my failings will aid you little, fiend," he warned calmly; with the Holy Grail War this late in its stage, deducing his identity wouldn't be too difficult if one took his interactions with Saber, King Arthur, into account. And Sir Lancelot's stories could easily be researched as they stemmed from this world. He and his allies had anticipated this outcome. There was no point worrying about it.
But an observer with the right awareness would notice his posture growing taut.
"Ah, but such harrowing tales they make, Sir Lancelot." Naturally, Avenger X's grin only widened even as he used a Force-enhanced leap to evade another attack. Berserker's Master had obviously invoked a Command Seal, but that had the side effect of stirring his madness. No matter the circumstances, Mad Enhancement was the fundamental aspect of a Berserker. A spark had been born, the kindling was provided, and without an outside voice like that of Lancer X, there was nothing to stop Maul from feeding the flame.
He began to circle his prey, halted though the steps of his damaged foot were. "The great knight who fell victim to passion and betrayed his King and brothers-in-arms…" Another calculated laugh, and he evaded two more swings, the second less controlled than the first. He still didn't activate his lightsaber. "Now here you stand… hoping one good deed may restore your honor?" Maul breathed in his enemy's rage delighted. "How very heroic of you."
"If you put more energy into fighting than you do babbling of things one like you could never understand, you might yet live to see the morning," Lancelot snarled unable to stop himself. He knew what this devil was up to, taunting your opponent into making a mistake was one of the oldest tricks in the book. Besides, it shouldn't matter, he'd made peace with his King, with himself.
…Hadn't he?
Avenger X easily weaved around the many slashes aimed at him, his smirk never wavering. As temperamental as that Lancer… he chortled to himself. For such celebrated figures, this world's knights are so easily provoked. Crimson Dawn's top blade finally blazed to life in time to preempt a blow to his neck, locking the sword in place. This close to the dark soul, he could practically inhale the anger emanating from him, his own strength returning. But this fire could burn hotter yet. "Oh, but I do understand," he whispered despite the struggle of blades. "Discipline warring with passion inside of you, the constant strain from the shackles with which you bind yourself: honor, duty… how guilty the joy feels when they break."
With a flick of his fingers, a large chunk of rock was ripped loose from the floor. Another flick, and the boulder smashed against Berserker's back, causing him to stagger. Darth Maul let him fall forward and slashed with his lightsaber. Top-notch as Lancelot's armor had been forged, it stood no chance against the energy blade, and reflexes were the only thing that saved its wearer from losing an arm again.
The black-enshrouded warrior rolled to his feet, a familiar shudder rippling through his body. Avenger X didn't bother hiding his glee anymore, the dark side permeated the atmosphere of the basement. The tip of Crimson Dawnmelted rock as he dragged it along the floor, reveling in the agitation of his opponent. Even his mangled ankle was no longer a deterrent. At the sight of Berserker hunched over, guttural sounds escaping his helmet, gauntlets practically strangling his sword's handle, any Sith Lord would've rubbed their hands in delight.
And still he sensed more to come. That wizard's got quite the hold on you, doesn't he, Berserker? Such a meddlesome creature… No wonder Zouken wanted him dead at the first sight of him. Maul was beginning to understand why his old master had been so determined to mold the Jedi's precious Chosen One into his own apprentice. What better way to spite the light?
Berserker strode towards him, sword poised to thrust, when Avenger X began his final taunt. "Are you so certain you wish to continue? Oh, there is a chance yet you may defeat me, but what then?" The nominally Heroic Spirit spread his arms wide. "Where do you go next, back into the cage of virtue your partner and Master would see you trapped in anew? What of your King?" He held out his Noble Phantasm in mock salute. "Will she continue to escape your wrath up to the point of her death?"
The Servant of Madness froze, his rage battered aside by other emotions for a moment. "…King Arthur is not so easily felled," He bit out despite knowing words were pointless. The only way to talk with an animal like this was with steel. "Even if you kill me, you will have no hope against her."
Avenger X barked in amusement. "Such faith even now in the one who condemned you to what you've become!" He sidestepped a lunge that came more from a beast than a man. "And perhaps you're right, sir. I have seen the height of the great King Arthur's power, and it was... impressive." He hissed at the memory of that sword of vibrant light burning away all darkness. He didn't dwell on it for long. "But I am not the only danger out there. Or even the worst, for that matter."
Berserker hesitated for just a split second, and Crimson Dawn pierced his right leg. He managed to evade the worst of the attack, but now Avenger X was on the offensive even with only one blade active. "Archer has taken interest in her, Rider X seeks her destruction. Can you really waste your time dueling me when your precious King might be falling to her knees in defeat this very second?"
They locked blades again, the light from Crimson Dawn and Glamdring bathing the Zabrak's predatory smile in light. "And if she dies before you face her again, what then?" His nostrils flared at the emotions wafting from Berserker. "Ah, you still wish to be judged by her blade, don't you? After all you've done to her, all of your failings, you hope for absolution by your King's steel? An end to your torment?" He pushed him away and summoned multiple rocks of varying sizes to hover around him, delightedly watching his prey stumble. "Poor fool. There is no justice, no peaceful end for you or her. The tale of King Arthur is carved into this world's memory as a tragedy."
He leveled his lightsaber's tip at the trembling knight. "There is no salvation for beasts like us, not even as Heroic Spirits."
Thus began the Sith's bombardment even as Berserker leaped at him with a primal roar. "HRAAAAA!"
Caster X was in the middle of blasting a Crest Horror to pieces when a chill swept up along his spine. His eyes darted downward despite the creature trying in vain to crush him, drawn to the dark presence beneath the floor. No, it wasn't quite one, but two clashing against one another… and one of them he was thoroughly familiar with. "Lancelot…"
He grunted as a buzzing above him grew louder. Zouken had loosed more of his regular beasts to compensate for the depleted Horrors. Alone, the misshapen insects were no threat, but as a swarm and with the larger monsters' backing them, they were keeping the Servant of Sorcery preoccupied. Too preoccupied in fact to lend a hand to his once again irate partner.
But despite the seemingly imminent return of Berserker, Gandalf the Gray felt no panic in the face of this. He simply voiced a silent prayer before burning away the Blade Wing Worms with his renewed mana. Sometimes a single drop can make all the difference…
Spurred on by the dark side of The Force, dozens of rocks hurtled towards the Servant of Madness. He swiftly cut apart each that came within range, but then more would follow, some smaller, some much larger. The Servant's arms fueled by Mad Enhancement and tempered with Eternal Arms Mastery allowed him to continue to counter the shower, but it soon became omni-directional, and in his fury, he began to lose track. One stone the size of the fist struck his left shoulder, another no bigger than an egg shattered against his abdomen.
Still Berserker pressed on, cleaving in half a massive boulder that came from above… only for both halves to halt above the ground and hurtle at him with blinding speed. "Arrrh!" He bounded up and over the rocks before they collided into one another… and barely stopped Avenger X from driving his blazing weapon through his head.
The red light seared his arm, but he registered neither pain nor the smell of burning flesh. He was too busy trading blows, trying to break through the enemy's stance, but it seemed as though he knew every move before Berserker made it. The second blade lit up, and Berserker barely noticed it, so focused was he on the smug face of the enemy. He attacked again and again and again. The King would live! He would see her again! They would- would-
None of that mattered! Kill him now! Tear him apart!
A familiar sensation swept through Berserker, like his limbs were beginning to burn from the inside. He wanted nothing more than to drive his sword through that wretched-
Lancelot instinctively parried another slash, the flash between blades capturing his eyes.
Something sparked inside the fog of his thoughts, drawing him back to the last one. …His…sword?
No… the sword he wielded right now, the one whose handle his fingers were wrapped so tightly around? It wasn't his sword, not really. It belonged to Gandalf.
Gandalf, who had loaned Glamdring to him in the belief his partner could put this fine blade to better use than he could. Who had done so much for him, their Master and even King Arthur. Who had continued to treat him like a person even at his most broken. "I believe you can be better." That statement, a small yet poignant affirmation of the wizard's faith in him, echoed inside his being. His inner fire bristled initially against its touch but did not die out. Yet it ceased to consume him… No. He won't let it consume him.
"Serve your Master well!" Artoria's voice echoed in his mind. "Complete your mission with Gandalf the Gray! Protect your comrade! Prove yourself worthy of redemption!" Even hours later, in the heat of battle, Lancelot could still see his King's smile. "And once your task is done, return to me alive. Then we shall determine once and for all what your fate shall be."
That's right… He had made a promise not to one, but twofriends. The King he had proudly and happily served in life; the wizard who had pulled him inch by painful inch out of the madness… They still believed in Sir Lancelot. And like hell was he going to fail them again.
Avenger X spun around for a three-strike combo, his smile dimming. Something felt off about Berserker for just a moment, but he couldn't be sure. Rage still emanated from the Servant. He leaned away from a slash and backflipped across the ravaged basement for the chance to drink in a little more-
He barely got his lightsaber up in time to defend. One instant, Berserker had been stooped over halfway across the room, the next he was standing four meters behind Avenger X, sword held in post-swing. While the Sith tried to process this development, blood spurted from his chest. "Wha-" The cut was deep and ran down from his left shoulder; if it hadn't been for Crimson Dawn, he would've been split in half. Again.
Staggering slightly from his attempt to staunch the bleeding, he turned around to glare incredulously at his prey now straightening. "Do not be so quick to discard your smile, Avenger X," Berserker's voice rumbled towards him with decidedly un-Berserker-like calm. That dark helmet tilted back just enough to peer over his shoulder. "You'll need it."
That dark shape blurred again, and Maul believed for just a moment he had blocked the slash properly this time. Then a new wound emerged along his right bicep. He fought back with a growl, plasma blades spinning about to shred Berserker to pieces. He was back to full strength and had toyed with this one long enough.
But just as before, not a single strike came even near the knight. Instead of simply blocking the strikes, however, Berserker's sword battered the lightsaber hard enough for tremors to ripple down Avenger X's arms, and he was forced to jump away on his good ankle.
This effort netted him little respite, for no did his metallic feet meet the floor again was the Knight of the Lake already there, blade swooping in. Their Noble Phantasms met one another no less than forty times in three seconds. It took all of Avenger X's Force-provided precognition just to defend against this relentless assault, and even then, he did not escape unscathed. A nick of his chin, a cut beneath his left armpit, a gash atop his right calf. Maul's aggression resulted in scoring a few blows himself, but between the knight's armor and speed, the damage was practically negligible.
In a reflection of what had happened only minutes ago, Crimson Dawn's blade was twisted and forced down against the ground, molten shards springing up from the impact. Berserker switched to a one-handed hold and smacked Glamdring's cross guard against his cheek, rattling his thoughts. He twirled his lightsaber and finally gained a little breathing room.
Yellow eyes glared at the distorted shadowy shape standing before him. That red visor stared right back at him, but no shudders, no snarls, no delightfully permeating hatred. What had happened to his fire? Did the wizard somehow snuff it out from afar? No, it was still there, Avenger X was sure of it. He just needed to stoke it a little more. "Such a spirited display-"
The shadow shifted, and Avenger X gagged. He wondered briefly if Berserker had suddenly learned to imitate the Force Choke, but then a hand reached up to his throat and found something that didn't belong there. With a pained wheeze, he pulled free a black rock shard dripping with his own blood. Part of it appeared nearly melted.
"We've talked enough, Avenger." Berserker's hand remained outstretched for only a second longer before it joined its brother at the sword. "There's nothing left to be said."
Maul seethed as he clamped a hand over his perforated throat, trying to staunch the wound. There it was again, that damnable calm. And yet… how could Berserker have thrown the shard too fast for him to intercept without Mad Enhancement? Had he stifled his burning fury or not?
His eyes narrowed at that form again. Yes, the fire continued to burn… but it was different now. Instead of raging about like an inferno, it was now being focused into a single point. Like a laser beam aimed squarely at the one who had been fanning it this entire battle!
The Dathomirian Servant's own fury swelled and erupted inside him at this development. Spurred on by his pain and a Sith's desire to prove himself superior at wielding such power, he lunged roaring at the knight who once again countered his blows with a loathsome cross between rage and serenity. He couldn't even score a glancing hit this time, and then Berserker sliced off his left foot.
A kick sent Avenger X crashing against the wall, but he pulled himself up on his remaining leg, The Forcesupporting his balance. He reared back and hurled Crimson Dawn into a spinning bloodred arc of death at his approaching foe. Berserker knocked it easily off course and it returned quickly to its wielder's hand, but Maul had something else in mind.
The Sith raised both of his arms, fingers clawing towards the ceiling that had already developed a few sizable cracks from the battle waged above. He reached out with The Force, and the cracks became chasms as his power ripped through the heavy stone. That wretched sword may protect you from The Force directly, Avenger X raged mentally, but I can still turn this room INTO YOUR TOMB! A guttural roar escaped his ravaged throat as over half of the basement's ceiling was ripped free. Crest Worms skittered desperately away. He swung his arms down, and the mass plummeted like a meteor to where his hated enemy stood.
Lancelot simply raised a glowing Glamdring with both hands over his head, steadied his stance, and swung.
Then he swung again. And again. And again. Each and every slash of the legendary sword of Middle Earth traveled through the air itself until it reached the Force-propelled stone, cleaving clean through it like butter. The entire chunk was sliced apart before it could complete its descent halfway, and Berserker continued to swing.
Three seconds later, Darth Maul could only watch in furious shock as countless tiny pebbles rained around the Knight of the Lake. Two or three pinged harmlessly against his armor. Such grace… Such power… No more than needed… Even when gripped by the throes of the dark side… How?!
"What happened to your smile?"
Those five little words sheared through the last bits of restraint Avenger X had left in him, and he launched himself off on his final leg howling like the beast Sidious had always seen him as. Crimson Dawn's blades ignited for the final time to end this duel. High he flew before hurtling towards the one who should've nourished him, not humiliated him!
Berserker tracked the descent of his enemy and stabbed.
Glamdring pierced through the lightsaber and continued straight into the Servant's chest. Gravity forced the red-and-black body to continue falling, and so the blade traveled further in. Avenger X gasped as he nearly reached its guard, glaring up at that helmet wreathed in a darkness he could draw no power from. "H-How…" he rasped out, both arms swinging up with the halves of Crimson Dawn. He could still-
The Knight of the Round wrenched his partner's sword free, spun a full three-hundred-sixty degrees, and the head of Darth Maul, Servant Avenger X of the Fourth Holy Grail War, flew off into some distant corner of the basement. The Worms there scattered from its landing, and the headless body collapsed while Berserker swung Glamdring clean before sheathing it.
"I am a Berserker, yes," Sir Lancelot's voice rumbled from his helmet, calm as a millpond. Mad Enhancement was sealed away again. "My fury will always be a part of me." His shoulders slumped a little as the injuries and exertion of the battle finally caught up with him, yet he squared them all the same. The night was not over yet. He turned from the dissipating body and made for the stairs with a final statement. "But I refuse to let it define me."
While the duel between Knight of the Round and fallen Sith Lord had been underway, Zouken found his escape attempt thwarted by a new obstacle. An obstacle in the form of Lancer X teleporting into the anteroom (narrowly dodging a Horror in the process), locking her glare on Sakura in his grip, and promptly appearing in front of the magus before he could blink. Zouken instinctively released a collection of Blade Wing Worms at her, all of which were vaporized with two swings of her radiant Staff. "Release her," she warned. "Now."
But Zouken only shifted his hold to the girl's neck, two insects buzzing close to her face. Keen eyes could notice a sickly liquid dripping from their stingers. "Mind yourself, familiar," he crooned as Lancer X stiffened. "We wouldn't want to do anything rash now."
If looks could kill, Jade's eyes would've disemboweled the shriveled fiend on the spot. "If she dies, you will have nothing to shield yourself with." As she uttered the warning, she subtly twitched a finger along her Staff.
"Oh, and it would pain me to see such a promising young soul waste away," Zouken snickered as the Worms drew closer to her face, "after all the loving care I put into her. But I am a petty, petty old man." The stingers had nearly reached her cheeks while the Servant watched, and a set of tentacles inched around her legs…
Lancer X's mask had hidden her own smirk. "And a careless one as well."
Her finger flicked out, and Promise Keeper whirled out from nowhere to bisect both Blade Wing Worms and slice through Zouken's wrist in an impossible arc. Sakura fell for only a moment before an arm curled softly around her waist and pulled her to Jade's side. Edenian Sojourner Staffsmashed simultaneously down on the Crest Horror trying to ensnare her, its tip lodging itself in a bulbous eye as green mana was pumped through it. The monster's tentacles/legs twitched furiously about before it exploded.
Jade spared a glance to the unconscious girl in her arm, finger by her neck. She huffed a little in relief at the steady pulse, then her expression fouled upon registering otherthings underneath the young skin. We can save her, she assured herself while pulling the girl closer. Gandalf can find a way to remove these things from her safely… The Servant's glare sharpened at the one who had inflicted such perversions upon this poor girl. First things first.
While he wasn't screaming in pain, Zouken returned her glare with equal venom. No blood but Worms spilled out of the hole where his right hand had been. Those little wretched things writhing about on the wood made her stomach turn; this elderly creature before her seemed to be the unholy offspring of Shang Tsung and a Kytinn. "You…" said creature hissed, all humor erased from his voice. "You think you've won, do you? All it takes is that girl in your arms, and you believe yourself victorious?" Swarms of buzzing, crawling things began to gather around the Matou family head like a dark cloud of evil. "You think you've stopped me, quim?!"
"That's no way to address a lady." Tokiomi Tohsaka walked over to his Servant's side brushing some slime off his jacket with a frown. He was leaning a bit more on his cane than usual, but it hardly affected his aplomb. "Especially in the presence of a young girl." He flicked up his cane, and with an elegant twirl, ribbons of flame danced from the crown in centric motions to form an incandescent circle trapping Zouken inside with them.
Lancer X gave a small hum at the display. 'Has a bit of an Edenian touch, your casting.'
Her friend half-smirked in response. 'Exotic cultures can be quite inspirational, or so I've heard.'
Neither allowed themselves to enjoy the mirth more for they still had a bit of pest control to take care of. Zouken Matou glared about at his flaming surroundings like a cornered rat. He dropped his cane, the wood splintering apart and shifting into yet more winged obscenities while he reached into his robes. Promise Keeper flashed out again, and while he managed to keep his hand this time, the book containing his spare Command Seals went flying.
Lancer X deftly caught her Noble Phantasm despite holding her other in the same hand. "No tricks will save you now."
Rather than back away from the danger, the old magus took a step closer to the duo, the swarm continuing to enshroud him. Soon, it was nearly impossible to make him amongst all of the buzzing mass. "And what of your tricks, Tokiomi my boy?" Zouken's voice rippled out to them even, both bracing for the next attack. "What exactly do you have in mind once you're done with me? Take little Sakura back home, win the Grail, reach Akasha and bask in your accomplishments as one big happy family?" A cackle. "Oh, what a perfect fantasy you must believe in. Tell me, what place does dear loyal Lancer X have in it?"
Turquoise eyes narrowed at the implications. "Does she know, I wonder?" If anyone outside of the Tohsaka family would know what their wish upon the Grail required, it would be Zouken. Tokiomi moved forward, cane crackling with energy. "Have you told your friend what her true role is to be?" He launched a bolt of fire that burned a hole through the spot he'd seen Zouken in, but there were only bugs, and the hole closed up quickly. "Or are you waiting for the right moment to tell her… maybe just before your knife goes into her back?"
Tokiomi Tohsaka glared into the insect cloud. "You have no idea what my intentions are, so don't you dare mock them or my partner!" He swung his cane, fire weaving out in its arc to incinerate what it touched. But for every Worm it burned, another hovered in its place.
"Partner, eh?" He berated himself for letting his temper slip as that damned cackle echoed in what was left of the room. "Oh dear, have you actually come to care for a Servant? What would your ancestors think of such sentimentality?" The insects' buzzing grew louder, then Tokiomi realized too late he was surrounded. "Ah, youth. So spirited… so reckless."
The Worms zoomed in on their prey, only to be met with unbreakable green. "He can afford to be reckless, creature." Edenian Sojourner Staff danced around Lancer X even as she kept one arm around her unconscious passenger. The verdant weapon tore through multiple beasts with each swing and so swiftly, it was as though a barrier surrounded her and Tokiomi. Once they were clear, she stopped to side-eye him. "Need I remind you, though, I am here too?"
Tokiomi sighed adjusting his tie. "Apologies, I suppose tonight's events have taxed my patience a little." He paused. "And… Jade, whatever this wretch says, I-"
"Come now, Master." She eyed him pointedly but somehow also gently. "Why would I listen to any rubbish that comes from such scum's lips? Why should you, for that matter?" The Master smiled briefly at the trust offered to him. This only reinforced his decision earlier tonight to adjust his final plans. But first things first, he reminded himself, cane at the ready.
Inside his swarm, Zouken sighed to himself. He'd been hoping to rattle the Heroic Spirit a little, given her greater power than Tokiomi, but it appeared she wasn't so easily shaken. "What a beautiful team the two of you make." He spurred two separate flocks of Blade Wing Worms on for a two-pronged assault. "I'm sure my darlings will appreciate the tandem feast." Once Tokiomi was consumed, the circle of flames would die down, and Lancer X would lose her supply line. From there-
Light flashed through his thoughts and the attacking Worms, dispelling them even as they screeched in pain. Zouken didn't need to look to know where the flare had come from. He didn't want to look, but even so, he did. And of bloody course, he saw that execrable Caster X marching towards him, the flames shrinking aside to let him and Kariya through. Behind him, the final Crest Horror shriveled up into dust. So that's why they didn't come to me…
Gandalf didn't lower his staff even a little, keeping his glare on the swarm seemingly shrinking away as he moved to Tokiomi and Jade's side. Both nodded to him before the female Servant passed her precious goods over to Kariya. He cradled Sakura as best as his dilapidated arms could manage, gaze drifting briefly from where his "father" was to her sleeping face. "I'll break the spell on her once we're done," Tokiomi preempted his question.
"Then what are we waiting for?" The Gray Pilgrim took a long stride forward, and again, the swarm inched away from him, exposing Zouken Matou in the process. He grumbled a curse; from the moment this… this graybeard being had come forth into his world, he had been an endless source of trouble for the family head. Always propping frail Kariya up, interfering with his plans, cowing his creations merely by standing next to them.
"Avenger X was right," Zouken spat out in pure loathing. "I should have erased you the first time we met."
"And I you," Gandalf replied, his words rumbling above the Worms' noise like distant thunder. The storm was already swirling over this lot, though. "But now I will set about what I began here long ago." The knotted crown of his staff glowed brightly as power gathered in its midst.
Kariya nodded eagerly at what was to come. "And this time, I've got no objections. Still," he tilted his head towards the other Master and his Servant, "a deal's a deal. Care to join in?"
"How could we say no to such a generous offer, Jade?" Tokiomi's lips curled as he moved to Caster X's side, his Magic Circuits practically humming in anticipation. Lancer X soon joined him without comment, but as she stowed away her tri-blade, he noticed a slight skip in her step. Well, who could blame her?
Zouken fumed at the sight of the trio standing so smug before him. To think they could just barge into his home, meddle in his affairs and threaten his life! Worst of all, they were actually pulling all of these impossible feats off! In a last attempt for control, he tried to reach out telepathically to his Servant…
Only to sense Avenger X on the cusp of death. The Berserker that should've pulled Kariya down into darkness was killing his final weapon. So be it. "You utter fools…" Zouken Matou forced all of his mana and willpower onto the gathered Crest Worms behind him and beneath him, spurring them on to his side, battering away their fight-or-flight instincts for the singular task of tearing these intruders to shreds. Save for a select few…
Insects surged up from cracks in the floor to gather with their brethren. An endless mass of swarming Crest Worms of all variations now hovered ready to attack at their master's behest. "You have no idea what lies in wait for you…" And with that final taunt, Zouken spurred the horde on into a colossal wave of chittering, buzzing, thrashing things to devour his enemies.
Neither Heroic Spirit nor human wavered by so much as half a step.
The magus, the wizard and the guardian leveled their weapons as one at the approaching swarm, mana swirling around the tips. Streams of concentrated magic shot out and struck the Worms, bathing them in scorching waves of green, red and white. Watching the display in gleeful awe, Kariya humorously wondered if he could consider this an early Christmas miracle. If so, it's the best one I've ever heard of, he decided as Zouken's screams rang out over the dying screeches of his pets.
Tokiomi bit back a hiss, his Magic Circuits aching from the mana they had to provide. Still, he pressed on with his contribution to the assault. He could've stepped back and let Jade and Gandalf handle this magic pest control, maybe even spurred the former on with another Command Seal, but… Zouken had made this personal. He wouldn't forgive himself as head of the Tokiomi family or as a magus if he didn't put his own effort into settling the score.
Before long, the entire swarm was either ashes or on their way there. A foul stench permeated the field that made Kariya and Tokiomi's stomachs turn, but they wrinkled their noses and didn't look away. The Servants for their part ignored it entirely, Caster X shifting the individual streams into a singular wave to encompass every last Crest Worm. Another fifteen seconds, and all were eradicated, but the three maintained their magic for another ten just to be on the safe side.
After the circle of flame dissipated, Kariya rolled his eyes at Tokiomi trying to keep himself from slumping. Heaven forbid anyone sees a Tohsaka all tuckered out. He then glanced worried over to the Servants; Jade was propping herself up on her Staff and willpower much like her Master, but Gandalf was openly panting. And yet neither looked away from the scorched spot where a horde of creepy crawlies had been a moment ago. He could make out a few specks of clothing, too, and a cane that was more ashes than wood now.
"…That was far too easy," Lancer X finally said, a scowl beneath her mask.
The other Matou turned to her in shock, but Caster X nodded. "He escaped in the midst of his creatures' attack." He shuffled over to the spot, poking his staff among the embers and ashes. "He must have transferred his consciousness to a select few and then flown off." Anger tinged his normally gentle baritone as he shook his head. "Still, he expended the bulk of his Worms and energy into rallying this final assault." The Heroic Spirit of Spells smiled a little. "And I sense Avenger X has fallen."
That news swept away much of Tokiomi's exhaustion. He eyed their surroundings, the entire mansion looking as though three separate disasters had passed through, before declaring, "Which leaves him without his Servant, his territory, or most of his resources. Even if Zouken has managed to scuttle away, it'll take him years to regain some measure of power."
Edenian Sojourner Staff folded into itself before Lancer X stowed it away. "Not to mention he's lost all bargaining power with his ally. Megatron doesn't strike me as a charitable being, and with everything he had up in smoke, Zouken is left with nothing to offer him."
Tokiomi nodded at that; their excursion had wider benefits encompassing the Grail War, too. Rider X was now left without Zouken's support. Even if he managed to survive whatever conflict with Kiritsugu Emiya's team, he wouldn't be able to return here or call up Avenger X for backup. He was the last rogue left, and with everyone out for his head…
Kariya hobbled over to them, clearly thinking the same things. A tired laugh escaped him. "Alright, I guess I can live with Zouken being wounded and on the run." He sighed at a gimlet eye from his own Servant. "Trust me, Gandalf, I know better than anyone else on the planet how dangerous that old cockroach is. But like you've been telling me these last couple days," he adjusted his hold on his little passenger, "it's best we keep our priorities straight."
The father's expression softened then as Caster X huffed a chuckle. Indeed, despite Zouken managing to flee with his worthless life, the main objective of this venture had been reached. Tokiomi passed Jade his cane before beckoning with both arms towards the other man. Kariya eyed him for only a moment, then for the first time in… dear Lord, for the first time in years, Sakura rested curled up inside his arms.
Kariya stepped away with another sigh, this one carrying a melancholy taste. He didn't want to let Sakura go even if it was to help her. Part of him still couldn't help but feel bitter about this moment right now: All this fighting, and Tokiomi gets to walk away with both daughters again, everything that should've-
He closed his eyes. This wasn't the time for thinking about stuff like that. What mattered most was Sakura being alive and heading back to Aoi and Rin. Anything else was… pining after lost chances. A hand clapped down on his shoulder, prompting him to turn to his savior. "I understand this is not everything you'd hoped for, Kariya," Gandalf began, squeezing his shoulder a little, "but do not doubt yourself. It takes strength to place trust in another."
"A month ago, I would've never trusted him with Sakura's safety." The Matou defector confessed, nodding over to Tokiomi. He stared at the man fussing over Sakura, then shook his head. "…I really need to grow up."
Gandalf patted his back. "Acknowledging our faults is the first and greatest step for overcoming them." He nodded towards the other Master whose Servant had joined his side. "Your contributions tonight won't be forgotten, not by those for whom they mean the most." He returned the grateful smile Kariya shot him, then directed it at the one approaching them. "Ah, who are you feeling, Sir?"
Lancelot removed his helmet and inclined his head to his Master and partner, a humble smile playing along his lips. "Like for once in a long time, I may deserve being addressed as such." He sobered before reporting, "Avenger X is no more, and the basement is reduced to scree."
"Good news all around, then," Kariya muttered. Zouken still being out right rankled him no matter in how pathetic a state he was in, but this house and that damned breeding ground for the Crest Worms being smashed to smithereens? That was one heck of a consolation prize.
Meanwhile, Tokiomi was concentrating on determining his daughter's health. Daughter… it felt strange simply thinking of Sakura like that after an entire year of telling Rin (and himself) that she wasn't family anymore. He took a breath. Focus. He had passed her to Jade briefly in order to check her with both hands and no worry of dropping her. From the way she cradled Sakura, he knew such a possibility would never happen. The Edenian woman's posture was stiff, though; she could no doubt tell with her own perception how something was very wrong. Her troubled eyes didn't leave Sakura's face; not the best first sign.
So, first things first: The Crest Worms still remained inside of her. He could feel them shifting beneath her skin, and it made his blood boil a little. Who knew what sort of damage they might've done to her Magic Circuits, her body, he wondered while rubbing some purple hair between his fingers… It used to be dark… …Isn't this one of Rin's ribbons? Oh, that rascal… He'd have to schedule a thorough examination, and quickly, too.
Sakura hadn't stirred at all throughout this, but considering she slept through the entirety of the battle, Tokiomi easily diagnosed the reason for that. A sleep spell powerful enough to put her out despite her wonderful gifts, but he could dispel such magecraft with a snap of his fingers. Which he did.
The sharp sound mixed with a spark of mana in the air made Sakura's eyelids scrunch up, then they slowly peaked open. The first thing they saw was Jade staring back at them, brow furrowed beneath her hood, then they shifted over to him. Tokiomi's breath hitched at the eyes once as turquoise and bright as Rin's, now a beaten purple. What has happened to you?
The eyes blinked, almost fearfully, he noted with a pang in his chest, then he heard a murmur. "…M-Mister Tokiomi…?" His entire body felt like it had spontaneously frozen over from those two words. …What have I done to you, Sakura?
Jade was looking between her Master and Sakura almost pityingly, her own limbs stiff. Then another showed up, and Sakura immediately relaxed at seeing him. "Uncle Kariya…? Are you… okay?"
"I'm fine, Sakura," Kariya immediately took on a smile while stroking her hair, "I told you, I'd come back for you, didn't I?" He slipped her gently out of Jade's hold and lowered her to the floor. She stood somewhat unsteadily, prompting him not to let her loose. "Gosh, you look so thin, we'll have to treat you to something first thing in the morning." He ruffled her hair. "How about a little mochi?"
While Sakura replied to his comments still a bit dazed, Lancer X turned to a still Tokiomi. She almost felt like crying herself; this poor girl had been put through utter hell for an entire year, and such pain wouldn't just disappear so quickly. She may never be fully free again… Jade nearly hit herself for thinking that. She took a breath and nudged Tokiomi who'd been staring at his daughter being fussed over by another man. "You made a mistake," his gaze dipped in shame, but she wasn't done, "and now you can make it right. Do so for her sake."
Tokiomi Tohsaka met his friend's gaze, then nodded to her and himself. He knelt down to his daughter, clearing his throat. She made to look at him before hesitating, but an encouraging nod from Kariya made her follow through. Tokiomi couldn't help but smile in thanks. "Sakura, I…"
Then she started screaming.
Something chittered in a dark little shed with a disproportionately powerful Bounded Field. Rustling could be heard inside a man-sized wooden box, then the lid flew up until it crashed against the ceiling. A pale woman's hand reached out, fingers clawing at air, then it slapped against the box's side. Flesh shifted and warped as the fingers grew even more spindly, and with a groan, Zouken Matou rose in his newest body.
He lifted himself out of the box, stumbling slightly about with a curse until he reached his spare cane. If there was one lesson the magus had learned in walking this Earth for five centuries, then there was no such thing as taking too many precautions. Hence his squirreling the ripe body of Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Spohia-Ri away; even after the Command Seals for Lancer had been spent, her Magic Circuits were far too delicious to let rot away. It wasn't as if her family had really needed them, anyway.
Zouken's new eyes focused experimentally on his surroundings. This dusty, slightly rotting shed was a couple blocks from the main house, a location he'd set up shortly after the Second Grail War and far away enough to hold emergency supplies. Of course, no one ever wanted an emergency to actually happen, but here he was.
He threw open the door and staggered out into the night air. His strength had been severely depleted from that last-ditch move to escape. Dark pits burned at the demolished state of his manor, rubble falling from the ruined ceiling, so many of his Crest Worms burned, crushed or otherwise eradicated. Even the Crest Horrors had been wiped out; Zouken still had a few little larvae set aside, but it would take months now to cultivate them! The girl who would've been the key to the Matou's claiming the Grail, his ultimate victory, in the hands of a useless fool. Everything he had built over the last five hundred years, now crumbling apart in one night from the tantrum of a rival brat, his own ungrateful spawn and a handful of familiars!
No… ultimately, everything that had been stripped from him was the fault of one familiar in particular, one he, fool that he was, had actually helped Kariya summon to this world! "Gandalf the Gray…" he spat out the name like it was rancid milk. If only Megatron or Maul or Caster had ripped that meddlesome head off those senile old shoulders-!
Zouken's grip tightened on his cane. He knew he couldn't hope to kill Caster X by himself even if he weren't reduced to such a pitiable state, and now that all of his bargaining chips were up in smoke, Megatron wouldn't bother performing this little errand now. Like it or not, the Matou family had lost this Grail War. All he could do now was remain in hiding and wait out the fallout. At least nobody was going to get what they wanted from the Holy Grail, what with its current condition…
He grinned. Come to think of it, there was one little trick he had up his sleeve. "Me losing won't sting quite so badly," he cackled to himself while sending out a command over the network of what Crest Worms still lived, "if nobody else wins.
"Congratulations, brats, you've saved your precious little princess. For about three minutes!"